Andhra Pradesh NEET UG 2026 MBBS Phase-3 Mop-Up: Web Options Now Open

Dr. N.T.R. University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Vijayawada has opened Phase-3 (Mop-Up) web-based counselling for MBBS seats under Competent Authority Quota for the 2026-27 academic year in Andhra Pradesh. This phase fills unfilled seats, seats vacated by candidates who did not join in Phase-1/2, and seats freed by candidates who used the Free Exit facility. Eligible candidates can now exercise web options to slide to a better college, apply for a seat if they were not allotted earlier, or secure a seat they missed in previous rounds. The web options window is open from 10:00 PM on 14 October 2026 to 5:00 PM on 16 October 2026, and allotments will be released on 17 October. This is the final phase for sliding and upgradation—no further counselling rounds will allow seat changes after this.

What is Phase-3 (Mop-Up) Counselling?

Phase-3 (Mop-Up) is the final round of MBBS counselling under Competent Authority Quota (CQ) seats in Andhra Pradesh. It fills seats that remain vacant after Phase-1 and Phase-2 counselling, including seats that were not filled, seats vacated by candidates who did not report to their allotted college, and seats freed when candidates exercised the Free Exit facility (a one-time option to withdraw without penalty after joining).

This phase is open to multiple categories of candidates: those who were allotted and joined in Phase-1/2 and now want to slide or upgrade to a better college; those who were allotted in Phase-1/2 but did not report and want to apply for other colleges; those who were not allotted any seat in earlier phases; and those who did not exercise web options in Phase-1/2. However, candidates who used Free Exit after Phase-1/2 are permanently barred from this and all future phases.

Importantly, this is the last phase where sliding and upgradation are allowed. After Phase-3, no further counselling rounds will permit seat changes. Candidates allotted in Phase-3 must compulsorily report to their allotted college.

Important Dates and Web Options Portal

The web options window is strictly limited. Candidates must exercise their options between 10:00 PM on 14 October 2026 and 5:00 PM on 16 October 2026. No extensions will be granted. Allotments will be released on 17 October 2026.

Candidates must log in to the official portal at https://apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in/MBBS/Home/StudentLogin to exercise their options. This is the only official channel; candidates should be wary of any other website or intermediary claiming to offer counselling services.

• Web options open: 10:00 PM on 14 October 2026
• Web options close: 5:00 PM on 16 October 2026
• Allotments released: 17 October 2026
• Portal: https://apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in/MBBS/Home/StudentLogin

Who is Eligible to Exercise Web Options in Phase-3?

Eligibility for Phase-3 depends on your status in Phase-1 and Phase-2. The notification lists four main categories of eligible candidates, each with different rules about which colleges they can choose.

**Category 1: Candidates who joined in Phase-1/2 and want to slide/upgrade.** If you were allotted a seat in Phase-1 or Phase-2, reported to that college, and are now studying there, you can exercise web options to slide or upgrade to a college you consider better. Your current college will be displayed as the last option by default in green. You can only choose colleges you genuinely believe are better than your current one. If you upgrade, your previous seat will be cancelled automatically, and you will have no claim on it.

**Category 2: Candidates who were allotted but did not report in Phase-1/2.** If you were allotted a seat in Phase-1 or Phase-2 but did not report to that college, you can now exercise web options for any other college except the one you did not join. This gives you a second chance to secure a seat.

**Category 3: Candidates who were not allotted any seat or did not exercise options in Phase-1/2.** If you have no seat from earlier phases, or if you chose not to exercise options before, you can now apply for any college. There is no limit on the number of options you can list.

**Category 4: Candidates who reported in Phase-1/2 but did not exercise fresh options for Phase-3.** If you joined a college in Phase-1/2 and are not exercising fresh web options now, you will NOT be considered for sliding or upgradation in this phase. However, you may be considered for 'default sliding' if there is a change in seat category within the same college you already joined.

**Important exclusion: Candidates who used Free Exit.** If you availed the Free Exit facility after Phase-1 or Phase-2, you are permanently ineligible for Phase-3 and all future counselling phases. Free Exit is a one-time option to withdraw, and using it bars you from further admission rounds.

• Joined in Phase-1/2 and want to upgrade: eligible to slide to better colleges
• Allotted but did not report in Phase-1/2: eligible for all colleges except the one not joined
• Not allotted in Phase-1/2 or did not exercise options: eligible for all colleges, no limit on options
• Did not exercise fresh options in Phase-3 but joined earlier: eligible only for default sliding within same college
• Used Free Exit after Phase-1/2: NOT eligible for Phase-3 or any future phase

Mandatory Security Deposit and Fees

Before you can exercise web options, you must pay a **Refundable Security Deposit of ₹50,000** (Rupees fifty thousand only) through online mode. This is a mandatory requirement for all candidates participating in Phase-3 counselling under Competent Authority Quota. The deposit must be paid before you log in to exercise your options.

**When the security deposit is refunded:** If you join the seat allotted to you in Phase-3, the ₹50,000 will be refunded after the closure of admissions. If you are not allotted a seat, the deposit will also be refunded after admissions close. However, if you do not join the seat allotted to you, or if your admission is cancelled due to wrong information, missing documents, or other reasons, the deposit will be forfeited (kept by the university). The university will not be responsible for failed online transactions; if your payment fails, you must retry.

**University Fee:** Once you are allotted a seat and download your allotment order, you must pay a **University Fee of ₹12,600** through the online payment gateway (Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking). This fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. However, if you already paid this fee in Phase-1 or Phase-2, you do not need to pay it again—but you must download a fresh allotment order if your college or seat category has changed.

**Tuition Fee:** The tuition fee follows the interim fee structure set by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for 2026-27. Candidates allotted to Sri Padmavathi Medical College for Women, Tirupati (which is under SVIMS, not NTRUHS) must check the SVIMS website at http://svimspts.ap.nic.in for tuition fee details, as that college is not under NTRUHS control.

• Security Deposit: ₹50,000 (refundable if you join or are not allotted; forfeited if you don't join or admission is cancelled)
• University Fee: ₹12,600 (non-refundable; not required if already paid in Phase-1/2, but fresh allotment order needed if college/category changes)
• Tuition Fee: As per interim AP government structure for 2026-27 (check SVIMS website for Sri Padmavathi College)

How to Exercise Web Options: Step-by-Step Process

Exercising web options is a straightforward but critical process. Follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes.

**Step 1: Pay the security deposit.** Before logging in, ensure you have paid the ₹50,000 refundable security deposit through online mode. Keep the transaction receipt.

**Step 2: Log in to the portal.** Visit https://apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in/MBBS/Home/StudentLogin and log in using your credentials (registration number and password).

**Step 3: List your college preferences in order of priority.** You can list as many colleges as you wish. List them in the order you genuinely prefer them, not based on vacancies shown. If you are sliding from a current college, that college will appear as the last option in green by default.

**Step 4: Submit your options with OTP.** Once you have finalized your list, submit it. An One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number and email. Enter this OTP to confirm your submission. **This is critical: options are finalized only when you submit the OTP.** Do not share your OTP, login details, or email with anyone.

**Step 5: Take a printout of your saved options.** After submission, print a copy of your confirmed options for your records.

**Important warning about edits:** If you make any changes to your options after initial submission, you must re-submit with OTP before the deadline (5:00 PM on 16 October). If you do not re-submit, your earlier auto-saved options will be taken as final. The notification strongly advises against making changes after submission to avoid confusion.

• Pay ₹50,000 security deposit before logging in
• Log in at https://apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in/MBBS/Home/StudentLogin
• List colleges in order of genuine preference (no limit on number of options)
• Submit options and enter OTP sent to your mobile and email
• Print confirmation of saved options
• If you edit options, re-submit with OTP before 5:00 PM on 16 October, or earlier auto-saved options will be final

Critical Rules About Sliding, Upgradation, and Seat Cancellation

If you are currently studying at a college from Phase-1/2 and you upgrade to a better college in Phase-3, your previous seat will be cancelled automatically. You will have no claim on that seat, and it will be added to the seat matrix for allotment to other candidates. This is called a 'virtual vacancy.' Understand this clearly: once you upgrade, you cannot go back to your previous college.

If you upgrade in Phase-3, your previous seat in Phase-1/2 will be cancelled automatically on the day allotments are released. You do not need to formally withdraw; the system does it for you. However, this also means you must be absolutely certain about your upgrade decision before exercising options.

**No upgradation or Free Exit after Phase-3.** This is the final phase for sliding and upgradation. After Phase-3 allotments are released, no further counselling rounds will allow you to change your seat. If you are allotted in Phase-3, you must report to that college and continue your course there. There is no Stray Round or MQ Phase-3 Counselling for candidates who joined or were allotted in Phase-1, Phase-2, or Phase-3.

**Compulsory reporting:** All candidates allotted seats in Phase-3 must compulsorily report to their allotted college. Failure to report will result in forfeiture of your security deposit and cancellation of your seat.

• If you upgrade from Phase-1/2 college to a better college in Phase-3, your previous seat is cancelled automatically
• Your previous seat becomes a virtual vacancy and is allotted to other candidates
• You have no claim on your previous seat after upgradation
• Phase-3 is the final phase for sliding and upgradation—no further changes allowed after this
• Compulsory reporting to allotted college is mandatory; non-reporting forfeits security deposit

Special Category Seats and Minority College Rules

**Sports & Games Category:** Candidates who applied under the Sports & Games Category should exercise web options for Sports & Games Category Quota seats as per the seat matrix. However, seats under this category will be filled in Phase-3 only after the final prioritized merit list is received from SAAP (the competent authority for sports). This list will be displayed on the website once received.

**Minority Medical Colleges:** Competent Authority Quota seats in Minority Medical Colleges are reserved for Muslim Minority Candidates only. However, Muslim Minority Candidates are also eligible to apply for Competent Authority Quota seats in other (non-minority) medical colleges. If you are a Muslim Minority Candidate, you can list both minority and non-minority colleges in your preferences.

**Unfilled special category seats:** Seats under special categories (such as SC, ST, OBC, etc.) that remain unfilled after the priority list is exhausted will be added to the respective categories in Phase-3 and allotted accordingly. These are horizontal reservations, meaning they apply across all colleges.

• Sports & Games Category seats filled subject to receipt of final merit list from SAAP
• Minority Medical College CQ seats reserved for Muslim Minority Candidates only
• Muslim Minority Candidates also eligible for CQ seats in non-minority colleges
• Unfilled special category seats added and allotted in Phase-3 as horizontal reservations

Important Trap: AIQ Candidates Are Weeded Out

**This is a critical rule that affects many candidates.** As per MCC Notice No. 25 dated 10 October 2026, any candidate who is holding a seat under All India Quota (AIQ) up to Round-3 will be weeded out (removed) from Phase-3 Competent Authority Quota counselling and all further phases of counselling. This means if you secured an MBBS seat through AIQ in any of the three AIQ rounds, you are not eligible for Phase-3 CQ counselling, even if you have not joined that AIQ seat yet.

The university will cross-check the final merit list against the AIQ joined candidates list and remove ineligible candidates before allotments are made. If you are unsure whether you hold an AIQ seat, check the official AIQ counselling portal or contact the helpline before exercising options in Phase-3.

• Candidates holding AIQ seats up to Round-3 are weeded out from Phase-3 CQ
• This applies even if you have not joined your AIQ seat yet
• Check AIQ portal or contact helpline if unsure about your AIQ status

Documents and Verification at College

When you report to your allotted college after Phase-3 allotments, you must bring all original certificates for verification. The college will verify your documents against the information you provided during registration. If any discrepancy is found or you are deemed ineligible, your provisional allotment will be cancelled without notice, and action will be taken as per university regulations.

**Custodian Certificate for sliding candidates:** If you were allotted and joined a college in Phase-1/2 and have now slid to another college in Phase-3, you must submit a Custodian Certificate from your first college at your new college. This certificate confirms that you have left the first college. The first college will transfer your original certificates to the new college.

**Bring all original certificates** including your NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste/category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents specified in the prospectus.

• Bring all original certificates to the allotted college for verification
• Discrepancies or ineligibility found during verification will result in cancellation of allotment
• Sliding candidates must submit Custodian Certificate from first college
• First college will transfer original certificates to new college

What Happens After You Exercise Options: Timeline and Next Steps

After you submit your web options with OTP by 5:00 PM on 16 October 2026, the university will process all options and release allotments on 17 October 2026. You will receive an SMS to your registered mobile number informing you whether a seat has been allotted. However, do not rely solely on the SMS; visit the official website https://drntr.uhsap.in to check your allotment status.

If you are allotted a seat, you must download your provisional allotment order by paying the University Fee of ₹12,600 (unless you already paid it in Phase-1/2). The allotment order will specify the date by which you must report to the college.

You must report to the Principal of your allotted college on or before the date specified in the allotment order, bringing all original certificates. Failure to report by the deadline will result in cancellation of your seat and forfeiture of your security deposit.

After you join, the college will conduct verification of your original certificates. If everything is in order, your admission is confirmed. If any discrepancy is found, your admission will be cancelled.

• Allotments released: 17 October 2026
• Check status at https://drntr.uhsap.in (do not rely only on SMS)
• Download allotment order by paying ₹12,600 university fee (if not already paid)
• Report to college by date specified in allotment order with all original certificates
• College will verify documents; discrepancies result in cancellation

Common Mistakes That Get Your Application Rejected

**Mistake 1: Not paying the security deposit before exercising options.** The ₹50,000 refundable security deposit is mandatory. If you do not pay it, you cannot log in to exercise options. Do not delay this payment.

**Mistake 2: Exercising options for colleges you do not genuinely prefer.** The notification emphasizes that you should list colleges in the order of your genuine preference, irrespective of vacancies shown. If you list a college and are allotted it, you must join. Do not list colleges as 'backup' options if you have no intention of joining them.

**Mistake 3: Not re-submitting options with OTP after making edits.** If you edit your options after initial submission, you must re-submit with OTP before 5:00 PM on 16 October. If you do not re-submit, your earlier auto-saved options will be taken as final. Many candidates lose their preferred options because they forgot to re-submit after editing.

**Mistake 4: Sharing your login credentials, OTP, or email with anyone.** You are solely responsible for any options exercised from your login. If someone else accesses your account and changes your options, you cannot claim it was unauthorized. Keep your credentials confidential.

**Mistake 5: Not bringing original certificates to the college.** When you report to your allotted college, you must bring all original certificates. If you fail to produce them within the stipulated time, your admission will be cancelled and your security deposit will be forfeited.

**Mistake 6: Providing wrong information during registration.** If you provided incorrect information (e.g., wrong caste category, wrong domicile, wrong NEET score) during registration and this is discovered during verification, your admission will be cancelled and your security deposit will be forfeited. Be truthful and accurate in all information.

**Mistake 7: Not checking if you hold an AIQ seat.** If you are holding an AIQ seat from Round-1, 2, or 3, you are ineligible for Phase-3 CQ. Verify your AIQ status before exercising options to avoid wasting time.

• Pay ₹50,000 security deposit before exercising options
• List only colleges you genuinely prefer and will join
• Re-submit options with OTP if you make any edits after initial submission
• Keep login credentials and OTP confidential
• Bring all original certificates when reporting to college
• Provide accurate information during registration
• Verify you do not hold an AIQ seat before exercising Phase-3 options

Helpline and Support

If you have questions or face technical issues, the university has provided helpline numbers and email support.

**For clarifications on regulations and counselling procedures:** Call 8978780501 or 7997710168 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM on working days.

**For technical difficulties with the web portal:** Call 9000780707 or email ap.uhs.support@aptonline.in.

**For clarifications on payment gateway issues:** Email ap.uhs.support@aptonline.in.

Do not hesitate to contact the helpline if you are unsure about any aspect of the process. It is better to clarify before exercising options than to make a mistake.

• Regulations & counselling: 8978780501, 7997710168 (10 AM–6 PM, working days)
• Technical issues: 9000780707 or ap.uhs.support@aptonline.in
• Payment gateway: ap.uhs.support@aptonline.in

Frequently asked questions

Phase-3 web options are now open and will close at 5:00 PM on 16 October 2026. Before you log in, ensure you have paid the ₹50,000 refundable security deposit. Visit https://apuhs-ugadmissions.aptonline.in/MBBS/Home/StudentLogin, list your colleges in order of genuine preference, submit your options with OTP, and take a printout of your confirmation. Allotments will be released on 17 October. Remember: this is the final phase for sliding and upgradation—no further changes will be allowed after Phase-3. If you have any doubts, contact the helpline (8978780501 / 7997710168) before exercising options.