The Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) in Puducherry has launched the Special Stray Round for NEET UG 2026 admissions, marking the final opportunity for candidates to secure MBBS or BDS seats in the union territory. This round fills vacant positions in both Government and Management Quota categories across Puducherry's medical and dental colleges. Fresh applications for Management Quota seats are also being accepted, widening the pool of eligible candidates. If you did not receive a seat in earlier counselling rounds or are applying for Management Quota for the first time, this is your last chance to participate in CENTAC's 2026 admission cycle.
CENTAC's Special Stray Round is the final counselling window for NEET UG 2026 MBBS and BDS admission in Puducherry; registration is now open at centacpuducherry.in with category-based fees ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000.
Your matched MBBS & BDS colleges
LockedEnter your NEET rank to unlock the real colleges you can get — All India Quota and every state — with official closing ranks and fees.
Unlock My College ListWhat is the CENTAC Special Stray Round and who should apply?
The Special Stray Round is CENTAC's final counselling phase, designed to fill any MBBS and BDS seats that remain unoccupied after the main counselling rounds (Round 1, 2, and 3). This round is open to all NEET UG 2026 qualifiers who meet CENTAC's eligibility criteria. It serves as a safety net for candidates who either did not secure a seat in earlier rounds or are applying for the first time to Management Quota positions.
Eligibility is broad: candidates who were unsuccessful in previous rounds, fresh applicants seeking Management Quota seats, reserved category candidates (EBC, SC, ST, GSS), and Puducherry residents applying for Government Quota seats can all participate. The round covers both MBBS and BDS programmes across government and private (management) institutions in Puducherry.
Registration fees for CENTAC 2026 Special Stray Round by category
CENTAC charges a registration fee that varies based on your category. The fee is not a separate cost—it is adjusted against your tuition fees once you join an allotted seat. This means you will not lose the money; it becomes part of your college fees. Payment must be completed online to be considered for seat allotment.
Candidates who participated in earlier CENTAC rounds and already paid a fee must pay only the balance amount due. All payments are processed through secure online modes: net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. Failure to pay the applicable fee will result in exclusion from the allotment process.
| Applicant Category | Registration Fee (MBBS & BDS) |
|---|---|
| General and Open | ₹1,00,000 |
| Reserved (EBC, SC, ST, GSS) | ₹25,000 |
Step-by-step guide to register for CENTAC Special Stray Round
Registration is entirely online and must be completed on the official CENTAC Puducherry portal. Begin by visiting centacpuducherry.in and locating the Special Stray Round registration link on the homepage. If you have already registered with CENTAC in 2026, log in using your existing credentials; otherwise, complete a fresh registration.
Know the exact MBBS/BDS colleges your rank can get
Official 2023–2025 closing ranks and fees, matched to your rank.
Once logged in, fill out the registration form with your academic details and NEET UG 2026 scores. Upload scanned copies of all required documents (see list below) in the formats and sizes specified by the portal. After uploading documents, proceed to pay your registration fee through your preferred online payment method. Finally, submit the form and save your confirmation page—you will need this for future reference and reporting.
- Visit centacpuducherry.in
- Click the Special Stray Round registration link
- Log in with existing credentials or register afresh
- Fill in academic and NEET UG 2026 details
- Upload all required scanned documents
- Pay the applicable registration fee online
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page
Documents you must prepare and upload
CENTAC requires several documents to process your application. Prepare scanned copies of each well in advance to avoid last-minute delays. All documents must be uploaded in the file formats and sizes specified on the portal. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted uploads may lead to rejection.
Ensure you have clear, legible scans of your NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard, Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificates, transfer certificate from your last school or college, and a recent passport-size photograph and signature. If you are a Puducherry resident applying for Government Quota, include your nativity certificate. If you belong to a reserved category, upload your community certificate. Finally, keep a copy of your Aadhaar card or any government-issued ID proof ready for upload.
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard
- Class 10 marksheet and passing certificate
- Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate
- Transfer certificate from last institution
- Nativity certificate (Puducherry residents only)
- Community certificate (reserved category candidates)
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature
- Aadhaar card or government-issued ID proof
How registration fees are adjusted and payment options
The registration fee you pay is not lost; it is credited against your tuition fees at the college where you are allotted a seat. This is an important distinction—you are not paying an extra charge but rather making an advance payment toward your course fees. If you have already paid a fee in an earlier CENTAC round, you will only need to pay the difference between that amount and the fee applicable to your category in the Special Stray Round.
CENTAC accepts payments through multiple secure online channels: net banking, debit card, credit card, and UPI. Choose the method most convenient for you. Payment confirmation is instant, and you will receive a receipt that you must save. Only candidates whose fees are fully paid will be considered for seat allotment in the Special Stray Round.
Timeline and important dates for the Special Stray Round
Every kind of MBBS/BDS seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET rank can reach.
CENTAC issued the notice for the Special Stray Round on November 3, 2026. Registration is now live on the official portal. However, the exact deadline for registration submission is not specified in the official announcement, so you must check centacpuducherry.in immediately to confirm the closing date. Delaying registration increases the risk of missing the deadline.
After registration closes, CENTAC will process applications and release the seat allotment result. Once allotment results are announced, candidates must report to their allotted college within the specified reporting window. Missing the reporting deadline will result in forfeiture of your seat. Keep checking the CENTAC portal for updates on allotment dates and reporting schedules.
Support and helpdesk contact information
CENTAC has set up a dedicated helpdesk to assist candidates with registration queries and technical issues. You can reach the helpdesk at two phone numbers: 0413 2655570 and 0413 2655571. The helpline operates from 10 AM to 5 PM on working days only, so plan your calls accordingly.
If you encounter any problems during registration—such as document upload errors, payment issues, or form submission difficulties—contact the helpdesk promptly. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official CENTAC Puducherry portal at centacpuducherry.in. The portal contains the complete official notice, exact deadlines, and any amendments to the process.
Why the Special Stray Round matters for your MBBS or BDS admission
The Special Stray Round is your final opportunity in the 2026 NEET UG counselling cycle. If you did not secure a seat in Rounds 1, 2, or 3, this is your last chance to be allotted an MBBS or BDS seat in Puducherry. Missing this round means you will not be admitted to a Puducherry medical or dental college through CENTAC in 2026.
Additionally, the opening of fresh Management Quota applications in this round creates new opportunities for candidates who may not have applied earlier or who wish to change their college choice. This round also ensures that no seats remain vacant—every available position is filled, maximizing the number of students admitted to Puducherry's medical institutions.
What to do after you register: next steps
After submitting your registration and paying the fee, save your confirmation page and payment receipt in a safe location—digital and printed copies are both recommended. Do not discard these documents; you will need them for verification and reporting. Monitor your registered email and phone number for any updates or notifications from CENTAC.
Once the allotment result is released, check the CENTAC portal immediately to see if you have been allotted a seat. If allotted, note the college name, course (MBBS or BDS), and the reporting deadline. Arrange your travel and documentation for reporting to the college on time. If not allotted in the Special Stray Round, explore other state counselling processes or consider management quota seats in other states, as this is the final CENTAC round for 2026.
See the exact MBBS colleges your NEET rank can get
Free 2-minute preview — official closing ranks and fees for every seat your rank can reach, All India and your state.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the CENTAC Special Stray Round and when is it held?
The Special Stray Round is the final counselling phase conducted by CENTAC Puducherry to fill any MBBS and BDS seats that remain vacant after the main counselling rounds (Round 1, 2, and 3). It is held after all earlier rounds are completed and is the last opportunity for candidates to secure admission in Puducherry medical and dental colleges for the 2026 academic year.
Who is eligible to apply for the CENTAC Special Stray Round 2026?
All NEET UG 2026 qualifiers who meet CENTAC's eligibility criteria can apply. This includes candidates who did not receive a seat in earlier rounds, fresh applicants for Management Quota seats, reserved category candidates (EBC, SC, ST, GSS), and Puducherry residents seeking Government Quota admission. You must have a valid NEET UG 2026 scorecard to participate.
How much is the registration fee and will I lose this money?
The registration fee is ₹1,00,000 for General/Open category and ₹25,000 for reserved categories (EBC, SC, ST, GSS). You will not lose this money—it is adjusted against your tuition fees once you join an allotted seat. If you paid a fee in an earlier CENTAC round, you only pay the balance amount due in the Special Stray Round.
What documents do I need to upload for CENTAC registration?
You must upload scanned copies of: NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and passing certificates, transfer certificate from your last institution, nativity certificate (if Puducherry resident), community certificate (if reserved category), recent passport-size photograph and signature, and Aadhaar card or government-issued ID. All documents must be in the file format and size specified by the portal.
How do I register for the CENTAC Special Stray Round?
Visit centacpuducherry.in, click the Special Stray Round registration link, log in with existing credentials or register afresh, fill in your academic and NEET UG 2026 details, upload all required documents, pay the registration fee online (via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI), and submit the form. Save your confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference.
What is the registration deadline for the Special Stray Round?
The notice was issued on November 3, 2026, and registration is now open. However, the exact closing date is not specified in the announcement. You must check centacpuducherry.in immediately to confirm the deadline. Do not delay, as missing the deadline will result in your application being rejected.
What happens after I register and pay the fee?
After registration and payment, CENTAC will process your application and release the seat allotment result. If you are allotted a seat, you will receive notification with details of your college, course, and reporting deadline. You must report to the allotted college within the specified window; missing the deadline will result in forfeiture of your seat.
Can I contact CENTAC if I face problems during registration?
Yes, CENTAC has a dedicated helpdesk available at 0413 2655570 and 0413 2655571. The helpline operates from 10 AM to 5 PM on working days. For the most accurate information, always refer to the official CENTAC Puducherry portal at centacpuducherry.in.
Register immediately on centacpuducherry.in—this is your final chance to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Puducherry for 2026. Gather all required documents, confirm the registration deadline, and complete your application before the portal closes. Monitor the CENTAC portal closely for allotment results and reporting instructions.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.