NEET UG 2026: Last Chance for MBBS Seats Ends Oct 14, Allotment on Oct 17
The final window for MBBS and BDS admissions through NEET UG 2026 is open right now, and it shuts on October 14. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has opened registration for the online stray vacancy round, the last phase of this year’s NEET UG counselling covering All India Quota, deemed, central university, AIIMS, JIPMER and ESIC seats. If you hold no seat yet, act today. The allotment result comes out on October 17.
Registration closes on October 14 at 3 pm
Registration for the stray vacancy round began on October 12, 2026, on the official MCC website. Candidates must register by October 14, 3 pm. Fee payment stays open till 6 pm the same day, so plan for both deadlines.
Registration closes October 14 at 3 pm, and the allotment result comes out on October 17. Treat both dates as final. MCC does not extend counselling windows once they close.
Choice filling runs from October 12 to October 15, and choice locking opens at 4 pm on October 14, closing at 10 am on October 15. Only locked choices count in the allotment, so a saved-but-unlocked list will get you nothing.
The full stray vacancy round schedule
The official timeline:
- Registration and fee payment: October 12 to October 14, 2026 (payment till 6 pm on Oct 14)
- Choice filling: October 12 to October 15, 2026
- Choice locking: October 14 (4 pm) to October 15 (10 am), 2026
- Seat allotment processing: October 15 to 16, 2026
- Allotment result: October 17, 2026
- Reporting to allotted colleges: October 19 to 26, 2026
After Round 3 reporting ended on October 9 and joined candidates were verified on October 10, the vacant seat matrix went live, so candidates can see exactly which seats are open.
Who can apply, and who is kept out
MCC cross-checks candidate data with the Centre and states after Round 3. Anyone whose name appears in the allotted-candidates list at either level is removed from the All India stray vacancy round.
You can apply if:
- You did not get a seat in Rounds 1, 2 or 3 and currently hold no seat.
- You never registered for NEET UG counselling earlier but want to join now.
You cannot apply if:
- You were allotted a seat in Round 3 and joined it.
- You were allotted a seat in Round 3 and did not report. These candidates forfeit their security deposit and are barred from the stray round.
- You already hold or have joined any seat under the All India or state quota.
If your dashboard shows any seat from an earlier round, the system will filter you out. Do not pay the fee until you are sure of your status.
How to register and lock choices on mcc.nic.in
- Open the official MCC portal and create your account for the stray vacancy round. Fresh registration is mandatory even if you registered in earlier rounds.
- Verify your candidate details and confirm the eligibility declarations.
- Pay the fee before 6 pm on October 14 and keep the receipt.
- Fill your college and course choices in order of preference, starting October 12. Save your list after every session.
- Between 4 pm on October 14 and 10 am on October 15, lock your choices. Double-check the final order, then take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
- Check the allotment result on October 17 in your candidate login, and download the allotment letter if a seat is given to you.
Note that this round covers only undergraduate medical seats. The separate NEET PG 2026 Round 1 counselling runs on its own schedule for MD and MS admissions.
Keep your documents ready for October 19
Reporting begins on October 19 and continues till October 26, and this deadline is strict. Arrange your documents now instead of scrambling after the result.
Keep your NEET UG scorecard and admit card, allotment letter, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, a valid photo ID, and category or domicile certificates if applicable. A full admission documents checklist will help you tick off each item. Carry originals with self-attested photocopies.
Register on the official MCC portal well before the deadlines. With heavy traffic expected on the final day, waiting till the afternoon of October 14 is the riskiest move you can make.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round? October 14, 2026, till 3 pm. Fee payment stays open till 6 pm on the same day.
Who can apply for the NEET UG stray vacancy round 2026? Candidates who did not get any seat in Rounds 1, 2 or 3, and candidates who never registered for counselling earlier. Candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 3, whether they joined or not, cannot apply.
When will the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy allotment result be declared? October 17, 2026, on the official MCC portal. Allotted candidates must report to their colleges between October 19 and 26.
Do already registered candidates need to register again for the stray round? Fresh registration is required for the final stray vacancy round, and you must fill and lock your choices again within the given window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to register for the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round?
October 14, 2026, till 3 pm. Fee payment stays open till 6 pm on the same day.
Who can apply for the NEET UG stray vacancy round 2026?
Candidates who did not get any seat in Rounds 1, 2 or 3, and candidates who never registered for counselling earlier. Candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 3, whether they joined or not, cannot apply.
When will the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy allotment result be declared?
October 17, 2026, on the official MCC portal. Allotted candidates must report to their colleges between October 19 and 26.
Do already registered candidates need to register again for the stray round?
Fresh registration is required for the final stray vacancy round, and you must fill and lock your choices again within the given window.
