The final round of NEET UG counselling in Rajasthan has concluded, but over 1,000 MBBS seats remain unfilled across 15 medical colleges in the state. This significant vacancy is not due to a shortage of qualified candidates, but rather a change in how the state applies reservation rules during counselling. If you are a NEET aspirant waiting for a seat or considering your options, understanding why these seats are empty and how they will be filled is crucial to your admission prospects.
A total of 1,039 MBBS seats lie vacant in Rajasthan after the third counselling round due to a reservation policy decision, but a stray vacancy round starting after October 15 will offer another chance to fill these positions.
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Rajasthan's 15 medical colleges have 1,039 unfilled MBBS seats after the completion of the third and final counselling round. Out of these, 731 seats fall under the general category, while 308 seats are reserved under the private management quota. This means that across both government and private institutions, there is a substantial pool of seats still available for qualified candidates.
To put this in perspective, the state had a total of 7,533 MBBS seats available this year. The fact that 1,039 remain vacant means that only 86.2 per cent of all seats have been successfully allotted so far. This is a notable shortfall that will have implications for how the remaining admission process unfolds.
Why Did Rajasthan's Reservation Policy Create These Vacancies
The primary reason for these vacancies stems from a decision made during the third counselling round regarding how reservation benefits are applied. Rajasthan chose not to extend its reservation benefits to candidates who belong to reserved categories (such as SC, ST, OBC) but are domiciled in other states. This policy decision, while aligned with the state's reservation framework and reportedly in line with Supreme Court directions, prevented many seats from being filled.
The consequence of this rule is that candidates from reserved categories who are not Rajasthan residents could not access seats reserved for their category in Rajasthan colleges. This created a mismatch: seats meant for reserved categories remained empty because eligible candidates from outside the state could not claim them, while candidates from other states in general categories also could not fill these reserved seats. This has sparked a dispute between private medical colleges and the state counselling board, with colleges arguing that the rule is too restrictive.
What the Reservation Policy Dispute Means for You
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If you are a NEET aspirant from a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC) but not a Rajasthan resident, this policy directly affected your chances of securing a seat in the state during the regular counselling rounds. The state counselling board maintains that it followed the rules as prescribed by the Supreme Court and Rajasthan's own reservation policy, but private colleges have raised concerns about the rigidity of this approach.
The good news is that these vacancies will not remain unfilled indefinitely. The state has announced a stray vacancy round, which is a separate counselling process designed specifically to fill seats that remain empty after the main rounds. This round operates under different rules and offers a second opportunity for candidates who did not secure seats earlier.
Reporting Deadline: October 15 Is Critical
If you have already been allotted a seat in the third round of counselling, you must report to your assigned college and complete the admission process by October 15, 2026. This is a hard deadline. Candidates who fail to report within this timeframe risk losing their allotted seat, as the college may cancel the admission and make the seat available for the stray vacancy round.
To confirm your allotment and obtain your admission letter, you need to download it from the official counselling portal. Do not delay this step. Missing the October 15 deadline is one of the most common reasons candidates lose their seats, even after being allotted one.
- Download your allotment letter from the counselling portal immediately
- Report to your allotted college before October 15
- Complete all admission formalities (document verification, fee payment, etc.) by the deadline
- Keep proof of reporting and admission completion for your records
The Stray Vacancy Round: Your Second Chance
After October 15, Rajasthan will conduct a stray vacancy round to fill the remaining 1,039 seats. This round is specifically designed for candidates who did not secure a seat in the first three rounds but remain eligible. If you did not get an allotment earlier, this is your opportunity to apply for one of these vacant seats.
The stray vacancy round is expected to begin after October 15, 2026. Candidates who are allotted a seat in this round must accept it. Importantly, if you are offered a seat in the stray round and you decline it or fail to accept it within the specified timeframe, you may face a penalty. This is a stricter rule than the main rounds, so treat any stray round allotment seriously.
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- Stray vacancy round begins after October 15, 2026
- Eligible candidates from all categories can participate
- Acceptance of allotment is mandatory; declining may result in penalties
- This is the final opportunity to secure a seat in Rajasthan for NEET UG 2026
Who Is Eligible for the Stray Vacancy Round
Any candidate who has a valid NEET UG 2026 score and meets the eligibility criteria set by Rajasthan's medical counselling board can participate in the stray vacancy round. This includes candidates from all categories—general, SC, ST, OBC, and others—as well as candidates from within and outside Rajasthan.
The stray round is often more flexible in its application of rules compared to the main rounds. However, the exact eligibility criteria and the process for applying will be announced by the counselling board closer to the round's start date. Keep checking the official counselling portal for updates.
What This Means for NEET Aspirants: Practical Takeaways
The large number of vacant seats in Rajasthan is both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, it reflects a mismatch between the state's reservation policy and the diversity of candidates applying. On the other hand, it means there are genuine opportunities for candidates to secure seats, especially in the stray vacancy round, even if they did not get allotted in the main rounds.
If you are considering Rajasthan as a destination for your MBBS or BDS studies, now is the time to be proactive. If you have already been allotted a seat, ensure you meet the October 15 deadline. If you have not been allotted yet, prepare to participate in the stray vacancy round. Keep your NEET scorecard, admit card, and other documents ready, as you may need them quickly when the stray round opens.
How to Stay Updated on Stray Vacancy Round Announcements
The official Rajasthan NEET UG counselling portal is your primary source of information. Check it regularly for announcements about the stray vacancy round, including the exact start date, application process, and important dates. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for critical information.
Set reminders for October 15 and the expected stray round start date. Many candidates miss opportunities simply because they were not actively monitoring updates. Being proactive and staying informed is your best strategy to secure a seat.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Why are over 1,000 MBBS seats vacant in Rajasthan after counselling?
The vacancies are primarily due to a change in Rajasthan's reservation policy during the third counselling round. The state decided not to extend its reservation benefits to candidates from reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC) who are not Rajasthan residents. This prevented many seats reserved for these categories from being filled, as eligible candidates from outside the state could not claim them. The state counselling board says this decision aligns with Supreme Court directions and the state's reservation policy.
What is the breakdown of vacant seats by category in Rajasthan?
Out of the 1,039 vacant seats, 731 are in the general category and 308 are under the private management quota. This means vacancies exist across both general and private management seats, offering opportunities for candidates in different categories.
What is the October 15 deadline, and why is it important?
October 15, 2026, is the final deadline for candidates allotted seats in the third counselling round to report to their assigned colleges and complete the admission process. If you miss this deadline, your seat may be cancelled and made available for the stray vacancy round. This is a hard deadline with no extensions.
When will the stray vacancy round begin, and who can participate?
The stray vacancy round is expected to begin after October 15, 2026. Any candidate with a valid NEET UG 2026 score who meets the eligibility criteria can participate, including candidates from all categories and from both within and outside Rajasthan. This is the final opportunity to secure a seat in Rajasthan for NEET UG 2026.
What happens if I am allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round but decline it?
If you are allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round and you decline it or fail to accept it within the specified timeframe, you may face a penalty. Unlike the main rounds, acceptance of a stray round allotment is mandatory. Treat any stray round offer seriously.
How many MBBS seats were available in Rajasthan in total, and what percentage were filled?
Rajasthan had a total of 7,533 MBBS seats available in 2026. After the third counselling round, 86.2 per cent of these seats (approximately 6,494 seats) were allotted, leaving 1,039 seats vacant across 15 medical colleges.
Can I download my allotment letter if I was allotted a seat in the third round?
Yes, you can download your allotment letter from the official Rajasthan NEET UG counselling portal. You must do this immediately and report to your assigned college with the necessary documents before the October 15 deadline.
Is the reservation policy dispute likely to affect the stray vacancy round?
The exact rules for the stray vacancy round have not been fully detailed yet, but the counselling board has stated that it will follow the Supreme Court's directions and the state's reservation policy. The stray round may operate under slightly different rules than the main rounds. Check the official portal for specific details when the stray round is announced.
If you have been allotted a seat in Rajasthan, prioritize meeting the October 15 reporting deadline to secure your admission. If you have not been allotted yet, prepare actively for the stray vacancy round starting after October 15—monitor the official counselling portal closely for announcements and be ready to apply immediately when the round opens.
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