Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Stray Round 1: Reporting Deadline Extended to Oct 22

The Maharashtra CET Cell has given NEET UG 2026 aspirants an extra day to report at their allotted MBBS and BDS colleges. The Stray Vacancy Round 1 reporting deadline has been pushed to October 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM — one day beyond the original October 21 cutoff. This extension also shifts the timelines for Stray Rounds 2 and 3, giving candidates more breathing room during this final admission window in Maharashtra. If you have received an allotment in Round 1 or are waiting for Rounds 2 and 3, understanding these revised dates is critical to securing your seat.

What Changed: Round 1 Extension and New Dates

The Maharashtra CET Cell issued Notice No. 28 on the official portal medical2026.mahacet.org, formally extending the physical reporting window for Stray Vacancy Round 1. Candidates who received allotments for MBBS and BDS seats under Group A now have until October 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM to join their allotted colleges. This replaces the original October 21 deadline.

The extension applies to all college types across Maharashtra: government, corporation, aided, private unaided, and minority institutions. Alongside the Round 1 extension, the CET Cell has also revised the schedule for Stray Rounds 2 and 3, pushing each activity forward by one day. This means choice-filling windows, selection list declarations, and reporting deadlines for the final two rounds have all shifted.

Revised Timeline for All Three Stray Vacancy Rounds

Understanding the complete revised schedule is essential to avoid missing any deadline. Round 1 selection lists were declared on October 19, 2026, and physical reporting now closes on October 22 at 5:30 PM. Candidates must also submit their final seat resignation (if they choose to withdraw) by the same date and time.

Rounds 2 and 3 follow with their own compressed timelines. Round 2 choice-filling and seat matrix release run from October 22–23, with the selection list on October 23 and reporting on October 24–25. Round 3 begins with choice-filling on October 25–26, selection list on October 26, and reporting on October 27. Each round is a single opportunity — missing the choice-filling window means losing your chance to participate in that round.

• Round 1: Selection list Oct 19 → Reporting by Oct 22, 5:30 PM
• Round 2: Choice-filling Oct 22–23 → Selection list Oct 23 → Reporting Oct 24–25
• Round 3: Choice-filling Oct 25–26 → Selection list Oct 26 → Reporting Oct 27

Why This Extension Matters for Your Admission

The stray vacancy rounds represent the final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra for the 2026–27 academic year. Once these three rounds close, the admission cycle ends. The one-day extension in Round 1 gives candidates who received allotments a small but meaningful buffer to arrange travel, gather documents, and complete joining formalities without rushing.

For those still waiting for an allotment, the revised Round 2 and Round 3 dates provide clarity on when to expect selection lists and when to report. However, the compressed nature of these rounds — with only one or two days between choice-filling and reporting — means you must be prepared in advance. Any delay in logging in to fill choices or any missing document at the college will result in forfeiture of your seat.

Documents and Fees You Must Carry to Report

Reporting at your allotted college is not automatic. You must physically visit the college by the deadline with all required original documents and the prescribed fee. The college will verify your credentials before confirming your admission. Incomplete documentation or missing fees will delay or deny your admission, even if you arrive on time.

Prepare a checklist now and gather all documents in advance. Do not wait until the last day to hunt for certificates or arrange funds. The college office will issue an admission confirmation receipt once all formalities are complete — keep this receipt safely as proof of your admission.

• Allotment letter (printed from medical2026.mahacet.org)
• NEET UG 2026 scorecard
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (original)
• Domicile certificate (original)
• Caste certificate, if applicable (original)
• ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport)
• Fee payment proof and funds for institute fee as fixed by the fee regulatory authority

How to Check Your Allotment and Prepare to Report

Visit the official portal medical2026.mahacet.org and log in with your credentials. Download Notice No. 28 to confirm the revised deadlines. Check your allotment status and print your allotment letter immediately — you will need this at the college.

Once you have confirmed your allotment, note the exact college name, address, and reporting time. Contact the college in advance if you have any questions about the fee structure, hostel availability, or reporting procedure. Do not assume — verify directly with the college to avoid last-minute confusion.

• Visit medical2026.mahacet.org and log in
• Download Notice No. 28 for the revised schedule
• Check and print your allotment letter
• Verify the college name, address, and reporting deadline
• Contact the college to confirm fee structure and any special requirements
• Gather all original documents and arrange funds
• Plan your travel to reach the college by the deadline

What Happens If You Miss the Reporting Deadline

Missing the October 22 deadline for Round 1 means your allotment is forfeited. You will not be able to join that college, and your seat will be released for the next round. If you have not yet received an allotment, you must actively participate in Round 2 choice-filling (October 22–23) to remain in contention.

Similarly, if you receive an allotment in Round 2 but miss the October 24–25 reporting window, you lose that seat. Round 3 is the final stray round — missing it ends your admission chances for this cycle. There are no extensions beyond these dates, and the Medical Counselling Committee has fixed a national joining deadline that Maharashtra must follow.

If You Are Allotted in Round 1: Your Action Plan

If your name appears in the Round 1 selection list (declared October 19), your immediate priority is to report at the college by October 22 at 5:30 PM. Do not delay. Gather all documents, arrange the fee, and travel to the college. Once you report and receive the admission confirmation receipt, your seat is secured.

If you choose not to join the allotted college, you must formally resign your seat by October 22 at 5:30 PM on the portal. This allows your seat to be released for Round 2. Do not simply ignore the allotment — active resignation is required if you wish to participate in later rounds.

• Check the selection list on medical2026.mahacet.org on October 19
• Print your allotment letter
• Gather all original documents and fee
• Report at the college by October 22, 5:30 PM
• Collect the admission confirmation receipt
• If not joining, formally resign your seat by October 22, 5:30 PM

If You Are Waiting for Round 2 or Round 3: Stay Alert

If you did not receive an allotment in Round 1, you remain eligible for Rounds 2 and 3. The key is to be ready to fill your choices the moment the portal opens. Round 2 choice-filling begins October 22 at an unspecified time — check the portal frequently from the morning of October 22 onwards. Do not wait until the last hour; the portal may experience traffic, and you could miss the window.

Once you fill your choices in Round 2, the selection list will be declared on October 23. If you are allotted, you must report on October 24 or 25. If not, you will have one final chance in Round 3 (choice-filling October 25–26, reporting October 27). Treat each round as your last opportunity and prepare accordingly.

• Monitor medical2026.mahacet.org from October 22 morning for Round 2 choice-filling
• Fill your choices promptly — do not delay
• Check the selection list on October 23
• If allotted, report on October 24 or 25
• If not allotted, prepare for Round 3 choice-filling on October 25–26
• Report on October 27 if allotted in Round 3

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Reporting

Many candidates lose their seats due to preventable errors. Do not arrive at the college without all original documents — photocopies are not accepted. Do not assume the college will accept payment by cheque or online transfer; confirm the payment method in advance. Do not forget to collect the admission confirmation receipt; this is your proof of admission.

Do not miss the exact reporting time or date. Colleges strictly enforce deadlines, and arriving even one hour after 5:30 PM on October 22 may result in rejection. Do not rely on verbal confirmations from college staff; always get written confirmation or a receipt. Finally, do not ignore the portal after reporting — some colleges may send follow-up instructions or hostel allocation details via the portal.

• Carry all original documents, not photocopies
• Confirm the fee payment method with the college in advance
• Arrive well before the 5:30 PM deadline on October 22
• Collect the admission confirmation receipt before leaving the college
• Do not rely on verbal confirmations; request written proof
• Check the portal and your email for any follow-up instructions after reporting

Frequently asked questions

If you have received a Round 1 allotment, prioritize reporting by October 22 at 5:30 PM with all original documents and the prescribed fee. If you are waiting for Rounds 2 or 3, monitor medical2026.mahacet.org closely from October 22 onwards and be ready to fill your choices immediately when the portal opens — delays or missed deadlines will cost you your seat.