VCI Counselling 2026: Round 2 & Stray Round Dates, Fees, and Process

VCI Counselling Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has officially announced the schedule for VCI Counselling 2026, a centralized admission process for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H) program under the 15% All India Quota (AIQ). This counselling is a golden opportunity for NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates seeking admission to prestigious veterinary colleges across India. With a total of 734 seats available under the AIQ, the process is conducted entirely online through the official portal vci.admissions.nic.in. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the VCI Counselling 2026, including important dates for Round 2 and the Stray Round, registration fees, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application instructions. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a candidate who missed the earlier rounds, this guide will help you navigate the counselling process smoothly and secure your seat in a top veterinary institute.

VCI Counselling Notification Highlights 2026

The VCI Counselling 2026 notification brings several key updates for aspiring veterinary students. Here are the major highlights:

• Conducting Body: Veterinary Council of India (VCI) for 15% AIQ seats; state authorities handle the remaining 85% state quota.
• Qualifying Exam: NEET UG 2026 is mandatory for eligibility.
• Course Offered: B.V.Sc & A.H (Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry).
• Total Seats: 734 seats under the 15% All India Quota.
• Official Website: vci.admissions.nic.in
• Round 2 Dates: Registration and choice filling from September 1 to 2, 2026; seat allotment result on September 4, 2026.
• Stray Round Dates: Registration from September 9 to 10, 2026; result on September 12, 2026.
• Registration Fee: Varies by category, ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for Round 2; Stray round fee is significantly higher (Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000).

These highlights are crucial for candidates to plan their application strategy and avoid missing deadlines.

About Government Organization & VCI Counselling 2026

The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) is a statutory body established under the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984. It regulates veterinary education and practice in India, ensuring high standards in the field. VCI is responsible for conducting centralized counselling for the 15% All India Quota seats in B.V.Sc & A.H courses, providing a fair and transparent admission process for students from all states. The council works under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. Through VCI Counselling 2026, the council aims to allocate seats based on NEET UG merit, giving equal opportunity to candidates nationwide. The organization is known for its structured counselling process, timely updates, and candidate-friendly approach, making it a trusted authority for veterinary admissions.

VCI Counselling Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

VCI Counselling 2026 is not a recruitment drive but an admission process for the B.V.Sc & A.H course. The total number of seats available under the 15% All India Quota is 734. These seats are distributed across various veterinary colleges in India, with each college having a specific number of seats. The seat allocation is based on NEET UG 2026 rank, choices filled, and category. Candidates can view the seat matrix on the official website to understand the distribution. Below is a summary of the seat availability:

It is important to note that the 85% state quota seats are filled by respective state counselling authorities, and candidates must apply separately for those if they wish to be considered for state quota seats.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for VCI Counselling 2026

The 734 AIQ seats are subject to reservation policies as per Government of India norms. While the exact category-wise breakdown is not explicitly mentioned in the notification, the reservation rules typically include:

• UR (Unreserved): 50% of seats
• OBC (Other Backward Classes): 27% of seats
• EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10% of seats
• SC (Scheduled Castes): 15% of seats
• ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5% of seats
• PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% horizontal reservation (as applicable)

Candidates must ensure they have valid category certificates to claim reservation benefits during counselling.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for VCI Counselling 2026

To be eligible for VCI Counselling 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualification

Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects from a recognized board. They must have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) in these subjects.

NEET UG 2026

Candidates must have qualified in NEET UG 2026 with a valid score. The counselling is based on the NEET UG 2026 merit list.

Age Limit

As per NEET UG norms, candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for NEET UG 2026 as per recent guidelines, but candidates should check the official VCI notification for any specific age requirements.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The minimum age for admission to B.V.Sc & A.H is 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year. There is no upper age limit for NEET UG 2026, but candidates must verify the eligibility criteria of the specific veterinary colleges. Age relaxation is not typically applicable for admission, but candidates from reserved categories may have relaxation in qualifying marks, not in age. For NEET UG, the upper age limit was removed in 2022, so all age groups can apply. However, candidates should refer to the official VCI counselling brochure for any specific age-related instructions.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

VCI Counselling 2026 is for admission to an undergraduate course, not a job. Therefore, there is no salary or pay scale associated with it. However, after completing the B.V.Sc & A.H degree, graduates can pursue careers as veterinarians in government or private sectors. Government veterinarians are typically placed in pay levels ranging from Level 10 to Level 13, with starting salaries around Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 per month, depending on the position and experience. Additionally, they receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA). This course opens doors to a prestigious and rewarding career in veterinary science.

VCI Counselling Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for VCI Counselling 2026 is entirely based on NEET UG 2026 merit and the choices filled by candidates. There is no separate entrance exam or interview. The counselling process involves the following phases:

1. Registration and Fee Payment: Candidates must register on the official portal and pay the applicable fee.
2. Choice Filling and Locking: Candidates select their preferred colleges and courses in order of priority and lock their choices before the deadline.
3. Seat Allotment Processing: The system processes allotments based on NEET rank, choices, category, and seat availability.
4. Result Announcement: The seat allotment result is published on the official website.
5. Reporting to Allotted College: Candidates must report to the allotted college within the specified dates with required documents to confirm their admission.

If a candidate is not satisfied with the allotted seat, they can participate in subsequent rounds (if applicable) or the stray round.

Application Fee Details

The application fee for VCI Counselling 2026 varies by category and round. For Round 1 and Round 2, the fees are as follows:

For the Stray Round, the participation fee is significantly higher:

Payment can be made online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable except in cases where the candidate is not allotted a seat and the fee is adjusted as per rules.

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere to the following schedule for Round 2 and Stray Round of VCI Counselling 2026:

Round 2 Schedule

Stray Round Schedule

All dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.

Required Documents for VCI Counselling Application 2026

While applying for VCI Counselling 2026, candidates must keep the following documents ready:

• NEET UG 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard
• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport)
• Passport-sized photograph (recent)
• Signature scan
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
• PwD certificate if applicable
• Domicile certificate (if required)
• Valid email ID and mobile number for registration

Ensure all documents are scanned in the prescribed format and size before starting the application process.

How to Apply Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for VCI Counselling 2026:

1. Visit the official website: vci.admissions.nic.in.
2. Click on the registration link for VCI Counselling 2026.
3. Enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number and other required details to register.
4. Create a password and login credentials.
5. Pay the registration fee as per your category using the online payment gateway.
6. After payment, log in and fill in your personal and academic details.
7. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents.
8. Fill in your choice of colleges and courses in order of preference.
9. Lock your choices before the deadline. If you do not lock, choices will be auto-locked.
10. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for VCI Counselling Applicants

To ensure a smooth application process, candidates should note the following important instructions:

• Only NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates are eligible to register.
• Choices not locked manually will be locked automatically at the end of the registration window. Do not wait until the last moment.
• The stray round participation fee is largely non-refundable. Confirm seat availability and your preference before registering.
• Reporting to the allotted institute within the specified dates is mandatory; failure to report can lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.
• Keep printouts of the registration form, locked choices, and allotment letter for all future reference and verification.
• Ensure that your photograph and signature are in the prescribed format (JPEG/PNG, size as mentioned on the portal).
• Use a valid email ID and mobile number for all communications.

Job Location & Posting Details

VCI Counselling 2026 is for admission to B.V.Sc & A.H courses in veterinary colleges across India. The 734 AIQ seats are distributed among various government and private veterinary colleges in different states. Candidates can choose colleges based on their preferences. The counselling is conducted online, and the reporting is done at the allotted college. There is no specific job location as it is an academic program. After completing the course, graduates can work anywhere in India or abroad, depending on their career choices.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

VCI Counselling 2026 is a crucial step for NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates aspiring to pursue a career in veterinary science. With 734 seats under the 15% AIQ, the competition is high, and candidates must be proactive in the counselling process. Here are some final tips:

• Keep track of all important dates and deadlines.
• Fill your choices carefully, considering both college reputation and location.
• Lock your choices well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
• For the stray round, weigh the high fee against the possibility of getting a better seat.
• Keep all documents ready for reporting and verification.

Stay updated with the official website and this page for any changes. We wish all candidates the best of luck in securing their desired seat through VCI Counselling 2026.

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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