If you are a NEET UG 2026 aspirant preparing for the upcoming All India Quota (AIQ) counselling, you may have come across a recommendation to install an app called ‘Sandes’. This isn’t a random suggestion. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), which conducts the AIQ counselling for MBBS, BDS, and other courses, utilizes official government communication channels. The ‘Sandes’ app, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is one such primary platform for sending encrypted messages and official alerts to candidates.

This move aligns with the government’s push for digital sovereignty and secure, indigenous communication tools. For you, the candidate, it means that critical updates regarding counselling registration, choice filling, seat allotment results, reporting instructions, and other time-sensitive information could be delivered directly to your phone via this verified app. Missing an official alert can cost you a seat, making this step crucial.

What is the Sandes App?

Sandes is an open-source, instant messaging platform created specifically for government organisations and their official communications. Think of it as a secure, government-hosted alternative to commercial messaging apps, but with a focus on formal notifications and alerts. Its infrastructure is hosted exclusively on government servers, which adds a layer of data security and sovereignty.

The app supports end-to-end encrypted messaging, encrypted backup, and encrypted OTP services. Its privacy and data policy is governed by the rules and regulations of the Government of India. It’s important to understand that while it functions as a messenger, its integration with systems like NIC email and DigiLocker makes it a potent tool for delivering authenticated official information.

Why is it Relevant for NEET Counselling?

The MCC, being a central government body under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), operates within this ecosystem. Using Sandes allows the committee to send bulk, secure notifications directly to registered candidates without relying on third-party services. This ensures the authenticity of the message and reduces the risk of missing communications due to spam filters or changing phone numbers if you only rely on email.

During the hectic counselling period, you might receive alerts about:

• Registration/Choice Filling Deadline Reminders: Final warnings before windows close.
• Seat Allotment Result Announcements: Notifications that a new round of results is published.
• Reporting Schedule Alerts: Instructions for physical reporting at allotted colleges.
• Important Policy Updates: Changes in counselling rules or schedule adjustments.

Having the app installed ensures these messages pop up on your screen instantly, much like a WhatsApp message, prompting immediate action.

How to Install and Set Up Sandes for Counselling

Installing the app is straightforward. Since the MCC’s official communication regarding the mandatory use of Sandes for NEET 2026 counselling is still awaited, proactively installing it is a prudent step.

1. Download: Go to the official Google Play Store on your Android device. Search for “Sandes” by developer “National Informatics Centre.” The app icon is a white speech bubble on a blue-green background. Tap ‘Install’. For iOS users, please check the Apple App Store for availability.
2. Open and Register: Open the app after installation. You will likely need to register using your mobile number, similar to other messaging apps. Follow the on-screen verification process.
3. Profile Setup: You may be asked to set up a basic profile. Use details consistent with your NEET application for easier identification.
4. Await Official Channel: Once the MCC activates its counselling broadcast channel or contact list, you may receive an invitation or be automatically added to a broadcast list based on your registered NEET details. Keep the app notifications enabled.

It’s crucial to download the app only from the official Play Store link (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.nic.gimkerala&hl=en_IN&gl=US) to avoid fake or malicious versions.

Important Features and Limitations to Know

As per the official app description, the full feature set of Sandes is currently available primarily to government-verified users. As a candidate, you might initially have access to basic messaging features to receive broadcasts.

Key Features for Candidates:

• Encrypted Messages: The alerts you receive are secure.
• Official Source Verification: Messages will come from verified government IDs, ensuring they are not spam.
• No Cost: The service is free of charge.

Current Limitations (as per public reviews): The public version of the app may not yet have features like voice/video calls, GIF support, or extensive sticker packs, as it is primarily designed for official text-based communication. These are not essential for receiving counselling alerts.

Verification and Security

The Sandes app is a government product, which inherently carries a level of trust regarding data handling. The developer states that data is encrypted in transit and that no data is shared with third parties. Your mobile number used for registration will be handled per the Government of India’s data privacy regulations.

If you encounter any issues with the app or have queries, the official support channel is support-sandes@nic.in. Do not share your NEET application number, password, or any other sensitive login details within the app unless it is a verified, secure process initiated by the MCC.

What to Do Next

1. Install the Sandes App from the official Play Store link as a preparatory step.
2. Keep your NEET registered mobile number handy and ensure the device with that number has the app installed.
3. Regularly check the official MCC website (https://mcc.nic.in) and NTA NEET site (https://neet.nta.nic.in) for any formal announcement mandating or detailing the use of Sandes for 2026 counselling.
4. Do not ignore notifications from the Sandes app once the counselling process begins.
5. Always verify critical information by cross-checking on the official MCC portal. The app is for alerts, but the final authority for all counselling steps remains the MCC website.

By taking this simple step, you add a reliable, direct channel for official information, reducing anxiety and helping you stay on top of every crucial deadline in your journey to secure an MBBS/BDS seat through NEET UG 2026 AIQ counselling.

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