The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has begun the online stray vacancy round for NEET UG admissions, a final opportunity for candidates to secure MBBS or BDS seats that remain unfilled after the main counselling rounds. Starting October 15, 2026, eligible candidates can now enter their college preferences for allotment across three successive rounds. This is a critical window for aspirants who missed earlier counselling phases or wish to upgrade their college choice. Understanding the timeline and process is essential to avoid missing this last chance to secure a medical seat in Maharashtra.
If you are a NEET UG candidate in Maharashtra, you have until October 16 to fill your college preferences for the stray vacancy round—missing this deadline means losing your chance to participate.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the stray vacancy round and who can apply?
The stray vacancy round is a final counselling phase designed to fill MBBS and BDS seats that remain vacant after the main allotment rounds. These vacancies arise when candidates decline their allotted seats, fail to report for admission, or when seats are reserved but not filled during earlier phases. In Maharashtra, this round is open to all NEET UG qualified candidates who have not yet been allotted a seat or who wish to participate again.
Unlike the main counselling rounds, the stray vacancy round operates on a faster timeline with multiple mini-rounds conducted in quick succession. This compressed schedule allows the state to fill remaining seats and ensure that no medical college capacity goes unused. Candidates who participate must be prepared to join immediately upon allotment, as the joining window is typically just 2–3 days per round.
Key dates for Maharashtra stray vacancy round October 2026
The Maharashtra CET Cell has released a structured timeline for all three stray vacancy rounds. The seat matrix—which shows the number and category of available seats at each college—was released on October 15, 2026. Candidates must use this matrix to understand which colleges have vacancies and in which categories (general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.) before filling their preferences.
- Choice filling window: October 15–16, 2026
- Round 1 allotment result: October 17, 2026
- Round 1 joining period: October 18–20, 2026
- Round 2 choice filling: October 20–21, 2026
- Round 2 allotment result: October 21, 2026
- Round 2 joining period: October 22–23, 2026
- Round 3 choice filling: October 23–24, 2026
- Round 3 allotment result: October 24, 2026
- Round 3 joining period: October 25–26, 2026
- Final joining deadline (MCC guideline): October 26, 2026
How to fill your preferences on cetcell.mahacet.org
The choice-filling process is straightforward but requires careful attention. You must log in to the official Maharashtra CET portal using your NEET registration credentials. Once logged in, you will see the choice-filling link for the stray vacancy round. The portal will display the seat matrix, showing all available seats by college, course (MBBS or BDS), and category.
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When entering your preferences, list colleges in order of your priority. The allotment algorithm will match you to the highest-preference college where you are eligible and where a seat is available. After reviewing your choices, save and submit them before the deadline. Submission is final; you cannot modify your preferences after locking them in.
- Visit cetcell.mahacet.org
- Click on NEET UG section
- Log in with your NEET registration number and password
- Select the choice-filling link for stray vacancy round
- Review the seat matrix to identify available seats
- Enter colleges in order of preference
- Double-check your entries
- Click Save and Submit
- Note your confirmation number for records
Understanding the three-round structure and your chances
The stray vacancy round is divided into three separate allotment cycles, each with its own choice-filling, allotment, and joining window. This structure exists because not all candidates who are allotted seats in Round 1 will join; some may decline, fail to report, or choose to pursue other options. The seats they vacate then become available for Round 2, and the same process repeats for Round 3.
Your strategy should account for this. If you are not allotted a seat in Round 1, you will have another opportunity in Round 2 with a fresh set of vacancies. However, each round has a very tight timeline—you must join within 2–3 days of allotment or forfeit your seat. If you cannot join immediately due to document issues or travel constraints, you risk losing the allotment. Plan your joining logistics in advance, especially if your allotted college is far from your location.
What documents and fees you must bring for joining
Once you receive an allotment letter, you must report to the allotted college with all original documents and photocopies. The college will conduct document verification to confirm your eligibility. You must also pay the admission fee, which can be submitted via demand draft (DD) or cheque made in the name of the college. Exact fee amounts vary by college and course; check the college's website or contact them directly before joining.
Bring originals of your NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents specified by the college. Incomplete documentation or missing fees will delay or prevent your admission. The college will not hold your seat beyond the joining deadline, so ensure all paperwork is ready before the allotment result is declared.
- NEET admit card and scorecard
- 10th and 12th mark sheets (original + photocopy)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile/residence certificate
- Aadhar card or passport
- Medical fitness certificate (if required by college)
- Admission fee via DD or cheque
- Any other documents specified by the college
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Important: Resignation and penalty rules
If you are allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round but decide not to join, you must formally resign from that seat. The deadline to resign without penalty is October 20, 2026 (for Round 1). Resigning after this date may result in a financial penalty or other consequences as per Maharashtra CET Cell rules. Resignation must be done through the official portal; simply not reporting to the college does not count as resignation.
If you resign within the permitted window, your seat will be released back into the pool for the next round, allowing other candidates to benefit. However, if you resign after the deadline or fail to report without formal resignation, you may be barred from future counselling rounds or face other disciplinary action. Always resign formally if you decide not to join.
What happens if you don't get a seat in any round?
If you are not allotted a seat in any of the three stray vacancy rounds, your options become limited. You may be eligible to participate in counselling conducted by other states (if you have qualified NEET UG and meet their eligibility criteria), or you may consider private medical colleges. Some private institutions conduct their own admission processes outside the state counselling system. Alternatively, you can appear for NEET UG again in the next year if you wish to pursue MBBS or BDS.
It is also worth noting that the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) may conduct an all-India stray vacancy round after all state counselling is complete. Check the MCC website and official NEET portals for announcements. However, do not rely on this as a backup; focus on maximizing your chances in the Maharashtra rounds by filling your preferences strategically and being ready to join immediately if allotted.
Common mistakes to avoid during choice filling
Many candidates make preventable errors during choice filling that cost them their seat. The most common mistake is not reviewing the seat matrix carefully before entering preferences. If you list a college that has no vacancies in your category, you will not be allotted there, even if it is your first choice. Always cross-check the seat matrix to ensure the colleges you list actually have available seats.
Another frequent error is entering preferences in the wrong order. Remember, the allotment algorithm works from your highest preference downward. If you accidentally list a less-preferred college first, you may be allotted there even if a better college is available lower on your list. Take time to arrange your preferences correctly. Also, do not wait until the last moment to fill your choices; the portal may experience traffic congestion on the final day, and you risk missing the deadline.
- Check the seat matrix before filling preferences
- Verify that your category (general, OBC, SC, ST) matches available seats
- List colleges in true order of preference, not randomly
- Do not fill preferences for colleges with zero vacancies in your category
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid portal congestion
- Keep a screenshot or note of your submitted preferences
- Do not rely on rumors about seat availability; trust only the official matrix
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
When does the choice-filling window close for Maharashtra stray vacancy round?
The choice-filling window for Round 1 closes on October 16, 2026. You must submit your preferences by the end of this date. If you miss this deadline, you cannot participate in Round 1. However, if you are not allotted in Round 1, you will get another chance to fill preferences for Round 2 (October 20–21) and Round 3 (October 23–24).
Can I change my preferences after submitting them?
No. Once you submit your preferences and lock them in, you cannot modify them. The portal will not allow changes after submission. This is why it is critical to review your choices carefully before clicking Submit. If you realize you made an error after submission, contact the Maharashtra CET Cell immediately, but there is no guarantee they will allow a correction.
What if I am allotted a seat but cannot join within the given timeframe?
If you cannot join within the allotted timeframe (e.g., October 18–20 for Round 1), you must formally resign from your seat through the official portal before the resignation deadline (October 20 for Round 1). Resigning releases your seat for other candidates. If you do not resign and do not report, you may face penalties or be barred from future counselling rounds.
How many colleges should I list in my preferences?
There is no fixed limit, but list as many colleges as you are genuinely willing to join, in order of preference. Listing more colleges increases your chances of allotment, but only if you are prepared to join any of them. Do not list colleges you would not actually attend, as you may be allotted there and forced to join or face penalties.
Is the stray vacancy round only for MBBS, or can BDS candidates also apply?
Both MBBS and BDS candidates can participate in the stray vacancy round. The seat matrix will show vacancies for both courses separately. When filling preferences, ensure you select the correct course (MBBS or BDS) for each college you list.
What is the difference between the main counselling round and the stray vacancy round?
The main counselling round allocates the majority of seats based on NEET rank and merit. The stray vacancy round fills only the seats that remain vacant after the main round. Stray vacancy rounds are faster, with multiple mini-rounds conducted in quick succession. Joining is mandatory and must happen immediately after allotment.
If I don't get a seat in Round 1, will I automatically be considered for Round 2?
No. You must actively fill your preferences again for Round 2 (October 20–21). The system does not carry forward your Round 1 preferences. You will have a fresh opportunity to enter new preferences based on the vacancies available after Round 1 joining.
Can I participate in the stray vacancy round if I was allotted a seat in the main counselling but declined it?
Yes, you can participate in the stray vacancy round even if you declined a main counselling allotment. However, ensure you formally resigned from your main counselling seat before the resignation deadline. If you did not resign, you may face penalties or be ineligible for stray vacancy round participation.
The stray vacancy round is your final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Maharashtra for 2026. Mark October 15–16 on your calendar, review the seat matrix carefully, and submit your preferences well before the deadline. Be prepared to join immediately if allotted, as the joining windows are very short. If you have any doubts, contact the Maharashtra CET Cell or visit cetcell.mahacet.org for official guidance.
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