Oct 17–18: Fresh Choice Filling Opens as Maharashtra CET Cell Revises NEET UG Stray Vacancy Schedule

If you missed out on a seat in the Maharashtra NEET UG counselling so far, today is your next big chance. The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has revised the schedule for the online stray vacancy rounds for MBBS and BDS admissions for 2026-27, and the first round of fresh preference filling begins today, October 17.

These rounds are meant to fill the vacant seats left after the earlier rounds of the Maharashtra NEET UG CAP Round 3 seat allotment process. The seats cover government, corporation, government-aided, private unaided, and minority colleges. Because this is the final phase of the NEET UG admissions season, the CET Cell has packed three full online rounds into the ten days up to the MCC’s final joining deadline.

Revised Round 1 schedule: preference filling from October 17

Eligible candidates can fill fresh preferences for the first stray vacancy round from October 17 to October 18, up to 11:59 pm. The first selection list will be declared on October 19.

Those who make the list must report in person at the allotted college and complete admission formalities between October 20 and October 21, up to 5:30 pm. Fees can be paid through demand draft or NEFT/RTGS, and all original documents must be submitted during physical reporting.

The CET Cell revised the earlier timetable so that three complete rounds of allotment fit within the admission deadline. This followed the MCC’s announcement of the All India Quota stray vacancy schedule for the MCC NEET UG stray vacancy round, under which the AIQ seat allotment result is also due on October 19.

Round 2: preference filling on October 21 and 22

The second stray vacancy round starts almost immediately after the first. The preference-filling window for round 2 will be open from October 21 to October 22, up to 11 am. The selection list will be published on October 22.

Candidates allotted a seat in the second round have to report to their colleges between October 23 and October 24, up to 5:30 pm, with original documents and the admission fee.

“Seat joining is mandatory in these rounds. Fill only the colleges and courses where you are truly willing to take admission.”

This is the single most important rule of the stray vacancy phase. Think of each preference as a commitment, not a wish list.

Round 3: the final round ends October 26

For the third and last round, candidates can fill their preferences from October 24 to October 25, up to 11 am. The selection list will be declared on October 25.

Physical joining at the allotted college must be completed on October 26. That is the final date of joining fixed by the MCC, so there is no extension possible beyond it.

To keep the process on track, the CET Cell has asked all participating colleges to remain operational on Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays. Keep checking the official CET Cell website for any update, because the schedule is subject to changes by the authorities.

Who can take part in these rounds

The CET Cell has made it clear that no fresh registrations will be accepted. You are eligible if you:

• qualified NEET UG 2026,
• registered for the Maharashtra state admission process and filled preferences earlier,
• were not allotted a seat up to CAP Round 3, and
• meet the conditions in the official information brochure.

Every candidate must submit fresh preferences for each round. The choices you filled during CAP Round 3 and earlier stray vacancy rounds will become invalid for subsequent rounds, so do not assume your old list still counts. And if you are allotted a seat in the first stray vacancy round, you cannot take part in the second or third rounds.

What to do before you fill your preferences

With only two days for the first window, do not leave the form filling to the last hour. Before you log in:

• Go through the published seat matrix for round 1 and shortlist colleges realistically.
• Rank your choices in your true order of preference, because allotment follows your rank and your order.
• Lock your choices within the deadline so they count.
• List only colleges where you are ready to join immediately, since joining is mandatory once allotted.
• Keep your documents ready for physical reporting: the information brochure lists what to carry, typically your NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, domicile and category certificates if applicable, and a valid photo ID.

The counselling portal for the state process is the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 portal, where preference filling and the selection lists are hosted.

This stray vacancy phase is the last door to an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra for the 2026-27 session. The first window opens today, October 17, and closes at 11:59 pm on October 18. Fill your fresh preferences early, and double-check the dates for rounds 2 and 3 so you are ready if you need them.