Bihar's UGMAC (Undergraduate Medical Admission Counselling) board has opened the Stray Vacancy Round for NEET UG 2026 candidates. This is your chance if you did not register or submit your application in the earlier four rounds (held between August and September 2026), or if you registered but did not pay the counselling fee and security deposit. The Stray Vacancy Round fills seats left empty after Round 3 counselling (held 16–17 October). Online registration and choice filling opens on 19 October 2026. This round covers MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc. & A.H., and B.F.Sc. courses in Bihar government and private colleges.
If you have a valid NEET UG 2026 rank and were not admitted in any earlier round, register for the Stray Vacancy Round starting 19 October 2026 on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final counselling round for NEET UG 2026 in Bihar. It fills seats that remain empty after the first three counselling rounds. These vacancies arise when candidates who were allotted seats in Round 3 (held 16–17 October) do not join their college, or when seats were not filled in earlier rounds.
This round is specifically for candidates who either never registered in the earlier rounds or registered but failed to submit their application with the required counselling fee and security deposit. It is also open to candidates who already submitted their application in earlier rounds but meet specific conditions mentioned in Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 (dated 18 October 2026).
The Stray Vacancy Round uses the same UGMAC-2026 merit list, which is based on your All India Rank (AIR) from NEET UG 2026. Allotment is made purely on rank and your choice of college and course.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
You are eligible for the Stray Vacancy Round if you meet ALL of the following conditions:
You have a valid NEET UG 2026 score and rank. You did not register in any of the earlier four counselling rounds (Advertisements dated 7 August, 11 September, 15 September, 17 September, or 30 September 2026), OR you registered but did not submit your online application with the counselling fee and security deposit. You are not currently admitted to any medical or dental college in India. You have not already been allotted a seat in any earlier round of UGMAC-2026.
- Valid NEET UG 2026 rank
- Did not register in earlier rounds, or registered but did not pay the fee and submit the application
- Not admitted to any medical/dental college in India
- Not allotted a seat in any earlier UGMAC-2026 round
Important Dates
The Stray Vacancy Round has a single key date for candidates. Online registration and choice filling begins on 19 October 2026. The notice does not specify a closing date for registration or choice filling, so check the board's website (bceceboard.bihar.gov.in) regularly for updates. The board may announce the closing date and allotment schedule separately.
- Online registration and choice filling starts: 19 October 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online registration & choice filling opens | 19 October 2026 |
| Closing date for registration & choice filling | To be announced on board website |
| Allotment result | To be announced on board website |
Check the Updated Seat Matrix First
Before you register, you must check the Updated Seat Matrix on the board's website (bceceboard.bihar.gov.in). This matrix shows all vacant seats in government and private medical and dental colleges in Bihar after Round 3 counselling. It tells you exactly which colleges have openings, in which courses (MBBS or BDS), and how many seats are available in each category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.).
The seat matrix is critical because it shows you where you can actually get a seat. If a college has zero vacancies in your category, you cannot be allotted there, no matter your rank. The board may update the seat matrix if more vacancies arise due to candidates not joining their allotted seats, so check it again before you finalize your choices.
The notice also mentions that B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Veterinary) and B.F.Sc. (Fisheries) seats in government colleges are included in this round, though the focus is on MBBS and BDS.
Know the exact MBBS/BDS colleges your rank can get
Official 2023–2025 closing ranks and fees, matched to your rank.
- Visit bceceboard.bihar.gov.in and download the Updated Seat Matrix
- Check which colleges have vacancies in your category
- Note the number of seats available in each course and college
- Refresh the matrix before finalizing your choices in case new vacancies are added
How to Register and Fill Choices
Registration and choice filling for the Stray Vacancy Round is entirely online. You will visit the BCECEB website (bceceboard.bihar.gov.in) and create an account or log in if you already have one. The exact step-by-step process, including how to upload documents, fill your choice list, and pay fees, is detailed in the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 (dated 18 October 2026). Both documents are available on the board's website for download.
The notice does not provide the detailed registration steps in this announcement, so you must refer to the Prospectus and the related advertisement for complete instructions. These documents will tell you what information to enter, in what order, and how to submit your choices.
If you have already submitted an application in an earlier round and meet the conditions in paragraph 15 of Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14, you may be able to edit your choices or submit consent instead of registering again. Check that advertisement to see if this applies to you.
- Go to bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
- Register or log in with your credentials
- Fill in your personal and academic details
- Upload required documents (as per Prospectus)
- Pay the counselling fee and security deposit
- Fill your choice list (colleges and courses in order of preference)
- Submit your application
- Download and save your confirmation receipt
Counselling Fee and Security Deposit
To submit your application for the Stray Vacancy Round, you must pay the counselling fee and security deposit. The exact amounts are not stated in this notice. You must refer to the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 (dated 18 October 2026) for the fee structure. These documents are available on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
Payment is typically made online during the registration process. Do not submit your application without paying the fee — applications without payment will be rejected. Keep your payment receipt as proof.
- Fee amount: See UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14
- Payment method: Online (during registration)
- Keep your payment receipt for records
Documents You Will Need
The notice does not list the specific documents required for the Stray Vacancy Round in this announcement. However, all eligibility criteria, fee payment procedures, instructions, and document requirements are detailed in the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 (dated 18 October 2026). You must download and read these documents from bceceboard.bihar.gov.in before you start your registration.
Typically, medical counselling requires documents such as your NEET admit card, NEET result/scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if applicable), and identity proof. However, the exact list and any specific requirements for this round must come from the official Prospectus.
- Refer to UGMAC-2026 Prospectus for the complete document checklist
- Download and read Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 for any special instructions
- Prepare all documents in digital format (scanned copies) before you start registration
- Have your NEET rank and AIR ready
Courses Available in This Round
The Stray Vacancy Round covers multiple courses across government and private colleges in Bihar:
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) — in government and private medical colleges. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) — in government and private dental colleges. B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) — in government veterinary colleges only. B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of Fisheries Science) — in government fisheries colleges only.
The majority of seats are in MBBS and BDS. The notice mentions B.V.Sc. & A.H. and B.F.Sc., but the focus of this round is medical and dental admission. If you are interested in veterinary or fisheries courses, check the seat matrix to see if vacancies exist.
- MBBS — Government and Private Medical Colleges
- BDS — Government and Private Dental Colleges
- B.V.Sc. & A.H. — Government Veterinary Colleges
- B.F.Sc. — Government Fisheries Colleges
Merit List and Allotment Basis
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Allotment in the Stray Vacancy Round is based on the UGMAC-2026 merit list, which is prepared using your All India Rank (AIR) from NEET UG 2026. This is the same merit list used in Rounds 1, 2, and 3. Your rank does not change; it is fixed based on your NEET score.
Seats are allotted in order of merit (highest rank first) and your choice of college and course. If your rank qualifies for a seat in your first choice college and course, you will be allotted there. If not, the system moves to your second choice, and so on. The allotment is purely merit-based and follows the order of your preferences.
- Merit list based on NEET UG 2026 All India Rank (AIR)
- Allotment in order of rank and your choice preferences
- Your rank is fixed and does not change across rounds
Category-Based Seats (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)
Seats in Bihar medical and dental colleges are reserved for different categories: General (unreserved), OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and EWS (Economically Weaker Sections). The exact number of seats in each category varies by college and course.
When you fill your choices, you will be allotted a seat based on your category and rank. If you belong to a reserved category (OBC, SC, ST, or EWS), you can compete for both reserved seats in your category and unreserved (General) seats if your rank is high enough. The seat matrix shows the number of vacancies in each category for each college, so check it carefully to understand your chances.
If you have a caste certificate or EWS certificate, ensure it is valid and meets the state's requirements. The Prospectus will specify any conditions on these certificates.
- General (unreserved) seats
- OBC (Other Backward Classes) seats
- SC (Scheduled Caste) seats
- ST (Scheduled Tribe) seats
- EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) seats
- Check the seat matrix for vacancies in your category
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Do not submit your application without paying the counselling fee and security deposit. The notice explicitly states that candidates who registered but did not pay the fee in earlier rounds are now being given a second chance. If you fail to pay this time, your application will be rejected.
Do not register if you are already admitted to a medical or dental college in India. The notice clearly states that only candidates who are not admitted anywhere are eligible. If you have already joined a college, you cannot participate in this round.
Do not skip reading the Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14. These documents contain eligibility criteria, document requirements, and instructions that are not repeated in this notice. Missing a requirement can result in rejection.
Do not ignore the updated seat matrix. If you fill choices for colleges that have no vacancies in your category, you will not be allotted anywhere. Always check the matrix before finalizing your choices.
Do not submit incomplete or incorrect information. Ensure all your personal details, NEET rank, and category information are accurate before submitting. Errors can lead to rejection or wrong allotment.
- ⚠️ Failing to pay the counselling fee and security deposit — application will be rejected
- ⚠️ Applying if you are already admitted to any medical/dental college in India — you are ineligible
- ⚠️ Not reading the Prospectus and related advertisements — you may miss critical requirements
- ⚠️ Filling choices for colleges with zero vacancies in your category — you will not get a seat
- ⚠️ Submitting incomplete or incorrect personal/academic information — application may be rejected
Where to Find More Information
All detailed information about the Stray Vacancy Round is available on the official BCECEB website: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. This includes the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus, all advertisements, the updated seat matrix, and the online registration portal.
You can also contact the board's helpdesk at helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in if you have questions. The board's office is located at I.A.S. Association Building, Near Patna Airport, Patna-14.
Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for information. Always check the official website for the latest updates, especially regarding closing dates and allotment schedules, which are not mentioned in this notice.
- Official website: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
- Helpdesk email: helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in
- Office address: I.A.S. Association Building, Near Patna Airport, Patna-14
- Download the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and all advertisements from the website
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
I did not register in any earlier round. Can I apply in the Stray Vacancy Round?
Yes, if you have a valid NEET UG 2026 rank and are not admitted to any medical or dental college in India, you are eligible to apply in the Stray Vacancy Round. Registration opens on 19 October 2026 on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. You must pay the counselling fee and security deposit to submit your application.
I registered earlier but did not pay the fee. Can I apply now?
Yes. The notice specifically mentions that candidates who registered but did not submit their application with the fee and security deposit in earlier rounds can now register and apply in the Stray Vacancy Round. You will need to pay the fee this time for your application to be accepted.
What is the closing date for registration and choice filling?
The notice does not specify a closing date. It only states that registration opens on 19 October 2026. You must check the board's website (bceceboard.bihar.gov.in) regularly for the closing date and allotment schedule, which will be announced separately.
I was allotted a seat in Round 3 but did not join. Can I apply in the Stray Vacancy Round?
No. If you were allotted a seat in any earlier round, you are not eligible for the Stray Vacancy Round, even if you did not join. The notice states that only candidates who have not been admitted in any medical or dental college are eligible.
How is allotment decided in the Stray Vacancy Round?
Allotment is based on your All India Rank (AIR) from NEET UG 2026 and your choice of colleges and courses. Seats are allotted in order of merit (highest rank first) according to your preferences. The same UGMAC-2026 merit list used in earlier rounds is used here.
What documents do I need to submit?
The notice does not list the specific documents in this announcement. All document requirements are detailed in the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 (dated 18 October 2026), which are available on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. You must download and read these documents before registering.
Can I apply for MBBS, BDS, and B.V.Sc. & A.H. all together?
Yes. The Stray Vacancy Round covers MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc. & A.H., and B.F.Sc. courses. When you fill your choices, you can list colleges and courses from any of these programs in order of your preference. Allotment will be based on your rank and the available vacancies.
I belong to the OBC category. Will I get a reserved seat?
You can compete for OBC-reserved seats in your category based on your rank. You can also compete for unreserved (General) seats if your rank is high enough. The seat matrix shows the number of OBC vacancies in each college. Check it to see your chances before filling your choices.
What happens if I do not get allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round?
The notice does not specify what happens after the Stray Vacancy Round. If you are not allotted a seat, you may not have further counselling rounds. Contact the board's helpdesk (helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in) for clarification on your options.
Where can I check the updated seat matrix?
The updated seat matrix is available on the board's website: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. It shows all vacant seats in government and private medical and dental colleges in Bihar after Round 3 counselling. You must check it before registering to see which colleges have openings in your category.
Can I edit my choices after submitting my application?
The notice mentions that candidates who already submitted an application in earlier rounds and meet specific conditions can edit their choices. For new applicants registering in the Stray Vacancy Round, the Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 will specify whether choice editing is allowed after submission.
What is the counselling fee amount?
The notice does not state the fee amount. You must refer to the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 (dated 18 October 2026) for the exact fee and security deposit amounts. Both documents are available on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
If you have a valid NEET UG 2026 rank and were not admitted in any earlier round, register immediately on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in starting 19 October 2026. Before you register, download and read the UGMAC-2026 Prospectus and Advertisement No. BCECEB(UGMAC)-2026/14 from the board's website to understand all eligibility criteria, document requirements, and fees. Check the updated seat matrix to see which colleges have vacancies in your category. Pay the counselling fee and security deposit, fill your choices carefully, and submit your application before the closing date (to be announced on the website). Keep checking bceceboard.bihar.gov.in for updates on the closing date and allotment schedule.
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