Jharkhand NEET UG Counselling 2026 has reached an important stage. Round 3 online registration and choice filling for seat allotment is active on September 29. But first, one thing needs to be cleared up: the application window for new candidates did not open today. According to JCECEB’s revised schedule, new candidates could apply from September 20 to 24. The counselling portal now shows October 7, 2026, 6 pm as the deadline for Round 3 registration and choice filling.

Revised merit list is out

JCECEB uploaded a revised Round 3 State Merit List and a revised Not Eligible List on September 28. The earlier versions were dated September 26, so please check the revised documents before you go ahead. The State Quota lists cover MBBS, BDS and BHMS admissions. The Board’s download page also has separate Round 3 All India and NRI quota seat matrices for MBBS and BDS.

What you need to do

With so many dates close together, it is easy to mix up the two steps. The September 20 to 24 window was for new candidates to submit an application for Round 3. The current window is for eligible candidates to complete the seat-allotment process and submit their preferences. JCECEB says candidates whose names appear on the Round 3 merit list can fill choices, and paying the online counselling fee is mandatory.

After logging in, select your preferred colleges and courses and arrange them in the order you genuinely prefer. The portal says candidates who paid the security deposit in Round 1 or Round 2 do not need to pay it again if they were not allotted a seat in any earlier round. Seat allotment is based on merit and your choices, so think carefully about the order of your preferences.

Round 3 dates to remember

  • October 5: Revised vacant-seat matrix will be displayed, but only if State Quota seats are surrendered because of Round 3 All India Quota allotments.
  • October 7, 6 pm: Choice filling closes.
  • October 7, 6:01 pm to midnight: You can edit your filled choices, if needed.
  • October 9 to 14: Provisional seat allotment letters are scheduled to be available.
  • October 10 to 14: Document verification and admission at the allotted institute.
  • Rules if you want an upgrade

Round 3 also matters for students who are already admitted in an earlier round. JCECEB allows candidates admitted in Round 1 or Round 2 to seek a change of course or institute. If a new seat is allotted to you in Round 3, you must take admission there, and your earlier admission will be cancelled. Upgradation is available only up to this round.

If you hold a Round 2 State Quota seat and want to join an All India Quota seat allotted in Round 3, you must surrender the State Quota seat and submit a resignation to the institute by October 3. The revised notice says the security money will be forfeited in this situation.

Before you submit your choices, check the revised merit list and the seat matrix for your course and quota, keep your original documents ready, and read the portal instructions carefully. The key update for September 29 is simple: new-candidate applications have closed, but the Round 3 seat-allotment registration and choice-filling window is still active. If you are eligible, review your preferences well before the October 7 deadline.