In a much-needed breather for medical aspirants across Bihar, the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has officially extended the timeline for the UGMAC-2026 Stray Vacancy Round.

Following numerous representations from candidates who encountered persistent server snags and technical logjams while submitting mandatory consents or choices, the board issued an urgent notification (Advt. No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/16). This revision offers a lifeline to eligible aspirants seeking admission into vacant MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc. & A.H., and B.F.Sc. seats across government and private institutions in the state.

Revised Schedule at a Glance

Aspirants must strictly align with the revised calendar, as the board has categorically stated that no further concessions will be granted:

  • Fresh Online Registration Closes: 24 October 2026 (by 10:00 PM)

  • Application Submission, Fee Payment & Consent Deadline: 24 October 2026 (till 11:59 PM)

  • Publication of Stray Vacancy Rank Card: 25 October 2026

  • Choice Filling, Editing & Final Locking: 25 October 2026 (window shuts at 11:59 PM)

  • Provisional Seat Allotment Result: 27 October 2026

  • Allotment Order Download Window: 27 to 29 October 2026

  • Document Verification & College Reporting: 28 to 29 October 2026

Why Was the Deadline Extended?

The last-minute surge, aggravated by payment gateway glitches and sluggish portal performance, left numerous worthy candidates unable to lodge their formal consent or complete their preference lists. Recognizing this genuine distress, the board stepped in to level the playing field. However, officials clarified that this extension merely recalibrates the dates; the foundational eligibility filters and regulatory norms notified on 18 October remain unchanged.

Pivotal Eligibility Criteria: Who Is Eligible and Who Is Not?

The Stray Vacancy Round is strictly regulated to prevent seat blocking:

  • Eligible Candidates: NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates who have not yet secured an admission seat, as well as unregistered candidates or those who previously missed completing their fee submission.

  • Strictly Ineligible: Candidates already admitted through previous rounds of Bihar UGMAC or Central AIQ counselling (Rounds 1, 2, or 3), or those holding an allotted seat in any Indian medical or dental college, are barred from participating.

  • Special Cases (Round 3 Cancellations): Candidates whose Round 3 seats lapsed due to non-reporting or document issues may face conditional eligibility—such as being restricted strictly to veterinary or fisheries seats with fresh consent and security deposits.

Financial Prerequisites: Security Deposits & Caution

Aspirants must exercise measured discretion during choice filling, particularly regarding security deposits:

  • Non-Refundable Counselling Fee: ₹1,200 for General/EWS/BC/EBC (₹600 for SC/ST/DQ applying solely for government seats).

  • Security Deposit: ₹10,000 for government colleges (₹5,000 for reserved categories), while including private medical colleges mandates a hefty deposit of ₹2,00,000.

A Word of Caution: If a candidate is allotted a seat and subsequently defaults on joining, the security deposit stands forfeited. Aspirants should thoroughly assess private college tuition structures before locking preferences.

Next Steps for Aspirants

Ensure your registered mobile number and email ID are active for OTP authentications, review the latest vacant seat matrix on the official BCECEB portal, and avoid waiting until the final hours to lock your selections.