Odisha NEET UG Round 3 Counselling 2026: Key Dates & Registration Guide

The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) board has announced the complete schedule for Round 3 counselling under NEET UG 2026. This is the final opportunity for candidates who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds or wish to upgrade their allotment to claim an MBBS or BDS position under the state's 85 percent quota. Registration begins on September 28, and all key milestones—from choice filling to college reporting—are compressed into a two-week window. Missing any deadline will result in automatic exclusion from this round, making it critical for aspirants to plan ahead.

When Does Odisha NEET UG Round 3 Registration Open and Close?

Registration for Odisha NEET UG Round 3 counselling opens on September 28, 2026 at 11:30 AM and closes on September 29 at 11:59 PM. This is a narrow two-day window, so candidates must act quickly to avoid missing the deadline. During registration, you will need to enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number, personal details, and upload required documents in the prescribed format.

Alongside registration, you must also pay the counselling fee during this same period using net banking, debit card, or UPI. Once you complete registration and fee payment, save your confirmation page for future reference. The portal for all these steps is ojee.nic.in, the official OJEE website.

Complete Timeline: From Registration to College Reporting

The entire Round 3 process unfolds over 18 days, with each stage having a fixed date and time. Understanding this timeline is essential because missing even one deadline will exclude you from the round. Below is the full schedule you must follow:

Who Can Apply for Odisha NEET UG Round 3 Counselling?

To be eligible for Round 3 counselling, you must have qualified the NEET UG 2026 examination and meet the Odisha state domicile criteria. Domicile means you must satisfy the residency requirements set by the Odisha government, which typically involve proof of residence in the state for a specified period.

Round 3 is open to two categories of candidates: those who did not receive a seat in Rounds 1 or 2 (fresh candidates), and those who already have an allotment but wish to upgrade to a better college or course. If you fall into either category and meet the domicile requirement, you are eligible to participate.

How to Register: Step-by-Step Process

Registration is entirely online through the OJEE portal. The process is straightforward but requires you to have all documents ready beforehand. Here is what you need to do:

• Visit ojee.nic.in on your computer or mobile device.
• Locate and click on the Odisha NEET UG 2026 counselling link on the homepage.
• Register using your NEET UG 2026 roll number and personal details (name, date of birth, contact information).
• Upload all required documents in the prescribed format (typically PDF or JPG). These usually include your NEET scorecard, Class 12 marksheet, domicile certificate, and category certificate if applicable.
• Pay the counselling fee online using net banking, debit card, or UPI.
• Save and download your confirmation page for your records and future reference.

What Documents Do You Need Before Registration?

To avoid delays or rejection during registration, gather all required documents well in advance. The documents you will need include your NEET UG 2026 scorecard (downloaded from the NEET official portal), your Class 12 marksheet or equivalent, and proof of Odisha domicile. Domicile proof can be a utility bill, property tax receipt, or other government-issued document showing your residence in Odisha.

If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, or other), you will also need a valid category certificate issued by the appropriate authority. Ensure all documents are in the correct format (usually PDF or JPG) and are clearly legible. Having these ready before September 28 will allow you to complete registration without stress.

Choice Filling: How to Select Your Colleges and Courses

After the final state merit list is released on October 1 at 5:30 PM, choice filling opens the same day at 7:30 PM and remains open until October 4 at 11:59 PM. During this window, you will log into the OJEE portal and select your preferred colleges and courses in order of preference. You can choose multiple colleges and both MBBS and BDS options.

It is crucial to prepare your preference list before choice filling begins. Research the colleges available under state quota, their location, infrastructure, and reputation. Rank them honestly based on your priorities—whether you prefer a particular city, college reputation, or course. Once you have locked your choices by the October 4 deadline, you cannot change them, so think carefully before finalizing.

Why Round 3 Is Your Final Opportunity for Fresh Candidates

Round 3 is the last counselling round where fresh candidates (those without a seat from Rounds 1 or 2) can secure admission to an MBBS or BDS programme under Odisha's state quota. After Round 3, any remaining vacant seats move to stray vacancy rounds, which are open only to candidates who have already been allotted a seat in an earlier round. This means if you do not participate in or secure a seat in Round 3, you will not be eligible for further counselling rounds in Odisha.

Additionally, Round 3 covers 85 percent of state quota seats across all medical and dental colleges in Odisha. This represents a substantial portion of available positions. If you are a fresh candidate or seeking an upgrade, this round is your critical window to enter the medical or dental profession in Odisha.

What Happens After Seat Allotment? College Reporting Requirements

Once the final seat allotment is announced on October 8 at 11:30 AM, you must download your allotment letter immediately from the OJEE portal. This letter will specify which college and course you have been allotted. Do not delay this step, as the letter is essential for the next phase.

Between October 11 and October 15, you must report to your allotted college in person, pay the admission fee, and complete all formalities. This includes submitting original documents, paying the first semester fees, and registering yourself with the college. Failure to report within this window may result in forfeiture of your seat, and it will be offered to the next candidate on the merit list. Plan your travel and finances accordingly to ensure you can report on time.

Action Checklist: What You Must Do Now

To ensure a smooth counselling experience, follow this practical checklist starting immediately:

• Locate and keep your NEET UG 2026 scorecard and Class 12 marksheet in a safe, accessible place.
• Arrange your Odisha domicile proof (utility bill, property tax receipt, or similar) and category certificate (if applicable) in advance.
• Visit ojee.nic.in and familiarize yourself with the portal layout before September 28.
• Research all MBBS and BDS colleges in Odisha that participate in state quota counselling.
• Create a ranked preference list of colleges based on your priorities (location, reputation, infrastructure).
• Set a reminder for September 28 at 11:30 AM to begin registration.
• Complete registration and fee payment by September 29 at 11:59 PM without delay.
• Monitor the OJEE portal on September 30 and October 1 to check the merit lists.
• Lock all your choices well before the October 4 deadline—do not wait until the last moment.
• Download your allotment letter on October 8 immediately after it is released.
• Plan your travel and finances to report to your allotted college between October 11 and 15.

Frequently asked questions

Mark September 28 on your calendar and ensure all documents are ready by then. Round 3 is your final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat under Odisha's state quota, so plan carefully, register on time, and follow every deadline without exception.