Updated: 13 October 2026 | Source: MCC official website, UG Counselling Schedule PDF and Revised Information Bulletin 2026
The NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round is a last-chance opportunity for MBBS and BDS aspirants. It is meant to fill the seats that are still vacant after the first three rounds of counselling.
As per the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) calendar, the seat allotment result is expected on 17 October 2026. Candidates who get a seat must report to their allotted institute between 19 and 26 October 2026.
The schedule also mentions B.Sc. Nursing counselling, which shows that it is running alongside the other undergraduate counselling under MCC.
Why the Stray Vacancy Round Matters
After Round 3, a small but useful number of seats may still be unfilled in:
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ) vacancies
- Deemed Universities' seats (under MCC counselling)
Taking part does not guarantee a seat. Your allotment depends on NEET merit, eligibility, category-wise seat availability and the choices you fill.
MCC Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Important Dates
All timings follow the MCC server clock. You need to do a fresh registration for the Stray Vacancy Round.
|
Event |
Date and time |
|
Registration deadline |
14 October 2026, 3:00 PM |
|
Fee payment deadline |
14 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
|
Choice locking window |
14 October (4:00 PM) to 15 October (10:00 AM) |
|
Choice filling deadline |
15 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
|
Seat allotment processing |
15–16 October 2026 |
|
Allotment result |
17 October 2026 |
|
Reporting to the allotted college |
19–26 October 2026 |
Registration Start Date: Different Sources Show Different Dates
MCC's own updates show a small difference in the registration start date:
- UG Counselling Schedule PDF: registration begins on 12 October 2026
- MCC UG website (Latest News): registration is available from 13 October 2026
What you should do: The deadline is clear, but the start date is different in the two MCC sources. So, check the live portal to confirm whether registration is open before you plan.
Who Can Take Part (and Who Cannot)
As per the MCC Information Bulletin, you generally need to:
- Qualify NEET UG 2026
- Complete a fresh registration for the Stray Vacancy Round
- Pay the counselling fee and the refundable security deposit
- Fill and lock your choices within the given time
Common Reasons for Not Being Eligible (as per MCC rules)
- Not registering specifically for the Stray Vacancy Round
- Having already joined or holding a seat
- Being allotted a seat in Round 3 but not reporting for admission
- Having your name in the Centre/State allotted-candidates data (you may be excluded from the AI Stray round)
Fee Details (MCC Revised Bulletin)
|
Category |
Registration fee |
Security deposit |
Total |
|
AIQ / Central / AIIMS / JIPMER (UR/EWS) |
₹1,000 |
₹10,000 |
₹11,000 |
|
AIQ / Central / AIIMS / JIPMER (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
₹500 |
₹5,000 |
₹5,500 |
|
Deemed Universities (all categories) |
₹5,000 |
₹2,00,000 |
₹2,05,000 |
Please note: The registration fee is non-refundable. The security deposit can be forfeited if you break the rules.
Documents to Keep Ready for Reporting
Carry the originals and photocopies of these documents:
- MCC allotment letter, NEET admit card and NEET rank/result
- Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof) and Class 12 marksheet/certificate
- Photo ID and passport-size photographs
- Category/EWS/PwD certificates (if applicable)