The Maharashtra State CET Cell has released the final merit list for Round 3 of the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) for NEET UG MBBS and BDS seats. This is the last state-level counselling round, making it a critical opportunity for candidates who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds. Eligible candidates must now fill and lock their college preferences on the official portal within a tight three-day window. Missing this deadline will mean losing your chance to participate in this final round of seat allocation.
If you are on the Round 3 final merit list, you must fill and lock your college choices by October 9, 11:59 PM—this is your last chance in Maharashtra's state counselling process.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is Round 3 and Why It Matters for NEET Aspirants
Round 3 of Maharashtra's CAP is the final state-level counselling round for NEET UG candidates seeking MBBS or BDS seats. If you did not receive an allotment in Round 1 or Round 2, or if you chose to participate again, this round offers a fresh opportunity to secure admission. The State CET Cell conducts this round to fill any remaining vacant seats across government and private medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra.
This is not a continuation of earlier rounds. All preferences you submitted in Round 1 and Round 2 are now void. You must submit entirely new choices for Round 3, even if you participated before. This reset ensures that all eligible candidates get an equal chance to select colleges based on the current availability of seats.
Key Dates You Must Know for Round 3 Counselling
The State CET Cell has published a strict timeline for Round 3. Understanding these dates is essential to avoid missing any step and losing your seat allocation opportunity. Here is the complete schedule:
- Final Merit List Released: October 5, 2026
- Seat Matrix (list of available colleges and seats) Published: October 6, 2026
- Online Choice Filling Window: October 7 to 9, 2026
- Choice Filling Deadline: October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Seat Allotment Result Declaration: October 11, 2026
- Physical Reporting at Allotted College: October 11 to 14, 2026 (until 5:30 PM)
How to Fill Your Preferences: Step-by-Step Process
Choice filling is now live on the official portal at medical2026.mahacet.org. You must log in using your application number and password to access the preference form. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail, as locked choices cannot be changed after the deadline.
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Start by visiting the portal and logging in with your credentials. Navigate to the CAP Round 3 preference form section. You will see a list of colleges and courses available in Round 3. Select your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority—rank them from your first choice to your last. Review your entire list carefully before proceeding. Once you are satisfied, click the lock button to finalize your choices. Download and save the confirmation receipt for your records. This receipt is proof that your preferences were submitted and will be needed during college reporting.
- Visit medical2026.mahacet.org
- Log in with your application number and password
- Open the CAP Round 3 preference form
- Select colleges and courses in priority order
- Review your complete list
- Click the lock button to finalize
- Download the confirmation receipt
Understanding the Seat Matrix and Available Seats
The seat matrix, released on October 6, shows all colleges participating in Round 3 and the number of vacant MBBS and BDS seats available at each institution. This document is crucial for making informed choices. Before you fill preferences, download and study the seat matrix carefully. It tells you exactly which colleges have seats, how many seats are available, and whether they are for general category, reserved category, or other eligibility criteria.
Use the seat matrix to identify colleges where you have a realistic chance of getting a seat based on your merit position and category. Do not fill preferences for colleges where the number of candidates ranked above you far exceeds the available seats, as your chances will be minimal. Balance your list with a mix of colleges where you have a strong chance, moderate chance, and aspirational choices.
What Happens After You Lock Your Choices
Once you lock your preferences by the October 9 deadline, the State CET Cell will process all submitted choices using a computerized merit-based allocation algorithm. The system will attempt to allot each candidate to their highest-ranked college where a seat is available based on their merit position and category. Results will be declared on October 11, 2026.
If you receive an allotment, you must report in person at the allotted college between October 11 and October 14, 2026, by 5:30 PM. Bring your original documents (10th and 12th mark sheets, NEET admit card, merit list printout, category certificate if applicable, and any other documents specified by the college) and the admission fee. Failure to report within this window will result in cancellation of your allotted seat, and you will lose your chance in this round.
Important: Previous Round Preferences Are No Longer Valid
A critical point that many candidates overlook: if you participated in Round 1 or Round 2, your old preferences are completely void. The system does not carry forward any choices from earlier rounds. You must fill fresh preferences for Round 3, even if you want to apply to the same colleges. This is a mandatory reset, not an optional update.
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This reset is actually an advantage because it gives you a chance to reconsider your choices based on new information—such as which colleges still have vacant seats, how many candidates above you have already been allotted, and whether your strategy needs adjustment. Treat Round 3 as a fresh start and fill your preferences strategically.
What to Do If You Are Not on the Final Merit List
If your name does not appear on the final merit list released on October 5, it means you are not eligible for Round 3 allotment. This could happen if you did not register for Round 3, did not upload required documents, or did not meet the eligibility criteria. Check the provisional merit list (released on September 29) to see if you were listed then. If you were on the provisional list but not the final list, it may be because your documents failed verification or a grievance you filed was not resolved in your favor.
If you believe your exclusion is an error, contact the State CET Cell immediately. However, given the tight timeline, it is unlikely that corrections can be made before the choice-filling deadline. If you are not eligible for Round 3, you may still have options through stray vacancy rounds (if announced) or private college admissions outside the CAP process.
Practical Checklist Before You Fill Choices
To ensure you do not miss any step or make avoidable mistakes, follow this checklist before and during choice filling:
- Confirm your name is on the final merit list (October 5 release)
- Download and study the seat matrix (October 6 release)
- Note your merit position and category
- Research colleges: location, infrastructure, reputation, placement records
- Identify colleges with realistic chances based on merit position
- Prepare a priority list of at least 5–10 colleges
- Ensure you have your application number and password ready
- Log in to the portal and fill preferences carefully
- Review your entire preference list before locking
- Lock your choices well before the October 9, 11:59 PM deadline
- Download and save your confirmation receipt
- Prepare original documents and admission fee for college reporting
- Mark October 11–14 on your calendar for physical reporting
What Comes After Round 3: Stray Vacancy and Private Admissions
Round 3 is the final state CAP round, but it is not necessarily the end of your admission journey. If seats remain vacant after Round 3 allotment and reporting, the State CET Cell may announce a stray vacancy round. This round typically has a shorter timeline and allows candidates to fill preferences for remaining seats. Watch the official portal for any such announcement after October 14.
Additionally, private medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra conduct their own admissions outside the CAP process. If you do not secure a seat through CAP, you can apply directly to private colleges. However, private college fees are significantly higher than government colleges. Explore all options and make an informed decision based on your financial situation and career goals.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the deadline to fill choices for MAH NEET UG 2026 Round 3?
The choice-filling window is open from October 7 to October 9, 2026. You must lock your preferences by October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Any preferences not locked by this deadline will not be considered for allotment.
Can I use my Round 1 or Round 2 preferences for Round 3?
No. All preferences from Round 1 and Round 2 are void for Round 3. You must submit entirely new preferences. This is a mandatory reset, and you must fill fresh choices even if you want to apply to the same colleges.
How do I know if I am eligible for Round 3?
Check the final merit list released on October 5, 2026 on medical2026.mahacet.org. If your name appears on this list, you are eligible for Round 3. The final list is based on document verification and grievance redressal after the provisional list was released on September 29.
When will the Round 3 seat allotment result be declared?
The seat allotment result will be declared on October 11, 2026. You can check the result on the official portal using your application number and password.
What should I do after receiving an allotment in Round 3?
You must report in person at the allotted college between October 11 and October 14, 2026, by 5:30 PM. Bring your original documents (10th and 12th mark sheets, NEET admit card, merit list printout, category certificate if applicable) and the admission fee. Failure to report within this window will cancel your allotted seat.
Is Round 3 the last chance to get a seat through Maharashtra's state counselling?
Round 3 is the final state CAP round. However, if seats remain vacant after Round 3, the State CET Cell may announce a stray vacancy round. Additionally, private colleges conduct admissions outside the CAP process. Watch the official portal for any further announcements.
How many colleges should I list in my preferences?
There is no fixed limit, but it is advisable to list at least 5–10 colleges in order of priority. Include a mix of colleges where you have a strong chance, moderate chance, and aspirational choices. The more options you provide, the better your chances of getting an allotment.
What is the seat matrix and why is it important?
The seat matrix, released on October 6, shows all colleges participating in Round 3 and the number of vacant MBBS and BDS seats at each college. It is crucial for making informed choices. Study it carefully to identify colleges with realistic chances based on your merit position and category.
If you are on the final merit list, act immediately: download the seat matrix, plan your preferences, and fill them well before the October 9 deadline. Missing this window means losing your chance in Maharashtra's state counselling. After allotment on October 11, be ready to report at your allotted college by October 14 with all required documents.
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