Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test Cell has opened the stray vacancy round for NEET UG 2026 aspirants who did not secure seats in earlier counselling phases. The seat matrix is now live, and eligible candidates have a narrow window to submit their college and course preferences. This is your chance to claim a remaining MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra if you missed out in the main rounds—but the timeline is tight, so action today is essential.
If you are eligible for Maharashtra NEET UG counselling but were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds, you must fill your preferences by October 18, 2026 to participate in the stray vacancy round.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the stray vacancy round and who can apply?
The stray vacancy round is a final opportunity for NEET UG candidates to secure admission to medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra. It is designed for eligible aspirants who either did not participate in earlier counselling rounds, were not allotted seats, or chose to withdraw from their allotted colleges. This round fills the remaining vacant seats across government and private MBBS and BDS colleges in the state.
To participate, you must have a valid NEET UG score, meet Maharashtra's eligibility criteria, and be registered in the counselling system. The state's CET Cell determines who qualifies based on the counselling rules and your academic profile. If you believe you are eligible but were not called in earlier rounds, check the official website to confirm your status before the preference deadline.
Key dates for Maharashtra NEET UG stray vacancy round 2026
The stray vacancy round follows a compressed schedule. Preference filling opened on October 17, 2026 and closes on October 18, 2026—giving candidates just one full day to review the seat matrix and submit their choices. This tight timeline means you should not delay if you plan to participate.
After preferences are submitted, the selection list will be announced on October 19, 2026. Candidates who are allotted seats must report to their assigned colleges between October 20 and 21, 2026 to complete verification and final admission formalities. Missing the reporting deadline may result in forfeiture of your seat.
- Preference filling: October 17–18, 2026
- Selection list release: October 19, 2026
- College reporting: October 20–21, 2026
How to access the seat matrix and fill your preferences
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The seat matrix is available on the official Maharashtra CET Cell portal at medical2026.mahacet.org. This document lists all available MBBS and BDS seats by college, course, category, and quota. Before filling preferences, download and study the seat matrix carefully to identify colleges and courses that match your score and eligibility.
To submit your preferences, log in to the portal using your counselling credentials, navigate to the NEET UG section, and access the choice-filling form. You will rank colleges and courses in order of preference—the system will allot you the highest-ranked college for which you are eligible based on your score and category. After entering all choices, review them carefully, then save and submit. Once submitted, you cannot edit your preferences, so verify everything before clicking submit.
- Visit medical2026.mahacet.org
- Click on Admissions 2026 → NEET UG Section
- View the seat matrix to check available seats
- Log in with your counselling credentials
- Fill preferences in order of priority
- Review and submit your choices
What happens after you are allotted a seat?
If your name appears in the selection list on October 19, you have been allotted a seat in one of your preferred colleges. You must then report to that college on October 20 or 21, 2026 with all original documents and photocopies for verification. Bring your NEET scorecard, 12th mark sheet, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents specified by the college.
At the college, you will undergo document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm your seat. Admission to a college allotted in the stray vacancy round is mandatory—you cannot decline it and participate in further rounds unless the college itself releases you. However, if seats remain vacant after this round, additional stray vacancy rounds may be conducted, and you can participate in those if you wish.
- Report to your allotted college on October 20–21, 2026
- Bring original and photocopied documents
- Complete document verification
- Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat
- Admission is mandatory once allotted
Documents you must carry for college reporting
When you report to your allotted college, bring both original and photocopied versions of all required documents. The college will verify originals and retain photocopies for your file. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay your admission or, in some cases, result in forfeiture of your seat.
Essential documents typically include your NEET UG admit card and scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates, caste/category certificate (if applicable), domicile or residence certificate, and any other documents specified in the counselling information brochure. Some colleges may also require a medical fitness certificate or character certificate. Check your college's specific requirements on their website or contact them directly before reporting.
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- NEET UG admit card and scorecard
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile or residence certificate
- Medical fitness certificate (if required)
- Character certificate (if required)
- Bring both originals and photocopies
Why the stray vacancy round matters for your MBBS or BDS admission
If you did not secure a seat in the main counselling rounds, the stray vacancy round is often your last formal opportunity to gain admission to a medical or dental college in Maharashtra for this academic year. Seats that remain after all earlier rounds are consolidated and offered in this final phase. Depending on your score and category, you may find colleges you could not access before due to high competition.
However, the stray vacancy round is also highly competitive and unpredictable. The number and quality of available seats depend entirely on how many candidates withdrew or did not report in earlier rounds. Some aspirants use this round as a safety net; others find their ideal college here. Regardless, if you are eligible and interested in studying medicine or dentistry in Maharashtra, participating in this round is worth your time and effort.
Common mistakes to avoid during preference filling
One of the most common errors is filling preferences without carefully studying the seat matrix. Candidates sometimes rank colleges they are not eligible for based on their score or category, wasting valuable preference slots. Always cross-check your NEET score, category, and the eligibility criteria for each college before ranking it.
Another mistake is submitting preferences in a rush without reviewing them. Once submitted, you cannot edit your choices. Take time to rank colleges in genuine order of preference—do not rank a college high just because it is prestigious if you would prefer a different college or course. Also, do not leave preference slots blank if you have more colleges to rank; use all available slots to maximize your chances of allotment.
- Study the seat matrix thoroughly before filling preferences
- Verify your eligibility for each college and course
- Rank colleges in genuine order of preference
- Review all choices before submitting
- Use all available preference slots
- Do not submit without double-checking
What if you are not allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round?
If your name does not appear in the selection list on October 19, it means no seat was available in any of your preferred colleges and courses based on your score and category. This does not mean you cannot pursue medicine or dentistry—it may mean that seats in Maharashtra are not available for you at this time, or that you need to explore options outside Maharashtra.
You can consider applying to medical colleges in other states that conduct their own counselling, or explore private medical colleges that may have different fee structures and eligibility criteria. Some aspirants also choose to appear for NEET UG again the following year to improve their score and increase their chances. Consult with your parents, teachers, or a counsellor to discuss your next steps based on your goals and circumstances.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does preference filling close for Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round?
Preference filling closes on October 18, 2026. The window opened on October 17, 2026, so you have only one full day to submit your choices. Do not delay—log in to medical2026.mahacet.org and fill your preferences as soon as possible.
Where can I find the seat matrix for the stray vacancy round?
The seat matrix is available on the official Maharashtra CET Cell website at medical2026.mahacet.org. You can download it from the NEET UG section under Admissions 2026. The matrix lists all available MBBS and BDS seats by college, course, category, and quota.
What is the selection list release date for the stray vacancy round?
The selection list will be released on October 19, 2026. Check the official website on that date to see if you have been allotted a seat. If your name appears, you must report to your allotted college on October 20 or 21, 2026.
Can I edit my preferences after submitting them?
No, you cannot edit your preferences after submission. Once you click submit, your choices are locked. This is why it is critical to review all your preferences carefully before submitting. Take your time and verify everything.
What documents do I need to bring when reporting to my allotted college?
Bring both original and photocopied versions of your NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates, caste/category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents specified by the college. Check your college's website or contact them directly for a complete list of required documents.
Is admission to a college allotted in the stray vacancy round mandatory?
Yes, admission is mandatory once you are allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round. You cannot decline it and participate in further rounds unless the college itself releases you. If you accept the seat, you must pay the admission fee and complete all formalities.
What if I am not allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round?
If your name does not appear in the selection list, no seat was available in any of your preferred colleges based on your score and category. You can explore medical colleges in other states, consider private medical colleges, or plan to appear for NEET UG again next year to improve your score. Consult with your parents or a counsellor to decide your next steps.
Can I participate in further stray vacancy rounds if I am allotted a seat now?
If you accept a seat in this stray vacancy round, you are admitted to that college and cannot participate in further rounds unless the college releases you. However, if seats remain vacant after this round, additional stray vacancy rounds may be conducted, and you can participate only if you have not yet been admitted elsewhere.
The stray vacancy round is your final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra for 2026. With preference filling closing on October 18, 2026, act immediately: download the seat matrix, verify your eligibility, rank colleges carefully, and submit your preferences before the deadline. Check the selection list on October 19 and be ready to report to your allotted college on October 20–21 with all required documents.
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