The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra has released the Provisional Seat Matrix for the Stray Vacancy Round (Round 4.0) of NEET-PG 2026-27 counselling, dated 20 February 2026. This matrix shows 388 total seats available across 50+ government and private medical colleges in Maharashtra, broken down by specialty, category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT), and quota type (General, In-Service, Minority, Institutional, NRI). The seat positions are provisional and subject to change based on information from institutes, MUHS Nashik, NMC, court orders, or government directives. Candidates who have already been allotted seats in earlier rounds but wish to explore additional vacancies in this round must fill the online preference form carefully, considering the eventuality of seat availability.
388 stray vacancy seats are available across Maharashtra medical colleges in Round 4.0; check the college-wise, specialty-wise, and category-wise breakdown to identify seats matching your rank and category before submitting preferences.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The Stray Vacancy Round (Round 4.0) is a counselling round held after earlier allotment rounds to fill seats that remain vacant due to candidates not joining, withdrawals, or upgradation to other colleges. This round allows candidates to apply for any remaining seats across all colleges and specialties, regardless of their performance in earlier rounds.
In this round, candidates who were allotted seats in previous rounds can also participate if they wish to explore better options or different specialties. However, accepting a seat in the stray vacancy round will cancel any earlier allotment. The round is called 'stray' because seats are scattered across colleges and specialties, and availability is uncertain until the final allotment.
Total Seats Available in Round 4.0
The provisional seat matrix shows a total of 388 seats available across all colleges and specialties in the stray vacancy round. This includes seats in the General quota, reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT), In-Service quota, Minority quota, Institutional quota, and NRI quota.
The breakdown is as follows: General quota (89 seats), SC (24 seats), ST (15 seats), VJ (7 seats), N1/N2/N3 combined (16 seats), OBC (35 seats), In-Service quota (102 seats), EWS (8 seats), Minority (15 seats), Institutional Quota (1 seat), and NRI (80 seats). Note that these are provisional numbers and may change.
- Total seats: 388
- General quota: 89 seats
- Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/VJ/NT): 97 seats combined
- In-Service quota: 102 seats
- Minority quota: 15 seats
- Institutional quota: 1 seat
- NRI quota: 80 seats
Colleges Offering Seats in Round 4.0
The stray vacancy round includes seats from over 50 medical colleges across Maharashtra, including government medical colleges, private medical colleges, and deemed universities. Major colleges include Grant Government Medical College Mumbai (14 seats), G.S. Medical College Mumbai (10 seats), L.T. Medical College Mumbai (12 seats), T.N. Medical College Mumbai (8 seats), and HBT & Dr. R.N. Cooper Medical College Juhu (6 seats).
Private and minority colleges also have significant seat availability. For example, SMT. Kashibai Navale Medical College Pune has 23 seats, N.K.P. Salve Medical College Nagpur has 21 seats, and Vedanta Medical College Palghar has 42 seats. Candidates should review the complete college list in the official matrix to identify colleges of their choice.
- Government colleges: Grant GMC Mumbai, G.S. Medical College, L.T. Medical College, T.N. Medical College, and others
- Private colleges: SMT. Kashibai Navale Medical College, N.K.P. Salve Medical College, Vedanta Medical College, and others
- Deemed universities and minority colleges also included
- Colleges spread across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and other cities
Specialties Available in Round 4.0
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The stray vacancy round offers seats across a wide range of MD, MS, and PG Diploma specialties. Major specialties include Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG), Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Anaesthesia, ENT, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology.
Some colleges also offer seats in super-speciality-level PG Diploma courses such as Emergency Medicine & Critical Care (EMG & CRI-CA), Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Medicine, and Diabetology. Candidates should check the specialty codes in the matrix to identify which specialties are available at their preferred colleges.
- Major specialties: Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Pathology
- Basic sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
- Clinical specialties: Anaesthesia, ENT, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology
- PG Diploma courses: Emergency Medicine & Critical Care, Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Medicine, Diabetology
- Availability varies by college; check the matrix for your preferred specialty
Understanding the Seat Matrix: Categories and Quotas Explained
The seat matrix uses abbreviations for different categories and quotas. 'G' stands for General (unreserved) seats. Reserved categories are: SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), VJ (VJ(A) — a state-specific category), N1/N2/N3 (NT(B), NT(C), NT(D) — Nomadic Tribes), OBC (Other Backward Class), and EWS (Economically Weaker Section). Each category has its own set of seats, and only candidates belonging to that category can apply for those seats.
Quotas refer to how seats are allocated: General Quota seats are filled through the main merit list; In-Service Quota seats are reserved for doctors already working in government service; Minority Quota seats are for minority communities (as per government policy); Institutional Quota (IQ) seats are filled by the college itself; and NRI seats are for Non-Resident Indians. PWD (Person with Disability) seats are also shown separately. Candidates must check which category and quota they are eligible for before filling preferences.
- General (G): Unreserved seats for all candidates
- SC: Scheduled Caste reserved seats
- ST: Scheduled Tribe reserved seats
- VJ: VJ(A) category (state-specific)
- N1/N2/N3: Nomadic Tribe categories (NT(B), NT(C), NT(D))
- OBC: Other Backward Class reserved seats
- EWS: Economically Weaker Section seats
- In-Service Quota: For government doctors
- Minority Quota: For minority communities
- Institutional Quota (IQ): College-filled seats
- NRI: Non-Resident Indian seats
- PWD (P): Person with Disability seats
How to Read the Seat Matrix Table
Each college in the matrix is listed with its code and name. Below each college name, rows show different specialties with their codes. For each specialty, columns show the number of seats available in each category and quota. For example, if a row shows '1' under the 'SC' column for Medicine, it means 1 SC-reserved seat is available in Medicine at that college.
The matrix distinguishes between 'G' (General quota) and 'P' (PWD quota) rows for each specialty. The 'Tot' (Total) column on the right shows the total number of seats for that specialty across all categories and quotas. At the bottom of each college's section, a 'Total' row sums up all seats available at that college. The Grand Total at the end of the document shows the overall seat count across all colleges.
- College code and name at the top of each section
- Specialty code and name in the first column
- Separate rows for General (G) and PWD (P) quotas
- Columns for each category: SC, ST, VJ, N1, N2, N3, OBC, and others
- Sub-columns for General Quota and In-Service Quota
- Numbers in cells indicate seat count; blank cells mean no seats
- Tot column shows total seats for that specialty
- College total at the bottom of each college's section
- Grand Total at the end of the entire matrix
Important Notes on Seat Availability
The seat matrix is marked as 'Provisional,' which means the seat positions are subject to change. Changes can occur due to: (1) updated information from institutes or MUHS Nashik; (2) orders from the National Medical Commission (NMC); (3) orders from the Hon'ble Court; (4) directives from the State or Central Government; or (5) increased seats being made available by colleges. Candidates should not assume that the seats shown in this matrix are final.
The notice explicitly states that in subsequent rounds, some seats may become available due to increased intake by colleges. Candidates who desire to opt for these seats should exercise their preference in the online preference form system, considering the eventuality of availability. This means candidates should include seats in their preference list even if they are not currently shown, as they may become available later.
- Seat matrix is provisional and subject to change
- Changes may occur due to institute information, NMC orders, court orders, or government directives
- Additional seats may become available in subsequent rounds
- Candidates should include seats in preferences considering future availability
- Check for updates from CET Cell before finalizing preferences
- Do not rely solely on this matrix for final seat confirmation
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Key Colleges and Their Seat Offerings
Government medical colleges in Mumbai offer significant seat availability. Grant Government Medical College has 14 seats, G.S. Medical College has 10 seats, L.T. Medical College has 12 seats, and T.N. Medical College has 8 seats. Outside Mumbai, B.J. Government Medical College Pune has 8 seats, and Government Medical College Nagpur has 8 seats. These colleges typically offer seats across multiple specialties including Medicine, Surgery, OBG, and basic sciences.
Private colleges show higher seat availability in this round. Vedanta Medical College Palghar leads with 42 seats, followed by SMT. Kashibai Navale Medical College Pune with 23 seats, N.K.P. Salve Medical College Nagpur with 21 seats, and Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College Jalgaon with 14 seats. These colleges offer a diverse range of specialties and often have seats across multiple quotas including NRI and Institutional quotas.
- Grant GMC Mumbai: 14 seats (Anaesthesia, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacy, Chest & TB, and others)
- G.S. Medical College Mumbai: 10 seats (Anatomy, Pathology, Psychiatry, and others)
- L.T. Medical College Mumbai: 12 seats (Anaesthesia, Anatomy, Surgery, Ortho, Opthal, and others)
- T.N. Medical College Mumbai: 8 seats (Anaesthesia, Anatomy, Opthal, Pathology, and others)
- B.J. GMC Pune: 8 seats (Anaesthesia, Biochemistry, Micro, Opthal, and others)
- Vedanta Medical College Palghar: 42 seats (multiple specialties and quotas)
- SMT. Kashibai Navale Medical College Pune: 23 seats (multiple specialties and quotas)
- N.K.P. Salve Medical College Nagpur: 21 seats (multiple specialties and quotas)
Category-Wise Seat Distribution
The stray vacancy round offers seats across all reserved categories. General (unreserved) seats total 89, making them the largest category. SC-reserved seats number 24, ST-reserved seats number 15, and OBC-reserved seats number 35. EWS seats total 8, while VJ and NT categories (N1, N2, N3 combined) have 7 and 16 seats respectively. These reserved seats are distributed across colleges and specialties according to government reservation policy.
In-Service quota seats are the most abundant at 102 seats, reflecting the significant number of government doctors seeking postgraduate qualifications. NRI seats total 80, indicating strong international interest in Maharashtra medical colleges. Minority quota seats number 15, and Institutional quota seats are minimal at 1. PWD seats are shown separately in the matrix but are limited. Candidates should identify which category they belong to and check seat availability in that category across their preferred colleges and specialties.
- General (unreserved): 89 seats
- SC-reserved: 24 seats
- ST-reserved: 15 seats
- OBC-reserved: 35 seats
- EWS: 8 seats
- VJ category: 7 seats
- NT categories (N1/N2/N3): 16 seats combined
- In-Service quota: 102 seats
- NRI quota: 80 seats
- Minority quota: 15 seats
- Institutional quota: 1 seat
- PWD seats: Limited, shown separately
How to Use This Matrix to Fill Your Preferences
Step 1: Identify your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT, or PWD) and quota eligibility (General, In-Service, Minority, Institutional, or NRI). Step 2: Review the matrix and list all colleges and specialties where seats are available in your category. Step 3: Prioritize colleges and specialties based on your preference, considering factors like college reputation, location, specialty interest, and seat availability. Step 4: In the online preference form, enter your choices in order of preference, starting with your most preferred college-specialty combination.
Step 5: Remember that the matrix is provisional, so include seats that may become available in future rounds. Step 6: Submit your preferences before the deadline specified by CET Cell. Step 7: After allotment, check the allotment result carefully to confirm your assigned seat. Important: Do not leave the preference form blank or submit it without careful consideration, as this may result in no allotment or an undesired allotment. If you are unsure about any seat or college, contact CET Cell or refer to the official counselling guidelines.
- Identify your category and quota eligibility
- Review the matrix for seats in your category
- List all available college-specialty combinations
- Prioritize based on preference and seat availability
- Enter preferences in order of priority in the online form
- Include seats that may become available in future rounds
- Submit preferences before the deadline
- Verify allotment result after declaration
- Contact CET Cell if you have doubts
Important Warnings and Traps to Avoid
Trap 1: Assuming the matrix is final. The matrix is provisional and subject to change. Do not assume that a seat shown in the matrix will definitely be available for you. Trap 2: Ignoring the 'Provisional' label. The notice clearly states that seat positions are subject to change based on institute information, court orders, or government directives. Always check for updates from CET Cell before finalizing your preferences.
Trap 3: Not checking your category eligibility. Ensure you are applying for seats in your correct category. Applying for a seat in a category you do not belong to will result in rejection. Trap 4: Leaving preferences blank or submitting without careful thought. An incomplete or careless preference form may result in no allotment or an undesired allotment. Trap 5: Not considering future seat availability. The notice mentions that seats may become available in subsequent rounds. Include such seats in your preferences to maximize your chances. Trap 6: Misreading the matrix. Carefully distinguish between General quota and In-Service quota, and between different categories. A single mistake in reading the matrix can lead to wrong preferences.
- ⚠️ Matrix is provisional; seats may change
- ⚠️ Do not assume all shown seats will be available
- ⚠️ Verify your category eligibility before applying
- ⚠️ Do not apply for seats in wrong category
- ⚠️ Fill preferences carefully; incomplete forms may result in no allotment
- ⚠️ Include seats that may become available in future rounds
- ⚠️ Distinguish between General and In-Service quotas
- ⚠️ Check for updates from CET Cell before finalizing
- ⚠️ Do not rely solely on this matrix; refer to official guidelines
- ⚠️ Contact CET Cell if you have doubts about seat eligibility
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the Stray Vacancy Round in NEET-PG counselling?
The Stray Vacancy Round (Round 4.0) is a counselling round held after earlier allotment rounds to fill seats that remain vacant due to candidates not joining, withdrawals, or upgradation. It allows candidates to apply for any remaining seats across all colleges and specialties. Candidates who were allotted seats in previous rounds can also participate, but accepting a seat in this round will cancel their earlier allotment.
How many total seats are available in Round 4.0?
The provisional seat matrix shows 388 total seats available across all colleges and specialties in Round 4.0. This includes 89 General seats, 97 reserved category seats (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/VJ/NT), 102 In-Service quota seats, 15 Minority quota seats, 1 Institutional quota seat, and 80 NRI seats. However, these numbers are provisional and subject to change.
Is the seat matrix final, or can it change?
The seat matrix is provisional and subject to change. Changes can occur due to updated information from institutes, MUHS Nashik, NMC orders, court orders, or government directives. Additionally, some seats may become available in subsequent rounds due to increased intake by colleges. Candidates should check for updates from CET Cell before finalizing their preferences.
How do I identify seats available in my category?
First, identify your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, VJ, NT, or PWD). Then, review the seat matrix and look for your category column in each college's section. The numbers in those columns indicate the number of seats available in your category for each specialty. For example, if you are SC-reserved, look for the 'SC' column and note all colleges and specialties where seats are shown.
What is the difference between General Quota and In-Service Quota?
General Quota seats are filled through the main merit list and are open to all eligible candidates. In-Service Quota seats are reserved for doctors already working in government service (typically state government doctors). The matrix shows both quotas separately. Ensure you apply for seats in the quota you are eligible for; applying for In-Service quota seats without being a government doctor will result in rejection.
Can I apply for seats that are not currently shown in the matrix?
The notice states that in subsequent rounds, some seats may become available due to increased intake by colleges. Candidates are encouraged to include such seats in their preference form, considering the eventuality of availability. This means you can include seats in your preferences even if they are not currently shown, as they may become available later.
What should I do if I find an error in the matrix or have doubts about seat availability?
If you find an error or have doubts about seat availability, contact the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra directly. Do not assume or guess; always verify with the official authority. You can also refer to the official counselling guidelines and FAQs provided by CET Cell on their website.
How do I fill my preferences in the online form?
In the online preference form, enter your college-specialty combinations in order of preference, starting with your most preferred option. Ensure you select seats in your correct category and quota. Review your preferences carefully before submitting. Do not leave the form blank or submit without careful consideration, as this may result in no allotment or an undesired allotment.
What happens if I accept a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round?
If you accept a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round, your earlier allotment (if any) will be cancelled. You will be required to join the newly allotted college and specialty. Ensure you are satisfied with the seat before accepting it, as cancellation after acceptance may not be allowed or may result in penalties.
Are PWD (Person with Disability) seats shown separately in the matrix?
Yes, PWD seats are shown separately in the matrix. Each specialty has two rows: one for General (G) and one for PWD (P). If you are a person with disability and eligible for PWD seats, check the 'P' row for your preferred specialties. PWD seats are limited, so check the matrix carefully for availability.
Which colleges have the most seats available in Round 4.0?
Vedanta Medical College Palghar leads with 42 seats, followed by SMT. Kashibai Navale Medical College Pune with 23 seats, N.K.P. Salve Medical College Nagpur with 21 seats, and Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College Jalgaon with 14 seats. Government colleges like Grant GMC Mumbai (14 seats), L.T. Medical College Mumbai (12 seats), and G.S. Medical College Mumbai (10 seats) also have significant availability.
What specialties are available in Round 4.0?
The stray vacancy round offers seats across a wide range of specialties including Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Anaesthesia, ENT, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology. Some colleges also offer PG Diploma courses like Emergency Medicine & Critical Care, Geriatric Medicine, and Palliative Medicine. Availability varies by college; check the matrix for your preferred specialty.
The Provisional Seat Matrix for Round 4.0 (Stray Vacancy Round) is now available on the CET Cell website. Candidates must carefully review the matrix, identify seats available in their category and preferred specialties, and fill the online preference form before the deadline. Remember that the matrix is provisional and subject to change; always check for updates from CET Cell. If you have any doubts about seat eligibility, category, or the preference-filling process, contact the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra immediately. Do not delay—submit your preferences on time to maximize your chances of allotment.
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