The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) Board has announced the vacancy position for the State Quota Stray Vacancy Round counselling of MBBS and BDS programmes for the 2026-27 academic session. A total of 12 seats remain vacant across four colleges in Odisha after the main counselling rounds. This announcement is critical for candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds or who wish to upgrade their college or course choice. The stray vacancy round is typically the final opportunity to secure a state-quota seat in Odisha's government and private medical and dental colleges.
Odisha has 12 vacant MBBS/BDS seats available in the stray vacancy round: 1 at SCB Dental Cuttack, 3 at DRIEMS Hairapari, 7 at HITECH Dental Bhubaneswar, and 1 at HITECH MCH Bhubaneswar.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is the Stray Vacancy Round?
The stray vacancy round is the final counselling round conducted by OJEE after all main and special rounds are complete. It is designed to fill any remaining vacant seats that could not be filled in earlier rounds. Candidates who were not allotted a seat, or who wish to change their college or course, can participate in this round.
In this round, candidates are typically allotted seats based on their NEET UG 2026 rank and the availability of vacancies. The stray vacancy round follows the same merit-based system as earlier rounds but operates on a first-come, first-served basis once counselling begins. This is often the last chance to secure a state-quota seat in Odisha.
Colleges and Seats Available
Four colleges in Odisha have declared vacancies for the stray vacancy round. The total number of vacant seats is 12, distributed across MBBS and BDS programmes. Below is the exact breakdown of vacancies by college and category.
| College Name | EB (Economically Backward) | UR (Unreserved) | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCB Dental College, Cuttack | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences & Hospital, Hairapari | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| HITECH Dental College, Bhubaneswar | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| HITECH MCH, Bhubaneswar | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 2 | 10 | 12 |
Understanding the Seat Categories: EB and UR
The vacancies are divided into two categories: EB (Economically Backward) and UR (Unreserved). EB seats are reserved for candidates from economically weaker sections of society, while UR seats are open to all eligible candidates regardless of economic status.
Out of the 12 total seats, 2 are reserved for EB candidates and 10 are unreserved. If you belong to the EB category, you can only apply for EB-reserved seats. If you are in the UR category, you can apply for UR seats. It is important to verify your category status before the counselling process begins, as this determines which seats you are eligible for.
- EB (Economically Backward): 2 seats total
- UR (Unreserved): 10 seats total
College-Wise Vacancy Details
**SCB Dental College, Cuttack** has 1 vacant seat in the EB category. This is a government dental college and one of the premier institutions in Odisha. The single vacancy offers a limited opportunity for an EB-category candidate.
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**DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences & Hospital, Hairapari** has 3 vacant seats, all in the UR category. DRIEMS is a private medical institution offering MBBS and other health science programmes. All three vacancies are open to unreserved candidates.
**HITECH Dental College, Bhubaneswar** has the largest number of vacancies with 7 seats: 1 EB and 6 UR. This private dental college in Bhubaneswar is offering the most opportunities in this stray vacancy round.
**HITECH MCH (Medical College & Hospital), Bhubaneswar** has 1 vacant seat in the UR category. This is a private medical college offering MBBS and other programmes.
Who Can Apply for the Stray Vacancy Round?
To be eligible for the stray vacancy round, you must have appeared for NEET UG 2026 and obtained a valid score. You must also be eligible for state-quota counselling in Odisha, which typically requires you to be a resident of Odisha or meet other state-specific eligibility criteria set by OJEE.
Candidates who were not allotted a seat in the main or special rounds can apply. Additionally, candidates who were allotted a seat but wish to upgrade to a better college or course can also participate in the stray vacancy round. However, if you accept a seat in this round, your previous allotment (if any) will be cancelled.
You must also meet the academic eligibility criteria for MBBS/BDS, which includes passing 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects, and securing the minimum qualifying marks in NEET UG 2026 as per OJEE guidelines.
- Valid NEET UG 2026 score
- Eligible for Odisha state-quota counselling
- Not allotted a seat in main/special rounds, OR willing to upgrade from a previous allotment
- Passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Met NEET UG 2026 qualifying marks
Important Points About Category Eligibility
If you are applying for an EB (Economically Backward) seat, you must possess a valid EB certificate issued by the competent authority. The certificate must meet the criteria set by OJEE and the state government. Without a valid EB certificate, you cannot be considered for EB-reserved seats, even if your family income qualifies.
EB candidates can only apply for EB-reserved seats. You cannot apply for UR seats if you hold an EB certificate. Conversely, UR candidates can only apply for UR seats. It is crucial to verify your category status and ensure you have the required certificate before the counselling process begins, as missing or invalid certificates are a common reason for rejection of applications.
If you do not have an EB certificate but believe you are eligible, you must obtain it from the competent authority before the counselling registration deadline. Do not wait until the last moment, as processing delays can cause you to miss the deadline.
- EB candidates must have a valid EB certificate from the competent authority
- EB certificate must meet OJEE and state government criteria
- EB candidates can apply ONLY for EB-reserved seats
- UR candidates can apply ONLY for UR seats
- Obtain your EB certificate well before the counselling registration deadline
What Happens Next? Expected Timeline
This vacancy announcement is typically followed by the release of the stray vacancy round counselling schedule. OJEE will announce the registration window, choice-filling period, and allotment date. Candidates must register during the specified window and fill their choices of colleges and courses.
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After choice-filling closes, OJEE will process the allotments based on merit (NEET rank) and category. Allotment results will be published, and candidates will be notified of their allotted seat. Candidates who are allotted a seat must report to their college within the specified reporting period to confirm their admission.
The exact dates for registration, choice-filling, allotment, and reporting will be announced by OJEE separately. Keep checking the official OJEE website (ojee.nic.in) for the detailed schedule. Missing any deadline can result in forfeiture of your seat.
- OJEE will announce the stray vacancy round counselling schedule separately
- Candidates must register and fill choices within the specified window
- Allotment will be based on NEET rank and category
- Allotment results will be published on the OJEE website
- Candidates must report to their allotted college within the specified period
How to Prepare for the Stray Vacancy Round
Start by verifying your NEET UG 2026 score and rank. Ensure that your registration details (name, date of birth, category, contact information) are correct in the OJEE system. If there are any discrepancies, contact OJEE immediately to get them corrected before the counselling window opens.
Gather all required documents in advance. You will typically need your NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, 12th mark sheet, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and other documents as specified by OJEE. Having these ready will speed up the registration and choice-filling process.
Research the colleges and programmes available in this round. Review the college profiles, infrastructure, faculty, and placement records. Decide your order of preference for colleges and courses. During choice-filling, you will need to rank your preferences quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
Monitor the OJEE website regularly for the announcement of the stray vacancy round schedule. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for dates and deadlines. Official announcements will be made on ojee.nic.in.
- Verify your NEET score, rank, and registration details
- Correct any discrepancies with OJEE before counselling begins
- Gather all required documents (NEET scorecard, 12th marks, category certificate, domicile, etc.)
- Research colleges and programmes in this round
- Plan your order of preference for colleges and courses
- Check ojee.nic.in regularly for the stray vacancy round schedule
Common Mistakes to Avoid
**Missing the registration deadline:** The stray vacancy round window is typically short. If you miss the registration deadline, you cannot participate in this round. Mark the dates on your calendar and register as soon as the window opens.
**Incorrect category selection:** Ensure you select the correct category (EB or UR) during registration. Selecting the wrong category can lead to rejection or allotment of an ineligible seat.
**Invalid or missing documents:** Ensure all your documents are valid and meet OJEE requirements. An EB certificate that does not meet the criteria, or a domicile certificate that is expired, can result in rejection. Verify document validity before registration.
**Not filling choices:** If you register but do not fill your choices of colleges and courses, you will not be considered for allotment. Always complete the choice-filling step within the specified window.
**Ignoring the reporting deadline:** If you are allotted a seat but do not report to the college within the specified period, your seat will be cancelled. Mark the reporting date and ensure you reach the college on time with all required documents.
- Do not miss the registration deadline
- Select the correct category (EB or UR)
- Ensure all documents are valid and meet OJEE criteria
- Complete the choice-filling step within the window
- Report to your allotted college within the specified period
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the stray vacancy round in Odisha NEET UG counselling?
The stray vacancy round is the final counselling round conducted by OJEE to fill any remaining vacant seats after the main and special rounds are complete. It is open to candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds or who wish to upgrade their college or course choice. Allotment in this round is based on NEET rank and category, and it is typically the last opportunity to secure a state-quota seat in Odisha.
How many seats are available in the stray vacancy round?
A total of 12 seats are available: 1 at SCB Dental College Cuttack (EB), 3 at DRIEMS Hairapari (UR), 7 at HITECH Dental Bhubaneswar (1 EB + 6 UR), and 1 at HITECH MCH Bhubaneswar (UR). Out of these, 2 seats are reserved for EB candidates and 10 are unreserved.
Can I apply for both EB and UR seats?
No. If you hold an EB certificate, you can apply only for EB-reserved seats. If you are in the UR category, you can apply only for UR seats. You cannot apply for both categories in the same round. Ensure you have the correct category certificate before registration.
What documents do I need for the stray vacancy round?
You will typically need your NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, 12th mark sheet, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and other documents as specified by OJEE. Gather all documents in advance to speed up the registration and choice-filling process. The exact list will be provided when OJEE announces the stray vacancy round schedule.
When will the stray vacancy round counselling schedule be announced?
This notice only announces the vacancy position. The detailed schedule for registration, choice-filling, allotment, and reporting will be announced by OJEE separately. Check the official OJEE website (ojee.nic.in) regularly for the schedule announcement.
If I accept a seat in the stray vacancy round, will my previous allotment be cancelled?
Yes. If you were allotted a seat in an earlier round and you accept a seat in the stray vacancy round, your previous allotment will be cancelled. Ensure you are willing to give up your previous seat before accepting a new one in this round.
What is the difference between EB and UR seats?
EB (Economically Backward) seats are reserved for candidates from economically weaker sections of society who possess a valid EB certificate. UR (Unreserved) seats are open to all eligible candidates regardless of economic status. You can apply only for the category you belong to.
What happens if I do not report to my allotted college within the specified period?
If you are allotted a seat but do not report to the college within the specified reporting period, your seat will be cancelled. You must reach the college on time with all required documents to confirm your admission. Mark the reporting date and plan accordingly.
Can I participate in the stray vacancy round if I was not allotted a seat in the main round?
Yes. If you were not allotted a seat in the main or special rounds, you are eligible to participate in the stray vacancy round. You must register during the specified window and fill your choices of colleges and courses to be considered for allotment.
Where can I find the official stray vacancy round schedule?
The official schedule will be announced on the OJEE website at ojee.nic.in. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for dates and deadlines. Check the official website regularly for updates and announcements.
This vacancy announcement marks the beginning of the final counselling round for Odisha NEET UG 2026. Verify your eligibility, gather all required documents, and monitor ojee.nic.in for the stray vacancy round schedule. When the registration window opens, register immediately and fill your choices carefully. Remember that this is likely your last opportunity to secure a state-quota seat in Odisha, so act promptly and meet all deadlines.
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