The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has released the NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule for Round 3 and the Stray Vacancy Round. The dates are live on the official portal, mcc.nic.in. Round 3 registration begins on 22 September 2026, and this round covers the 15% All India Quota (AIQ), deemed and central universities such as DU, BHU and AMU, ESIC and other MCC-controlled seats.
What has MCC announced?
MCC's notice sets out the registration, choice-filling, seat-allotment and reporting windows for the third regular round of All India Quota counselling, followed by the Stray Vacancy Round for seats that remain unfilled after Round 3. A corresponding state counselling schedule has also been released, so candidates in the 85% state quota should track their own state authority alongside MCC. Only the dates published at mcc.nic.in are official, so always confirm exact timings there before you register or fill choices.
What are the key NEET UG 2026 Round 3 dates?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 3 & Stray Vacancy schedule released | 14-15 September 2026 |
| Round 3 registration & fee payment | From 22 September 2026 |
| Round 3 choice filling & locking | From 23 September 2026 |
| Round 3 seat allotment result | Around 30 September 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | From around mid-October 2026 |
What should NEET UG aspirants do next?
- Keep your NEET UG 2026 roll number, application number and registered login details ready before 22 September.
- Register afresh for Round 3 on mcc.nic.in if you want an AIQ, deemed, central university or ESIC seat, even if you took part in earlier rounds.
- Pay the round-specific security deposit and registration fee within the window; unpaid registrations are not considered.
- Fill and lock your choices carefully in your true order of preference during the choice-filling window.
- If you are allotted a seat, report to the college within the reporting dates with all original documents.
- Watch the Stray Vacancy Round for seats left unfilled after Round 3, and track your state counselling schedule in parallel.
When does MCC NEET UG 2026 Round 3 registration begin?
Round 3 registration begins on 22 September 2026 on the official MCC portal, mcc.nic.in.
Which seats does MCC Round 3 counselling cover?
It covers the 15% All India Quota, deemed and central universities (such as DU, BHU and AMU), ESIC and other MCC-controlled seats.
Do I need to register again for Round 3 if I joined earlier rounds?
Yes. MCC requires fresh registration for each round, so you must register again for Round 3 even if you registered in Round 1 or Round 2. Confirm the requirement on mcc.nic.in.
What is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The Stray Vacancy Round is held after Round 3 to fill seats that remain vacant. MCC has released its schedule along with the Round 3 dates; check mcc.nic.in for the exact timings.
Is there a separate state counselling schedule too?
Yes. A corresponding state counselling schedule has also been released for the 85% state quota, so track your state authority alongside the MCC schedule.
Where can I find the official MCC schedule?
The official schedule is published only at mcc.nic.in. Verify all registration, choice-filling, allotment and reporting dates there before you act.
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