The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell (State CET Cell) has published a revised schedule for the online Stray Vacancy Round of NEET UG 2026 counselling. This round allows candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds to apply for remaining vacant seats across colleges in Maharashtra. The revised schedule updates the dates and timelines for registration, choice filling, and allotment in this final counselling phase. Candidates who wish to participate must check the official notice for the exact dates and follow the instructions carefully.
Maharashtra has released a revised schedule for the Stray Vacancy Round of NEET UG 2026 counselling; eligible candidates must check the official link for updated dates and process.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final phase of NEET UG counselling in Maharashtra. It is conducted after all earlier counselling rounds (merit-based allotment rounds and special rounds) are complete. In this round, any seats that remain vacant across MBBS and BDS colleges in Maharashtra are made available for fresh applications.
This round gives a second chance to candidates who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds, or who wish to upgrade to a better college or course. Participation is optional — you can choose to apply if you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to try for a vacant seat.
Who Can Apply for the Stray Vacancy Round?
Any candidate who has a valid NEET UG 2026 score and has registered with the Maharashtra State CET Cell is eligible to apply. This includes candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds, as well as those who were allotted but wish to participate in the stray vacancy round for a better option.
You must have completed your registration and obtained your login credentials before the stray vacancy round registration window opens. If you have not yet registered, you must do so during the registration period announced by the State CET Cell.
Important: Check the Official Notice for Exact Dates
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This notice announces a REVISED schedule for the Stray Vacancy Round. The exact dates for registration, choice filling, allotment, and joining have been updated. You must download and read the full official notice from the State CET Cell website to know the precise deadlines.
Missing any deadline — even by a few minutes — will result in your application being rejected. Set reminders well in advance and do not wait until the last day to complete any step.
- Download the full revised schedule notice from the official link
- Note all key dates: registration start and end, choice-filling window, allotment date, and joining deadline
- Mark these dates on your calendar and set phone reminders
How to Apply in the Stray Vacancy Round
The stray vacancy round is conducted entirely online through the Maharashtra State CET Cell portal. You will log in using your NEET registration number and password, fill in your choices of colleges and courses, and submit your application within the announced window.
After the choice-filling deadline, the State CET Cell will process all applications and publish an allotment list. If your name appears on the allotment list, you will be assigned a seat based on your merit rank, category, and the choices you filled. You must then report to your allotted college within the joining deadline to confirm your admission.
- Log in to the official portal using your NEET registration credentials
- Fill in your choice of colleges and courses in order of preference
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Check the allotment list on the announced date
- Report to your allotted college with required documents by the joining deadline
Documents You Will Need
When you report to your allotted college for joining, you must bring original and photocopied versions of all required documents. The exact list of documents is usually specified in the counselling instructions or on the college's admission portal. Common documents include your NEET admit card, score card, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste/category certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.
Ensure all documents are in order before the joining deadline. Colleges will not admit you without complete documentation, and you will lose your seat if you fail to join on time.
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- NEET UG 2026 admit card and score card
- 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and certificates
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable — must be issued by the competent authority)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport)
- Address proof
- Medical fitness certificate (if required by the college)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates lose their seats in the stray vacancy round due to preventable errors. The most common mistake is missing a deadline — even if you are allotted a seat, you must join within the exact timeframe announced, or your seat will be cancelled and offered to the next candidate.
Another frequent error is filling choices incorrectly or not filling enough choices. If you fill too few choices, you may not be allotted any seat even if vacancies exist. Always fill the maximum number of choices allowed, in order of your genuine preference.
Candidates also sometimes bring incomplete or incorrect documents to the college. Ensure your caste certificate (if you are applying under a reserved category) is issued by the correct authority and shows your sub-caste if required. A certificate issued by the wrong authority or without the required details will be rejected.
- ⚠️ Do not miss any deadline — join your allotted college on time or lose your seat
- ⚠️ Fill the maximum number of choices; leaving choices blank reduces your chances
- ⚠️ Verify your caste certificate is from the competent authority and includes all required details
- ⚠️ Bring original documents; photocopies alone are not accepted at the college
Where to Find the Full Schedule and Instructions
The complete revised schedule, including all dates, instructions, and the list of vacant seats, is available on the official Maharashtra State CET Cell website. You must download and read the full notice carefully — this article summarizes the key points, but the official notice is the authoritative source.
Visit the link provided below to access the revised schedule notice and all related documents. If you have questions, contact the State CET Cell helpline or visit their office in Mumbai.
- Official portal: medical2026.mahacet.org
- Download Notice No. 27 (Revised Schedule for Online Stray Vacancy Round)
- Read all instructions and eligibility criteria in the full notice
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the Stray Vacancy Round in Maharashtra NEET UG counselling?
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final phase of counselling conducted after all earlier rounds are complete. It allows candidates to apply for any remaining vacant MBBS and BDS seats across Maharashtra colleges. It is open to any candidate with a valid NEET score who has registered with the State CET Cell.
When does the Stray Vacancy Round registration open and close?
The exact dates are in the revised schedule notice published by the State CET Cell. You must download the full notice from the official link to know the precise registration start and end dates. Do not rely on this summary — check the official document for the exact timeline.
Can I apply in the Stray Vacancy Round if I was allotted a seat in an earlier round?
Yes, you can apply in the Stray Vacancy Round even if you were allotted a seat earlier. However, if you are allotted a new seat in the stray round, you must decide whether to accept it or keep your earlier allotment. Accepting a new seat may mean forfeiting your previous one, so choose carefully.
What happens if I miss the joining deadline after being allotted a seat?
If you do not report to your allotted college within the announced joining deadline, your seat will be cancelled and offered to the next candidate on the merit list. You will lose your admission opportunity. Always join on time — do not delay.
How many choices should I fill in the Stray Vacancy Round?
You should fill the maximum number of choices allowed by the State CET Cell. Filling more choices increases your chances of being allotted a seat. Always fill your choices in order of genuine preference — do not leave choices blank.
What documents do I need to bring when I join my allotted college?
You must bring original and photocopied versions of your NEET admit card, score card, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste/category certificate (if applicable), identity proof, and address proof. The exact list may vary by college, so check the college's admission portal or the counselling instructions for the complete list.
Is my caste certificate from my school acceptable, or does it need to be from a government authority?
Your caste certificate must be issued by the competent authority (usually the District Collector or Taluk Officer), not by your school. A school-issued certificate will be rejected. Ensure your certificate is from the correct authority and includes all required details, including your sub-caste if applicable.
Where can I find the list of vacant seats in the Stray Vacancy Round?
The list of vacant seats is published by the State CET Cell along with the revised schedule notice. You can download it from the official portal (medical2026.mahacet.org) or access it through the counselling portal when you log in to fill your choices.
Can I change my choices after I submit my application in the Stray Vacancy Round?
The notice does not specify whether choice changes are allowed after submission. You must check the full revised schedule notice or contact the State CET Cell helpline to confirm the policy on choice modifications. Do not assume — verify with the official source.
What should I do if I am not allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round?
If you are not allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round, your counselling process ends. You will not be eligible for further rounds. If you wish to pursue MBBS or BDS, you may consider private colleges (if you meet their eligibility criteria) or apply in the next year's NEET counselling.
Download the full revised schedule notice from the official Maharashtra State CET Cell portal (medical2026.mahacet.org) immediately. Note all key dates — registration, choice filling, allotment, and joining — and set reminders. Do not miss any deadline. If you have questions, contact the State CET Cell helpline or visit their office.
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