NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 Open: Registration & Allotment Details
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NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 Open: Registration & Allotment Details

NEET UG counselling
Vaishali Verma
Content Writer

NEET UG 2026 counselling is conducted by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for students who want to get admission into MBBS and BDS courses across India. Candidates must take part in counselling process to get enrolled in government or private institutions after qualifying NEET exam 2026. NEET UG counselling is conducted in multiple rounds. The number and type of rounds may vary according to counselling authority, seat availability and latest official schedule. Candidates can participate in counselling conducted under AIQ and applicable state-level quotas. MCC conducts counselling for 15% AIQ seats and 100% seats in institutions such as AIIMS, JIPMER, AMU, BHU and other central and deemed universities in India. The counselling schedules for Round 1 and Round 2 of NEET-UG 2026 have been released, covering All India Quota, Deemed/Central Universities and State Quota counselling. Seats are allotted as per participant’s NEET rank, preferred choices, applicable reservation norms and seat availability. NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 3/MOP UP Round registration has started. Eligible candidates can register from 22nd to 27th September 2026 while subsequent merit list, choice filling, seat allotment and reporting dates are given below. As per latest MCC update, candidates can lock their NEET UG 2026 choices until 29th September morning and Round 3 seat allotment result is expected on 30th September evening.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Stray Vacancy Round Schedule Updates

  • Registration Deadline: 16 October 2026, by 4:00 PM.

  • Registration Reset Facility: Closes on 16 October 2026 at 3:00 PM.

  • Fee Submission: Payment can be completed until 6:00 PM on 16 October 2026.

  • Choice Entry: Candidates can submit their preferences up to 11:55 PM on 16 October 2026.

  • Choice Locking Window: Opens at 7:00 PM and closes at 11:55 PM on 16 October 2026.

  • Allotment Processing: Scheduled for 17–18 October 2026.

  • Stray Round Result: Expected to be announced on 19 October 2026.

  • College Reporting: Allotted candidates must complete reporting by 26 October 2026.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 Highlights

Feature

Details

Conducting Authority

Medical Counselling Committee

Mode of Counselling

Online registration, choice filling and seat allotment

Courses Covered

MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing

Counselling Start

Expected in July or August 2026.

Eligibility

Students who have cleared NEET UG 2026 cut-off.

Documents Required

NEET admit card & scorecard, Class 10 & 12 certificates, ID proof, category and domicile certificates.

Counselling Rounds

Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round and Stray Vacancy Round

Purpose

To allot medical and dental seats in government and private colleges across India.

Seat Allotment Criteria

NEET rank, choices filled, reservation norms and seat availability.

Quotas Covered

15% All India Quota, 85% State Quota, 100% seats in AIIMS, JIPMER, AMU, BHU and other central and deemed universities.

NEET UG 2026 State Counselling Schedule

The table below provides complete NEET UG 2026 State Counselling Schedule for Round 1, including dates for each counselling round and last date of joining. Candidates should follow these timelines to complete admission process without missing any deadlines.

Events

Timeline

NEET UG Exam 2026

21st June 2026

NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration

16th July 2026

Round 1

Seat Matrix Publication

7th August 2026

Online Registration & Fee Submission

5th to 15th August 2026

College Preference Entry & Locking

6th – 18th August 2026

Allotment Processing

19th to 20th August 2026

Round 1 Seat Allotment Result

21st August 2026

Verification of Candidates

1st September 2026

NEET UG Round 2 Counselling

The following schedule provides important activities for NEET UG 2026 Round 2, such as fresh registration, option locking, seat allotment and college joining. MCC has revised NEET UG 2026 Round 2 counselling schedule with registration now scheduled to begin on September 3, 2026. Following these dates carefully will help candidates complete process smoothly.

Activity

Schedule

Seat matrix review

1st & 2nd September 2026

Registration & payment

3rd - 8th September 2026

Choice filling & locking

3rd - 9th September 2026

Seat processing

9th - 10th September 2026

Allotment result

10th September 2026

Reporting to allotted institute

12th - 18th September 2026

Data verification by institutes

19th September 2026

NEET UG Round 3/Mop-UP Counselling

Given below is NEET UG 2026 Round 3 timeline covering registration, choice submission, allotment result and reporting procedures. Applicants should stay updated with schedule to avoid missing any admission-related step. 

Activity

Schedule

Seat matrix confirmation

10th September 2026

Registration & payment

22nd to 27th September 2026

Choice submission & locking

23rd to 29th September 2026

Allotment processing

29th September 2026

Result publication

30th September 2026

Reporting/joining

1st to 9th October 2026

Institute data verification

10th October 2026

NEET UG Online Stray Vacancy Round

NEET UG 2026 Online Stray Vacancy Round is final opportunity for candidates to apply for vacant seats after main counselling rounds. Applicants should complete registration, choice filling, allotment and reporting within scheduled dates. 

Activity

Schedule

Seat matrix verification

27th September 2026

Registration & fee payment

16 October 2026

Choice filling & locking

  • 16 October 2026
  • Seat allotment processing

    17 October 2026

    Result announcement

    19 October 2026

    Reporting/admission

    19 to 26 October 2026

    Types of NEET UG Counselling

    Students who qualify for NEET Exam are allotted seats in MBBS, BDS and related courses through NEET UG counselling. The process is conducted in two types depending on quota and authority.

    All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling

    • Conducting Body: Medical Counselling Committee.
    • Counselling Mode: Online Registration, Choice Filling and Seat Allotment.
    • Eligibility: All Indian students who have qualified NEET UG and fulfil AIQ criteria.
    • Seats Covered: 15% of seats in government medical and dental colleges in India.
    • Institutions: AIIMS, JIPMER, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC Colleges, AFMC and other institutions under central government.

    State Quota Counselling

    • Conducting Authority: Respective State Counselling Authorities
    • Seats Covered: 85% of government college seats and most private colleges within state.
    • Eligibility: Candidates must meet state domicile and residency criteria as per rules of state.
    • Mode: Online or offline depending on state authority.
    • Purpose: For merit- and reservation-based state seat allocation

    NEET UG Counselling Eligibility Criteria 2026

    National Testing Agency has released an information bulletin providing eligibility criteria for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2026 on its official website neet.nta.nic.in. Applicants must have qualified in NEET UG 2026 exam to be eligible for counselling process. The following are admission criteria for candidates applying for NEET counselling 2026.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Details

    Qualification

    Must have qualified NEET UG 2026 by securing minimum required cut-off marks.

    Nationality

    Indian citizens, NRIs, OCI, PIO and foreign nationals 

    Age Required

    The minimum age requirement is 17 years as per applicable rules as of December 31, 2026.

    Educational Qualification

    Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as core subjects.

    Minimum Marks in Class 12

    General category: 50% in PCB, OBC, SC and ST: 40%, PwD: 45%

    Domicile and State Eligibility

    Required for state quota counselling

    Seat Eligibility

    Eligible for AIQ counselling for 15% seats and state quota counselling for 85% seats.

    NEET UG Counselling Process 2026

    Students who are planning to take part in NEET Counselling 2026 need to complete registration and counselling process carefully. From creating an account to selecting preferred colleges and checking the seat allotment result. Every step is important. Candidates should provide accurate information and complete every stage within given deadline to avoid any issues during counselling process. Below are following steps explaining NEET Counselling 2026 registration process Step by Step.

    • Visit the official counselling portal.

    • Complete registration.

    • Enter personal and NEET details.

    • Pay applicable registration fee.

    • Fill in college/course choices.

    • Arrange choices according to preference.

    • Lock choices before deadline.

    • Check seat allotment result.

    • Download allotment letter.

    • Report to allotted college with required documents

    NEET UG Counselling Rounds Explained

    NEET counselling process is conducted in multiple rounds to ensure number of seats is allocated. Candidates have opportunity to secure admission to Medical, Dental, AYUSH or Nursing courses through this counselling round. Following details explain different NEET counselling rounds and how they function.

    Counselling Round

    Eligible Students

    Purpose

    Round 1

    All NEET UG qualified candidates

    First seat allotment based on rank and choices filled.

    Round 2

    Students without a seat or seeking better options

    Vacant seats from Round 1 are re-allotted.

    Mop-Up Round

    Applicants not allotted seats earlier.

    Remaining vacant seats are filled.

    Stray Vacancy Round

    Participants as per MCC merit list.

    Final vacant seats are filled at college level.

    Documents Required for NEET UG Counselling 2026

    Applicants should carry following essential documents while reporting to allotted college for verification. Complete documentation supports a smooth counselling and admission process.

    • NEET Admit Card
    • NEET Rank Result
    • Class 10 Certificate
    • Class 12 Marksheet 
    • Passport-sized Photographs
    • Provisional Allotment Letter
    • Identity Proof
    • Category Certificate
    • PwD Certificate
    • Domicile Certificate 

    NEET UG Counselling 2026 Fees

    NEET UG Counselling 2026 fees are set by Medical Counselling Committee for AIQ seats and by state authorities for 85% state quota seats. Students must pay a registration fee and a security deposit during counselling. NEET UG counselling 2026 registration fee cannot be refunded while security deposit is returned after counselling. A category-wise fee structure for NEET UG counselling is provided below.

    Types of Counselling

    Category

    Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)

    Security Deposit (Refundable)

    All India Quota (AIQ) and Central Universities

    General

    ₹1,000

    ₹10,000


    SC, ST, OBC and PwD

    ₹500

    ₹5,000

    Deemed Universities

    All Categories

    ₹5,000

    ₹2,00,000

    State Quota Seats

    As per State Rules

    Varies by State

    Varies by State

    AYUSH Courses (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS)

    General

    ₹1,000

    ₹10,000


    ST, SC and PwD

    ₹500

    ₹10,000

    NEET UG Seat Matrix 2026

    NEET UG Counselling Seat Matrix 2026 provides information about available seats in Indian medical colleges. It includes details for Government, Private, Deemed and Central Universities under different quotas. Reviewing seat matrix before choice filling helps students understand their options and plan.

    Category

    Information

    Private MBBS Seats

    65,000

    Total Seat Growth

    11,276

    Government Medical Seats (MBBS)

    63,683

    Leading States by Seat Count

    Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra

    AIIMS & Central University Seats

    2,257 (part of government seats)

    Overall MBBS Seats

    1,36,939

    MCC NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 Seat Matrix

    Seat Matrix for NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 is officially published by MCC on its website. Students can go through official seat matrix before selecting their preferences in second round. The official documents provide information regarding newly allocated seats, clear seats and virtual seats for courses participating in process. Applicants can Click Here to know about seat availability.

    NEET UG Counselling 2026 Seat Reservation Policy

    NEET UG Counselling 2026 seat reservation policy provides category-wise seat distribution as per government guidelines. Check following table for a quick view of reservation percentages.

    Reservation Type

    Details

    AIQ Reservation

    15% of seats in government colleges with uniform central reservation rules

    SC and ST Reservation

    SC - 15%, ST - 7.5% under AIQ

    OBC Reservation

    27% (Non-Creamy Layer) under AIQ

    EWS Reservation

    10% under AIQ

    PwD Reservation

    5% horizontal reservation across all categories

    State Quota Reservation

    85% seats with state-specific reservation rules

    Minority Quota

    Seats reserved in minority-run private colleges

    Management Quota

    Seats in private colleges with higher fees and allotted through counselling

    NEET UG Counselling Cut-Off 2026

    Students must be aware of NEET UG Cut-Off 2026 to know minimum marks or percentile needed for medical and dental admissions. It includes category-wise qualifying scores, expected marks and safe score ranges for All India Quota seats. Applicants should check cut-off to select their preferred college.

    Category

    Qualifying Percentile

    Estimated Qualifying Marks

    Expected AIQ MBBS Score

    General (UR and EWS)

    50th

    135 - 720

    610 - 620+

    OBC

    40th

    107 - 134

    590+

    SC

    40th

    107 - 134

    520+

    ST

    40th

    107 - 134

    490 - 500+

    UR-PwD

    45th

    127 - 143

    -

    OBC, SC, ST and PwD

    40th

    107 - 134

    -

    MBBS NEET 2026 Last Cut-Off – 15% AIQ

    Category

    Round 1 AIR

    Round 1 Score

    Round 2 AIR

    Round 2 Score

    Round 3 AIR

    Round 3 Score

    UR

    22,342

    572

    25,655

    566

    27,080

    564

    EWS

    27,179

    564

    29,743

    560

    30,848

    559

    OBC

    23,075

    571

    25,768

    566

    27,310

    564

    SC

    1,04,921

    489

    1,20,870

    478

    1,23,708

    476

    ST

    1,32,111

    471

    1,31,813

    471

    1,37,369

    467

    BDS NEET 2026 Last Cut-Off – 15% AIQ

    Category

    Round 1 AIR

    Round 1 Score

    Round 2 AIR

    Round 2 Score

    Round 3 AIR

    Round 3 Score

    UR

    41,017

    545

    44,053

    542

    47,011

    539

    EWS

    45,421

    540

    50,773

    535

    52,270

    533

    OBC

    42,260

    544

    46,755

    539

    47,495

    538

    SC

    1,53,140

    458

    1,66,588

    450

    1,75,157

    446

    ST

    1,77,533

    445

    2,04,945

    430

    2,00,736

    432

    MCC vs State NEET UG Counselling

    Feature

    MCC Counselling

    State Counselling

    Conducting Authority

    MCC

    Respective State Authority

    Main Quota

    AIQ & specified institutions

    State/Institutional seats

    Eligibility

    As per MCC rules

    State-specific rules

    Domicile

    Depends on seat type

    Often important

    Registration

    MCC portal

    State counselling portal

    Seat Matrix

    MCC

    State authority

    Common Mistakes to Avoid During NEET UG Counselling

    Applicants must avoid common mistakes during NEET UG counselling to secure their desired seat. Understanding common errors helps candidates stay focused and complete counselling without issues. Some serious mistakes to avoid during NEET UG counselling are mentioned below:

    • Missing important dates for registration or choice filling.

    • Incorrect personal or academic information

    • Ignoring seat matrix or previous year cut-offs.

    • Not prioritizing preferred colleges properly.

    • Forgetting to carry documents during reporting time.

    • Delaying counselling or security charges.

    • Cancelling and withdrawing seats without reading any rules.

    • Not checking allotment results before reporting.

    FAQs

    NEET UG counselling is the seat-allocation process through which eligible NEET-qualified candidates can apply for MBBS, BDS and other applicable medical seats through MCC and state counselling authorities.

    MCC conducts counselling for AIQ and specified participating institutions, while respective state authorities conduct counselling for applicable state-level seats.

    The counselling process includes 4 round such as Round 1, Round 2 Mop-Up Round and Stray Vacancy round depending on seat availability.

    MCC has revised the NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling schedule with registration open till 15 August 2026 (2 PM), fee payment till 5 PM and seat allotment results to be released on 19 August 2026.

    NEET 2026 scorecard, 10th & 12th mark sheets, admit card, ID proof, category certificate and passport-size photos are mandatory for counselling process.

    Counselling fees vary by quota such as AIQ & central universities have lower fees while deemed universities charge higher registration and security deposits.

    Cut-offs depend on NEET 2026 scores, category, number of candidates, seat availability and college demand.

    Applicants can register online on MCC or state counselling official portal by filling their personal, academic and choice details.
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