Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Stray Vacancy Seats: Allotment Out, Report by Oct 26

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the third and final round of stray vacancy seat allotments for MBBS and BDS programmes under NEET UG 2026. This round fills remaining vacant seats across medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra for the 2026–27 academic year. Candidates who have been allotted seats must complete their physical reporting and admission formalities by October 26, 2026—a single-day deadline. Missing this window means forfeiting your seat, so immediate action is essential if your name appears in the selection list.

What is the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Stray Vacancy Round?

Stray vacancy rounds are the final phase of counselling conducted after regular allotment rounds conclude. They exist to fill seats that remain unoccupied either because candidates rejected their allotments or did not report on time. In Maharashtra's case, Round 3 is the third and last opportunity to fill vacant MBBS and BDS positions for the 2026–27 batch.

This round is open to all eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates who have not yet secured a seat or who wish to upgrade their college or course choice. The selection is merit-based, following the same eligibility criteria and reservation rules as earlier rounds. Candidates are allotted seats strictly according to their NEET rank, category, and the availability of vacant positions at each institution.

When was the Round 3 selection list released and what is the reporting deadline?

The Maharashtra CET Cell announced the Round 3 selection list on October 25, 2026. Candidates can access their allotment status through the official counselling portal at medical2026.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2026/login using their login credentials.

The critical deadline is October 26, 2026. This is both the physical reporting date and the final joining deadline. Candidates must visit their allotted college, submit original documents, pay admission fees, and complete all formalities on this single day. There is no extension or grace period—missing this date automatically cancels your allotment.

How to check your Round 3 seat allotment result online

Checking your allotment is straightforward and can be done in minutes from home. Visit the official Maharashtra NEET UG counselling portal and log in with your credentials. Navigate to the notifications or results section and locate the link for 'Online Stray Vacancy Round 3 Selection List for MBBS and BDS.'

Once you open the selection list (usually available as a PDF or searchable document), search for your name, application number, or roll number. The list will display your allotted college name, the course (MBBS or BDS), and any specific admission instructions. Download and save a copy of the entire list for your records and to verify details before visiting the college.

• Visit medical2026.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2026/login
• Log in with your application number and password
• Go to the notifications section
• Find and click the Round 3 selection list link
• Search for your name or application number
• Note your allotted college, course, and instructions
• Download and save the PDF for reference

What documents do you need to bring for college reporting on October 26?

Preparation is key to a smooth admission process. You must gather all required original documents before visiting your allotted college. Incomplete documentation can delay or even jeopardise your admission, so verify the exact list with your college's admission notice beforehand.

Standard documents required for medical and dental admission in Maharashtra include your NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard, Class 10 and Class 12 certificates with mark sheets, a valid identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence), and any applicable category or reservation certificates if you have claimed SC/ST/OBC/EWS status. You will also need to bring the admission fee as specified by your college, along with any payment receipts or bank details if payment is to be made online.

• NEET UG 2026 admit card
• NEET UG 2026 scorecard or result document
• Class 10 certificate and mark sheet
• Class 12 certificate and mark sheet
• Valid identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence)
• Category or reservation certificate (if applicable)
• Admission fee as per college instructions
• Any other documents specified in the official counselling notice

Why is the October 26 deadline so strict and what happens if you miss it?

The single-day reporting window exists because colleges must finalise their admission lists and begin academic activities on schedule. Unlike regular rounds where candidates sometimes get a few days, stray vacancy rounds operate on compressed timelines to ensure the academic calendar stays on track.

If you do not report by October 26, 2026, your allotted seat is automatically cancelled with no option to reclaim it. The seat then reverts to the college's vacant pool. You will lose your opportunity to join that institution for the 2026–27 batch. This is why it is critical to plan ahead: arrange documents, confirm the college address and reporting time, and ensure you can physically reach the college on the specified date.

What should you do immediately after receiving your allotment?

The moment you confirm your name in the selection list, take these steps without delay. First, verify that the allotted college and course match your expectations and eligibility. Then, contact the college's admission office to confirm the exact reporting time, location, and any additional instructions specific to your institution.

Next, gather all required documents and arrange the admission fee. Do not wait until the last few hours of October 26—colleges may become crowded, and you risk missing the deadline due to delays. If you are unable to report in person, check immediately whether the college allows a guardian or authorised representative to complete admission on your behalf, though this is rare for medical admissions. Finally, read the official counselling notice carefully to understand any eligibility conditions or special rules that apply to stray vacancy admissions.

Can you upgrade or change your college choice in Round 3?

Round 3 is a fresh allotment based on merit and availability. If you were allotted a seat in an earlier round but did not report, or if you rejected that seat, you are eligible to participate in Round 3. Your new allotment will be based on your NEET rank and the vacant seats available at that moment.

However, you cannot 'choose' a specific college in stray vacancy rounds. The allotment is automatic and merit-based. If you receive an allotment in Round 3, you must either accept it and report by the deadline or forfeit it. There is no option to hold out for a better college or to participate in further rounds after this one.

What if your name does not appear in the Round 3 selection list?

If you do not see your name in the Round 3 selection list, it means no seat was available for you at your rank and category combination. This can happen if all vacant seats have been filled by candidates with higher ranks or if no seats remain in your category.

In this case, you have limited options. Check whether you are eligible for any management quota seats (if your college offers them) or explore private medical colleges outside Maharashtra. Some candidates also consider taking a gap year and reappearing for NEET UG in the following year. Contact the Maharashtra CET Cell's helpline or visit the official portal for clarification on your eligibility status.

Frequently asked questions

If your name appears in the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Round 3 selection list, act immediately: verify your allotment, gather all documents, confirm the college's reporting time and location, and arrange the admission fee. Report to your allotted college on October 26, 2026—this is your only chance to secure the seat. For any clarifications, contact the Maharashtra CET Cell or your allotted college's admission office without delay.