The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has made two additional MBBS seats available during the ongoing Special Stray Vacancy Round of NEET UG Counselling 2026. One seat is offered under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in New Delhi, while the second is available under the Other Backward Classes Persons with Disabilities (OBC PwD) quota at Stanley Medical College in Chennai. This development is relevant for candidates currently participating in the Special Stray Vacancy Round who belong to these specific reservation categories and wish to explore additional college options.
Two new MBBS seats have been added to the NEET 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round—one NRI quota seat in Delhi and one OBC PwD quota seat in Chennai—and eligible candidates can include these institutions in their choice-filling preferences.
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Unlock My College ListWhat seats were added and where?
The MCC has introduced two MBBS seats into the Special Stray Vacancy Round counselling process. The first seat is located at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in New Delhi and is reserved under the NRI quota. The second seat is at Stanley Medical College in Chennai and falls under the OBC PwD (Other Backward Classes Persons with Disabilities) reservation category.
Both seats are now open for choice filling during the ongoing Special Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for these specific quotas can add these colleges to their preference lists when they next log into the MCC counselling portal.
| College Name | Location | Quota | Number of Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research | New Delhi | NRI | 1 |
| Stanley Medical College | Chennai | OBC PwD | 1 |
Who is eligible to apply for these newly added seats?
Eligibility for these seats depends on the quota under which they are offered. For the NRI quota seat at Hamdard Institute in New Delhi, candidates must qualify as Non-Resident Indians according to the criteria set by MCC and the medical college. This typically means the candidate or their parents hold NRI status as defined by Indian law.
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For the OBC PwD quota seat at Stanley Medical College in Chennai, candidates must have a valid OBC certificate and must also be registered as a person with disability (PwD) as per the Persons with Disabilities Act. Candidates must have participated in NEET UG 2026 and cleared the qualifying cutoff to be eligible for counselling in any round.
How does this affect the ongoing counselling round?
The Special Stray Vacancy Round is designed to fill seats that remain vacant after earlier counselling rounds. The addition of these two seats expands the pool of available positions for candidates in the final stages of the counselling process. Since these seats have been added during an active round, candidates who are currently participating can immediately consider these colleges when updating or finalizing their choice lists.
The MCC notice does not mention any extension of the choice-filling deadline or a separate registration window for these newly added seats. This means candidates must work within the existing timeline of the Special Stray Vacancy Round, which runs from November 2 to November 7, 2026, according to the published counselling schedule.
What should candidates do to apply for these seats?
Candidates currently participating in the Special Stray Vacancy Round should log into the MCC counselling portal and review their choice-filling options. If you belong to the NRI quota or the OBC PwD quota and meet all other eligibility requirements, you can add Hamdard Institute or Stanley Medical College (as applicable) to your preference list.
Before making your choice, verify that you meet all eligibility criteria for the specific quota. Ensure your NEET UG 2026 score is above the cutoff for the college and course you are selecting. Once you have finalized your choices, submit them before the deadline. The MCC will then process these choices along with all other preferences to generate the final merit list and seat allocation for this round.
- Log into the MCC NEET UG counselling portal
- Check your eligibility for the NRI or OBC PwD quota
- Add the relevant college to your preference list
- Verify your NEET score meets the college's cutoff
- Submit your choices before the November 7, 2026 deadline
When is the choice-filling deadline for this round?
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The Special Stray Vacancy Round for MBBS seats under the All India Quota, Deemed Universities, and Central Universities is scheduled to run from November 2 to November 7, 2026. This is the window during which candidates can fill or modify their choices, including the newly added seats.
Candidates must complete their choice-filling process before the round closes on November 7. After this date, no further changes to preferences will be accepted. It is advisable to submit your choices well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues or last-minute complications.
What happens after choice filling closes?
Once the choice-filling window closes on November 7, 2026, the MCC will process all submitted preferences using its merit-based allocation algorithm. Candidates will be ranked according to their NEET UG 2026 scores, and seats will be allocated based on merit, category, and the order of preferences submitted.
Results of the Special Stray Vacancy Round will be announced according to the MCC's published schedule. Candidates who are allocated a seat must report to their assigned college within the specified reporting period to complete admission formalities. Those who do not report within the deadline may lose their allocated seat.
Why are seats added during the counselling process?
Seats are added during counselling rounds when colleges report vacancies that were not filled in earlier rounds or when additional seats become available due to administrative or regulatory reasons. The Special Stray Vacancy Round is specifically designed to accommodate such last-minute additions and ensure that as many seats as possible are filled.
This process benefits candidates by providing additional opportunities to secure admission, particularly in colleges they may not have considered in earlier rounds. It also helps medical colleges fill their sanctioned strength and ensures optimal utilization of available MBBS positions across the country.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Can I apply for both the NRI seat in Delhi and the OBC PwD seat in Chennai?
No. You can apply for only one seat based on your eligibility. If you hold NRI status, you can apply for the Hamdard Institute seat in Delhi. If you have a valid OBC certificate and are registered as a person with disability, you can apply for the Stanley Medical College seat in Chennai. You cannot claim both quotas simultaneously.
What is the NRI quota and who qualifies for it?
The NRI (Non-Resident Indian) quota is a special category for candidates or their parents who hold NRI status as defined by Indian law. NRI status typically applies to Indian citizens living abroad or those who have emigrated. Specific eligibility criteria are set by the MCC and the individual college. You should verify your NRI status with the college before applying.
What documents do I need to prove OBC PwD status?
You will need a valid OBC certificate issued by the competent authority in your state and a disability certificate issued under the Persons with Disabilities Act. Both documents must be current and recognized by the MCC. You should have these documents ready before the choice-filling deadline and be prepared to submit them during the admission process if your seat is allocated.
If I don't fill these newly added seats in my choices, can I apply for them later?
No. The choice-filling window for the Special Stray Vacancy Round closes on November 7, 2026. If you do not include these seats in your preferences by this date, you will not be considered for them. There is no separate application process or extended deadline for these newly added seats.
Will adding these seats change the cutoff scores for these colleges?
The addition of two seats is unlikely to significantly change the cutoff scores for these colleges, as the overall number of seats remains small. However, cutoffs are determined by the number of applicants, their scores, and the total seats available. The exact impact, if any, will only be clear after the round is processed and results are announced.
What if I am allocated one of these seats but decide not to join?
If you are allocated a seat and do not report to the college within the specified reporting period, you will forfeit the seat. Your admission will be cancelled, and the seat may be offered to the next candidate in the merit list. It is important to report on time if you accept the allocation.
Can I change my choices after submitting them during this round?
The MCC counselling portal typically allows candidates to modify their choices until the deadline. You can log in and update your preferences, including adding or removing these newly added seats, as long as you do so before November 7, 2026. After the deadline, no changes are permitted.
How will I know if I am allocated one of these seats?
The MCC will announce the results of the Special Stray Vacancy Round according to its published schedule. You will need to log into the MCC counselling portal using your credentials to check your allocation. Results are typically displayed on the official MCC website and communicated via email or SMS to registered candidates.
If you are currently in the Special Stray Vacancy Round and belong to the NRI or OBC PwD quota, review these newly added seats carefully and consider adding them to your preference list before the November 7 deadline. Check the MCC portal regularly for any updates or clarifications regarding these seats or the counselling schedule.
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