The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has commenced registration for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round, providing eligible candidates with another opportunity to secure admission to vacant MBBS, BDS and other applicable undergraduate medical seats. The online registration process began on October 12, 2026, and candidates must complete registration and fee payment within the prescribed deadline.

The Stray Vacancy Round is conducted after the regular counselling rounds to fill seats that remain vacant following earlier allotments and reporting. It is an important stage for eligible NEET UG candidates who have not secured admission and wish to participate in the remaining centralised counselling process.

As per the announced schedule, registration and fee payment will close on October 14, 2026, while choice filling will remain available until October 15. The final seat allotment result is scheduled for October 17, 2026. Candidates allotted seats will have to complete the required reporting and admission formalities between October 19 and October 26, 2026.

Aspirants should carefully check the eligibility rules, available seats and restrictions applicable to the Stray Vacancy Round before registering. Since this is a late stage of the counselling process, candidates must pay close attention to deadlines and follow all instructions issued by MCC.

MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Important Dates

The following table summarises the important dates for the MCC NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round.

Candidates should note that the deadlines above follow the announced counselling schedule and portal/server time. They should avoid waiting until the final hours to complete registration, fee payment or choice submission.

What Is the NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round?

The Stray Vacancy Round is a later stage of NEET UG counselling conducted to fill eligible seats that remain vacant after the earlier rounds of seat allotment and admission.

During the regular counselling process, candidates register, submit their college preferences and receive seat allotments based on merit, category, eligibility, choices and seat availability. Some seats may remain vacant because of non-reporting, withdrawals permitted under the applicable rules or other counselling-related circumstances.

The Stray Vacancy Round gives eligible candidates another opportunity to compete for these remaining seats.

However, participation is subject to the counselling authority's eligibility requirements. Candidates should not assume that every NEET-qualified student can automatically participate, particularly if they have already received or joined a seat through an earlier round.

Which Seats Are Covered Under MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Counselling 2026?

MCC conducts centralised counselling for specified undergraduate medical and dental seats across participating institutions.

The counselling process covers applicable seats under the following categories:

• 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats: Eligible MBBS and BDS seats contributed by participating state institutions under the All India Quota.

• AIIMS institutions: Applicable MBBS seats across the All India Institute of Medical Sciences network.

• JIPMER: Applicable MBBS seats at JIPMER Puducherry and Karaikal.

• Central universities and participating institutions: Eligible seats covered by the centralised counselling framework.

• Deemed universities: Applicable undergraduate medical and dental seats included in MCC counselling.

• BHU and other participating institutions: Seats covered under the relevant centralised counselling arrangements.

• ESIC and other specified institutions: Applicable seats included in the notified counselling process.

The precise seats available in the Stray Vacancy Round will depend on the official seat matrix. Candidates should review the published vacancy information rather than assume that every institution or course will have an available seat.

State-quota counselling is conducted separately by the relevant state authorities, except where a specific seat category falls under the centralised process.

MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must verify their eligibility before registering for the Stray Vacancy Round. Qualifying for NEET UG is necessary, but it does not by itself guarantee eligibility for every counselling round.

1. NEET UG 2026 qualification

Candidates must have qualified for NEET UG 2026 and satisfy the applicable eligibility criteria prescribed for undergraduate medical or dental admission.

2. Compliance with MCC counselling rules

Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions set out in the current MCC counselling information bulletin and any subsequent notices relating specifically to the Stray Vacancy Round.

3. Seat-allotment and joining status

Candidates must carefully check the restrictions applicable to those who have already received an allotment, accepted a seat or joined an institution during earlier rounds. The rules for the Stray Vacancy Round can differ from those for regular counselling rounds.

Candidates holding seats through state counselling should also verify the applicable restrictions before participating.

4. Category and reservation requirements

Candidates seeking admission under a reserved category must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and possess the required certificates in the prescribed format.

5. Original documents

Applicants should be prepared to provide the required academic records, NEET documents, identity proof and other certificates during reporting and admission.

Important: Candidates should consult the current official counselling bulletin before registering. Eligibility restrictions can have significant consequences, particularly at the final stage of counselling.

How to Register for MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026

Eligible candidates can complete the online registration process through the official MCC website.

Step 1: Visit the official MCC website

Open https://mcc.nic.in/ and navigate to the NEET UG Counselling 2026 section.

Step 2: Access the registration portal

Select the appropriate link for the Stray Vacancy Round and log in or register according to the instructions displayed on the portal.

Step 3: Enter the required information

Provide the personal, examination and other details requested by the counselling system. Ensure that the information matches the candidate's official records.

Step 4: Pay the counselling fee

Complete the applicable registration and security-deposit payment, where required, using the prescribed payment facility. Candidates should check the official fee instructions for their institution and category.

Step 5: Confirm successful registration

Check that the registration and payment have been completed successfully. Save the confirmation details for future reference.

Step 6: Proceed to choice filling

Once registration is complete, access the choice-filling facility and select eligible colleges and courses according to personal preferences.

Candidates should complete every required step within the notified deadlines. Merely opening the portal or entering preliminary details does not necessarily constitute successful registration.

MCC NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round: Choice Filling and Locking

Choice filling is one of the most important stages of the counselling process because seat allotment depends partly on the candidate's submitted preferences.

The choice-filling facility is scheduled to remain open until October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The choice-locking window is scheduled from October 14 at 4:00 PM until October 15 at 10:00 AM.

Candidates should use this period to evaluate the available seats and arrange their preferences carefully.

How to fill choices

1.    Log in to the MCC counselling portal.

2.    Open the choice-filling section for the Stray Vacancy Round.

3.    Review the available colleges, courses and seat categories.

4.    Select institutions that match the candidate's preferences and eligibility.

5.    Arrange the choices in the preferred order.

6.    Review the completed list before submitting or locking it.

7.    Complete the locking process within the permitted time and retain confirmation if available.

Why choice filling matters

Candidates should prioritise institutions according to their genuine preferences, course requirements, location considerations and willingness to join. They should not select a college simply because a vacancy appears in the seat matrix.

Before adding a choice, candidates should consider whether they would be willing and able to accept the seat if allotted. This is particularly important in the Stray Vacancy Round, where specific restrictions may apply after allotment.

Candidates should also avoid assuming that a particular rank guarantees a seat. Allotment depends on merit, category, eligible preferences, available vacancies and the applicable rules.

MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 Seat Allotment Result

The Stray Vacancy Round seat allotment result is scheduled to be announced on October 17, 2026.

The allotment process is scheduled for October 15 and 16. After the result is published, candidates should access the official portal and check their allotment status.

Candidates who receive a seat should carefully read the allotment letter and follow the prescribed reporting instructions.

The result will depend on the candidate's NEET merit position, eligibility, category, submitted choices and seat availability. Registration alone does not guarantee an allotment.

How to check the allotment result

1.    Visit the official MCC website.

2.    Open the NEET UG Counselling 2026 section.

3.    Select the Stray Vacancy Round result link once it becomes available.

4.    Access the result or allotment information as instructed.

5.    Check the allotted institution, course and other relevant details.

6.    Download and save the allotment letter where applicable.

7.    Follow the reporting instructions within the notified period.

Candidates should rely on the official result rather than unofficial lists or unverified messages.

Reporting and Joining After Seat Allotment

Candidates allotted seats in the Stray Vacancy Round are scheduled to report to their respective institutions between October 19 and October 26, 2026.

The reporting period is important because failure to complete admission formalities within the prescribed time may result in the loss of the allotted seat or other consequences under the applicable counselling rules.

Before reporting, candidates should:

• Download the allotment letter.

• Confirm the institution's reporting schedule and address.

• Arrange all required original documents and photocopies.

• Check the applicable admission fee and payment instructions.

• Review the medical examination and verification requirements, if any.

• Follow the rules governing acceptance and joining of the allotted seat.

Candidates should also carefully review the restrictions applicable to Stray Vacancy Round allotments, including rules concerning resignation, non-joining and eligibility for further admission opportunities.

Documents Required for MCC NEET UG Counselling

Candidates should prepare the documents required by MCC and the allotted institution. The final list may vary according to the candidate's category, qualification and admission circumstances.

Commonly required documents include:

• NEET UG 2026 admit card

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard or rank information

• MCC seat allotment letter

• Class 10 certificate or marksheet

• Class 12 marksheet and qualifying certificate

• Valid photo identity proof

• Recent passport-sized photographs

• Category certificate, where applicable

• EWS certificate, where applicable

• PwD certificate, where applicable

• Other documents specified in the official counselling instructions

Candidates should ensure that the names and other personal details on their documents are consistent. Any discrepancy should be addressed in accordance with the official instructions before reporting.

Important Instructions for NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round Candidates

Candidates should keep the following points in mind during the final counselling stage.

Complete registration on time: The registration deadline is October 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM, while the fee payment facility is scheduled to remain available until 6:00 PM.

Do not miss the choice-filling deadline: Choices must be completed within the announced period ending October 15 at 10:00 AM.

Review eligibility before participating: Candidates who have already been allotted or joined seats must check the current rules carefully.

Check the vacancy list: Only seats available and included in the relevant counselling process can be considered for allotment.

Lock choices where required: Candidates should follow the portal's instructions for choice locking and retain confirmation.

Monitor the result announcement: The allotment result is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Report within the specified period: Candidates allotted seats must follow the reporting schedule of October 19–26, 2026.

Follow official notices: Counselling schedules and instructions may be revised. Candidates should check the MCC website regularly for any updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When did MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 registration begin?

Registration began on October 12, 2026.

Q2. What is the last date for Stray Vacancy Round registration?

The announced deadline is October 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM, with the payment facility scheduled to remain open until 6:00 PM.

Q3. When does choice filling close?

Choice filling is scheduled to close on October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Q4. When will the MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round result be declared?

The seat allotment result is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Q5. When must candidates report after allotment?

The scheduled reporting and joining period is October 19–26, 2026.

Q6. Who can participate in the Stray Vacancy Round?

Candidates must have qualified for NEET UG 2026 and meet the applicable MCC eligibility requirements. Restrictions may apply to candidates who have already received or joined seats through earlier counselling rounds.

Q7. Which courses are covered by MCC NEET UG counselling?

The counselling framework covers eligible undergraduate medical and dental seats and other applicable courses, including BSc Nursing where specified in the relevant counselling schedule and seat matrix.

Q8. Does registration guarantee a seat?

No. Allotment depends on merit, eligibility, category, preferences and the availability of seats.

Q9. Can candidates change their choices after locking them?

Candidates should follow the official choice-filling and locking rules. They should not assume that locked choices can be edited after the permitted window closes.

Q10. Where can candidates register for MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026?

Candidates should visit the official MCC website at https://mcc.nic.in/ and access the NEET UG Counselling 2026 portal.

Conclusion

The MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026 provides eligible candidates with an additional opportunity to compete for undergraduate medical and dental seats remaining vacant after earlier counselling rounds. Registration began on October 12, and candidates must complete registration and fee payment by October 14, 2026, within the prescribed timings.

Choice filling closes on October 15, the seat allotment result is scheduled for October 17, and allotted candidates must complete reporting between October 19 and October 26.

Candidates should prioritise accurate registration, careful choice filling and strict compliance with the eligibility rules. They should also verify their allotment status, prepare the necessary documents and follow every reporting instruction issued by the counselling authority.

As the counselling process approaches its final stage, checking the official portal regularly is essential. Timely action and a clear understanding of the rules can help eligible NEET UG aspirants make the most of the remaining admission opportunities.