Chhattisgarh NEET UG Round 3: 424 Seats Open, Last Date Oct 7

The Directorate of Medical Education in Chhattisgarh has opened Round 3 of NEET UG counselling with 424 vacant seats across government and private medical and dental colleges. This is a critical window for candidates who either missed earlier rounds or wish to upgrade their college choice. Registration and choice-locking close on October 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM, making this the last structured allotment opportunity before the stray vacancy round. If you are a NEET UG aspirant in Chhattisgarh or eligible for the state quota, understanding the seat availability and registration process now is essential.

What is Round 3 and why does it matter for NEET UG aspirants?

Round 3 is the third and final structured counselling round in Chhattisgarh's NEET UG admission process. After this round closes, the state typically moves to a stray vacancy round, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis with fewer seats and less predictability. For candidates who did not secure a seat in Rounds 1 or 2, or who wish to change their college or course choice, Round 3 represents the last formal opportunity to claim a state-quota MBBS or BDS seat.

The significance of Round 3 lies in its finality within the structured system. Once this window closes, candidates who remain unallotted will compete in an open, unranked stray vacancy process. This makes Round 3 the last chance to benefit from merit-based allotment and the security of a confirmed seat in a recognized medical or dental college in Chhattisgarh.

How many MBBS and BDS seats are available in Round 3?

The Chhattisgarh Round 3 seat matrix lists a total of 424 vacant seats. Of these, 200 are MBBS seats and 224 are BDS seats. This split reflects the current demand and capacity across the state's medical and dental institutions. The availability of more BDS seats than MBBS seats is typical, as dental colleges often have higher intake capacity relative to medical colleges.

These 424 seats represent genuine vacancies—seats that remain unfilled after Rounds 1 and 2. They are distributed across both government and private institutions. Candidates should note that not all seats may be filled even in Round 3 if the number of eligible applicants falls short, which can lead to further vacancies in the stray round.

Which colleges have the most MBBS vacancies in Round 3?

Private medical colleges account for the majority of open MBBS seats in Round 3. Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences leads with 50 vacant MBBS seats, followed by Abhishek I Mishra Memorial Medical College with 39 seats. Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Science and Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences each have 31 vacancies.

The concentration of vacancies in private institutions reflects their larger intake capacity compared to government medical colleges. Candidates should research these colleges' fee structures, infrastructure, and placement records before locking their choices. Private college fees in Chhattisgarh typically range from ₹10–20 lakh per annum, so financial planning is crucial before applying.

• Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences: 50 MBBS seats
• Abhishek I Mishra Memorial Medical College: 39 MBBS seats
• Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Science: 31 MBBS seats
• Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences: 31 MBBS seats

Who can register for Round 3 and what is the deadline?

Fresh candidates who did not participate in Rounds 1 or 2 can register in Round 3. Additionally, candidates who participated in earlier rounds but remain unallotted, or who wish to change their preferences, can also register. The registration and choice-filling window opened on October 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM and closes on October 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM. This is a strict deadline—applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.

Candidates must complete all steps within this window: registration, payment of counselling fee, preference entry, and final choice locking. There is no extension or grace period for this deadline. Missing it means losing access to Round 3 and being pushed to the stray vacancy round, where seats are limited and allotment is unpredictable.

Step-by-step guide to register for Chhattisgarh Round 3 counselling

Registration for Round 3 is conducted entirely online through the official Chhattisgarh counselling portal. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.

First, visit the official counselling portal at cgdme.admissions.nic.in. On the home page, locate and click the Round 3 registration link. You will be prompted to enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number and other required personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information. Ensure all details match your NEET admit card exactly.

After entering your details, you will proceed to the payment gateway. Pay the counselling fee using available online payment modes (credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI). Keep a receipt of this payment for your records. Once payment is confirmed, you will gain access to the preference-filling section.

In the preference section, you will see a list of all available colleges and courses (MBBS or BDS) in Round 3. Carefully review each option, considering factors such as college reputation, location, fee structure, and placement record. Rank your preferences in order of priority. You can typically list multiple preferences, and the allotment algorithm will match you to the highest-ranked college for which you are eligible based on your NEET rank.

After finalizing your preference list, you must lock your choices before the deadline. Once locked, your preferences cannot be changed. Double-check your list before locking to avoid errors. After locking, you will receive a confirmation message and a reference number. Save this for future correspondence.

• Visit cgdme.admissions.nic.in
• Click Round 3 registration link
• Enter NEET roll number and personal details
• Pay counselling fee online
• Fill in college and course preferences in order of priority
• Lock your final choice list before October 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Save confirmation and reference number

What happens after the choice-locking deadline?

After October 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM, the choice-locking window closes and no further registrations or preference changes are accepted. The Chhattisgarh counselling authority will then process all submitted preferences using a computerized merit-based allotment algorithm. This algorithm matches each candidate's NEET rank and preferences to available seats, prioritizing higher-ranked candidates and their stated preferences.

The Round 3 seat allotment result will be announced on the official portal (cgdme.admissions.nic.in) on a date to be notified separately. Candidates must check the portal regularly for this announcement. Once results are declared, allotted candidates will be given a reporting date and time to visit their assigned college for document verification and seat confirmation. Failure to report on time may result in forfeiture of the seat.

Candidates who remain unallotted after Round 3 will be eligible for the stray vacancy round. In this round, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the process is less structured. Candidates must actively monitor the portal and apply for vacancies as they are announced.

Key considerations before locking your Round 3 preferences

Before finalizing your preference list, research each college thoroughly. Check accreditation status, faculty qualifications, infrastructure quality, and recent placement data. Visit college websites and read reviews from current and former students. For private colleges, verify fee structures and payment schedules to ensure affordability.

Consider your NEET rank carefully. While you can list any college in your preferences, allotment is merit-based. If your rank is significantly lower than the typical cutoff for a particular college, your chances of allotment there are minimal. Prioritize colleges where your rank falls within or near the expected cutoff range.

Balance ambition with realism. It is tempting to list only top-tier colleges, but this strategy often backfires. Include a mix of aspirational choices (colleges slightly above your expected rank) and realistic choices (colleges where your rank is competitive). This increases your chances of allotment to a good college.

Location and lifestyle factors matter too. Consider whether you prefer to study in your home district or are willing to relocate. Factor in living costs, distance from home, and campus facilities. A college that is geographically convenient and financially manageable may be a better choice than a distant, expensive alternative.

What if you miss the Round 3 deadline?

Missing the Round 3 deadline is a serious setback. You will not be able to participate in the structured Round 3 allotment and will have to wait for the stray vacancy round. In the stray round, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is unpredictable. You may end up with a seat in a college far from your preference or in a location that is inconvenient.

To avoid this, mark the deadline clearly on your calendar and set reminders. Complete your registration and preference-filling at least 24 hours before the deadline to account for any technical issues or internet problems. Do not wait until the last moment, as server congestion near the deadline can cause delays or failures in submission.

Understanding the stray vacancy round and why Round 3 is your last structured chance

After Round 3, Chhattisgarh typically conducts a stray vacancy round. In this round, any seats that remain unfilled are advertised, and candidates can apply directly to colleges. However, the stray round operates on a first-come, first-served basis, not on merit. This means that even if your NEET rank is excellent, you may lose a seat to someone who applied first, regardless of their rank.

The stray round also has fewer seats available, as most vacancies are filled in Rounds 1, 2, and 3. Colleges may also impose additional conditions or requirements in the stray round. For these reasons, Round 3 is your last opportunity to secure a seat through a fair, merit-based process. Missing it significantly reduces your chances of getting a good college.

Frequently asked questions

If you are a NEET UG aspirant eligible for Chhattisgarh counselling, do not delay—register and lock your preferences by October 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM. This is your last structured opportunity to secure a state-quota MBBS or BDS seat. After this deadline, the stray vacancy round offers far fewer seats and no merit-based guarantee. Check cgdme.admissions.nic.in regularly for the allotment result announcement and reporting schedule.