MCC NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round Seat Matrix Released: Final Chance for MBBS/BDS Seats

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Key Dates & Schedule for NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round
The MCC has outlined a strict timeline for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates must adhere to these dates to ensure their participation and avoid missing out on this final opportunity.
| Activity / Parameter | Details & Schedule |
| Registration and Fee Payment Window | October 12 to 14, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | October 14, 2026 (till 3 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 14, 2026 (till 6 PM) |
| Choice Filling Window | October 12 to 15, 2026 |
| Choice Locking Window | October 14 (4 PM) to October 15 (10 AM), 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Processing | October 15 to 16, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | October 17, 2026 |
| Reporting at Allotted Institute | October 19 to 26, 2026 |
Who Can Participate in the Stray Vacancy Round?
Understanding your eligibility for the Stray Vacancy Round is crucial. This round is specifically designed for certain categories of NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates who are still seeking admission.
- Candidates who qualified NEET UG 2026 and have not yet secured admission in any previous MCC counselling round (Round 1, 2, or 3).
- Candidates who did not register in earlier rounds are also eligible to register and participate in this final round.
- Those who were allotted a seat in a previous round but did not join the institute are eligible.
Important Restrictions:
- Students who have already been admitted and reported to an institute in any previous MCC round are NOT eligible to participate.
- Resignation of an already allotted seat is strictly NOT permitted in the Stray Vacancy Round. Once a seat is allotted in this round, candidates MUST join the institute. Failure to do so may lead to penalties.
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How to Check the Stray Round Seat Matrix & Fill Choices
Accessing and understanding the seat matrix is your first critical step. Follow these instructions to view the available vacancies and proceed with your choice filling:
- Visit the official Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) website: mcc.nic.in.
- Navigate to the 'UG Medical Counselling' section.
- Look for the 'Current Events' or 'News & Events' section on the homepage.
- Click on the link titled "NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round Seat Matrix".
- Download the PDF document.
- Carefully review the course-wise and institute-wise vacancies for MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing seats across all participating institutions.
- Once you have identified your preferred colleges and courses, proceed to the choice filling and locking window as per the schedule.
Verifying the seat matrix thoroughly before locking your choices is paramount to avoid any last-minute errors or regrets.
What Candidates Must Verify Before Locking Choices
Before you finalize your choices, take a moment to double-check these critical aspects. This due diligence can significantly impact your admission outcome:
- Eligibility: Confirm you meet all the specific eligibility criteria for the Stray Vacancy Round, especially the restrictions on previously admitted candidates.
- Seat Matrix Details: Cross-verify the institute code, course name (MBBS/BDS/BSc Nursing), and category-wise vacancy for your desired colleges.
- College Preferences: Prioritize your choices based on your rank, college reputation, location, and personal preferences. Remember, this is the final round.
- Fee Structure: Be aware of the fee structure of your preferred colleges.
- Document Readiness: Ensure all necessary documents are ready for verification at the time of reporting, should you be allotted a seat.
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round?
The NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round is the final phase of counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for admission to MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing courses under the 15% All India Quota. It aims to fill any remaining vacant seats after the conclusion of Rounds 1, 2, and 3.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round?
Candidates who qualified NEET UG 2026 and have not yet secured admission in any previous MCC counselling round are eligible. This includes candidates who did not register in earlier rounds or those who were allotted a seat but did not join. However, candidates already admitted and reported to an institute in a previous MCC round are not eligible.
Q: What is the last date to register and fill choices for the Stray Vacancy Round?
The last date for registration and fee payment for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round is October 14, 2026 (till 3 PM for registration, 6 PM for fee payment). The choice filling window closes on October 15, 2026, with choice locking available from October 14 (4 PM) to October 15 (10 AM).
Q: Can I resign from a seat allotted in the Stray Vacancy Round?
No, resignation of an allotted seat is strictly NOT permitted in the Stray Vacancy Round. Once a seat is allotted to a candidate in this round, they are mandated to join the allotted institute. Failure to do so may lead to forfeiture of security deposit and future counselling restrictions.


