Odisha NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Upgradation Allotment: Fresh Seats & Upgrades

The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) Board has released the allotment list for the Stray Vacancy Upgradation Round for MBBS and BDS admission to the 2026-27 academic session. This round fills seats that became vacant after earlier counselling rounds and offers upgrades to candidates already allotted seats. The allotment includes both 'Fresh Allotment' (candidates receiving a seat for the first time in this round) and 'Seat Retained' or 'Seat Upgraded' (candidates who already had a seat and are either keeping it or moving to a better-ranked college). If your name appears with 'Fresh Allotment', you must report in person to the OJEE office by 6 PM on 23 October 2026 to complete your admission—missing this deadline will cost you your seat.

What is the Stray Vacancy Upgradation Round?

The Stray Vacancy Upgradation Round is a special counselling round held after the main allotment rounds. It serves two purposes: (1) to fill seats that remain empty after candidates reject their allotments or fail to join, and (2) to offer upgrades to candidates already allotted a seat—allowing them to move to a higher-ranked college or course if a better option becomes available.

This round is called 'stray vacancy' because the seats being filled are scattered across different colleges and quotas, rather than a bulk allotment. It is typically one of the final rounds before the admission process closes, so it is your last chance to secure a seat if you have not been allotted one yet.

Understanding the Allotment List: What Each Column Means

The allotment list contains the following information for each candidate:

• **NEET APP. NO**: Your unique application number in the OJEE system. • **NEET Rank**: Your all-India NEET UG rank. • **State Rank**: Your rank among candidates in Odisha. • **Quota**: The category of seat you have been allotted (e.g., OPNO = Open state quota, EBNO = Economically Backward state quota, SCNO = Scheduled Caste state quota, OPGC = Open state quota for PwD, OPEX = Open state quota for Ex-servicemen, STNO = Scheduled Tribe state quota, NRI = Non-Resident Indian quota, SGS = Special Government Scheme). • **Category**: Additional category markers (e.g., NRI, SGS) if applicable. • **Allotted Institute**: The name of the college where you have been allotted a seat. • **Course**: MBBS or BDS. • **Remarks**: Shows whether this is a 'Fresh Allotment', 'Seat Retained', 'Seat Upgraded', or 'Seat Downgraded'.

What Do 'Fresh Allotment', 'Seat Retained', and 'Seat Upgraded' Mean?

**Fresh Allotment**: You are receiving a seat for the first time in this round. You did not have a seat in any earlier round. This is your first allotment in the 2026-27 admission cycle. If your name shows 'Fresh Allotment', you MUST report to the OJEE office by the deadline (see below).

**Seat Retained**: You already had a seat allotted to you in an earlier round, and you are keeping the same seat and college. Nothing changes for you in this round—you remain allotted to the same institute and course.

**Seat Upgraded**: You already had a seat in an earlier round, but in this stray vacancy round, you have been moved to a better-ranked college or a better quota. For example, you may have been allotted to DRIEMS in an earlier round and are now upgraded to HITECH MCH, Bhubaneswar. You should accept this upgrade and report to your new college.

**Seat Downgraded**: (Not common in this list, but if it appears) You have been moved to a lower-ranked college. This typically happens if you had a seat in a premium quota and are now allotted to a lower quota at a different college.

Critical Deadline: Fresh Allotment Candidates Must Report by 23 October 2026, 6 PM

If your name appears in the allotment list with the remark 'Fresh Allotment', you have ONE day to report in person to the OJEE office. The deadline is **23 October 2026 by 6:00 PM**. You must go to the OJEE office at Gandamunda, Bhubaneswar, and complete the admission process on the spot.

**Why is this deadline so tight?** The stray vacancy round is the final round before colleges close their admissions. If you do not report by 6 PM on 23 October, your seat will be cancelled, and you will lose your allotment. There is no extension or grace period mentioned in the notice.

**What if you cannot reach the office by 6 PM on 23 October?** The notice says: 'If any candidates not able to physically report at OJEE Office as per the above mentioned date & time, then they may take necessary steps as per our earlier notice No. OJEE/0615 dated 22.10.2026 and inform OJEE office immediately.' This means you must refer to notice OJEE/0615 (issued on 22 October 2026) for alternative procedures. You must also contact the OJEE office right away to explain your situation. Do not assume you can report late—contact OJEE immediately.

Colleges and Courses in This Round

The allotment list includes seats at the following Odisha medical and dental colleges:

**MBBS Colleges:** • HITECH MCH, Rourkela • HITECH MCH, Bhubaneswar • DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences & Hospital, Hairapari **BDS Colleges:** • SCB Dental College, Cuttack • HITECH Dental College, Bhubaneswar

Most of the allotments in this round are for HITECH Dental College, Bhubaneswar (BDS) and DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences & Hospital, Hairapari (MBBS). If you have been allotted to any of these colleges, check the college's website for reporting procedures, hostel details, and fee structure.

Quota Categories Explained

Odisha allocates seats under different quotas. Understanding your quota is important because it affects your eligibility and the fees you pay:

• **OPNO (Open state quota)**: Open to all candidates, regardless of caste or economic status. Most seats fall under this quota. • **EBNO (Economically Backward state quota)**: Reserved for economically backward candidates (not based on caste). You must have an EBC certificate issued by the Odisha government. • **SCNO (Scheduled Caste state quota)**: Reserved for SC candidates. You must have a valid SC certificate. • **STNO (Scheduled Tribe state quota)**: Reserved for ST candidates. You must have a valid ST certificate. • **OPGC (Open state quota for PwD)**: Reserved for persons with disabilities. You must have a disability certificate. • **OPEX (Open state quota for Ex-servicemen)**: Reserved for ex-servicemen and their dependents. • **NRI (Non-Resident Indian quota)**: For Indian citizens living abroad or their children. NRI seats have higher fees. • **SGS (Special Government Scheme)**: For candidates under special government schemes (e.g., children of freedom fighters, wards of armed forces personnel).

If you have been allotted under a reserved quota (SC, ST, EBC, PwD, Ex-servicemen, SGS), ensure you have the required certificate ready before reporting to the college. Colleges will ask for proof.

How to Find Your Name in the Allotment List

The allotment list is very long (over 400 candidates). To find your name quickly:

1. **Use your NEET Application Number (NEET APP. NO)**: This is the fastest way. Search for your 12-digit application number in the list. 2. **Use your NEET Rank**: If you know your all-India NEET rank, search for it in the 'NEET Rank' column. 3. **Use Ctrl+F (Find)**: If you are viewing the PDF on a computer, press Ctrl+F and type your application number or rank to jump to your entry instantly. 4. **Check the OJEE website**: The allotment list may also be available on the official OJEE website (ojee.nic.in). You can download it or search there.

Once you find your name, note down: (1) your allotted college, (2) your course (MBBS or BDS), (3) your quota, and (4) the remark (Fresh Allotment, Seat Retained, etc.). Write these down before you go to the OJEE office or your college.

What to Do If You Have 'Fresh Allotment'

**Step 1: Verify your allotment.** Find your name in the list and confirm your college, course, and quota.

**Step 2: Gather required documents.** Before going to the OJEE office, collect: • Your NEET admit card and NEET scorecard. • Your 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates. • Your caste/category certificate (if applicable). • Your Aadhaar card or passport. • Your PAN card (if you have one). • Your bank account details (for fee payment). • Any other documents mentioned in the OJEE prospectus or earlier notices.

**Step 3: Report to OJEE office by 6 PM on 23 October 2026.** Go to OJEE Office, Gandamunda, Bhubaneswar, with all documents. Complete the admission process on the spot. This typically involves: • Verification of documents. • Payment of admission fee (amount varies by college and course). • Signing of admission forms. • Receipt of admission letter and college reporting instructions.

**Step 4: Report to your allotted college.** After completing the OJEE process, go to your college and complete the college-level admission process (hostel allotment, fee payment, etc.). The college will give you a deadline for this—do not miss it.

What to Do If You Have 'Seat Retained' or 'Seat Upgraded'

**If your remark is 'Seat Retained'**: Your seat remains the same. You do not need to do anything in this round. Continue with your current college and course. However, check your college's website for any updates or new deadlines.

**If your remark is 'Seat Upgraded'**: You have been moved to a better college or quota. You should accept this upgrade. Contact your new college immediately to find out the reporting deadline and admission process. Do not delay—upgrades are typically final, and if you do not report to your new college by the deadline, you may lose the upgrade and revert to your original seat.

**Important**: Even if you have 'Seat Retained' or 'Seat Upgraded', keep monitoring the OJEE website and your email for any further notices. Colleges sometimes issue additional rounds or spot allotments.

Common Mistakes That Cost Candidates Their Seat

⚠️ **Missing the 6 PM deadline on 23 October 2026**: This is the most common mistake. If you have 'Fresh Allotment' and do not report by 6 PM, your seat is cancelled. There is no second chance in the stray vacancy round.

⚠️ **Not having the correct category certificate**: If you are allotted under a reserved quota (SC, ST, EBC, PwD, etc.) and do not have the required certificate, your allotment will be cancelled. Ensure your certificate is valid and issued by the correct authority.

⚠️ **Incomplete or incorrect documents**: Bring all documents listed in the OJEE prospectus. If any document is missing or incorrect, the college may reject your admission.

⚠️ **Not following up on notice OJEE/0615**: If you cannot report by 6 PM on 23 October, the notice says to follow earlier notice OJEE/0615. Do not ignore this—read that notice and follow its instructions. Contact OJEE immediately.

⚠️ **Assuming you can report late**: There is no grace period. The deadline is firm. If you are stuck in traffic or have an emergency, call the OJEE office immediately and explain. Do not just show up late and expect to be admitted.

Important Notice Reference: OJEE/0615 (22 October 2026)

The allotment notice mentions an earlier notice, **OJEE/0615 dated 22 October 2026**. This notice contains alternative procedures for candidates who cannot report physically to the OJEE office by 6 PM on 23 October 2026. The current notice does not detail what these procedures are, so you must read notice OJEE/0615 separately.

**What you should do**: If you have 'Fresh Allotment' but cannot reach the OJEE office by 6 PM on 23 October, immediately: 1. Read notice OJEE/0615 on the OJEE website. 2. Follow the alternative procedure mentioned in that notice. 3. Inform the OJEE office of your situation right away (do not wait until 23 October).

Do not assume you can skip the 6 PM deadline without consequences. The alternative procedure in OJEE/0615 may have its own conditions or deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

If your name appears in this allotment list with 'Fresh Allotment', your priority is to report to the OJEE office at Gandamunda, Bhubaneswar, by 6:00 PM on 23 October 2026—this is tomorrow (from the notice date of 22 October). Gather all required documents today and plan your travel. If you cannot reach by 6 PM, read notice OJEE/0615 immediately and contact OJEE without delay. For 'Seat Retained' or 'Seat Upgraded' candidates, monitor your college's website for any new deadlines and contact your new college if you have been upgraded. Do not miss any deadline—this is the final round.