Ranchi, September 21, 2026: The Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB) has opened the Round 3 online application window for new candidates under NEET UG 2026 counselling. As per the revised schedule issued through Advt. No. 84 dated 17 September 2026, fresh applications for MBBS, BDS and BHMS admissions can be submitted from 20 September to 24 September 2026, up to 6:00 PM on the official counselling portal.

JCECEB changed the earlier Round 3 timeline through the revised notice and also reworked parts of the Round 2 and Round 3 calendar. The official counselling portal currently shows the 2026 process as active for medical, dental and homoeopathy courses.

Important deadline: September 24 at 6 PM, not midnight

For new candidates, the registration deadline is 6:00 PM on 24 September 2026. This is important because there is a separate editing window after the registration deadline:

  • ·        Application editing for already registered candidates: 24 September, 6:01 PM to 12:00 midnight

In other words, a new candidate should not treat midnight as the last time to submit a fresh application. The window after 6 PM is meant for corrections by candidates who are already registered in the system.

What is scheduled next in Round 3?

The revised JCECEB calendar lists the following major Round 3 dates:

  • 25 September 2026: 3rd Round State Merit List will be published
  • 25 September 2026: Vacant Seat Matrix will be displayed, showing course, college and category-wise availability
  • 28 September 2026: Choice filling begins
  • 5 October 2026: “Revised Vacant Seat Matrix” may be issued, if applicable
  • 7 October 2026 (up to 6 PM): Last date to fill choices
  • 7 October 2026 (6:01 PM–midnight): Choice editing window
  • 9–14 October 2026: Provisional seat allotment letter window
  • 10–14 October 2026: Document verification and admission at allotted institutes

The actual Round 3 vacancy numbers are expected to be available with the 25 September vacant seat matrix. Candidates should therefore wait for the official matrix before assuming that a particular seat or college is available.

Who needs to apply in this Round 3 window?

  • New candidates who did not apply earlier for Jharkhand counselling must submit the online application between 20 and 24 September
  • Already registered candidates generally do not need to apply again. If corrections are needed, they can use the 24 September editing window after 6 PM.

State Quota vs AIQ/NRI seats: check eligibility carefully

Candidates should also check the seat type before applying and filling choices. Jharkhand State Quota seats typically require Jharkhand domicile/residency documents while certain vacant AIQ/NRI seats in specified private institutions may follow different eligibility conditions. The applicable JCECEB rules should be checked carefully for the seat category being considered.

Upgradation option and an important caution

As per the revised instructions referenced in reports reproducing the JCECEB notice, candidates who were already admitted in earlier rounds may be allowed to participate in Round 3 for upgradation or a change of course/institute. However, if a candidate receives a new seat in Round 3, they may be required to join the new seat, and the earlier admission may not continue.

There is also a special rule for candidates moving from State Quota to AIQ in Round 3, including surrender/resignation requirements by the notified deadline, reported as 3 October 2026. Candidates should understand the applicable conditions and consequences before taking this option.

Official portals