Maharashtra NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2 Allotment 2026: Key Dates & Next Steps

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the provisional seat allotment results for the second stray vacancy round of NEET UG 2026 counselling, covering both MBBS and BDS courses. This round is designed to fill remaining vacant seats across government, municipal, government-aided, private and minority medical and dental colleges in the state. If you have been allotted a seat, you now have a very tight deadline to complete your admission formalities. Understanding what you need to do and by when is critical—missing the deadline could result in your seat being cancelled.

What is the Stray Vacancy Round and who can participate?

A stray vacancy round is a final opportunity in NEET UG counselling to fill seats that remain empty after the main and special rounds of allotment. These vacancies occur when candidates decline their allotted seats, fail to report, or do not complete admission formalities. The second stray vacancy round in Maharashtra is now open for MBBS and BDS courses.

This round is open to all eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates who have not yet been allotted a seat or who wish to participate again. Importantly, if you participated in the first stray vacancy round, your college preferences do not automatically carry forward to this second round—you must submit your choices afresh. This is a critical point many candidates miss, so check the official notice carefully to understand the fresh preference submission rules for your category.

How to check if you have been allotted a seat

The provisional selection list has been published on the official Maharashtra medical counselling portal. To find your name and allotment details, visit medical2026.mahacet.org and log in with your NEET UG credentials. Look for the notification titled 'Provisional Selection List Only for MBBS/BDS Courses – Online Stray Vacancy Round 2' and open the PDF.

Once you open the list, search for your name, NEET UG roll number, or application number. The list will show your allotted college, the course (MBBS or BDS), and the seat category. Verify all details carefully—college name, course, and category must match your expectations. Download and save a copy of the PDF immediately for your records and to carry to the college during reporting.

• Visit medical2026.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2026/login
• Search for the Stray Vacancy Round 2 selection list PDF
• Find your name or roll number in the list
• Note your allotted college and course
• Download and save the PDF

Critical deadline: October 24, 2026, 5:30 PM

This is the single most important date for all selected candidates. By 5:30 PM on October 24, 2026, you must have physically reported to your allotted college with all original documents, paid the required admission fees, and submitted the status retention form. The CET Cell has made it clear that failure to meet this deadline will result in cancellation of your allotment.

Do not delay or assume you have extra time. Many candidates lose their seats because they underestimate the urgency or face last-minute document issues. Plan your travel to the college in advance, gather all required documents now, and confirm the exact fee amount and payment method with the college before the deadline. If you are unable to report in person due to an emergency, contact your allotted college immediately to understand if any alternative arrangement is possible—but do not assume one will be granted.

• Physical reporting at college: October 24, 2026
• Last date to submit documents and pay fees: October 24, 2026, by 5:30 PM
• Last date to submit status retention form: October 24, 2026, by 5:30 PM
• Missing the deadline will result in seat cancellation

What documents and fees do you need to bring?

The college will verify your original documents and eligibility before confirming your admission. While the exact list of required documents may vary slightly by college, you should typically bring your NEET UG admit card, NEET UG result/scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates, Aadhaar card, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents mentioned in the official selection list or college notice.

Regarding fees, the admission fee amount depends on the college category (government, private, aided, etc.) and your seat category. Contact your allotted college directly to confirm the exact fee, payment method (online, cheque, demand draft, or cash), and whether any installment option is available. Do not assume you know the fee—colleges often have different rates for different categories, and paying the wrong amount could delay your admission confirmation.

• NEET UG admit card and result scorecard
• 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Aadhaar card and other identity proof
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile certificate
• Any other documents specified by the college
• Confirm exact fee amount with the college before reporting

Understanding the status retention form

The status retention form is a document you must complete and submit to the college by the same deadline. This form confirms that you are accepting the allotted seat and wish to proceed with admission. It is not optional—submitting it is part of the mandatory admission process. Ask your allotted college for the form when you report, or check if it is available on the official portal or the college's website.

Fill out the form accurately with your personal details, NEET UG roll number, and allotted seat information. Keep a copy for yourself after submission. If you are unsure about any field, ask the college staff to clarify before signing. This form is your proof that you have formally accepted the seat, so treat it as an important legal document.

What happens after you report and submit documents?

Once you have reported to the college, submitted your original documents, paid the fees, and completed the status retention form, the college will verify your eligibility and the authenticity of your documents. This verification process typically takes a few days. Only after the college confirms that all your documents are in order and you meet the eligibility criteria will your admission be formally confirmed.

During this verification period, stay in touch with the college to check the status of your admission. The college will inform you of the next steps, such as when to report for orientation, hostel allotment (if applicable), or course registration. Do not assume your admission is complete until you receive official confirmation from the college in writing or via email.

What if you do not get allotted a seat in this round?

If your name does not appear in the provisional selection list, it means you have not been allotted a seat in this stray vacancy round. This does not mean your NEET UG journey is over—there may be further rounds or other opportunities depending on the state's counselling schedule. Check the official CET Cell website regularly for announcements about any additional rounds or alternative admission pathways.

If you believe there is an error in the selection list or if you have a grievance, contact the CET Cell or your allotted college (if applicable) within the prescribed time. Do not wait until after the deadline to raise concerns. Keep all your NEET UG documents and correspondence safe for future reference.

Key differences between stray rounds and main counselling

In the main counselling rounds, your college preferences carry forward from one round to the next, and the system automatically allots seats based on your merit rank and preferences. In stray vacancy rounds, this does not happen. You must submit your college preferences afresh for each stray round, and the allotment is based on available vacancies and your eligibility. This means you have a fresh opportunity to choose colleges, but it also means you cannot rely on your earlier preferences.

Additionally, stray rounds typically have much tighter deadlines than main rounds. The reporting deadline is often just one or two days after the allotment list is released, leaving little room for error or delay. Plan accordingly and do not assume you have the same flexibility as in earlier rounds.

Practical checklist for selected candidates

To ensure you do not miss any step or deadline, use this checklist. First, confirm your allotment by checking the official selection list and saving a copy. Second, gather all required original documents and verify them against the college's requirements. Third, contact the college to confirm the exact fee amount, payment method, and any other specific instructions. Fourth, plan your travel to the college and arrange to report by October 24, 2026. Fifth, bring all documents, pay the fee, and submit the status retention form on or before the deadline. Finally, follow up with the college to confirm that your admission has been verified and formally confirmed.

• Check the official selection list and save a copy
• Gather and verify all required original documents
• Contact the college to confirm fee and instructions
• Plan travel and arrange to report by October 24, 2026
• Report to the college with documents and pay fees
• Submit the status retention form
• Follow up with the college for admission confirmation

Frequently asked questions

If you have been allotted a seat, act immediately—gather your documents, confirm the fee with your college, and plan to report by October 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Do not delay or assume you have extra time; missing this deadline will result in seat cancellation. For the latest updates and official notices, visit the Maharashtra CET Cell website regularly.