On 6 October 2026, Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell) released the virtual vacancy list for Round 3 of NEET UG 2026 counselling. This document shows how many seats are expected to become available at each medical college as candidates who have not submitted their status retention form are likely to opt out of the next round. The list covers MBBS and BDS seats across Maharashtra's government and private medical colleges. If you are waiting to participate in Round 3 or are considering upgrades, this vacancy list tells you exactly where seats may open up and in which category. Understanding virtual vacancies is crucial: they are not guaranteed seats, but they show the realistic pool of seats that counselling authorities expect to fill in the coming round.
Virtual vacancies are seats currently held by candidates who have not confirmed their participation in Round 3; they may become available for allotment in the next counselling round, but are not guaranteed until the round actually begins.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Are Virtual Vacancies?
A virtual vacancy is a seat that is currently occupied by a candidate but is expected to become available in the next counselling round. This happens when a candidate who was allotted a seat in an earlier round does not submit a 'status retention form' — a document confirming they want to keep their seat and participate in the next round.
Virtual vacancies are NOT the same as actual vacancies. They are a forecast. The actual number of seats that open up in Round 3 will depend on how many candidates actually decide to opt out. Some candidates may submit their retention form at the last moment, or the authority may extend the deadline. Therefore, you should treat this list as a guide to where seats are likely to be available, not as a guarantee.
Why does this matter? If you are a candidate waiting for Round 3, or if you want to try for an upgrade (move to a better college or category), the virtual vacancy list shows you which colleges and categories have the most movement. Colleges with high virtual vacancies are more likely to have real seats available when Round 3 begins.
Which Colleges Are Included in This List?
This virtual vacancy list covers MBBS and BDS seats across Maharashtra's government and private medical colleges participating in the NEET UG 2026 CAP (Centralised Admission Process) counselling. The document is 96 pages long and includes colleges across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Solapur, Jalgaon, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Latur, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, and other districts.
The list is organized by college code and college name. Each college's entry shows the breakdown of virtual vacancies by course (MBBS or BDS), category (OPEN, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.), and gender (general or women-only seats marked with 'W'). Some colleges also have seats reserved for special categories like NTC (Non-Creamy Layer), SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Class), VJA (Vimukta Jati), and PWD (Persons with Disability).
Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai: 41 Virtual Vacancies
Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai (code 1101S) has 41 virtual MBBS vacancies across all categories. This is the largest single-college vacancy shown on the first page of the document. The breakdown is as follows: 4 EWS seats, 1 EWS(W), 1 HOBC, 1 HOPEN, 1 NTC, 7 OBC, 1 OBC(W), 9 OPEN, 6 OPEN(W), 4 SC, 1 SC(W), 3 SEBC, 1 SEBC(W), and 1 ST.
The largest pool of vacancies at Grant is in the OPEN category (9 general + 6 women = 15 seats). If you are an OPEN category candidate, Grant Medical College is likely to have significant movement in Round 3. The college also has substantial vacancies in OBC (7 seats) and SEBC (3 seats). If you are currently allotted to a lower-ranked college or are waiting to participate, Grant's high vacancy count makes it a realistic target for Round 3.
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| EWS | 4 |
| EWS(W) | 1 |
| HOBC | 1 |
| HOPEN | 1 |
| NTC | 1 |
| OBC | 7 |
| OBC(W) | 1 |
| OPEN | 9 |
| OPEN(W) | 6 |
| SC | 4 |
| SC(W) | 1 |
| SEBC | 3 |
| SEBC(W) | 1 |
| ST | 1 |
| Total | 41 |
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Other Major Colleges with High Virtual Vacancies
Lokmanya Tilak Medical College, Mumbai (code 1102S) has the second-highest vacancy count with 110 MBBS seats. This college has a very diverse category breakdown, including seats for DEF1 (Defence), NTB, NTC, NTD, OBC, OPEN, SC, SEBC, ST, and VJA categories. The largest pools are OPEN (24 general + 12 women = 36 seats) and OBC (12 general + 8 women = 20 seats).
Other colleges with substantial vacancies include: Terna Medical College & Hospital, Thane (88 seats), Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College, Jalgaon (151 seats), B.K.L. Walawalkar Rural Medical College, Chiplun, Ratnagiri (99 seats), Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur (122 seats), and Parbhani Medical College & RP Hospital (116 seats). These colleges are spread across Maharashtra and offer a range of category options. If you are aiming for an upgrade or waiting for Round 3, check the vacancies at colleges in your preferred location and category.
Understanding Category Codes and Quotas
The virtual vacancy list uses several category codes. Here is what each means: OPEN = unreserved seats available to all candidates; OBC = Other Backward Classes; SC = Scheduled Caste; ST = Scheduled Tribe; EWS = Economically Weaker Sections; SEBC = Socially and Educationally Backward Class (a Maharashtra-specific category); NTC, NTB, NTD = Non-Traditional Castes (Maharashtra-specific, subdivided by group); VJA = Vimukta Jati (a Maharashtra-specific category for historically nomadic and denotified communities); PWD = Persons with Disability; DEF = Defence; HOBC, HOPEN, HSC, HSEBC, HNTB, HNTC, HNTD = Homoeopathy-specific categories (not relevant for MBBS/BDS); I.Q. = Institute Quota (seats reserved for the college's own management or institution).
The letter 'W' after a category (e.g., OPEN(W), OBC(W), SC(W)) means that seat is reserved for women candidates only. A candidate of any gender can apply for a non-W seat, but only women can apply for a W seat. If you are a woman candidate, you have two pools to choose from: the general (non-W) pool and the women-only (W) pool. Your rank will be compared separately in each pool, and you will be allotted to whichever gives you the better outcome.
- OPEN = unreserved; OBC = Other Backward Classes; SC = Scheduled Caste; ST = Scheduled Tribe
- EWS = Economically Weaker Sections; SEBC = Socially and Educationally Backward Class (Maharashtra)
- NTC, NTB, NTD = Non-Traditional Castes (Maharashtra-specific subdivisions)
- VJA = Vimukta Jati (historically nomadic and denotified communities, Maharashtra)
- PWD = Persons with Disability; DEF = Defence
- I.Q. = Institute Quota (college's own reserved seats)
- W suffix = women-only seat (e.g., OPEN(W), OBC(W))
How Virtual Vacancies Affect Round 3 Counselling
Virtual vacancies are published before each counselling round to give candidates and the authority a realistic picture of seat availability. When Round 3 counselling actually begins, the authority will compare the virtual vacancy list with the actual number of candidates who submitted their status retention form. If more candidates opt out than expected, the actual vacancy will be higher than the virtual vacancy. If fewer opt out, the actual vacancy will be lower.
In practice, the actual vacancies in Round 3 are usually close to the virtual vacancies, but not identical. Some candidates may withdraw at the last moment, or the authority may extend the retention deadline. Therefore, if you see a virtual vacancy in your category at a college you want, it is a strong signal that you have a realistic chance in Round 3 — but it is not a guarantee. You should still prepare your choice list carefully and be ready to accept any allotment you receive.
Virtual vacancies also help you decide whether to participate in Round 3 at all. If your current allotment is at a college with very few virtual vacancies, and you are hoping to upgrade, the chances are slim. If the college you want has high virtual vacancies in your category, your chances are much better. Use this list to make an informed decision about whether to participate in the next round.
What Happens to Candidates Who Don't Submit the Status Retention Form?
If you were allotted a seat in Round 2 and do not submit your status retention form by the deadline set by the authority, your seat is considered 'virtually vacant' — it is still yours on paper, but the authority assumes you will not participate in Round 3 and counts it as available for the next round. This is why the document is called a 'virtual vacancy' list: the seats are not yet actually empty, but they are expected to become empty.
If you do submit your status retention form on time, your seat is locked in. You will participate in Round 3 with your current allotment, and you can choose to upgrade, downgrade, or stay put. If you do not submit the form and do not participate in Round 3, your seat will be allotted to the next eligible candidate in the merit list. You will lose your seat permanently.
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The key lesson: if you were allotted a seat in Round 2 and want to participate in Round 3 (whether to upgrade or just to confirm your seat), submit your status retention form by the deadline. If you do not want to participate, inform the authority clearly so they can count your seat as a real vacancy for other candidates.
How to Use This Virtual Vacancy List to Plan Your Round 3 Strategy
Step 1: Find your category. Locate your caste/EWS category in the list. If you are a woman, note both the general and women-only (W) seat counts for your category. Step 2: Identify colleges where you want to study. Look up those colleges in the document and note their virtual vacancy counts in your category. Step 3: Assess your chances. If a college has high virtual vacancies in your category (e.g., 10+ seats), your chances of getting in are good if your rank is within the expected cutoff. If vacancies are low (1–2 seats), your chances are slim unless your rank is very strong.
Step 4: Check location and reputation. Virtual vacancies alone should not drive your choice. Consider the college's location, infrastructure, faculty, and reputation. A college with fewer vacancies but better quality may be a better choice than one with many vacancies but lower standing. Step 5: Prepare your choice list. If you are participating in Round 3, use this vacancy data to build a realistic choice list. Include colleges where you have a good chance (high vacancies, your rank is strong), colleges where you have a fair chance (medium vacancies, your rank is borderline), and a few aspirational choices (low vacancies, but you want to try). Step 6: Submit your status retention form on time. If you were allotted in Round 2 and want to participate in Round 3, do not miss the retention deadline. Check the CET Cell website for the exact date.
Important: Virtual Vacancies Are Not Guaranteed Seats
This is the most critical point: virtual vacancies are a forecast, not a promise. The actual number of seats available in Round 3 depends on how many candidates actually opt out. If a college shows 10 virtual vacancies in your category, but only 3 candidates actually withdraw, only 3 seats will be available — not 10. Conversely, if more candidates withdraw than expected, more seats may open up.
Do not assume that because a college has virtual vacancies, you will definitely get in. The authority will allot seats based on your rank, your choices, and the actual vacancies at the time of allotment. If your rank is not strong enough, you may not be allotted even if vacancies exist. Always prepare for the possibility that you may not get your first choice, and have a backup plan.
Virtual vacancies are most useful as a guide to which colleges are likely to have movement and which are likely to be full. Use them to inform your strategy, but do not rely on them as a guarantee. Your rank, your choices, and the actual number of candidates who opt out will ultimately determine your allotment.
Where to Find the Complete Virtual Vacancy List
This article covers the highlights from the Maharashtra CET Cell's virtual vacancy list for Round 3, dated 6 October 2026. The complete list is 96 pages long and includes every government and private medical college in Maharashtra offering MBBS and BDS seats. To see the full list — including colleges in your preferred location and category — visit the official CET Cell website at medical2026.mahacet.org and download the 'Virtual Vacancy for Round 3' PDF.
The document is organized by college code and college name. Each college's entry shows the breakdown of vacancies by course (MBBS or BDS), category, and gender. If you do not see your college in this article, check the full PDF. The list is updated regularly as the counselling process progresses, so check back before each round for the latest numbers.
Key Dates and Next Steps
The virtual vacancy list was published on 6 October 2026. This is the list for Round 3 of NEET UG 2026 counselling. The exact dates for Round 3 registration, choice filling, and allotment have not been announced in this document, but they will be published on the CET Cell website soon. Check the website regularly for updates.
If you were allotted a seat in Round 2, your next action is to submit your status retention form by the deadline (date to be announced by CET Cell). If you do not submit it, your seat will be counted as a virtual vacancy and you will not be able to participate in Round 3. If you want to participate in Round 3, submit the form on time and prepare your choice list using this virtual vacancy data as a guide.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is a virtual vacancy?
A virtual vacancy is a seat currently held by a candidate who has not submitted their status retention form — a document confirming they want to keep their seat and participate in the next round. Virtual vacancies are expected to become available in Round 3, but are not guaranteed until the round actually begins. They are a forecast based on the authority's assumption that candidates who do not submit the retention form will opt out.
Is a virtual vacancy the same as an actual vacancy?
No. A virtual vacancy is a seat that is expected to become available; an actual vacancy is a seat that has already become available. The actual number of seats in Round 3 will depend on how many candidates actually opt out. If fewer candidates opt out than expected, fewer seats will be available than the virtual vacancy list shows. If more opt out, more seats may be available.
I was allotted a seat in Round 2. What do I need to do to participate in Round 3?
You must submit your status retention form by the deadline set by the CET Cell (date to be announced on the official website). If you submit the form, your seat is locked in and you can participate in Round 3 to upgrade, downgrade, or confirm your seat. If you do not submit the form, your seat will be counted as a virtual vacancy and you will lose it permanently.
How do I use the virtual vacancy list to plan my Round 3 strategy?
Find your category in the list and identify colleges where you want to study. Check their virtual vacancy counts in your category. If a college has high vacancies (10+ seats) and your rank is strong, your chances are good. If vacancies are low (1–2 seats), your chances are slim unless your rank is very strong. Use this data to build a realistic choice list with aspirational, fair-chance, and safe options.
What do the category codes like EWS, OBC, SEBC, NTC, and VJA mean?
EWS = Economically Weaker Sections; OBC = Other Backward Classes; SC = Scheduled Caste; ST = Scheduled Tribe; SEBC = Socially and Educationally Backward Class (Maharashtra-specific); NTC, NTB, NTD = Non-Traditional Castes (Maharashtra-specific subdivisions); VJA = Vimukta Jati (historically nomadic and denotified communities, Maharashtra-specific); PWD = Persons with Disability. The letter 'W' after a category (e.g., OPEN(W)) means that seat is reserved for women only.
What is the I.Q. quota shown for some colleges?
I.Q. stands for Institute Quota — seats reserved by the college for its own management or institution. These seats are filled separately and are not part of the general counselling process. If you see I.Q. seats listed, they are not available through the standard NEET UG counselling.
Grant Medical College, Mumbai shows 41 virtual vacancies. Does that mean I will definitely get in if I apply?
No. Virtual vacancies are a forecast, not a guarantee. The actual number of seats available depends on how many candidates actually opt out. Even if 41 seats are expected to open, your allotment depends on your rank, your choices, and the actual vacancies at the time of allotment. If your rank is not strong enough, you may not be allotted even if vacancies exist.
When will Round 3 counselling begin?
The virtual vacancy list was published on 6 October 2026, but the exact dates for Round 3 registration, choice filling, and allotment are not stated in this document. Check the official CET Cell website (medical2026.mahacet.org) regularly for the Round 3 schedule.
I don't see my preferred college in this article. Where can I find it?
This article covers highlights from the virtual vacancy list. The complete list is 96 pages long and includes every government and private medical college in Maharashtra offering MBBS and BDS seats. Download the full 'Virtual Vacancy for Round 3' PDF from the CET Cell website to find your college.
What happens if I don't submit my status retention form?
If you were allotted a seat in Round 2 and do not submit your status retention form by the deadline, your seat will be counted as a virtual vacancy and you will lose it permanently. You will not be able to participate in Round 3. If you want to participate, submit the form on time.
Can I see the virtual vacancies for BDS seats too?
Yes. The virtual vacancy list covers both MBBS and BDS seats across Maharashtra's medical colleges. The document is organized by college, and each college's entry shows vacancies for both courses. Check the full PDF on the CET Cell website for BDS-specific data.
What is the difference between a general seat and a women-only seat?
A general seat (e.g., OPEN, OBC, SC) can be filled by any candidate of any gender. A women-only seat (marked with 'W', e.g., OPEN(W), OBC(W)) can only be filled by women candidates. If you are a woman, you can apply for both general and women-only seats in your category, and your rank will be compared separately in each pool. You will be allotted to whichever gives you the better outcome.
The virtual vacancy list for Round 3 was released on 6 October 2026. If you were allotted a seat in Round 2 and want to participate in Round 3, your first action is to submit your status retention form by the deadline (to be announced by CET Cell). Use this virtual vacancy data to plan your choice list — identify colleges with high vacancies in your category and rank, and build a realistic strategy. Download the complete 96-page list from medical2026.mahacet.org to find your preferred colleges and categories. Check the CET Cell website regularly for Round 3 dates and further instructions.
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