The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has released the seat matrix for the Stray Vacancy Round—the final counselling phase of UGMAC 2026. This document lists all remaining vacant MBBS and BDS seats across government and private medical colleges in Bihar. If you did not secure a seat in the first three rounds or chose to participate in this final opportunity, this is your last chance to claim a medical seat in the state. The matrix is now live on the official BCECEB portal, and candidates must review it carefully before filling their choices.
The Stray Round is your final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Bihar; download the seat matrix from bceceboard.bihar.gov.in, check vacancies in your category, and submit your choices before the deadline.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is the Stray Round and Why Does It Matter?
The Stray Vacancy Round is the fourth and final phase of UGMAC 2026 counselling. It fills seats that remain unfilled after the first three regular rounds of allotment and candidate reporting. Once this round closes, any remaining vacancies in Bihar's state quota cannot be filled again—they are lost for that academic year.
For aspirants who did not secure a seat earlier or who wish to upgrade to a better college or course, the Stray Round represents the absolute last window. Participation requires fresh online consent and adherence to the BCECEB deadline for choice submission. Missing this opportunity means waiting another year to pursue MBBS or BDS in Bihar.
How Many Seats Are Available in the Stray Round?
As of Round 3, the UGMAC 2026 counselling had 618 MBBS vacancies and 23 BDS vacancies entering the final phase. Of the MBBS seats, 501 were in private medical colleges and 117 were in government institutions across 14 colleges. These numbers represent seats that candidates either did not fill, rejected, or failed to report for after allotment.
The actual Stray Round vacancies will be lower than these Round 3 figures, as some seats will have been filled during Round 3 reporting. The official seat matrix now published shows the exact current vacancies by college, course, and reservation category. Government colleges held seats across all major categories: 57 unreserved, 24 backward class, 14 extremely backward class, 11 economically weaker section, 7 scheduled tribe, and 3 scheduled caste positions.
Which Colleges Have Notable Vacancies?
Among government medical colleges, Nalanda Medical College led with 16 vacant MBBS seats available for the final round. Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College in Saharsa offered 46 general MBBS seats, representing a significant opportunity for unreserved category candidates. Katihar Medical College reserved all 20 of its listed seats for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) candidates, making it relevant only for that specific quota.
On the dental side, Patna Dental College carried 6 BDS vacancies into the Stray Round, while private dental colleges collectively added 23 more BDS seats. Private medical colleges, which account for the majority of vacancies, list both general and NRI quota seats separately in the matrix. Reviewing the complete seat matrix is essential to identify colleges matching your rank, category, and course preference.
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Who Can Apply in the Stray Round?
Eligibility for the Stray Round is straightforward but has clear exclusions. You must have registered for UGMAC 2026 and currently hold no allotted seat. If you chose 'Freeze' in any earlier round, you are permanently ineligible for the Stray Round—Freeze means you have accepted a seat and cannot participate further. Similarly, if you have already been allotted an All India Quota (AIQ) seat through the national counselling process, you cannot participate in the state Stray Round.
Candidates who are eligible must provide fresh online consent within the BCECEB deadline. This means you must log in to the portal, confirm your participation, and fill your choice of colleges and courses anew. Simply having registered earlier is not sufficient; active consent for the Stray Round is mandatory.
How to Download and Use the Seat Matrix
The seat matrix is available as a PDF on the BCECEB official website at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. To access it, visit the homepage, locate the UGMAC 2026 counselling section, and click the link for the Stray Vacancy Round seat matrix (file name: UGMAC26_SM_R4). Download and save the file to your device so you can review it offline and cross-reference it with your NEET UG rank and category.
The matrix is organized by college, with columns showing vacancies by course (MBBS or BDS) and reservation category (unreserved, backward class, extremely backward class, economically weaker section, scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, and any special quotas). Match your NEET UG rank and category against the vacancies to shortlist colleges where you have a realistic chance of allotment. This is the only official source for Stray Round vacancy data; do not rely on unofficial lists or college websites.
- Visit bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
- Open the UGMAC 2026 counselling section
- Click the Stray Vacancy Round seat matrix PDF link
- Download and save the file
- Match your category and NEET UG rank with listed vacancies
- Shortlist 3–5 colleges where you are competitive
What Documents Will You Need for Reporting?
Once you are allotted a seat in the Stray Round, you must report to your assigned college within the reporting window announced by BCECEB. Reporting is mandatory; failure to report will result in forfeiture of your seat. Prepare the following original documents before the reporting date to avoid delays or rejection.
Essential documents include your NEET UG 2026 scorecard, the UGMAC application form (print a copy from the portal), and your matric (10th standard) certificate. If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, or EWS), bring your caste certificate. If you claim domicile of Bihar, bring your domicile certificate. Some colleges may also request your 12th mark sheet and a passport-sized photograph. Verify the exact list with your allotted college before reporting.
- NEET UG 2026 scorecard (original)
- UGMAC 2026 application form (printed)
- Matric (10th) certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (if applicable)
- 12th mark sheet (check with college)
- Passport-sized photographs
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What Happens After You Fill Your Choices?
After the choice-filling window closes, BCECEB will process all submitted choices using a merit-based algorithm. Your NEET UG rank, category, and the preferences you submitted will determine your allotment. The provisional allotment result will be published on the portal on a date to be announced by BCECEB.
Once results are out, check the portal immediately to see if you have been allotted a seat. If allotted, note your college, course, and the reporting deadline. If not allotted, you will not have another opportunity within UGMAC 2026. After the Stray Round closes, all remaining vacancies in Bihar's state quota are considered unfilled for that year.
Key Dates and Timeline to Remember
UGMAC 2026 counselling began on 10 August 2026 with registration. Round 1 allotment and reporting took place in late August, followed by Round 2 in September. Round 3 registration closed on 6 October 2026 at 11:59 pm. The Stray Round seat matrix is now live, but the exact dates for choice filling and allotment have not yet been announced.
Monitor the BCECEB portal daily for the official notice containing the Stray Round choice-filling start date, end date, and allotment result date. These dates are typically released with short notice, so do not delay in preparing your choice list. Once the choice-filling window opens, you will have a limited time (usually 2–3 days) to submit your preferences.
- Registration opened: 10 August 2026
- Round 1: Late August 2026
- Round 2: September 2026
- Round 3 registration closed: 6 October 2026
- Stray Round seat matrix: Now live
- Stray Round choice filling: Date to be announced
- Stray Round allotment: Date to be announced
Your Action Plan for the Stray Round
Begin immediately by downloading the seat matrix and reviewing it against your NEET UG rank and category. Create a shortlist of 3–5 colleges where you are competitive—colleges where your rank falls within the typical cutoff range for your category. Prioritize colleges based on location, infrastructure, and course preference (MBBS vs. BDS).
Gather all required documents and keep them in one place. Ensure your NEET scorecard, application form, and certificates are accessible. Set a phone reminder for the day the Stray Round choice-filling window opens, as the window is typically short. When the portal opens, log in promptly, provide fresh consent, fill your choices in order of preference, and submit before the deadline. Do not wait until the last moment, as portal congestion or technical issues may prevent submission.
- Download the seat matrix from bceceboard.bihar.gov.in today
- Review vacancies in your category and rank range
- Shortlist 3–5 colleges matching your profile
- Gather and organize all required documents
- Check the portal daily for the choice-filling announcement
- Log in and provide fresh consent as soon as the window opens
- Fill and lock your choices before the deadline
- Keep your confirmation receipt for reference
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the Stray Round in UGMAC 2026?
The Stray Round is the fourth and final counselling phase of UGMAC 2026. It fills MBBS and BDS seats that remain vacant after the first three regular rounds. Once the Stray Round closes, any unfilled seats in Bihar's state quota cannot be filled again that year.
How many MBBS and BDS seats are available in the Stray Round?
As of Round 3, there were 618 MBBS vacancies (501 in private colleges, 117 in government colleges) and 23 BDS vacancies. The exact Stray Round vacancies are lower and are listed in the official seat matrix now published on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
Who is eligible to participate in the Stray Round?
You are eligible if you registered for UGMAC 2026 and currently hold no allotted seat. You are ineligible if you chose 'Freeze' in an earlier round or if you have already been allotted an All India Quota seat. Fresh online consent is required to participate.
Where can I download the Stray Round seat matrix?
The seat matrix is available as a PDF on the BCECEB official website at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. Go to the UGMAC 2026 counselling section, find the Stray Vacancy Round link (file: UGMAC26_SM_R4), and download it.
What documents do I need to bring for reporting after allotment?
You must bring your NEET UG 2026 scorecard, UGMAC application form (printed), matric certificate, and caste/domicile certificates if applicable. Verify the complete list with your allotted college before reporting.
When will the Stray Round choice-filling window open?
The exact dates for choice filling and allotment have not yet been announced. Monitor the BCECEB portal daily for the official notice. The choice-filling window is typically short (2–3 days), so be ready to submit as soon as it opens.
What happens if I don't get allotted in the Stray Round?
If you are not allotted in the Stray Round, you will not have another opportunity within UGMAC 2026. All remaining vacancies in Bihar's state quota will be considered unfilled for that year. You would need to wait for the next admission cycle.
Can I participate in the Stray Round if I already have an All India Quota seat?
No. If you have been allotted an All India Quota seat through national counselling, you are ineligible for the Bihar Stray Round. You must choose between the AIQ seat and the state quota; you cannot hold both.
Download the seat matrix today, shortlist colleges matching your rank and category, and prepare your documents. Watch the BCECEB portal closely for the Stray Round choice-filling announcement—this is your final window to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Bihar.
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