Andhra Pradesh NEET UG 2026 Management Quota Counselling: Phase-I to Stray Round

Dr. N.T.R. University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Vijayawada has released the complete counselling procedure for Management Quota admissions into MBBS and BDS courses for the 2026-27 academic year. This is a comprehensive guide covering four phases of counselling — Phase-I, Phase-II, Phase-III (Mop-Up Round), and Stray Vacancy Round — along with eligibility criteria, NEET cutoff scores, seat matrices for all colleges, fees, and the exact process to apply, report, and secure your seat. If you qualified in NEET UG 2026 and are aiming for a Management Quota seat in Andhra Pradesh, this notice contains everything you need to know to navigate the entire admission process.

What is Management Quota and What Seats Are Available?

Management Quota (MQ) seats are private and government medical/dental college seats that are filled through a separate counselling process, distinct from the Competent Authority Quota (state quota) and All-India Quota. Under NTRUHS for 2026-27, Management Quota includes three types of seats:

1. **Competent Authority (Self-Financing) seats** in new Government Medical Colleges (permitted from 2023-24 onwards) — these are for Andhra Pradesh local candidates only. 2. **Category-B seats in Private Non-Minority Medical and Dental Colleges** — divided into Category-B1 (15% of B seats, open to all-India candidates) and Category-B2 (85% of B seats, for AP local candidates only). 3. **Category-B seats in Private Minority Medical Colleges** — for Muslim Minority candidates, with some seats also available to non-minority candidates in later rounds.

In total, NTRUHS offers 3,600 MBBS seats and 1,300 BDS seats under Management Quota across 27 medical colleges and 14 dental colleges in Andhra Pradesh. The exact seat breakdown by college and category is provided in the seat matrix (Annexure I & II of the notice).

• Competent Authority (Self-Financing) seats in new Government Medical Colleges — AP local candidates only
• Category-B1 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges — 15% of B seats, all-India candidates eligible
• Category-B2 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges — 85% of B seats, AP local candidates only
• Category-B seats in Private Minority Medical Colleges — Muslim Minority candidates priority
• NRI Category seats (15% of intake) — filled separately when notified

Who Is Eligible? NEET Cutoff Marks and Educational Requirements

To be eligible for Management Quota counselling, you must have appeared in NEET UG 2026 conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and scored at or above the prescribed cutoff marks for your category. The cutoff scores are based on percentile ranks and vary by category and disability status.

**General Category (OC/EWS):** 50th percentile, cutoff 715–213. **Persons with Disability (General):** 45th percentile, cutoff 212–194. **SC/ST/BC:** 40th percentile, cutoff 212–177. **Persons with Benchmark Disability (BC/SC):** 40th percentile, cutoff 193–177. **ST with Benchmark Disability:** 40th percentile, cutoff 191–178. If your score falls below your category's cutoff, you are not eligible to participate in counselling, regardless of other qualifications.

You must also have passed Intermediate (10+2 or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology, or Biotechnology), and English. Minimum marks in science subjects are required: OC/EWS candidates need 50%, BC/SC/ST candidates need 40%, and OC-PwBD candidates need 45%. Additionally, you must be at least 17 years old as on 31 December 2026 — candidates who do not turn 17 by this date are ineligible.

• Scored at or above NEET cutoff for your category (see table below)
• Passed Intermediate (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
• Obtained minimum marks in science: OC/EWS 50%, BC/SC/ST 40%, OC-PwBD 45%
• Completed 17 years of age as on 31-12-2026 (mandatory)

Seat Eligibility by Candidate Status: Who Can Apply for Which Seats?

Your eligibility for specific seat types depends on your status in the merit list — whether you are an Andhra Pradesh local candidate or from outside AP, and whether you are a Muslim Minority candidate. The notice defines four candidate statuses, each with different eligible seat types.

**Candidates from outside Andhra Pradesh (Others):** You can apply for Category-B1 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges (all-India candidates eligible) and Competent Authority (NRI Category) seats in new Government Medical Colleges. You cannot apply for Category-B2 seats (AP local only) or Self-Financing seats in Government Colleges (AP local only).

**Andhra Pradesh Local Candidates:** You have the widest eligibility. You can apply for Competent Authority (Self-Financing) seats in new Government Medical Colleges, Category-B1 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges, and Category-B2 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges. You cannot apply for NRI Category seats.

**Muslim Minority Candidates (area status: Others):** You can apply for Category-B seats in Private Minority Colleges and Category-B1 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges.

**Muslim Minority Candidates (area status: Andhra Pradesh):** You can apply for Category-B seats in Private Minority Colleges, Category-B1 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges, Category-B2 seats in Private Non-Minority Colleges, and Competent Authority (Self-Financing) seats in new Government Medical Colleges. This is the broadest eligibility.

• Others (all-India): Category-B1 (Private Non-Minority) + NRI seats (Government)
• AP Local: Self-Financing (Government) + Category-B1 (Private) + Category-B2 (Private)
• Muslim Minority (Others): Category-B (Minority) + Category-B1 (Private Non-Minority)
• Muslim Minority (AP): Category-B (Minority) + Category-B1 + Category-B2 (Private) + Self-Financing (Government)

University Fee and Tuition Fee: What You Must Pay

When you are allotted a seat, you must pay two fees: a University fee (to download your allotment order) and a tuition fee (to the college). The University fee is a one-time payment and varies by seat type. The tuition fee is the course fee set by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and is paid to the college.

**University Fees (one-time, to download allotment order):** For MBBS — Competent Authority (Self-Financing) seats: Rs. 35,100; Competent Authority (NRI Category) seats: Rs. 70,100; Private Non-Minority & Minority (Category-B1 & B2): Rs. 35,100; Private (Category-C NRI): Rs. 70,100. For BDS — Private Non-Minority & Minority (Category-B1 & B2): Rs. 18,100; Private (Category-C NRI): Rs. 40,100.

**Tuition Fees (for 4.5 years, paid to college):** For MBBS in Government Medical Colleges (Competent Authority Self-Financing): Rs. 12,00,000 per annum (total ~Rs. 54 lakhs for 4.5 years). For MBBS in Private Colleges (Category-B): Rs. 14,52,000 (total for 4.5 years). For MBBS in Private Colleges (Category-C NRI): up to Rs. 43,56,000 (total for 4.5 years). For BDS, fees are lower — check the notice for exact amounts. All selected candidates must pay the tuition fee for 4.5 years as per NMC guidelines.

• University fee (MBBS): Rs. 35,100 (Self-Financing/Category-B) or Rs. 70,100 (NRI)
• University fee (BDS): Rs. 18,100 (Category-B) or Rs. 40,100 (NRI)
• Tuition fee (MBBS Government): Rs. 12,00,000 per annum
• Tuition fee (MBBS Private Category-B): Rs. 14,52,000 total for 4.5 years
• Tuition fee (MBBS Private Category-C NRI): up to Rs. 43,56,000 total for 4.5 years
• Payment method: Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking)

How to Exercise Web Options: The Critical First Step

After the merit list is released, eligible candidates must exercise prioritized web options — this is your ranked list of colleges in order of preference. You can opt for up to 27 colleges for MBBS and 15 colleges for BDS. The order matters: the system will allot you the highest-ranked college where you are eligible and where a seat is available. Once you submit your options, they are final — no changes are allowed after the deadline.

**How to exercise options:** Log in to the NTRUHS website (https://drntr.uhsap.in) using your credentials. Select colleges in order of preference. You can edit your options any number of times before the deadline — each time you edit, you will receive an OTP. Click 'SAVE' to finalize your choices. The last saved options will be considered for allotment. Take a printout of your saved options for your records.

**Important traps:** Do not leave your options blank — opting for all colleges is not compulsory, but you must opt for at least the colleges you are genuinely interested in. Once the web options deadline closes, no changes are allowed. If you opt for a seat and it is allotted to you, the system assumes you are willing to join and pay the tuition fee — so be strategic and realistic about your choices. Statutory reservations (SC/ST/BC) do NOT apply to Management Quota seats, so all candidates compete on merit within their category.

**Minority seats rule:** If you are a Muslim Minority candidate and opt for Category-B seats in Minority Colleges, those seats will be allotted to you first (if available). If no Muslim Minority candidates are available, those seats will be converted and allotted to non-minority candidates in the Stray Vacancy Round.

• MBBS candidates can opt for up to 27 colleges
• BDS candidates can opt for up to 15 colleges
• Opting all colleges is not compulsory
• Options are final — no changes after deadline
• You can edit options multiple times before deadline; last saved version counts
• Receive OTP each time you enter or edit options
• Take printout of saved options for your records
• Statutory reservations do NOT apply to Management Quota

Phase-I Counselling: First Round of Allotments

Phase-I is the first round of counselling. All candidates in the Final Merit List are eligible to participate. In this phase, B1 seats are filled first (in order of merit and your priorities), then B2 seats are filled (for AP local candidates only, after B1 exhaustion). Self-Financing seats in Government Colleges are also filled in Phase-I for AP local candidates.

**What happens in Phase-I:** You exercise web options for colleges in order of preference. The system allots seats based on your merit rank, your priorities, and seat availability. If you are allotted a seat, you will receive an SMS to your registered mobile. You must download your allotment order by paying the University fee online, then report to the college with all original certificates and pay the tuition fee before the deadline specified in the allotment order. If you fail to report by the deadline, your admission is cancelled automatically.

**Three possible outcomes after Phase-I:** (1) **Allotted and Joined:** You reported at the college and paid fees. You are now eligible to participate in Phase-II with fresh options if you wish to slide to another college. (2) **Allotted but Not Joined:** You were allotted a seat but did not report. You can participate in Phase-II, but you cannot claim that Phase-I seat again. (3) **Not Allotted:** You were not allotted any seat. You are eligible for Phase-II with fresh options.

**Critical rule:** If you do not join a Phase-I allotted seat, that particular seat will NOT be available to you in Phase-II. You lose the right to claim it. However, you can participate in Phase-II to try for a different seat.

• All Final Merit List candidates eligible for Phase-I
• B1 seats filled first (all-India candidates)
• B2 seats filled after B1 exhaustion (AP local only)
• Self-Financing seats filled for AP local candidates
• Download allotment order by paying University fee online
• Report to college with original certificates and pay tuition fee
• Failure to report by deadline = automatic cancellation
• If not joined, that seat is NOT available in Phase-II

Phase-II Counselling: Sliding and Fresh Allotments

Phase-II is conducted after Phase-I. In this phase, unfilled seats from Phase-I, vacancies due to non-joining, and resultant vacancies from candidates sliding to other colleges are filled. Phase-II is optional — if you are satisfied with your Phase-I seat, you do not need to participate.

**Who is eligible for Phase-II?** (1) Candidates holding a Phase-I seat (whether joined or not). (2) Candidates not allotted in Phase-I. (3) Candidates who joined in Phase-I and wish to slide to another college. (4) Candidates who joined in earlier NTRUHS counselling and wish to slide or change category.

**What is sliding?** Sliding means moving from one college to another (or from Category-B2 to B1 in the same college). If you joined a Phase-I seat and slide to another college in Phase-II, your original Phase-I seat is vacated and filled by the next eligible candidate. You lose all claim to your Phase-I seat. Default sliding from B2 to B1 is allowed — if you do not get a B2 seat in Phase-II, you automatically slide to B1 in the same college.

**Important:** If you slide in Phase-II, you must take a relieving certificate from your previous college and report at the new college with a custodian certificate of your original documents. Students who already paid the University fee in Phase-I do not pay again if allotted in Phase-II, but you must download the new allotment order if your seat or college changes. After Phase-II, if you do not report at your allotted college, you can participate in Phase-III, but that Phase-II seat will not be available to you.

• Phase-II is optional; participate only if you wish to slide or try for a better seat
• Eligible: Phase-I joined/not joined, not allotted in Phase-I, or wish to slide
• Sliding = moving to another college; you lose claim to previous seat
• Default sliding from B2 to B1 allowed in same college
• If sliding, get relieving certificate from previous college
• Report at new college with custodian certificate of documents
• No re-payment of University fee if already paid in Phase-I
• If not reported in Phase-II, can participate in Phase-III but lose Phase-II seat

Phase-III (Mop-Up Round) Counselling: Security Deposit Required

Phase-III, also called the Mop-Up Round, is conducted to fill remaining vacancies after Phase-II. To participate in Phase-III, you must pay a refundable security deposit to avoid seat blocking. This is a new requirement for 2026-27.

**Security Deposit Amount:** MBBS: Rs. 3,00,000 (refundable). BDS: Rs. 1,00,000 (refundable). This deposit is paid online before exercising web options. If you were already allotted in Phase-III but did not join, and you wish to participate in Stray Vacancy Round, you do not need to pay the deposit again.

**Refund/Forfeiture Rules:** (1) If you join the allotted seat in Phase-III, the deposit is refunded after closure of admissions. (2) If you are not allotted a seat, the deposit is refunded after closure of admissions. (3) If you do not join an allotted seat in Phase-III, the deposit is forfeited. (4) If your admission is cancelled (e.g., wrong information provided, missing documents), the deposit is forfeited.

**Who is eligible for Phase-III?** All candidates in the Final Merit List are eligible, except those who availed retain option in Competent Authority Quota or were allotted in Phase-III of Competent Authority Quota. Candidates not reported in Phase-I/Phase-II can participate, but those specific not-reported seats are not available to them in Phase-III.

**Critical rule:** After Phase-III, there is NO sliding. If you are allotted in Phase-III, you must join and cannot resign until closure of admissions (except by paying discontinuation fee after admissions close). Any candidate allotted in Phase-III is NOT eligible for Stray Vacancy Round.

• Security deposit required: MBBS Rs. 3,00,000, BDS Rs. 1,00,000 (refundable)
• Pay deposit online before exercising web options
• Deposit refunded if you join or if not allotted
• Deposit forfeited if you don't join or if admission cancelled
• All Final Merit List candidates eligible (with exceptions)
• No sliding after Phase-III
• Must join allotted seat; cannot resign until admissions close
• Phase-III allotted candidates NOT eligible for Stray Vacancy Round

Stray Vacancy Round: Last Chance for Remaining Seats

The Stray Vacancy Round is the final round of counselling, conducted only if seats remain unfilled after Phase-III. Vacancies are notified on the NTRUHS website. Depending on the number of vacancies, multiple runs of Stray Vacancy Round may be conducted.

**Who is eligible for Stray Vacancy Round?** (1) Candidates not holding any seat under Management Quota of NTRUHS, All-India Quota, or KNR University. (2) Candidates allotted in Phase-I or Phase-II but not holding any seat after Phase-III. (3) Candidates who availed free exit after Phase-II of Competent Authority Quota and are in the MQ merit list. (4) Candidates not allotted in Phase-III of Competent Authority or Management Quota and present in the MQ merit list. A list of eligible candidates is displayed on the website.

**Who is NOT eligible?** Candidates already holding a seat after Phase-III, candidates allotted in All-India Quota Round-3, and candidates found in the MCC list after Round-3 and Stray in either Centre or State.

**Security Deposit:** Candidates who already paid the deposit in Phase-III but were not allotted do not need to pay again. New candidates must pay the same deposit amount. If an ineligible candidate opts, their candidature is not considered and the fee is not refunded.

**Reporting and Withdrawal:** Candidates allotted in Stray Vacancy Round must report compulsorily with all original certificates and cannot resign the seat until closure of admissions. After admissions close, withdrawal is allowed only by paying the discontinuation fee (MBBS Rs. 3,00,000, BDS Rs. 1,00,000).

• Stray Vacancy Round conducted only if seats remain after Phase-III
• Eligible: not holding seat after Phase-III, or availed free exit from CA Quota, or not allotted Phase-III
• Not eligible: already holding seat, AIQ Round-3 allotted, or in MCC list
• Security deposit: same as Phase-III; not required if already paid and not allotted
• Ineligible candidates' fees not refunded
• Must report compulsorily; cannot resign until admissions close
• Withdrawal after admissions close requires discontinuation fee

Free Exit (Resign) Option: When and How You Can Withdraw

If you join a seat in Phase-I or Phase-II, you have a limited window to exit (resign) without penalty. This is called the Free Exit facility. After the free exit deadline, you cannot resign until admissions close — and even then, you must pay a discontinuation fee.

**Phase-I Free Exit:** After you join a Phase-I seat, NTRUHS will notify a deadline for free exit. If you wish to exit, you must submit a written request to the college Principal, signed by both you and your parent/guardian, before the deadline. The college will return your original certificates and all fees collected. After the deadline, no candidate can exit from a Phase-I joined seat.

**Phase-II Free Exit:** Similarly, after joining in Phase-II, a free exit deadline is notified. You can exit by the same procedure. After the deadline, no candidate can exit from a Phase-II joined seat.

**After Free Exit Deadline:** If you do not exit by the deadline, you are locked into your seat. You cannot resign during Phase-III or Stray Vacancy Round. If you wish to withdraw after admissions close, you must pay the discontinuation fee: MBBS Rs. 3,00,000, BDS Rs. 1,00,000. This fee is non-refundable.

**Important:** Candidates who exit in Phase-I/Phase-II are considered 'not reported/not joined' and can participate in the next phase with fresh options. However, their specific not-reported seat from the earlier phase is not available to them.

• Free exit available after Phase-I and Phase-II (deadline notified)
• Submit written request to college Principal (signed by candidate and parent)
• College returns original certificates and all fees
• After free exit deadline, cannot resign until admissions close
• Withdrawal after admissions close requires discontinuation fee
• MBBS discontinuation fee: Rs. 3,00,000; BDS: Rs. 1,00,000
• Candidates who exit are 'not reported' and can participate in next phase
• Specific not-reported seat from earlier phase NOT available in next phase

Reporting at the Allotted College: Documents and Deadline

When you are allotted a seat, you must report at the college within the deadline specified in your allotment order. Reporting means physically visiting the college, submitting your original certificates, and paying the tuition fee. If you fail to report by the deadline, your admission is cancelled automatically — there is no grace period.

**What to bring when reporting:** (1) Downloaded allotment order (after paying University fee). (2) All original certificates: 10th mark sheet, 12th/Intermediate mark sheet, NEET admit card, NEET score card, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate (if applicable), medical fitness certificate, and any other documents specified by the college. (3) Relevant bonds, if any (e.g., for scholarship schemes). (4) Proof of payment of University fee. (5) Custodian certificate of original documents (if sliding from another college in Phase-II/III).

**Certificate verification:** The college will verify all your original certificates at the time of reporting. If any discrepancy is found (e.g., wrong name, wrong date of birth, forged certificate), your provisional allotment will be cancelled and action will be initiated as per university regulations. This can result in permanent disqualification.

**Payment at college:** After certificate verification, you must pay the tuition fee to the college. The amount depends on your seat type and course (see fee table above). Payment is typically made online or by demand draft as per college instructions. Failure to pay the tuition fee means your admission is not complete.

• Report within deadline specified in allotment order
• Failure to report = automatic cancellation
• Bring: allotment order, all original certificates, bonds, fee proof
• Original certificates verified at college
• Any discrepancy = cancellation and possible disqualification
• Pay tuition fee to college (amount varies by seat type)
• Admission not complete until tuition fee is paid
• For Phase-II/III sliding, bring custodian certificate from previous college

Common Mistakes That Get Your Application Rejected

Many candidates lose their seats due to preventable mistakes. Here are the most common traps:

**1. Missing the age cutoff:** You must be 17 years old as on 31-12-2026. If you turn 17 after this date, you are ineligible. Check your date of birth carefully — this is non-negotiable.

**2. Scoring below the cutoff:** Each category has a minimum NEET score. If your score is even 1 point below your category's cutoff, you are ineligible. There is no exception. Check the cutoff table carefully for your category and disability status.

**3. Wrong science subject marks:** You must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany, Zoology, or Biotechnology). If you studied any other combination, you are ineligible. Also, your science marks must meet the minimum: OC/EWS 50%, BC/SC/ST 40%, OC-PwBD 45%.

**4. Opting for ineligible seats:** If you are an all-India candidate, do not opt for Category-B2 or Self-Financing seats (AP local only). If you are not a Muslim Minority candidate, do not opt for Minority seats in Phase-I (they will be allotted to Minority candidates first). Check the seat eligibility table before exercising options.

**5. Missing the reporting deadline:** If you are allotted a seat and do not report by the deadline in your allotment order, your admission is cancelled automatically. There is no extension. Mark the deadline in your calendar and plan to report well in advance.

**6. Bringing incomplete or wrong certificates:** Bring ALL original certificates — 10th, 12th, NEET admit card, NEET score card, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate (if applicable). If any certificate is missing or has a discrepancy (wrong name, wrong date), your allotment will be cancelled.

**7. Not paying the University fee to download allotment order:** You cannot report at the college without the allotment order. The allotment order is downloaded only after paying the University fee online. Do this immediately after allotment is announced.

**8. Confusing University fee with tuition fee:** These are two different fees. University fee (Rs. 35,100 for MBBS) is paid online to download the allotment order. Tuition fee (Rs. 12,00,000+ for MBBS) is paid to the college at the time of reporting. Both are mandatory.

• ⚠️ Must be 17 years old as on 31-12-2026 (non-negotiable)
• ⚠️ NEET score must be at or above your category's cutoff
• ⚠️ Science subjects must be Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany/Zoology/Biotech)
• ⚠️ Science marks: OC/EWS 50%, BC/SC/ST 40%, OC-PwBD 45%
• ⚠️ Do not opt for seats you are ineligible for (e.g., B2 if all-India)
• ⚠️ Report by deadline in allotment order or admission cancelled
• ⚠️ Bring ALL original certificates; any missing = cancellation
• ⚠️ Pay University fee online to download allotment order
• ⚠️ Pay tuition fee to college at time of reporting
• ⚠️ Any certificate discrepancy = cancellation and disqualification

Frequently asked questions

Management Quota counselling for MBBS/BDS 2026-27 in Andhra Pradesh will proceed through four phases: Phase-I (initial allotments), Phase-II (sliding and fresh allotments), Phase-III (mop-up with security deposit), and Stray Vacancy Round (final vacancies). Check your NEET score against the cutoff table for your category immediately — if you are below the cutoff, you are ineligible. If eligible, ensure you have all original certificates ready and understand which seat types you can apply for based on your candidate status (all-India, AP local, or Muslim Minority). Exercise your web options carefully before each phase deadline, report at the allotted college by the specified date with all documents, and pay both the University fee and tuition fee. Visit https://drntr.uhsap.in regularly for notifications, merit lists, and phase schedules. Do not miss any deadline — admissions are cancelled automatically if you fail to report on time.