Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has opened the Special Stray Round of online counselling for MBBS and BDS courses for the 2026–27 session. This round is designed for candidates who scored at or above the 92.5 percentile in NEET UG 2026 and did not secure a seat in earlier counselling rounds. The round covers Government, Management (including Minority), and NRI quota seats across Tamil Nadu medical and dental colleges. Candidates must now fill their course and college choices online through the official portal. This is a critical opportunity for high-scoring candidates to claim remaining seats before the admission season closes.
If you scored 92.5 percentile or above in NEET UG 2026 and did not get a seat in earlier rounds, you must fill your choices online immediately in this Special Stray Round to be considered for Government, Management, Minority, or NRI quota MBBS/BDS seats.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Special Stray Round?
The Special Stray Round is the final counselling round for MBBS and BDS admissions in Tamil Nadu for the 2026–27 academic session. It is conducted by the Selection Committee of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) and is open to candidates who meet the 92.5 percentile cutoff in NEET UG 2026.
This round captures remaining seats that were not filled in earlier counselling rounds (Regular Round, Additional Round, and previous Stray Rounds). It includes Government quota seats, Management quota seats (including Minority institutions), and NRI quota seats. Candidates who participated in earlier rounds but were not allotted a seat, or who did not participate earlier, are eligible to apply in this round.
The Special Stray Round operates on a first-come, first-served basis once choices are filled and allotment is processed. This means the order in which you fill your choices and the timing of your submission can influence your final allotment.
Who is Eligible for the Special Stray Round?
To be eligible for the Special Stray Round, you must have appeared in NEET UG 2026 and scored at or above the 92.5 percentile. The percentile is calculated based on your NEET score relative to all candidates who took the exam nationally.
You must also be a candidate who either did not participate in earlier counselling rounds or participated but was not allotted a seat. If you were allotted a seat in an earlier round and accepted it (or did not reject it), you are not eligible for this round.
There are no restrictions based on domicile, caste, or religion for this round — all eligible candidates scoring 92.5 percentile or above can participate. However, the seats available are divided into Government, Management (including Minority), and NRI quotas, and your eligibility for each quota may depend on your category and domicile status as per Tamil Nadu regulations.
- NEET UG 2026 score at or above 92.5 percentile
- Not allotted a seat in earlier counselling rounds, or did not participate in earlier rounds
- Valid NEET UG 2026 admit card and score card
- Eligible category certificate (if applicable — SC, ST, OBC, etc.)
- Domicile certificate (for Government and Management quota eligibility)
Important Dates for Choice Filling
The notice indicates that online choice filling is currently open. However, the specific start date, end date, and time for choice filling are not clearly stated in the provided notice content. You must visit the official Tamil Nadu MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) immediately to confirm the exact deadline for submitting your choices.
Once the choice-filling window closes, no further changes or submissions will be accepted. It is critical that you do not delay — missing the deadline will result in automatic exclusion from this round, and you will lose the opportunity to secure a seat.
After choice filling closes, the DME will process the allotment based on merit, choice order, and seat availability. The allotment result will be published on the official portal, and you will be notified of your allotted seat (if any) through the portal and your registered email/phone number.
- Choice filling: Currently open (exact end date not specified in notice — check portal immediately)
- Allotment result: To be announced (date not specified in notice)
- Reporting/joining: To be announced (date not specified in notice)
Seats Available: Government, Management, Minority, and NRI Quotas
The Special Stray Round offers seats across four quota categories: Government, Management (including Minority institutions), and NRI. The exact number of seats available in each quota and college is not detailed in the provided notice, but this information will be displayed on the official portal when you log in to fill your choices.
Government quota seats are filled through merit-based counselling and are available to all eligible candidates. Management quota seats are offered by private medical and dental colleges and may have different fee structures. Minority quota seats are reserved for students belonging to minority communities and are offered by institutions with minority status. NRI quota seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates and typically have higher fees.
The availability of seats in each quota varies by college and course (MBBS or BDS). When you log in to fill your choices, you will see the complete list of available seats, colleges, and quotas. You must carefully review this list and rank your preferred colleges and courses in order of preference.
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- Government quota: Merit-based, open to all eligible candidates
- Management quota: Private colleges, may have higher fees
- Minority quota: Reserved for minority community candidates
- NRI quota: Reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates
How to Fill Your Choices Online
To fill your choices, you must log in to the official Tamil Nadu MedSelect portal using your NEET UG 2026 registration number and password. If you have not registered on the portal before, you will need to create an account using your NEET admit card details.
Once logged in, you will see a list of available colleges, courses (MBBS or BDS), and quotas. You must carefully review each option and rank them in order of your preference. The ranking is crucial — the system will allot you the highest-ranked college and course for which you are eligible based on merit and seat availability.
After ranking your choices, you must submit your form by clicking the 'Submit' or 'Confirm' button. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation message and a reference number. Save this reference number for your records. Do not close the browser or navigate away until you see the confirmation message — incomplete submissions will not be processed.
- Visit counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in and log in with your NEET registration number and password
- Review the list of available colleges, courses, and quotas
- Rank your preferred options in order of preference (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc.)
- Click 'Submit' to finalize your choices
- Save your confirmation number and reference ID
- Do not attempt to change your choices after submission — the portal will not allow modifications once the deadline passes
Documents You Must Have Ready
Before you begin filling your choices, ensure you have all required documents ready. You will need your NEET UG 2026 admit card and score card to log in to the portal. These are essential — without them, you cannot access the choice-filling portal.
If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, etc.), you must have a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority. The certificate must be in the prescribed format and must clearly state your category. If your category certificate is not recognized or is in an incorrect format, your application may be rejected during verification.
If you are applying for Government or Management quota seats, you must have a domicile certificate proving your residence in Tamil Nadu (if required by the quota rules). For NRI quota, you must have proof of NRI status. Minority quota candidates must have proof of minority community status if required. Have all these documents scanned and ready — you may need to upload them during the choice-filling process or during the verification stage after allotment.
- NEET UG 2026 admit card (original or scanned copy)
- NEET UG 2026 score card (original or scanned copy)
- Category certificate (if applicable — SC, ST, OBC, etc.)
- Domicile certificate (if required for your quota)
- Proof of NRI status (if applying for NRI quota)
- Proof of minority community status (if applying for Minority quota)
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Passport-size photograph (digital copy, as per specifications)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or driving license)
Critical Traps: What Gets Applications Rejected
One of the most common reasons for rejection is submitting an invalid or expired category certificate. If you are applying under a reserved category, your certificate must be issued by the competent authority (District Collector or equivalent) and must be in the prescribed format. Certificates issued by schools, colleges, or unauthorized bodies will not be accepted. If your certificate is older than the prescribed validity period (usually 5 years), it may be rejected — check the DME website for the exact validity rules.
Another critical trap is failing to meet the 92.5 percentile cutoff. The DME calculates percentile based on your NEET score relative to all candidates nationally. If your percentile falls below 92.5, you will be automatically excluded from this round, even if your raw score seems high. You can verify your exact percentile on the official NEET website or your score card.
A third major trap is missing the choice-filling deadline. Once the portal closes, no further submissions or changes are accepted. If you miss the deadline, you will be excluded from this round entirely. There is no grace period or late submission option. Set a reminder well before the deadline and submit your choices at least 1–2 days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Finally, if you were allotted a seat in an earlier round and accepted it (or did not explicitly reject it within the given time), you are not eligible for this Special Stray Round. The system will block your participation. If you believe you were wrongly allotted or rejected in an earlier round, contact the DME helpline immediately — do not assume you can participate in this round.
- ⚠️ Invalid or expired category certificate — will result in automatic rejection
- ⚠️ Percentile below 92.5 — you will be excluded before choice filling even opens
- ⚠️ Missing the choice-filling deadline — no late submissions accepted
- ⚠️ Already allotted a seat in an earlier round — you are ineligible for this round
- ⚠️ Incomplete or unconfirmed choice submission — the system will not process partial forms
- ⚠️ Incorrect domicile or NRI status — will be caught during verification and can lead to seat cancellation
Allotment Process and Merit Ranking
After the choice-filling window closes, the DME will process allotments using a merit-based algorithm. Your NEET percentile (or score) is the primary criterion — candidates with higher percentiles are considered first. Within the same percentile, tie-breaking rules (such as age or date of birth) may apply; check the DME website for the exact tie-breaking criteria.
The algorithm then matches your ranked choices against available seats. It starts with your 1st choice and checks if a seat is available in that college, course, and quota for your merit rank. If yes, you are allotted that seat. If no, it moves to your 2nd choice, and so on. This is why the order of your choices is critical — a poorly ranked choice list can result in a lower-ranked college even if better options were available.
Once allotment is complete, the DME publishes the allotment result on the portal. You will be notified via email and SMS to your registered contact details. You must log in to the portal and check your allotment status. If you are allotted a seat, you will see the college name, course, quota, and reporting date. If you are not allotted, you will see 'Not Allotted' — this means no seat matching your choices and merit was available in this round.
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- Merit ranking: Based on NEET percentile (higher percentile = higher priority)
- Tie-breaking: Age or date of birth (exact rule on DME website)
- Choice matching: Algorithm processes your ranked choices in order
- Allotment result: Published on portal; notification sent via email and SMS
- Reporting date: Will be specified in your allotment letter
What Happens After Allotment: Reporting and Joining
If you are allotted a seat in the Special Stray Round, you must report to your allotted college on or before the date specified in your allotment letter. Reporting involves submitting your original documents (10th and 12th certificates, category certificate, domicile certificate, etc.) to the college for verification. The college will verify that all your documents are genuine and that you meet the eligibility criteria.
After verification, you will be required to pay the admission fee and complete the registration process. The fee amount depends on the quota (Government seats typically have lower fees; Management and NRI seats have higher fees). The college will provide a fee structure and payment instructions. You must pay the fee within the specified time to secure your seat.
Once you have reported, verified your documents, and paid the fee, you will be officially admitted to the course. You will receive an admission letter and a roll number. The college will then provide information about the start date of classes, hostel allocation (if applicable), and other joining formalities. Failure to report by the deadline will result in forfeiture of your seat, and it will be offered to the next candidate in the merit list.
- Report to your allotted college on or before the specified date
- Submit original documents for verification
- Pay the admission fee as per the college's fee structure
- Complete registration and receive admission letter
- Attend orientation and join classes on the specified date
- Failure to report by deadline = forfeiture of seat
Fee Structure and Payment
The fee structure for MBBS and BDS courses varies significantly depending on the quota. Government quota seats have the lowest fees, typically ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per year (exact amount set by the Tamil Nadu government). Management quota seats have higher fees, often ranging from ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs per year, depending on the college. Minority quota seats may have fees similar to Management quota or slightly lower, depending on the institution. NRI quota seats typically have the highest fees, often in the range of ₹20 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs per year or more.
The exact fee for your allotted seat will be communicated by the college after allotment. You will be required to pay the fee within a specified time (usually 3–7 days) to confirm your admission. Payment is typically made online through the college's portal or via bank transfer. Failure to pay the fee by the deadline will result in cancellation of your allotment.
In addition to tuition fees, you may be required to pay for hostel (if applicable), uniforms, books, and other miscellaneous charges. The college will provide a detailed fee breakdown. Some colleges offer installment payment options — inquire with your allotted college if you need this facility.
- Government quota: ₹5,000–₹15,000 per year (approx.)
- Management quota: ₹10–₹25 lakhs per year (approx.)
- Minority quota: Varies by institution
- NRI quota: ₹20–₹40 lakhs per year or more (approx.)
- Payment deadline: Usually 3–7 days after allotment
- Payment mode: Online portal or bank transfer
- Additional charges: Hostel, uniforms, books, miscellaneous
How to Check Your Allotment Status
After the allotment result is published, log in to the official Tamil Nadu MedSelect portal using your NEET registration number and password. Navigate to the 'Allotment Status' or 'View Allotment' section. Your allotment status will be displayed on the screen — either 'Allotted' with college and course details, or 'Not Allotted'.
If you are allotted, you will see your college name, course (MBBS or BDS), quota, and the reporting date. Take a screenshot or print this page for your records. You will also receive an SMS and email notification to your registered contact details. If you do not receive a notification within 24 hours of the result publication, check your spam folder or contact the DME helpline.
If you are not allotted, it means no seat matching your choices and merit was available in this round. You can check if there are any further rounds (such as additional stray rounds) by visiting the DME website. If this is the final round, you may need to explore other options, such as private colleges outside the counselling system or courses other than MBBS/BDS.
- Log in to counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in with your NEET registration number
- Navigate to 'Allotment Status' section
- View your allotment details (college, course, quota, reporting date)
- Take a screenshot or print the page
- Check your email and SMS for official notification
- If not allotted, check for further rounds on the DME website
Contact and Support
If you encounter any technical issues while filling your choices, such as login problems, portal errors, or difficulty uploading documents, contact the Tamil Nadu MedSelect technical support team. The contact details (phone number, email, or helpline) should be available on the official portal homepage or in the notice.
For queries related to eligibility, category certificates, domicile requirements, or allotment status, contact the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) helpline. The DME office is located in Chennai, and you can reach them via phone, email, or by visiting in person during office hours.
Do not rely on unofficial sources, coaching centers, or social media for information. Always verify information directly from the official DME website or portal. Misinformation can lead to missed deadlines or incorrect document submissions, which can cost you your seat.
- Technical support: Contact MedSelect portal support (details on portal homepage)
- Eligibility and allotment queries: Contact DME helpline (details on DME website)
- Official portal: counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in
- Official DME website: Check for contact details and updates
- Do not trust unofficial sources or social media for official information
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What does 92.5% cutoff mean, and how do I know if I meet it?
The 92.5% refers to the NEET UG 2026 percentile, not a percentage score. Your percentile is calculated based on how your NEET score ranks compared to all candidates who took the exam nationally. For example, if you are in the 92.5 percentile, it means 92.5% of candidates scored lower than you. You can check your exact percentile on your NEET score card or the official NEET website. If your percentile is 92.5 or higher, you are eligible for this Special Stray Round.
I participated in an earlier counselling round but was not allotted a seat. Can I participate in this Special Stray Round?
Yes, if you participated in an earlier round but were not allotted a seat, you are eligible for this Special Stray Round, provided you meet the 92.5 percentile cutoff. However, if you were allotted a seat in an earlier round and accepted it (or did not reject it within the given time), you are not eligible for this round. Check your allotment status from earlier rounds on the portal to confirm.
What is the deadline for filling my choices, and what happens if I miss it?
The exact deadline for choice filling is not specified in the provided notice. You must visit the official Tamil Nadu MedSelect portal immediately to check the deadline. Once the deadline passes, the portal will close, and no further submissions will be accepted. If you miss the deadline, you will be automatically excluded from this round and will lose the opportunity to secure a seat. There is no grace period or late submission option.
How many colleges and courses can I rank in my choice list?
The notice does not specify the maximum number of choices you can rank. This information will be available on the official portal when you log in to fill your choices. Typically, candidates are allowed to rank multiple colleges and courses in order of preference. Rank as many options as possible to maximize your chances of allotment.
If I am allotted a seat, what documents do I need to bring for reporting?
You must bring your original documents for verification at the college, including your 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate (if required), NEET admit card and score card, passport-size photographs, and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or driving license). The college will verify these documents and confirm your eligibility before completing your admission.
What is the fee for Government quota MBBS seats, and when do I need to pay it?
Government quota MBBS seats typically have fees ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per year, as set by the Tamil Nadu government. The exact fee will be communicated by your allotted college after allotment. You will be required to pay the fee within a specified time (usually 3–7 days) to confirm your admission. Payment is typically made online through the college's portal or via bank transfer.
Can I change my choices after I submit them?
No, once you submit your choices and receive a confirmation message, you cannot change them. The portal will not allow modifications after submission. This is why it is critical to carefully review and rank your choices before clicking 'Submit'. If you make a mistake, contact the DME helpline immediately to see if any exception can be made, but do not expect the portal to reopen for changes.
What happens if I am not allotted a seat in this Special Stray Round?
If you are not allotted a seat, it means no seat matching your choices and merit was available in this round. Check the DME website to see if there are any further rounds (such as additional stray rounds). If this is the final round, you may need to explore other options, such as private colleges outside the counselling system, or consider courses other than MBBS/BDS.
Is my category certificate valid for this counselling, or do I need a new one?
Your category certificate must be valid and issued by the competent authority (District Collector or equivalent). If your certificate is older than the prescribed validity period (usually 5 years), it may be rejected. Check the DME website for the exact validity rules. If your certificate is expired or in an incorrect format, obtain a new one from the competent authority before the choice-filling deadline.
How do I know if I am eligible for Government, Management, or NRI quota seats?
Government quota seats are open to all eligible candidates. Management quota seats are offered by private colleges and are also open to all eligible candidates, though fees are higher. NRI quota seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates — you must have NRI status to apply for these. Minority quota seats are reserved for candidates belonging to minority communities. When you log in to fill your choices, the portal will display which quotas you are eligible for based on your category and domicile status.
What should I do if I encounter a technical error while filling my choices?
If you encounter a technical error (such as login failure, portal crash, or document upload issues), contact the Tamil Nadu MedSelect technical support team immediately. The contact details should be available on the official portal homepage. Do not wait until the last moment to fill your choices — submit them at least 1–2 days before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
If I am allotted a seat but cannot join due to personal reasons, can I defer my admission to the next year?
The notice does not mention deferment options. Typically, if you are allotted a seat and do not report by the specified deadline, your seat is forfeited and offered to the next candidate. Contact your allotted college or the DME helpline immediately if you have a genuine reason for deferment — they may be able to guide you on available options, but deferment is usually not permitted in medical admissions.
Visit the official Tamil Nadu MedSelect portal (counug.tnmedicalonline.co.in) immediately to confirm the exact deadline for choice filling — the notice does not specify it. Log in with your NEET UG 2026 registration number, carefully review all available colleges and courses, rank them in order of your preference, and submit your choices well before the deadline. After allotment, check your status on the portal, report to your allotted college with all required documents, pay the admission fee, and complete your joining formalities. Do not delay — missing any deadline will result in loss of your seat.
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