Maharashtra State CET Cell has issued Notice No. 24 on 12 October 2026 laying down the final rules for the Stray Vacancy Round of MBBS and BDS (Group A) counselling for 2026–27. This is the last round of the admission process, but multiple stray vacancy rounds will be conducted to fill any remaining vacant seats. The notice clarifies that all admissions in private colleges will now be done by the State CET Cell through online stray vacancy rounds — there is no separate institute-level round. Every candidate who receives an allotment in this round must join; failure to do so carries a severe penalty: disqualification from admission for the next two years for that group.
Joining a seat allotted in the Stray Vacancy Round is mandatory; if you do not report to the college within the given time, you will be barred from admission for the next two years for that course group.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final round of the NEET UG 2026 MBBS and BDS counselling process in Maharashtra. It is conducted by the State CET Cell to fill any seats that remain vacant after the main counselling rounds. Unlike previous years, the institute-level round in private colleges has been cancelled; all admissions, including in private colleges, are now handled entirely by the State CET Cell through online stray vacancy rounds.
Multiple stray vacancy rounds will be held to ensure that as many vacant seats as possible are filled. This means if you do not get a seat in the first stray vacancy round, you will have another opportunity in subsequent rounds — but each round is a fresh chance, and you must fill your choices again for each one.
Important: Joining is Mandatory — Understand the Penalty
This is the most critical rule: if you are allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round, you MUST join that college within the time given by the CET Cell. This is not optional. If you receive an allotment and do not report to the college within the deadline, you will face serious consequences.
According to Clause 20 of the NEET UG 2026 Information Brochure, any candidate who is selected in the last round (the Stray Vacancy Round) but does not report or does not join their allotted seat will be disqualified from admission for the next two years for that group (MBBS or BDS). This means you cannot apply for admission in that course group again until two years have passed. Do not fill a choice for a college unless you are genuinely ready to join it immediately.
- Joining the allotted seat is mandatory — not optional.
- If you do not report within the given time, your seat lapses.
- Penalty: You will be barred from admission for the next two years for that course group.
- This rule applies to all candidates, regardless of category or quota.
How to Fill Choices: Fresh Choices for Each Round
For each stray vacancy round, you must fill fresh choices. You cannot carry forward choices from a previous round. The CET Cell will allot seats based on your merit rank and your stated preferences — allotment is done merit-wise first, then preference-wise. This means if your rank qualifies you for a seat in a college you have listed, and that seat is available, you may be allotted it.
You will be allowed to edit your choices multiple times during the choice-filling window. To edit, you will receive an OTP (one-time password) on your registered email and mobile number. Use this OTP to unlock your choices and make changes. However, once the deadline for choice-filling passes, no further edits are allowed. Plan carefully and submit your final choices before the deadline.
- Fill fresh choices for each stray vacancy round — do not assume choices carry over.
- You can edit choices multiple times using OTP until the deadline.
- Allotment is based on merit rank and your preference order.
- No changes to choices are allowed after the deadline — be certain before you submit.
Critical: No Changes After Submission
Once you have filled and submitted your choices, and the choice-filling deadline has passed, you cannot request any changes. The CET Cell will not entertain any requests to modify your preferences after the deadline. This is final. Therefore, before you submit your choices, verify carefully that you have selected the correct colleges and courses. A mistake at this stage cannot be corrected.
The notice explicitly states: 'Candidates should ensure that they have filled the correct college and course; any request for change in the preferences will not be entertained subsequently.' Read this as a hard rule — there are no exceptions.
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- Verify college name and course (MBBS or BDS) before submitting.
- Check the quota (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.) if applicable.
- Once submitted and the deadline passes, no changes are possible.
- Do not rely on being able to correct a mistake later.
Fee Payment: DD or NEFT/RTGS — Plan Ahead
After you are allotted a seat, you must pay the admission fee to the college. The notice states that since there is no betterment (improvement) possible after the Stray Vacancy Round, you should be prepared to pay the fee immediately. You have two payment options: Demand Draft (DD) or NEFT/RTGS (electronic bank transfer).
Because the joining period is short, the CET Cell recognizes that you may not have time to arrange a DD. Therefore, NEFT/RTGS payment is allowed and encouraged during the Stray Vacancy Round. Each college will publish its bank account details and NEFT/RTGS instructions on its official website before the round begins. Collect these details in advance so you can transfer funds quickly if you are allotted a seat.
- Payment methods: Demand Draft (DD) or NEFT/RTGS.
- NEFT/RTGS is preferred because the joining period is short.
- Each college will publish its bank account details and NEFT/RTGS instructions before the round.
- Check the college website and the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA) website for the exact fee amount before filling choices.
- Fees vary by quota (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.) — confirm the fee for your category.
- Have funds ready or arrange a DD in advance so you can pay immediately upon allotment.
Fee Information: Where to Check and What to Verify
Before you fill your choices, you must know the fee for each college and course you are considering. The fee is set by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA) and varies by quota. Do not assume all candidates pay the same fee — the fee for a General category candidate may differ from that for an OBC, SC, or ST candidate.
Check two sources: (1) the college's official website, where it will publish quota-wise fees and bank account details, and (2) the FRA website, which publishes the approved fee structure. The notice emphasizes that you should verify the fee before filling your choice, so you know exactly what you will owe if you are allotted that seat. This prevents surprises and ensures you can pay on time.
- Fees are set by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA) — not by the college.
- Fees vary by quota (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.).
- Check the college website for quota-wise fees and bank details.
- Check the FRA website for the approved fee structure.
- Verify the fee for your category before filling your choice.
- Do not fill a choice if you cannot afford the fee for that college.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The notice refers to 'Notice No. 23, dated 12/10/2026' for the schedule of stray vacancy rounds. This means the exact dates for choice-filling, allotment, and joining are published in a separate notice (Notice No. 23). You must check the CET Cell website (www.mahacet.org) to find Notice No. 23 and note all the key dates.
The notice does not repeat the dates in this document, so you must actively look them up. Do not assume dates — visit the official website and download Notice No. 23 to get the precise schedule. Mark the choice-filling deadline, allotment date, and joining deadline on your calendar. Missing any deadline will result in loss of your seat.
- The schedule is in Notice No. 23, dated 12/10/2026 — check the CET Cell website.
- Key dates: choice-filling window, allotment date, joining deadline.
- Visit www.mahacet.org for the complete schedule.
- Mark all deadlines on your calendar.
- Missing a deadline means losing your seat — there are no extensions.
Who Can Participate in the Stray Vacancy Round?
The notice does not explicitly state eligibility criteria for the Stray Vacancy Round, as it assumes you are already a qualified NEET UG 2026 candidate who has participated in earlier counselling rounds. If you have not yet been allotted a seat in the main counselling rounds, you are eligible to participate in the Stray Vacancy Round. If you were allotted a seat in an earlier round but did not join, you may still be eligible — but check the Information Brochure and the CET Cell website for any restrictions.
The round is open to all MBBS and BDS candidates for Group A (the main medical and dental courses). If you are eligible for NEET UG counselling in Maharashtra, you can participate in the Stray Vacancy Round.
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- You must be a qualified NEET UG 2026 candidate.
- You must not have already joined a seat in an earlier round.
- The round is for MBBS and BDS (Group A) only.
- Check the Information Brochure for any other eligibility restrictions.
Quota and Category Information
The notice mentions that colleges will publish 'quota-wise fees' and that fees are set by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA). This indicates that seats are available under different quotas (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), and the fee you pay depends on which quota seat you are allotted. The notice does not detail the quota breakdown or reservation percentages — that information is in the Information Brochure and on the CET Cell website.
When you fill your choices, ensure you understand which quota you are eligible for and which seats are available under that quota. If you belong to a reserved category (OBC, SC, ST), you may have access to both general and reserved seats, depending on your rank and the rules. Verify your category status and eligibility before filling choices.
- Seats are available under different quotas: General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.
- Fees vary by quota.
- Check the Information Brochure for quota-wise seat distribution.
- Verify your category eligibility before filling choices.
- Ensure your category certificate is valid and recognized by the CET Cell.
What Happens After Allotment: Joining Process
Once you are allotted a seat, you must report to the college within the time specified by the CET Cell. The notice does not detail the exact joining procedure (e.g., documents to bring, verification process), but it emphasizes that you must report in person within the deadline. Failure to report results in your seat lapsing and triggers the two-year disqualification penalty.
Before you report, ensure you have all required documents (as per the Information Brochure), your fee payment proof (DD or NEFT/RTGS receipt), and any other documents the college may require. Contact the college in advance to confirm the joining procedure and document requirements.
- Report to the college within the joining deadline.
- Bring all required documents (as per the Information Brochure).
- Bring proof of fee payment (DD or NEFT/RTGS receipt).
- Contact the college in advance to confirm the joining procedure.
- Do not miss the joining deadline — there are no extensions.
Common Mistakes That Get Your Application Rejected or Seat Cancelled
The notice highlights several traps that can cost you your seat. First, filling a choice for a college you do not intend to join is a critical mistake. If you are allotted that seat and do not join, you face the two-year disqualification penalty. Second, not verifying the fee before filling your choice can lead to financial shock and inability to pay, resulting in loss of the seat. Third, missing the choice-filling deadline or the joining deadline means automatic loss of the seat.
Another common mistake is not checking the college website for NEFT/RTGS details in advance. If you are allotted a seat and cannot pay quickly because you do not have the bank details, you may miss the joining deadline. Finally, filling incorrect college or course information and then requesting a change after the deadline will be rejected — the CET Cell will not entertain such requests.
- ⚠️ Filling a choice for a college you do not intend to join — if allotted, you must join or face two-year disqualification.
- ⚠️ Not verifying the fee before filling choices — you may not be able to pay and lose the seat.
- ⚠️ Missing the choice-filling deadline — no extensions, no exceptions.
- ⚠️ Missing the joining deadline — your seat lapses and you face disqualification.
- ⚠️ Requesting a change to your choices after the deadline — the CET Cell will not entertain such requests.
- ⚠️ Not collecting NEFT/RTGS details from the college in advance — you may not be able to pay on time.
- ⚠️ Filling the wrong college or course — verify before submitting; no corrections allowed later.
Where to Find the Complete Schedule and Updates
All candidates must visit the official website of the Maharashtra State CET Cell at www.mahacet.org for the complete schedule and any updates. Notice No. 23, dated 12/10/2026, contains the exact dates for the stray vacancy rounds. The CET Cell may issue further notices or updates, so check the website regularly.
Do not rely on unofficial sources, social media, or word-of-mouth for dates and rules. The only authoritative source is the CET Cell website. Bookmark it and check it frequently, especially as the stray vacancy round approaches.
- Official website: www.mahacet.org
- Download Notice No. 23 for the complete schedule.
- Check for any updates or further notices.
- Do not rely on unofficial sources.
- Contact the CET Cell directly if you have questions: cetcell@mahacet.org or 022-22016157/53/59.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the Stray Vacancy Round, and why is it important?
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final round of NEET UG 2026 MBBS and BDS counselling in Maharashtra. It is conducted by the State CET Cell to fill any seats that remain vacant after the main counselling rounds. Multiple stray vacancy rounds will be held to ensure maximum seat filling. If you did not get a seat in earlier rounds, this is your last chance to secure admission.
What happens if I am allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round but do not join?
If you are allotted a seat and do not report to the college within the given deadline, you will be disqualified from admission for the next two years for that course group (MBBS or BDS). This is a severe penalty. Therefore, fill a choice only if you are genuinely ready to join that college immediately.
Can I change my choices after I submit them?
You can edit your choices multiple times during the choice-filling window by using the OTP sent to your email and mobile. However, once the choice-filling deadline passes, no further edits are allowed. Verify your choices carefully before the deadline — no changes are possible after that.
How do I pay the admission fee?
You can pay by Demand Draft (DD) or NEFT/RTGS (electronic bank transfer). NEFT/RTGS is preferred because the joining period is short. Each college will publish its bank account details and NEFT/RTGS instructions on its website before the round. Check the college website and the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA) website for the exact fee amount for your category before filling your choice.
Where can I find the exact dates for the Stray Vacancy Round?
The schedule is published in Notice No. 23, dated 12/10/2026, on the CET Cell website (www.mahacet.org). Download that notice to find the choice-filling deadline, allotment date, and joining deadline. Mark these dates on your calendar and do not miss any deadline.
Do I need to fill fresh choices for each stray vacancy round?
Yes. For each stray vacancy round, you must fill fresh choices. Choices from a previous round do not carry over. If you do not get a seat in the first stray vacancy round, you will have another opportunity in the next round, but you must fill your choices again.
What documents do I need to bring when I join the college?
The notice does not detail the specific documents required for joining. Refer to the NEET UG 2026 Information Brochure for the complete list of documents. Generally, you will need your NEET admit card, merit list printout, fee payment proof, and any category certificates. Contact the college in advance to confirm the exact requirements.
Can I request a change to my choices after the deadline if I made a mistake?
No. The CET Cell will not entertain any requests for changes to choices after the deadline. Verify your choices carefully before submitting — college name, course (MBBS or BDS), and quota. Once submitted and the deadline passes, no corrections are possible.
What if I cannot afford the fee for the college I am allotted?
Check the fee for each college before filling your choice. The fee is set by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA) and varies by quota. If you cannot afford the fee, do not fill that choice. Verify the fee on the college website and the FRA website before making your decision.
Is there a betterment round after the Stray Vacancy Round?
No. The Stray Vacancy Round is the last round of the admission process. There is no betterment (improvement) round after this. Therefore, if you are allotted a seat, you must join it — there is no opportunity to upgrade to a better college later.
What if I miss the joining deadline?
If you miss the joining deadline, your seat will lapse, and you will be disqualified from admission for the next two years for that course group. There are no extensions or exceptions. Mark the joining deadline clearly and ensure you report to the college on time.
Can I participate in the Stray Vacancy Round if I was allotted a seat in an earlier round but did not join?
The notice does not explicitly address this. Check the NEET UG 2026 Information Brochure and contact the CET Cell directly at cetcell@mahacet.org or 022-22016157/53/59 to confirm your eligibility if you did not join an earlier allotment.
The Stray Vacancy Round is your final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra. Visit www.mahacet.org immediately to download Notice No. 23 and note all key dates. Remember: joining is mandatory, no changes to choices are allowed after the deadline, and missing the joining deadline results in a two-year disqualification. Fill your choices carefully, verify the fee in advance, and be ready to pay and join immediately upon allotment. Do not take any deadline lightly.
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