The Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB) has made public the seat availability data for the stray round of NEET UG counselling for the 2026–27 academic year. This is the final counselling phase in Jharkhand, designed to fill any remaining MBBS, BDS, and BHMS positions across government and private medical institutions in the state. If you registered for Jharkhand counselling but did not secure a seat in earlier rounds, this is your last opportunity to apply. The seat matrix has been released as three separate documents on the official JCECEB portal, each showing category-wise vacancies by college.
The stray round is your final chance to claim a medical seat in Jharkhand if you are a registered NEET UG candidate—act quickly once the choice-filling window opens.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is the Stray Round and Why Does It Matter?
The stray round is the concluding phase of the Jharkhand NEET UG counselling cycle. It follows Round 1, Round 2, and the Mop-Up Round. Its sole purpose is to allocate any seats that remain vacant after all prior counselling phases have concluded.
For a NEET aspirant, the stray round represents a final lifeline. If you qualified NEET UG, registered for Jharkhand counselling, but were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds—whether due to high cutoffs, limited availability in your category, or personal choice—the stray round gives you one more shot. However, eligibility is strict: you must already be registered with JCECEB and on the state merit list. No fresh registrations are permitted at this stage.
Who Can Apply for the Jharkhand Stray Round?
Not every NEET UG candidate can participate in the stray round. JCECEB has set clear eligibility criteria to ensure fairness and prevent duplicate admissions across states.
You are eligible if you meet all of the following conditions: you appeared in and qualified NEET UG 2026; you registered for Jharkhand NEET UG counselling in an earlier phase; your name appears on the official Jharkhand merit list; you are a domicile of Jharkhand according to state residency rules; and you have not already taken admission at a medical college in another state. If you have already been admitted elsewhere, you cannot participate in the stray round.
- Must have qualified NEET UG 2026
- Must have registered for Jharkhand counselling earlier
- Must be on the Jharkhand state merit list
- Must be a Jharkhand domicile
- Must not have taken admission in another state medical college
How to Access and Download the Seat Matrix
JCECEB has uploaded the stray round seat matrix as three separate PDF files on its official website. Each PDF contains category-wise vacancy data for all participating colleges. Downloading and studying these documents before the choice-filling window opens is essential—it helps you identify which colleges have seats available in your category and course.
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To download the seat matrix, visit jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in, navigate to the NEET UG 2026 Counselling section, locate the Stray Round notification on the homepage, and open each of the three PDFs. Save all three files to your device for easy reference during the choice-filling process. The matrix was released on October 19, 2026.
- Visit jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in
- Go to NEET UG 2026 Counselling section
- Find the Stray Round seat matrix notification
- Open and download all three category-wise PDFs
- Save files for reference during choice filling
Understanding the Seat Matrix: What Information It Contains
The seat matrix is organized by category (General, OBC, SC, ST, and other applicable categories) and lists every participating college—both government and private—along with the number of vacant MBBS, BDS, and BHMS seats in each. This breakdown allows you to see exactly where seats are available in your category and course of interest.
When you review the matrix, note which colleges have the most vacancies in your category. This helps you prioritize your choices during the choice-filling window. Remember that seats listed in the matrix are those that remain after the Mop-Up Round; they represent the final pool of positions available in the state for this academic year.
What Happens After You Fill Your Choices?
Once JCECEB opens the choice-filling window for the stray round, you will log into the counselling portal using your credentials and select your preferred colleges and courses in order of preference. It is critical to lock your choices before the deadline—late submissions are not accepted.
After the choice-filling window closes, JCECEB will process all submissions and release the final stray round seat allotment result. If your name appears in the allotment list, you will be assigned a seat at one of your chosen colleges. You must then report to that college within the specified deadline with all original documents to confirm your admission. Failure to report on time may result in forfeiture of your seat.
Documents You Must Bring When Reporting to Your Allotted College
Once you receive your stray round allotment, you cannot simply walk into the college. You must report in person with a complete set of original documents. The college will verify each document before confirming your admission and issuing your admission letter.
Ensure you have all of the following ready before the reporting date: your NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard; original Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates; Jharkhand domicile certificate and category certificate (if applicable); your JCECEB counselling allotment letter printed from the portal; recent passport-size photographs (typically 4–6); and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport). Missing any document may delay or prevent your admission.
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- NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Jharkhand domicile certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- JCECEB counselling allotment letter
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Valid photo ID proof
Key Dates and Timeline for the Stray Round
The seat matrix was released on October 19, 2026. JCECEB will soon announce the exact dates for the choice-filling window and the final allotment result. These dates are typically announced on the official portal, so check jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in regularly.
Mark your calendar and set reminders for the choice-filling window opening and closing dates. Missing the window means you cannot participate in the stray round. Similarly, note the reporting deadline once allotments are announced—reporting late or not at all will result in loss of your seat.
- Seat matrix released: October 19, 2026
- Choice-filling window: dates to be announced
- Final allotment result: dates to be announced
- Reporting deadline: dates to be announced
Action Plan: Step-by-Step What You Should Do Now
Do not wait passively for the choice-filling window to open. Start preparing now to maximize your chances of securing a seat in the stray round.
First, download all three seat matrix PDFs from the JCECEB portal today. Study them carefully and identify colleges with vacancies in your category and preferred course. Second, gather all your original documents and organize them in a folder—do not wait until the last minute. Third, ensure you have the admission fee amount ready; different colleges may have different fee structures. Fourth, keep your JCECEB login credentials safe and test your portal access to avoid login issues during the choice-filling window. Finally, set phone reminders for the choice-filling window opening and closing dates, and plan to submit your choices well before the deadline to avoid technical glitches.
- Download the three seat matrix PDFs from jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in now
- Study category-wise vacancies and shortlist colleges
- Gather and organize all original documents
- Prepare admission fee amount
- Test your JCECEB portal login
- Set reminders for choice-filling window dates
- Submit choices before the deadline
Why the Stray Round Matters for Your Medical Career
For many NEET UG aspirants, the stray round is the difference between securing a medical seat and having to wait another year or pursue an alternative path. While it is the final round, it is not a consolation prize—seats allotted in the stray round carry the same value and recognition as those allotted in earlier rounds. You will pursue the same MBBS, BDS, or BHMS curriculum and earn the same degree.
The stray round also offers a unique advantage: you have already seen the outcomes of earlier rounds and know which colleges have vacancies. This allows you to make a more informed choice. If you did not get your first-choice college in earlier rounds, the stray round may offer a second chance at a college you prefer. Treat this round with the same seriousness you would have given to Round 1.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the stray round in Jharkhand NEET UG counselling?
The stray round is the final phase of Jharkhand NEET UG counselling, held after Round 1, Round 2, and the Mop-Up Round. It is designed to fill any remaining MBBS, BDS, and BHMS seats across government and private medical colleges in the state. Only candidates already registered with JCECEB can participate; no fresh registrations are allowed.
Am I eligible for the Jharkhand stray round if I registered but did not get a seat in earlier rounds?
Yes, if you meet all eligibility criteria: you qualified NEET UG 2026, registered for Jharkhand counselling earlier, are on the state merit list, are a Jharkhand domicile, and have not taken admission in another state medical college. If all conditions are met, you can participate in the stray round.
Where can I download the stray round seat matrix?
The seat matrix is available on the official JCECEB website at jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in. It has been released as three separate PDFs, each showing category-wise vacancies for participating colleges. You can download all three files from the NEET UG 2026 Counselling section on the homepage.
What courses are included in the stray round seat matrix?
The stray round seat matrix covers three courses: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), and BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery). Vacancies are listed for all three courses across government and private institutions.
When will the choice-filling window for the stray round open?
JCECEB has not yet announced the exact dates for the choice-filling window. The seat matrix was released on October 19, 2026. Check the official JCECEB portal regularly for announcements regarding the choice-filling window opening and closing dates.
What documents do I need to bring when reporting to my allotted college?
You must bring: NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates, Jharkhand domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable), JCECEB counselling allotment letter, recent passport-size photographs, and a valid photo ID. The college will verify all documents before confirming your admission.
Can I participate in the stray round if I have already taken admission in another state?
No. One of the eligibility criteria for the stray round is that you must not have taken admission in another state medical college. If you have already been admitted elsewhere, you cannot participate in Jharkhand's stray round.
Is the stray round my last chance to get a medical seat in Jharkhand?
Yes, the stray round is the final counselling phase for NEET UG admissions in Jharkhand for the 2026–27 academic year. If you do not secure a seat in the stray round, you will not be able to take admission in a Jharkhand medical college for this year. You would need to appear for NEET UG again next year or explore options in other states.
Download the seat matrix PDFs today, study them carefully, and prepare all your documents now. Watch the JCECEB portal closely for the choice-filling window announcement—this is your final opportunity to secure a medical seat in Jharkhand for 2026–27.
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