The IIMC 2026 choice locking deadline is June 17, 2026 — students shortlisted in the merit list must visit iimc.admissions.nic.in, fill their programme and campus preferences, and lock choices before this date to participate in seat allotment.
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) runs its seat allotment through a preference-based system. After the merit list is released, shortlisted students get a window to register preferences for available PG Diploma programmes across IIMC campuses. The system uses your locked preference order alongside merit rank and category to assign seats. Students who do not lock choices by June 17, 2026 are automatically dropped from the allotment round.
- Choice locking deadline: June 17, 2026 — missing this date means forfeiting your seat in that allotment round.
- Log in at iimc.admissions.nic.in using your application number and password.
- IIMC offers PG Diploma programmes at campuses in New Delhi, Dhenkanal, Aizawl, Amravati, Jammu, and Kottayam.
- Add all programmes you are willing to join — a longer preference list improves your allotment chances.
- Once you click Lock Choices, your preference order is frozen and cannot be changed.
| Direct Link — IIMC 2026 Choice Filling and Locking Portal (Active) — iimc.admissions.nic.in |
What is IIMC 2026 Choice Filling and Locking?
Choice filling is the stage in IIMC counselling where shortlisted students indicate which programmes and campuses they prefer, ranked in priority order. The system then uses this ranked list alongside merit rank and category reservation to assign seats. Choice locking is the final step — once you lock, the portal closes your preference list for editing and treats your ranked order as final for seat allotment.
This two-step design lets you explore and adjust preferences before committing. You can save your choices multiple times during the open window without locking. Only after you click Lock — and before June 17, 2026 — does your list become binding. IIMC does not auto-lock on behalf of students; if you do not lock manually, you receive no seat allotment in that round.
IIMC 2026 Choice Locking: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| IIMC 2026 Merit List Release | First week of June 2026 (expected) |
| Choice Filling Window Opens | To be confirmed on official portal |
| Choice Locking Deadline | June 17, 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Result — Round 1 | Third week of June 2026 (expected) |
| Document Verification and Reporting | Last week of June 2026 (expected) |
All dates other than the June 17, 2026 locking deadline are expected based on previous year IIMC counselling schedules. Visit iimc.admissions.nic.in for confirmed updates.
How to Lock IIMC 2026 Programme Preferences: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to fill and lock your programme choices on iimc.admissions.nic.in before June 17, 2026:
- Go to iimc.admissions.nic.in and click the Candidate Login button on the homepage.
- Enter your application number and password set during registration. Some portals also allow login via registered mobile number or date of birth.
- On the candidate dashboard, click the Choice Filling link.
- Browse the list of available programmes and campuses displayed on screen.
- Click Add next to each programme you wish to include in your preference list.
- Use the drag-and-drop or Move Up/Move Down buttons to arrange your list — place your most preferred programme at the top.
- Click Save to save your current preference list without locking. You can return and revise it any time before the deadline.
- When you are satisfied with the order, click Lock Choices or Final Submit.
- Confirm the locking action in the pop-up dialog that appears on screen.
- Download or print the Choice Locking Confirmation page and keep it for your records.
Lock at least 24 hours before June 17, 2026 — server traffic peaks near deadlines and portal slowdowns are common on the final day. Do not wait until the last moment.
IIMC 2026 Programmes Available for Choice Filling
IIMC offers one-year PG Diploma programmes in journalism and mass communication disciplines across multiple campuses. You can add any or all of the following programmes to your preference list:
| Programme | Campus |
|---|---|
| PG Diploma in English Journalism | New Delhi |
| PG Diploma in Hindi Journalism | New Delhi |
| PG Diploma in Radio and TV Journalism | New Delhi |
| PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations | New Delhi |
| PG Diploma in Development Communication | New Delhi |
| PG Diploma in Odia Journalism | Dhenkanal, Odisha |
| PG Diploma in Mizo Journalism | Aizawl, Mizoram |
| PG Diploma in Marathi Journalism | Amravati, Maharashtra |
| PG Diploma in Journalism — Jammu Campus | Jammu |
| PG Diploma in Malayalam Journalism | Kottayam, Kerala |
Seat intake and exact programme names may vary for the 2026 cycle. Confirm the current programme list from iimc.admissions.nic.in before filling choices.
Tips to Fill IIMC 2026 Choices Strategically
- Add every programme you are genuinely willing to join — there is no penalty for a longer list, and it maximises your chances of receiving a seat allotment.
- Rank your true first choice at position 1 — if a seat is available there based on your merit rank and category, the system allocates it without checking lower preferences.
- Include regional campus programmes lower in your list as a safety net, especially if you are eligible for regional-language programmes.
- Do not skip a programme out of hesitation — you can decline an allotted seat at the document verification stage if you change your mind later.
- Verify your reservation category on the portal before you start — seats are allotted category-wise, so your competition set depends on this detail.
- Lock your choices early — portal traffic is consistently high on June 17, 2026 and technical delays are common near the deadline.
- Save a screenshot of the locking confirmation page immediately after locking as proof in case of any technical disputes.
IIMC 2026 Choice Locking FAQs
Ques. What is the last date to lock IIMC 2026 programme choices?
Ans. The IIMC 2026 choice locking deadline is June 17, 2026. Students must lock their programme preferences on iimc.admissions.nic.in before this date to be eligible for seat allotment.
Ques. Can I change my preferences after locking in IIMC 2026?
Ans. No. Once you click Lock Choices, your preference order is frozen and cannot be edited. You can save and revise choices any number of times before locking, but the lock action is final and irreversible.
Ques. What happens if I save but do not lock by June 17, 2026?
Ans. Saved but unlocked preferences are not processed for seat allotment. The IIMC system only considers locked choices. If you do not lock by the deadline, you will not receive a seat in that counselling round.
Ques. How many programmes can I add to my IIMC 2026 preference list?
Ans. You can add all available programmes and campuses to your preference list. There is no cap on the number of choices. Adding more choices increases your chances of receiving a seat allotment based on your merit rank and category.
Ques. What do I need to log in for IIMC 2026 choice filling?
Ans. You need your IIMC 2026 application number and the password you set during registration. Keep these ready before visiting iimc.admissions.nic.in. Some portals also allow login using a registered mobile number or date of birth.
Ques. Does locking IIMC 2026 choices guarantee a seat?
Ans. Locking choices makes you eligible for seat allotment — it does not guarantee a seat. Actual allotment depends on your merit rank, category, and whether seats remain available in any of your locked preferences after higher-ranked students are allotted first.
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