Punjab NEET UG Round 3 Counselling 2026: Registration Deadline October 2

Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) has opened Round 3 counselling registration for NEET UG aspirants seeking MBBS and BDS seats in Punjab. This is the final state-level counselling round before the mop-up stage, making it a critical opportunity for candidates who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds or wish to upgrade their college choice. Registration opened on September 28 and closes on October 2, 2026. Candidates must apply online and submit their willingness along with the required security deposit to remain in the merit list.

Who is eligible to apply in Punjab Round 3 counselling?

BFUHS has defined four categories of candidates who can participate in Round 3. The primary group includes those who received no allotment in Round 1 or Round 2 — this covers fresh applicants who either did not participate earlier or were not selected. The second category covers candidates whose earlier allotment was cancelled due to a change in their category status, which can happen if a candidate's reserved category eligibility is updated or corrected.

The third group consists of candidates already holding a seat from an earlier round who now wish to upgrade to a better college or course. The fourth category includes those who surrendered their previously allotted seat after forfeiting the security deposit. Importantly, if you already hold a seat from Round 1 or Round 2, you do not need to re-register unless you actively wish to pursue upgradation. NRI quota applicants have a separate deadline of October 1, 2026 (2 PM) to apply.

• No prior allotment in Round 1 or Round 2
• Allotment cancelled due to category change
• Seeking upgradation from an earlier allotted seat
• Surrendered seat after security deposit forfeiture
• NRI quota applicants: deadline October 1, 2026 (2 PM)

Registration fees and security deposit amounts for Punjab Round 3

The registration fee varies by category and is inclusive of 18 percent GST. General category candidates must pay Rs 5,900, while Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates pay Rs 2,950. These fees are non-refundable and cover your participation in the counselling process. Beyond the registration fee, you must also submit a security deposit, which is refundable if you join a college or forfeit if you do not report after allotment.

The security deposit amount depends on the type of college you are willing to join. If you are applying only for government college seats, the deposit is Rs 10,000 for general candidates and Rs 5,000 for SC, BC, or PwD candidates. If you are applying for private college seats or both government and private colleges, the deposit is Rs 2 lakh. All amounts include GST. This deposit is held during the counselling process and returned after you complete admission formalities or forfeit it if you do not join.

• General registration fee: Rs 5,900 (includes 18% GST)
• SC registration fee: Rs 2,950 (includes 18% GST)
• Government colleges (General): Rs 10,000 security deposit
• Government colleges (SC/BC/PwD): Rs 5,000 security deposit
• Private colleges or both: Rs 2 lakh security deposit

Step-by-step registration process for Round 3

The online registration process consists of six straightforward steps, all of which must be completed before the October 2, 2026 deadline. Begin by visiting the official BFUHS portal at admission.bfuhsonline.ac.in. Once on the portal, locate and click the Round 3 link specifically for MBBS and BDS programmes. This will open the registration form.

In the form, you will need to fill in your personal details (name, date of birth, contact information), academic information (board, marks, year of passing), and your NEET UG 2026 score and roll number. Next, upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format — typically this includes your NEET admit card, scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof. Pay the registration fee online using your preferred payment method. Finally, submit your willingness to participate along with the applicable security deposit. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation, and your registration is complete.

• Visit admission.bfuhsonline.ac.in
• Click on the Round 3 link for MBBS and BDS
• Fill personal, academic, and NEET UG 2026 details
• Upload scanned documents in required format
• Pay registration fee online as per your category
• Submit willingness and security deposit
• Receive confirmation of registration

Critical dates and timeline for Round 3 counselling

The entire Round 3 process spans from late September to mid-October 2026, with multiple key milestones. The vacant seat matrix — showing which MBBS and BDS seats are available across government and private colleges in Punjab — was displayed on September 28, 2026. Fresh registration and fee payment opened on the same date and remain open until October 2, 2026. Candidates can also surrender a previously allotted seat until October 2, 2026 (2 PM) if they wish to participate in Round 3 for upgradation.

After registration closes, the process moves into verification and merit list generation. Minority status verification continues until October 3, 2026 (3 PM). The provisional merit list is released on October 4, 2026, and candidates can file objections to this list until October 5, 2026 (4 PM). Choice filling — where you rank your preferred colleges and courses — takes place on October 6 and 7, 2026. Seat allotment processing occurs on October 8 and 9, with the provisional allotment result announced on October 10, 2026. Objections to the allotment can be filed until October 11, 2026 (3 PM), and the final allotment result is released the same day. The final step is balance fee payment and joining at your allotted college between October 12 and 14, 2026.

• September 28: Vacant seat matrix displayed; registration opens
• September 28 – October 2: Fresh registration and fee payment
• October 2 (2 PM): Seat surrender window closes
• October 3 (3 PM): Minority status verification deadline
• October 4: Provisional merit list released
• October 5 (4 PM): Objections to merit list deadline
• October 6–7: Choice filling and submission
• October 8–9: Seat allotment processing
• October 10: Provisional allotment result
• October 11 (3 PM): Objections to allotment deadline
• October 11: Final allotment result
• October 12–14: Balance fee payment and joining

Why Round 3 is your last chance in the state counselling cycle

Round 3 is the final state-level counselling round conducted by BFUHS before the mop-up stage begins. The mop-up stage typically involves a different process with fewer seats and different eligibility rules. If you miss the October 2 registration deadline for Round 3, you will not be able to participate in this round, and your only remaining option will be the mop-up counselling, which may have limited availability and different procedures.

This round is particularly important for candidates who did not secure a seat in Rounds 1 and 2, as well as those already holding a seat who wish to upgrade to a better college or course. Once Round 3 concludes and the final allotment is announced on October 11, the state counselling process effectively ends. Candidates who do not join by October 14 or do not participate in Round 3 will have to wait for mop-up counselling, which may not offer the same range of colleges or seats.

• Final state-level counselling round before mop-up stage
• Last opportunity to secure a fresh seat in Punjab
• Last chance to upgrade from an earlier allotment
• Missing October 2 deadline closes the door for this cycle
• Mop-up counselling has limited seats and different rules

Documents and information you need to have ready

Before you begin the registration process, gather all necessary documents and information to avoid delays or errors. You will need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card, which contain your roll number, score, and other essential details. Keep your 10th and 12th mark sheets or certificates, as these are required to verify your educational qualification. If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, BC, OBC, or PwD), have your caste or disability certificate ready in the prescribed format.

You will also need a valid identity proof such as your Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID. If you are applying under the minority quota, ensure you have the relevant minority certificate. Have your bank account details ready for online fee payment, and ensure you have a valid email address and mobile number for receiving confirmations and updates. Scan all documents in the required format (usually PDF or JPG) before starting the registration, as the portal will ask you to upload them. Having everything prepared in advance will help you complete registration smoothly before the October 2 deadline.

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card
• 10th and 12th mark sheets or certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Valid identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID)
• Minority certificate (if applicable)
• Bank account details for online payment
• Valid email address and mobile number
• Scanned documents in required format (PDF/JPG)

How to check the vacant seat matrix and plan your choices

The vacant seat matrix is now live on the BFUHS portal and shows exactly which MBBS and BDS seats are available across government and private colleges in Punjab for Round 3. This matrix is critical for your decision-making, as it tells you which colleges have seats in your category and which courses are available. Access the matrix by logging into admission.bfuhsonline.ac.in and navigating to the Round 3 section. The matrix typically displays seats by college name, course (MBBS or BDS), category (General, SC, BC, OBC, PwD, etc.), and seat type (government or private).

Use this information to identify colleges where you have a realistic chance of getting a seat based on your NEET rank and category. Make a list of colleges in order of your preference — both aspirational choices (colleges you would love to join) and realistic choices (colleges where your rank is likely to secure a seat). During the choice-filling window on October 6 and 7, you will rank these colleges in order of preference. The allotment algorithm will then match your rank and category to the highest-ranked college where a seat is available. The more informed your choices, the better your chances of getting a college that aligns with your goals.

• Vacant seat matrix is live on admission.bfuhsonline.ac.in
• Shows available MBBS and BDS seats by college and category
• Identify colleges matching your rank and category
• Create a preference list of colleges
• Include both aspirational and realistic choices
• Use this list during choice filling on October 6–7
• Allotment is based on rank, category, and your preferences

What happens after you register: from merit list to final joining

Once you submit your registration and willingness by October 2, your name enters the merit list generation process. On October 4, BFUHS will release the provisional merit list, which ranks all registered candidates based on their NEET score and category. Check this list carefully to ensure your details are correct. If you spot any error — such as a wrong score, incorrect category, or missing information — file an objection by October 5 (4 PM). These objections are reviewed, and a final merit list is prepared.

On October 6 and 7, you will fill your college and course choices in order of preference. This is a critical step: rank colleges from your most preferred to least preferred. The allotment algorithm will then process all choices and generate a provisional allotment on October 10. If you are unhappy with your allotment, you can file an objection by October 11 (3 PM). The final allotment result is announced on October 11, and you must report at your allotted college and complete fee payment between October 12 and 14. Failure to report by October 14 will result in forfeiture of your seat and security deposit.

• October 4: Check provisional merit list for accuracy
• October 5 (4 PM): File objections to merit list if needed
• October 6–7: Fill and rank college choices
• October 10: Provisional allotment announced
• October 11 (3 PM): File objections to allotment if needed
• October 11: Final allotment result released
• October 12–14: Report at college and pay balance fee
• Failure to report by October 14 forfeits seat and deposit

Frequently asked questions

If you are a NEET UG 2026 candidate in Punjab without a seat or seeking upgradation, register immediately at admission.bfuhsonline.ac.in before October 2, 2026. Review the vacant seat matrix, prepare your documents, and plan your college choices carefully to maximize your chances of securing an MBBS or BDS seat in this final state counselling round.