The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board (OJEE) has published the official modalities for the stray vacancy round counselling of MBBS and BDS courses under the state quota (85% seats). The stray vacancy round is the final counselling phase, held after all regular rounds, to fill any remaining unfilled seats. This round is open to eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates who have not yet been allotted a seat or who wish to upgrade to a better college or course. Candidates must carefully read the published modalities to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and key dates for this round.
Odisha OJEE has released the stray vacancy round counselling modalities for MBBS/BDS; eligible candidates must check the official notification for process and deadlines.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The stray vacancy round is the final counselling phase conducted by OJEE after all regular counselling rounds (Round 1, Round 2, and any mop-up rounds) are complete. It is held to fill any seats that remain vacant after candidates have been allotted and have either joined or declined their seats.
In this round, candidates who are still unallotted or who wish to move to a different college or course can apply. The number of seats available in the stray round depends on how many seats were not filled in the previous rounds. This is typically a smaller pool of seats, but it offers a final opportunity to secure admission to an MBBS or BDS course in Odisha.
Who Can Apply for the Stray Vacancy Round?
To be eligible for the stray vacancy round, you must have appeared in NEET UG 2026 and obtained a valid score. You must also meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for MBBS or the Dental Council of India (DCI) for BDS, including educational qualifications and age requirements.
Candidates who were allotted a seat in an earlier round but did not join, or who wish to upgrade to a better college or course, are also eligible to participate in the stray round. However, if you have already joined a college in an earlier round, you may lose that seat if you participate in the stray round and are allotted a different seat — check the exact rules in the official modalities document before applying.
How to Access the Official Modalities
The complete modalities document has been published by OJEE and is available on the official OJEE website and portal. The document contains all the rules, eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, fee structure, and important dates for the stray vacancy round.
You must download and carefully read the entire modalities notification before applying. The document will specify the exact steps to register, fill your choices, pay the counselling fee, and participate in the allotment process. Missing any requirement or deadline can result in your application being rejected or your allotment being cancelled.
- Visit the official OJEE website or the Odisha medical counselling portal
- Download the stray vacancy round modalities PDF
- Read the entire document carefully — do not skip any section
- Note all important dates and deadlines
- Gather all required documents before the application window opens
Key Information to Look For in the Modalities
The modalities document will contain several critical pieces of information that you must understand before applying. This includes the exact eligibility criteria for the stray round, the list of documents you must submit, the application fee (if any), and the step-by-step process to apply online.
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The document will also specify important dates: when the application window opens and closes, when you can edit your choices, when the allotment result will be published, and when you must join the allotted college. It will also clarify which categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) are eligible and whether there are any special provisions for candidates from other states or NRI candidates.
- Eligibility criteria and who can apply
- Required documents (certificates, NEET scorecard, category certificate, etc.)
- Application fee and payment method
- Online registration and choice-filling process
- Important dates and deadlines
- Category-wise seat availability (if specified)
- Allotment process and result publication date
- Joining deadline and document verification process
Documents You Will Likely Need
While the exact list of documents will be specified in the modalities, candidates typically need to submit several certificates during the stray round counselling process. These usually include your NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard, your 10th and 12th mark sheets or certificates, your category certificate (if applicable), and your identity proof.
If you belong to a reserved category (OBC, SC, ST), you must have a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority in your state. The certificate must meet the specific requirements set by the state — for example, it may need to be issued after a certain date or show specific information. If your category certificate is invalid or does not meet the requirements, your application may be rejected. Have all documents ready in both original and scanned formats before the application window opens.
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard
- 10th standard mark sheet or certificate
- 12th standard mark sheet or certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable — OBC, SC, ST)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driving license)
- Address proof
- Medical fitness certificate (if required)
- Any other document specified in the modalities
Important Dates and Deadlines
The modalities document will specify all important dates for the stray vacancy round. These typically include the date when the online application portal opens, the last date to submit your application, the date by which you can edit or change your choices, and the date when the allotment result will be published.
It is critical that you note these dates carefully and plan accordingly. Missing the application deadline means you cannot participate in the stray round. Similarly, if you miss the joining deadline after being allotted a seat, your seat may be cancelled and offered to another candidate. Set reminders for all key dates and do not rely on memory.
- Application window opening date
- Application submission deadline
- Choice editing deadline (if applicable)
- Allotment result publication date
- Joining deadline
- Document verification date and time
The Application Process
The stray vacancy round application process is typically conducted entirely online through the OJEE portal or the Odisha medical counselling website. You will need to register using your NEET roll number and other credentials, fill in your personal and academic details, upload scanned copies of your documents, and select your college and course preferences.
After submitting your application, you will usually receive a confirmation with an application number. Keep this number safe — you will need it to track your application status and download your allotment result. The modalities will specify whether you can edit your choices after submission and, if so, until what date. Do not assume you can change your choices after the deadline — follow the exact rules in the modalities.
- Register on the OJEE portal using your NEET credentials
- Fill in your personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents
- Select your college and course preferences in order of priority
- Review all information carefully before final submission
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Save your application number and confirmation
- Check your email and registered mobile number for updates
Counselling Fee and Payment
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The modalities will specify whether a counselling fee is required for the stray vacancy round and, if so, the amount and payment method. Some states charge a nominal fee (typically ₹500–₹1,000), while others may not charge a fee for the stray round. The payment is usually made online through the portal using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
If a fee is required, ensure you pay it before the deadline specified in the modalities. Failure to pay the fee may result in your application being rejected or your allotment being cancelled. Keep a receipt or confirmation of payment for your records.
- Check the modalities for the exact counselling fee amount
- Pay the fee online through the portal before the deadline
- Use a valid debit card, credit card, or net banking
- Save the payment receipt or confirmation
- Do not assume the fee is waived — confirm in the modalities
Category-Wise Seat Availability
The stray vacancy round will have seats available in different categories: General, OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Caste), and ST (Scheduled Tribe). The exact number of seats available in each category will depend on how many seats were not filled in the previous rounds and will be specified in the modalities or in a separate seat matrix.
If you belong to a reserved category, you can apply for seats in your category or, in some cases, for General category seats (if the rules permit). However, you must have a valid category certificate to claim a reserved seat. If your certificate is invalid or does not meet the state's requirements, you will be considered only for General category seats, which typically have higher cutoff scores.
- Check the modalities for category-wise seat availability
- Ensure your category certificate is valid and meets state requirements
- Understand whether you can apply for General seats if you have a reserved category certificate
- Note the cutoff scores for each category (if published)
- Do not assume you will get a seat in your category — availability is limited
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates make preventable mistakes during the stray vacancy round that result in their applications being rejected or their allotments being cancelled. The most common mistake is not reading the modalities carefully and missing a critical requirement or deadline. Another frequent error is submitting invalid or incomplete documents — for example, a category certificate that does not meet the state's requirements or a 12th mark sheet that is not attested.
Other common mistakes include filling in incorrect information on the application form, not paying the counselling fee on time, missing the joining deadline, or not appearing for document verification. Some candidates also make the error of not selecting enough college and course options, which reduces their chances of getting an allotment. Read the modalities thoroughly, prepare all documents in advance, and follow every instruction exactly.
- ⚠️ Not reading the modalities carefully — read it completely before applying
- ⚠️ Submitting invalid or incomplete documents — verify all documents meet requirements
- ⚠️ Missing the application deadline — note the exact date and time
- ⚠️ Not paying the counselling fee on time — pay immediately after registration
- ⚠️ Filling in incorrect information on the form — double-check all details
- ⚠️ Not selecting enough college and course options — fill all available choices
- ⚠️ Missing the joining deadline — join the allotted college on time
- ⚠️ Not appearing for document verification — attend on the specified date and time
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application, OJEE will process all applications and conduct the allotment based on your NEET score, your category, your college and course preferences, and the availability of seats. The allotment result will be published on the specified date in the modalities. You will be able to download your allotment letter from the portal using your application number.
If you are allotted a seat, you must join the college on or before the joining deadline specified in the modalities. You will need to bring your original documents, your allotment letter, and any other documents specified by the college for document verification and admission. If you do not join by the deadline, your seat will be cancelled and offered to another candidate. If you are not allotted a seat in the stray round, you will not have any further opportunity to apply for MBBS or BDS admission in Odisha for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Check the allotment result on the specified date
- Download your allotment letter from the portal
- Verify the college, course, and category in your allotment
- Join the college on or before the joining deadline
- Bring all original documents for verification
- Complete the admission process at the college
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the stray vacancy round and why is it important?
The stray vacancy round is the final counselling phase held after all regular rounds to fill any remaining unfilled MBBS and BDS seats. It is important because it offers a last opportunity for candidates who are still unallotted or who wish to upgrade to a better college or course. However, the number of seats available is typically small, so competition can be high.
Am I eligible to apply for the stray vacancy round?
You are eligible if you have appeared in NEET UG 2026, obtained a valid score, and meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the NMC or DCI. Candidates who were allotted a seat in an earlier round but did not join are also eligible. However, check the modalities carefully — if you have already joined a college, you may lose that seat if you participate in the stray round.
What documents do I need to submit for the stray vacancy round?
You will typically need your NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), identity proof, and address proof. The exact list will be specified in the modalities. Ensure all documents are valid and meet the state's requirements — an invalid category certificate or incomplete documentation can result in rejection.
When will the stray vacancy round application window open and close?
The exact dates will be specified in the modalities document published by OJEE. You must note these dates carefully and submit your application before the deadline. Missing the deadline means you cannot participate in the stray round.
Is there a counselling fee for the stray vacancy round?
The modalities will specify whether a fee is required and, if so, the amount. If a fee is required, you must pay it online before the deadline. Failure to pay may result in your application being rejected.
How will the allotment be done in the stray vacancy round?
Allotment will be based on your NEET score, category, college and course preferences, and seat availability. OJEE will process all applications and publish the allotment result on the specified date. You can download your allotment letter from the portal using your application number.
What should I do if I am allotted a seat in the stray round?
You must join the allotted college on or before the joining deadline specified in the modalities. Bring your original documents, allotment letter, and any other documents required by the college for document verification and admission. If you do not join by the deadline, your seat will be cancelled.
What if I am not allotted a seat in the stray round?
If you are not allotted a seat in the stray round, you will not have any further opportunity to apply for MBBS or BDS admission in Odisha for the 2026-27 academic year. The stray round is the final counselling phase.
Can I change my college and course preferences after submitting my application?
The modalities will specify whether you can edit your choices after submission and, if so, until what date. Do not assume you can change your choices after the deadline — follow the exact rules in the modalities.
What is the importance of reading the modalities carefully?
The modalities contain all the rules, eligibility criteria, required documents, important dates, and the application process. Missing any requirement or deadline can result in your application being rejected or your allotment being cancelled. Read the entire document carefully before applying.
Download the complete stray vacancy round modalities from the official OJEE website or Odisha medical counselling portal immediately. Read the entire document carefully, note all important dates and deadlines, gather all required documents, and prepare to apply as soon as the application window opens. Do not delay — the stray round is the final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Odisha for 2026-27.
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