The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has extended the choice-filling window for the stray round of Bihar NEET-UG 2026 counselling. This final round offers a last opportunity for eligible candidates to secure a seat in MBBS or BDS programmes across Bihar's medical and dental colleges. If you have cleared NEET-UG and are on the merit list but have not yet been allotted a seat in the first three rounds, the stray round is your chance to participate. Understanding the extended timeline and process is crucial to avoid missing this opportunity.
The stray round choice-filling deadline for Bihar NEET 2026 has been extended to October 25, with seat allotment results expected on October 27.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is the Stray Round in Bihar NEET Counselling?
The stray round is an additional counselling phase conducted after the first three main rounds of seat allotment. It is designed to fill any vacant seats that remain unfilled after candidates have been allotted in earlier rounds. This round gives merit-listed candidates who were not allotted seats previously another chance to secure admission.
In the stray round, candidates who have already registered for counselling but did not receive a seat in rounds 1, 2, or 3 can participate. Additionally, candidates who were allotted seats but chose to withdraw can also apply in the stray round. The process follows the same merit-based allocation system, where seats are assigned based on your NEET rank, your choice preferences, and seat availability.
Extended Choice-Filling Timeline for Stray Round 2026
BCECEB has announced an extension of the choice-filling window for the stray round. Candidates now have until October 25, 2026, to fill and lock their college and course preferences. This extension provides additional time for aspirants to carefully consider their options and make informed decisions about which colleges and programmes to prioritise.
The extended deadline is particularly helpful for candidates who may have been waiting for results from earlier rounds or who need more time to research college options. It is essential to complete your choice-filling within this window, as no further extensions are typically granted once the deadline passes.
- Choice-filling window: October 19 to October 25, 2026
- Registration deadline: October 21, 2026
- Candidates must log in using their UGMAC ID and password
- Multiple preferences can be entered and modified until the deadline
Key Dates for Bihar Stray Round Seat Allotment
The stray round follows a compressed timeline compared to earlier rounds. After the choice-filling window closes, BCECEB will release the rank list and proceed quickly to seat allotment. Here are the critical dates you must mark on your calendar.
The rank list will be released on October 25, 2026, the same day the choice-filling window closes. This allows the authority to process all submitted preferences and generate the merit-based allocation. Seat allotment results will be announced on October 27, 2026, giving you just two days to check your allotment status.
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- Stray round rank list release: October 25, 2026
- Seat allotment result announcement: October 27, 2026
- Allotment letter download window: October 27 to October 29, 2026
- Document verification and admission: October 28 to October 29, 2026
How to Fill Your Choices in the Stray Round
Filling your choices correctly is one of the most important steps in the counselling process. Your preferences directly influence which seat you are allotted, so it is crucial to approach this thoughtfully. Begin by logging into the official Bihar NEET counselling portal using your UGMAC registration ID and password.
Once logged in, you will see a list of all available medical and dental colleges, along with the courses and seat quotas they offer. Carefully review each option and rank them in order of your preference. You can enter multiple choices—typically up to 100 or more—so list as many colleges and programmes as you are willing to consider. Remember that the system will allot you the highest-ranked college on your list for which you are eligible based on your NEET rank and the available seats.
After entering all your preferences, save your choices. The system allows you to modify your preferences multiple times before the deadline, so do not hesitate to refine your list as you gather more information. Once you are confident about your final ranking, click the 'Lock Choices' or 'Submit' button. This action is irreversible, so ensure your preferences are final before locking.
- Log in with your UGMAC ID and password
- Review all available colleges, courses, and seat quotas
- Rank colleges in order of preference (highest preference first)
- Save your choices before the deadline
- Modify preferences as needed until October 25
- Lock your choices when you are confident—this cannot be undone
Documents You Must Carry for Verification
After your seat is allotted in the stray round, you will be required to attend document verification at your allotted college. This is a mandatory step to confirm your admission. The college will verify that all your documents are genuine and that you meet the eligibility criteria. Failure to produce the required documents or to attend verification within the specified dates may result in cancellation of your allotment.
Prepare all original documents well in advance. Make photocopies of each document as well, as colleges often require both originals and copies. Keep everything organised in a folder so you can present them quickly during verification.
- Original NEET admit card
- NEET scorecard (original or printout)
- Class 10 passing certificate and mark sheet
- Class 12 passing certificate and mark sheet
- Residential certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable—SC/ST/OBC/EBC/RCG)
- Six passport-size photographs (same as used in NEET application)
- Printout of your Bihar NEET application form
- Aadhaar card
- Any other relevant certificates (e.g., PH certificate for persons with disabilities)
Seat Reservation Categories in Bihar MBBS/BDS 2026
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Bihar reserves a portion of MBBS and BDS seats for candidates from specific categories to ensure equitable access to medical education. Understanding which category you fall under is important, as it affects your eligibility and the cutoff rank for your seat. The total number of seats available is 2,565 for MBBS and 243 for BDS across all Bihar medical and dental colleges.
If you belong to a reserved category, your rank will be compared against candidates in your category only, which typically means a lower rank is required to secure a seat compared to the general category. Ensure that you have submitted the required certificate (caste certificate, if applicable) during the initial registration phase, as this cannot be changed during counselling.
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 16% of seats
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 1% of seats
- Extremely Backward Class (EBC): 18% of seats
- Backward Class (BC): 12% of seats
- Reserved Category Girls (RCG): 3% of seats
- General category: remaining seats
| Category | Seat Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 16% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1% |
| Extremely Backward Class (EBC) | 18% |
| Backward Class (BC) | 12% |
| Reserved Category Girls (RCG) | 3% |
What Happens After Your Seat Is Allotted?
Once your seat allotment result is announced on October 27, you will have a narrow window to complete the admission process. You must download your allotment letter between October 27 and October 29, 2026. This letter contains your allotted college, course, and seat details. Keep multiple printed copies of this letter, as you will need to present it during document verification.
Document verification and final admission will take place on October 28 and October 29, 2026. You must report to your allotted college on or before October 29 with all required documents. Failure to report within this timeframe may result in your seat being cancelled and offered to the next eligible candidate. After verification, you will complete the admission formalities and secure your place in the MBBS or BDS programme.
- Download allotment letter: October 27 to October 29, 2026
- Report to your allotted college for document verification: October 28 to October 29, 2026
- Bring all original documents and copies
- Complete admission formalities on the same day or as instructed by the college
- Failure to report on time may result in cancellation of your seat
Official Portal and Support Resources
All Bihar NEET counselling activities, including stray round registration, choice-filling, and result announcements, take place on the official BCECEB portal. Bookmark this website and check it regularly for updates. The portal is user-friendly, but if you encounter any technical issues, contact the BCECEB helpline or visit their office in Patna.
Make sure you have your UGMAC registration ID and password saved securely. If you forget your password, use the 'Forgot Password' option on the portal to reset it. Do not share your login credentials with anyone, as this could compromise your counselling process.
- Official website: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
- Use your UGMAC ID and password to log in
- Check the portal regularly for announcements and updates
- Contact BCECEB helpline if you face technical issues
- Keep your login credentials confidential
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Who is eligible to participate in the Bihar stray round 2026?
Candidates whose names appear on the Bihar NEET merit list are eligible for the stray round. This includes candidates who were not allotted a seat in rounds 1, 2, or 3, as well as those who were allotted seats but chose to withdraw. You must have registered for counselling and completed the initial registration process to be eligible.
What is the deadline for filling choices in the stray round?
The choice-filling window for the stray round has been extended to October 25, 2026. You must fill and lock your preferences by this date. Registration for the stray round closes on October 21, 2026. No further extensions are typically granted after the deadline.
When will the stray round seat allotment results be announced?
The stray round rank list will be released on October 25, 2026, and the seat allotment results will be announced on October 27, 2026. You can download your allotment letter between October 27 and October 29, 2026.
How many colleges can I list in my preferences for the stray round?
You can typically enter up to 100 or more college and course preferences in order of your choice. The system will allot you the highest-ranked college on your list for which you are eligible based on your NEET rank and available seats. It is advisable to list as many options as you are willing to consider to increase your chances of getting a seat.
What documents do I need to bring for document verification after the stray round?
You must bring your original NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, class 10 and 12 certificates, residential certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), six passport-size photographs, Aadhaar card, and a printout of your Bihar NEET application form. Any other relevant certificates, such as a PH certificate, should also be brought if applicable.
What is the total number of MBBS and BDS seats available in Bihar?
There are 2,565 MBBS seats and 243 BDS seats available across all medical and dental colleges in Bihar. These seats are distributed among various categories: SC (16%), ST (1%), EBC (18%), BC (12%), RCG (3%), and the remaining for the general category.
Can I modify my choice preferences after locking them?
No, once you lock your choices, they cannot be modified. You can modify your preferences as many times as you wish before locking, but after clicking the 'Lock Choices' or 'Submit' button, your preferences become final and irreversible. Ensure you are completely satisfied with your ranking before locking.
What happens if I do not report for document verification by October 29?
If you do not report to your allotted college for document verification by October 29, 2026, your seat allotment may be cancelled. Your seat will then be offered to the next eligible candidate on the waiting list. It is crucial to report on time with all required documents to secure your admission.
Mark October 25 as your final deadline for choice-filling in the Bihar stray round. After submitting your preferences, monitor the official BCECEB portal closely for the rank list on October 25 and allotment results on October 27. Once allotted, download your letter immediately and prepare all required documents for verification by October 29 to confirm your seat.
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