Tamil Nadu NEET UG Stray Round 2026: Registration Opens for MBBS/BDS Seats

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Key Dates & Official Portals
Candidates must adhere strictly to the timelines announced by the Directorate of Medical Education. The official notifications outlining the schedules were released on October 17, 2026.
| Activity / Parameter | Details & Schedule |
| Official Notification Date | October 17, 2026 |
| Registration Commenced | October 20, 2026 (as per update) |
| 7.5% Reservation Portal | counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in/ugmedg75 |
| 92.5% Quota Portal | counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in/ugmedgqstray |
| Application Deadline | Refer official notification at tnmedicalselection.net for specific closing dates. |
It is crucial to use the correct portal corresponding to your reservation category to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Stray Vacancy Round has specific eligibility criteria designed for candidates who have participated in previous counselling phases. This round is not open for fresh registrations.
- Candidates must have previously registered for Tamil Nadu NEET UG Counselling 2026.
- Those who were not allotted a seat in any of the prior rounds are eligible.
- Candidates who were allotted a seat but did not join the college are also eligible to participate.
- Fresh registrations or candidates who did not participate in earlier rounds are generally not considered for the Stray Vacancy Round.
Understanding your eligibility is the first step. To assess your chances, use our NEET College Predictor to see which colleges you might qualify for based on your NEET score and rank.
How to Register for the Stray Vacancy Round
The registration process for the Tamil Nadu NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application:
- Visit the official website: Navigate to tnmedicalselection.net.
- Identify your category: Determine if you fall under the 7.5% government school reservation or the 92.5% general quota.
- Access the correct portal: Click on the specific link provided for your category (e.g., counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in/ugmedg75 for 7.5% or counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in/ugmedgqstray for 92.5%).
- Log in: Use your existing NEET UG 2026 registration credentials.
- Fill choices: Carefully select your preferred MBBS and BDS colleges and courses. Prioritize your choices wisely.
- Review and Lock: Double-check all your selections before locking them. Once locked, choices cannot be modified.
- Submit Application: Complete the submission process before the specified deadline.
Remember, late submissions will not be entertained, and using the incorrect portal will lead to the rejection of your application.
Key Documents to Keep Handy
If you are allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round, physical reporting to the assigned college with all original documents is mandatory. Ensure you have the following ready:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
- NEET UG 2026 Scorecard
- Provisional Allotment Letter (downloaded from the official portal)
- Class 10th Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Class 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Transfer Certificate (TC) from the last attended institution
- Community Certificate (if applicable, for reserved categories)
- Nativity Certificate (if applicable)
- Special Category Certificate (if applicable, e.g., PwD, Ex-servicemen ward)
- Aadhaar Card or other valid Photo ID proof
- Passport-size photographs (as specified)
Always carry both original documents and a set of self-attested photocopies. Any discrepancy or missing document can result in the forfeiture of your allotted seat.
What Candidates Must Verify Before Locking Choices
Participating in the Stray Vacancy Round requires careful consideration. Here’s what every candidate should verify before finalizing their choices:
- Eligibility: Confirm you meet all the specific eligibility criteria for this round, especially regarding prior registration and allotment status.
- Seat Matrix: Thoroughly review the updated seat matrix for the Stray Vacancy Round to understand available seats in your preferred colleges and courses.
- College Preferences: Re-evaluate your college preferences. Since this is a final round, be realistic about your choices based on your NEET score and the available seats.
- Reporting Requirements: Be prepared for immediate reporting to the allotted college with all necessary original documents and fees, as the timelines are usually very tight.
- Official Updates: Regularly check tnmedicalselection.net for any last-minute announcements or changes to the schedule.
This round is a crucial opportunity, and meticulous preparation can make all the difference in securing your desired medical or dental seat.
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the Tamil Nadu NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026?
Only candidates who previously registered for Tamil Nadu NEET UG Counselling 2026 and either remained unallotted or did not join an earlier allotted seat are eligible. Fresh registrations are generally not accepted for this round.
Q: Are there separate portals for different categories in the Stray Vacancy Round?
Yes, the Directorate of Medical Education has provided separate online portals. One is for the 7.5% horizontal reservation for government school students, and another is for the 92.5% government, management, and NRI quota seats. Candidates must use the correct portal corresponding to their category.
Q: What documents are required for reporting after seat allotment in the Stray Round?
Candidates must report with their NEET UG 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard, Provisional Allotment Letter, Class 10th & 12th mark sheets/certificates, Transfer Certificate, Community/Nativity Certificates (if applicable), ID proof, and passport-size photographs. Both original documents and self-attested photocopies are mandatory.
Q: Where can I find the official schedule and updates for the Tamil Nadu NEET UG Stray Round?
All official schedules, notifications, and updates for the Tamil Nadu NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 are published exclusively on the Directorate of Medical Education's official website: <a href='https://tnmedicalselection.net' target='_blank'>tnmedicalselection.net</a>. Candidates should check this portal regularly for the latest information.


