Maharashtra's Common Entrance Test Cell has released the seat matrix for the stray vacancy round of NEET UG 2026 counselling. This round offers a final opportunity for eligible candidates to secure a medical or dental college seat if they were not allotted in earlier rounds. The online preference-filling window is now open and closes on October 18, 2026. Understanding the stray vacancy process, timeline, and steps to participate is crucial for aspirants hoping to gain admission through this round.
Eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates in Maharashtra must fill their college and course preferences by October 18, 2026, to participate in the stray vacancy round; allotment results will be announced on October 19.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the stray vacancy round and who can apply?
The stray vacancy round is the final phase of counselling in Maharashtra's NEET UG admission process. It is designed to fill any remaining seats in medical and dental colleges that were not allocated during the main counselling rounds. Candidates who were either not allotted a seat in earlier rounds or who did not accept their allotted seat are typically eligible to participate.
This round is particularly valuable for aspirants who narrowly missed out on admission or who wish to explore alternative college options. The stray vacancy round often includes seats across different categories and merit positions, making it a genuine second chance for many candidates. Participation is voluntary, and candidates must actively register and fill their preferences to be considered.
Key dates and timeline for Maharashtra stray vacancy round
The Maharashtra counselling authority has set a clear schedule for the stray vacancy round to ensure smooth processing. Candidates have until October 18, 2026, to submit their online preference forms. This is a single-day window, so aspirants must complete their choices well before the deadline to avoid technical delays or last-minute issues.
The allotment results will be declared on October 19, 2026. Candidates who are allotted seats must then report to their assigned colleges between October 20 and 21, 2026, for verification and final admission. This compressed timeline means that successful candidates need to be prepared to move quickly once results are announced.
- Preference filling deadline: October 18, 2026
- Allotment result announcement: October 19, 2026
- College reporting dates: October 20–21, 2026
- Final admission fee submission required to confirm seat
How to access the seat matrix and fill preferences online
The seat matrix is now available on the official Maharashtra CET portal at medical2026.mahacet.org. This document lists all available seats by college, course (MBBS or BDS), category, and merit position. Reviewing the seat matrix before filling preferences helps candidates identify realistic options and plan their choices strategically.
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To fill preferences, candidates must log in using their registration credentials on the official portal. The process involves selecting colleges and courses in order of preference. It is essential to enter choices carefully, as the allotment algorithm will match candidates to seats based on their preference order and merit rank. After reviewing all entries, candidates must save and submit their form to confirm participation.
- Visit medical2026.mahacet.org
- Navigate to Admissions 2026 → NEET UG section
- Download and review the seat matrix
- Log in with your registration credentials
- Click the choice-filling link and enter college and course preferences in order
- Review all entries carefully before submission
- Save and submit the form to finalize participation
Understanding preference order and allotment strategy
The order in which you list your preferences directly influences your chances of allotment. The counselling algorithm processes preferences sequentially: if you are eligible for your first choice, you will be allotted that seat; if not, it moves to your second choice, and so on. This means your first preference should ideally be a college and course you genuinely want but are uncertain about securing, while later preferences should be safer options.
A common strategy is to place aspirational choices (colleges with higher cutoffs) early, followed by realistic options based on your merit rank and category. Avoid leaving preferences blank or listing colleges you would not attend, as this reduces your chances of securing a seat. Many candidates benefit from consulting the previous year's cutoff data and their own rank to make informed decisions about preference placement.
- First preference: aspirational choice (college you want but uncertain about)
- Middle preferences: realistic options matching your rank and category
- Final preferences: safe choices with lower cutoffs
- Do not leave preferences blank or list unwanted colleges
- Use previous year cutoff data to guide your strategy
What happens after allotment and reporting to college
Once the allotment result is announced on October 19, candidates must report to their assigned college on the specified dates (October 20–21, 2026) for document verification and final admission. This is a mandatory step; failure to report within the given window may result in forfeiture of the seat. Candidates should carry original documents and photocopies of all relevant certificates, including their NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by the college.
After verification, candidates must pay the final admission fee to confirm their seat. This fee varies by college and course but is non-refundable once submitted. Taking admission in a college allotted through the stray vacancy round is binding, meaning you cannot participate in further stray vacancy rounds once you have confirmed your seat. However, if you do not report or do not pay the fee, you may be eligible to participate in subsequent stray vacancy rounds if they are conducted.
- Report to allotted college on October 20–21, 2026
- Carry original and photocopied documents for verification
- Pay the final admission fee to confirm your seat
- Admission is binding once fee is submitted
- Failure to report or pay may result in seat cancellation
- Further stray vacancy rounds may be available if you do not confirm admission
Documents required for final admission
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Colleges will require a comprehensive set of documents during the admission process. Having these ready before your reporting date will streamline the verification process and reduce delays. Most institutions follow a standard checklist, though specific requirements may vary slightly by college.
Ensure all documents are in good condition and that photocopies are clear and legible. Some colleges may require documents to be attested by a notary or gazetted officer, so check the college's admission guidelines in advance. Carrying both originals and copies allows the college to verify authenticity while retaining copies for their records.
- NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (if required by the state)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Character certificate from school or college
- Passport-size photographs (as per college requirement)
- Any other documents specified by the college
Common mistakes to avoid during preference filling
Many candidates make preventable errors during the preference-filling process that can significantly impact their chances of admission. One common mistake is filling preferences hastily without reviewing the seat matrix or understanding cutoff trends. Another is listing too many aspirational choices without including realistic or safe options, which can result in no allotment at all.
Candidates should also avoid submitting preferences without double-checking for typos or incorrect college codes, as the system will process exactly what is entered. Some aspirants make the error of assuming they will definitely get a particular seat and fail to prepare backup options. Finally, missing the deadline or forgetting to submit the form after filling preferences is a critical mistake that results in automatic exclusion from the round.
- Do not fill preferences without reviewing the seat matrix and cutoff data
- Avoid listing only aspirational choices; include realistic and safe options
- Double-check college codes and course selections before submission
- Do not assume you will get a particular seat; always have backups
- Submit your form before the deadline; do not leave it incomplete
- Do not ignore the submission confirmation; ensure your form is officially received
What if you are not allotted a seat in this round?
If you are not allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round, it does not necessarily mean the end of your admission journey. Depending on the number of remaining vacancies and the counselling authority's decision, additional stray vacancy rounds may be conducted. These subsequent rounds follow the same process: a new seat matrix is released, candidates fill fresh preferences, and allotments are made based on merit and availability.
In the interim, you should explore alternative pathways such as private medical or dental colleges, deemed universities, or colleges in other states that accept NEET UG scores. Some candidates also consider taking a gap year to reappear for NEET UG in the following year if they believe they can improve their score. It is important to stay informed about any announcements regarding further counselling rounds by regularly checking the official Maharashtra CET portal.
- Monitor the official portal for announcements of additional stray vacancy rounds
- Explore private medical and dental colleges accepting NEET UG scores
- Consider deemed universities and central universities with NEET-based admission
- Look into colleges in other states if willing to relocate
- Evaluate the option of taking a gap year and reappearing for NEET UG
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the deadline for filling preferences in the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round?
The deadline for filling online preferences is October 18, 2026. Candidates must submit their preference form before this date to be eligible for the stray vacancy round. It is advisable to complete the process well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or last-minute delays.
When will the allotment results for the stray vacancy round be announced?
The allotment results will be declared on October 19, 2026. Candidates can check their results on the official Maharashtra CET portal using their login credentials. Those allotted seats must report to their assigned colleges on October 20–21, 2026.
Where can I find the seat matrix for the stray vacancy round?
The seat matrix is available on the official Maharashtra CET portal at medical2026.mahacet.org. You can download it from the Admissions 2026 section under NEET UG. The seat matrix lists all available seats by college, course, category, and merit position.
Who is eligible to participate in the stray vacancy round?
Candidates who were not allotted a seat in the main counselling rounds or who did not accept their allotted seat are typically eligible for the stray vacancy round. Specific eligibility criteria are outlined by the Maharashtra CET Cell, so check the official guidelines to confirm your eligibility.
What documents do I need to carry when reporting to the college?
You must carry original documents and photocopies of your NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, medical fitness certificate, character certificate, and passport-size photographs. Check your allotted college's specific requirements in advance.
Can I participate in further stray vacancy rounds after confirming my seat in this round?
No. Once you confirm your seat by paying the final admission fee, you cannot participate in further stray vacancy rounds. Admission is binding. However, if you do not report or do not pay the fee, you may be eligible for subsequent rounds if they are conducted.
What should be my strategy for filling preferences in the stray vacancy round?
List your preferences in order of preference, starting with aspirational choices (colleges you want but are uncertain about), followed by realistic options based on your merit rank and category, and ending with safe choices with lower cutoffs. Avoid leaving preferences blank or listing colleges you would not attend. Use previous year cutoff data to guide your decisions.
What is the final admission fee, and when must I pay it?
The final admission fee varies by college and course. You must pay it during your college reporting visit (October 20–21, 2026) after document verification. The fee is non-refundable once submitted and is required to confirm your seat.
If you are eligible for Maharashtra's NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round, act quickly: review the seat matrix, plan your preferences strategically, and submit your form by October 18, 2026. Once allotment results are announced on October 19, be prepared to report to your assigned college within the two-day window and complete the final admission process.
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