Maharashtra's Centralised Admission Process (CAP) Round 3 for NEET UG 2026 has entered its critical choice-filling phase. The State CET Cell released the final merit list on October 5, and the seat matrix on October 6, confirming which colleges and courses have vacant seats available. If you qualified for Round 3, you now have a narrow window—until October 9 at 11:59 PM—to select and lock your college preferences. This is your last chance in the state counselling process, as earlier Round 1 and Round 2 choices are no longer valid. Missing this deadline means forfeiting your seat allotment opportunity.
Fill and lock your fresh Round 3 preferences by October 9, 11:59 PM on medical2026.mahacet.org, or you will not be considered for seat allotment on October 11.
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 Happened: Round 3 Merit List and Seat Matrix Released
On October 5, 2026, the Maharashtra State CET Cell published the final merit list for CAP Round 3 on the official portal medical2026.mahacet.org. This list was compiled after document verification and resolution of any grievances filed by candidates following the provisional merit list released on September 29. Only candidates whose names appear on this final list are eligible to participate in Round 3 counselling.
The following day, on October 6, the CET Cell released the seat matrix—a detailed breakdown of all vacant MBBS and BDS seats across participating colleges in Maharashtra. This matrix is essential because it shows you exactly which colleges have openings, how many seats are available in each course, and which categories (general, OBC, SC, ST) have vacancies. Without this information, candidates cannot make informed choices.
Choice Filling Window: October 7–9, 2026
The choice-filling portal opened on October 7, 2026, and will remain open until October 9 at 11:59 PM. During this 72-hour window, every candidate on the final merit list must log in to medical2026.mahacet.org, select their preferred colleges and courses in order of priority, and lock their choices. This is a mandatory step; candidates who do not fill choices will not be considered for allotment.
A critical point: preferences from Round 1 and Round 2 are completely void. Even if you filled choices in earlier rounds, you must submit entirely fresh preferences for Round 3. The system does not carry forward or modify your earlier selections. This reset ensures that all candidates get an equal opportunity to express their current preferences based on the remaining vacant seats.
How to Fill Your Preferences: Step-by-Step Process
Know the exact MBBS/BDS colleges your rank can get
Official 2023–2025 closing ranks and fees, matched to your rank.
Filling choices is straightforward but requires care. First, visit medical2026.mahacet.org and log in using your application number and password. Navigate to the CAP Round 3 preference form section. You will see a list of colleges and courses available based on the seat matrix. Select the colleges and courses you wish to apply for, arranging them in your order of preference—your first choice should be your most preferred college, your second choice your next preference, and so on.
After selecting all your preferences, review the list carefully to ensure there are no errors. Once satisfied, click the lock button to finalize your choices. The system will generate a confirmation receipt; download and save this for your records. After 11:59 PM on October 9, the portal will close, and no further changes will be allowed. Candidates who fail to lock their choices by this deadline will not receive a seat allotment.
- Visit medical2026.mahacet.org and log in with your application number and password
- Open the CAP Round 3 preference form
- Select colleges and courses in order of priority
- Review your selections for accuracy
- Click the lock button to finalize
- Download and save your confirmation receipt
Why Earlier Rounds' Choices Don't Carry Forward
You may wonder why the system requires fresh choices instead of simply updating your earlier preferences. The reason is that the pool of available seats changes after each round. In Round 1, certain colleges had vacancies; after allotment and candidate reporting, some of those seats were filled, while new vacancies may have opened elsewhere. By Round 3, the landscape of available seats is significantly different from Round 1 or Round 2.
Requiring fresh choices ensures that your preferences reflect the current reality of available seats and your current priorities. It also prevents candidates from being locked into outdated choices that may no longer align with what is actually available. This approach is fairer and more transparent, though it does place the responsibility on you to actively participate in each round.
What Happens After Choice Filling: Allotment and Reporting
On October 11, 2026, the CET Cell will declare the seat allotment result. You will be able to log in to the portal and view which college and course you have been allotted based on your merit rank, your preferences, and seat availability. If you are allotted a seat, you must report in person at the allotted college between October 11 and October 14, 2026, by 5:30 PM.
Reporting is not optional. You must bring your original documents (mark sheets, admit card, merit list printout, and any other documents specified by the college) and the required admission fee. Failure to report within this window will result in cancellation of your allotted seat, and you will lose your opportunity in Round 3. After October 14, the CET Cell may announce a stray vacancy round if seats remain unfilled, but there is no guarantee.
Every kind of MBBS/BDS seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET rank can reach.
Round 3 Is Your Final Chance in State Counselling
It is crucial to understand that CAP Round 3 is the last state-level counselling round for MBBS and BDS seats in Maharashtra. If you did not secure a seat in Round 1 or Round 2, or if you chose to wait for Round 3, this is your final opportunity through the state counselling process. After Round 3, any remaining seats may be filled through a stray vacancy round, but the process and availability are unpredictable.
This does not mean your journey ends if you do not get a seat in Round 3. You may still be eligible for counselling in other states, or you may consider private medical colleges. However, within Maharashtra's state quota system, Round 3 is your last formal chance. Treat this round with the seriousness it deserves.
Key Dates at a Glance
To help you stay on track, here is a summary of all critical dates for Round 3:
- Final Merit List: October 5, 2026
- Seat Matrix Released: October 6, 2026
- Choice Filling Opens: October 7, 2026
- Choice Filling Closes: October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Seat Allotment Result: October 11, 2026
- Physical Reporting at College: October 11–14, 2026 by 5:30 PM
Practical Checklist Before You Fill Choices
Before logging in to fill your preferences, take these preparatory steps. First, download and review the seat matrix carefully. Identify which colleges have seats in your category (general, OBC, SC, ST) and which courses interest you. Research each college's location, infrastructure, reputation, and placement record if you have not already done so. Discuss your options with your parents or mentors.
Second, prepare a ranked list of your preferred colleges and courses. Write them down in order of preference so that when you log in, you can fill them quickly and accurately without hesitation. Third, ensure you have your login credentials (application number and password) ready and that you can access the portal without technical issues. Finally, plan to fill your choices well before the October 9 deadline—do not wait until the last hour, as server congestion or technical glitches could prevent you from submitting in time.
- Download and study the Round 3 seat matrix
- Research colleges and courses of interest
- Prepare a ranked list of your preferences
- Verify your login credentials work
- Fill choices at least a few hours before the deadline
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
Can I use my Round 1 or Round 2 preferences for Round 3?
No. Preferences from Round 1 and Round 2 are completely void and do not carry forward to Round 3. You must fill entirely fresh preferences for Round 3. The system requires you to select and lock new choices based on the current seat matrix.
What is the deadline for filling choices in Round 3?
The choice-filling window closes on October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM. You must select and lock your preferences before this time. After 11:59 PM, the portal will close, and no further changes will be allowed.
Where do I fill my choices for Round 3?
You fill your choices on the official Maharashtra medical counselling portal at medical2026.mahacet.org. Log in using your application number and password, navigate to the CAP Round 3 preference form, select your colleges and courses, and lock your choices.
When will the seat allotment result be declared?
The seat allotment result for Round 3 will be declared on October 11, 2026. You can log in to the portal on that date to view which college and course you have been allotted.
What happens if I do not report at my allotted college by October 14?
If you do not report in person at your allotted college by October 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM, your seat will be cancelled. You will lose your opportunity in Round 3, and the seat may be offered to another candidate or remain vacant.
Is Round 3 the last chance to get a seat through Maharashtra state counselling?
Yes, Round 3 is the final state-level counselling round for MBBS and BDS seats in Maharashtra. After Round 3, the CET Cell may announce a stray vacancy round if seats remain, but this is not guaranteed and is unpredictable. If you do not secure a seat in Round 3, you may explore counselling in other states or private medical colleges.
What documents do I need to bring when reporting at the college?
You must bring your original documents, including your mark sheets, NEET admit card, merit list printout, and any other documents specified by the college. You will also need to bring the required admission fee. Check the college's website or the allotment letter for a complete list of required documents.
Can I change my preferences after locking them?
No. Once you lock your preferences, they cannot be changed. The system does not allow modifications after the lock button is clicked. If you make a mistake, you will need to contact the CET Cell for assistance, but changes are generally not permitted after locking.
If you are on the Round 3 merit list, act now: download the seat matrix, research your options, and fill your preferences by October 9 at 11:59 PM. This is your final state-level opportunity for an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra. After allotment on October 11, be ready to report at your college by October 14 with all required documents and fees.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.