Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has released the tentative vacancy list for the stray round of NEET UG 2026 counselling, effective 17 October 2026. This list shows available MBBS and BDS seats across government colleges, self-financing colleges, and private colleges in Tamil Nadu, broken down by category (OC, BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, SCA, ST) and quota type (Government Quota, Management Quota, Minority seats). The stray round is the final counselling phase where remaining unfilled seats are allocated to eligible candidates. Understanding this vacancy list is crucial because it tells you exactly where seats are available in your category and college type, helping you decide where to apply and what your realistic chances are.
As of 17 October 2026, Tamil Nadu has 1 MBBS seat in government colleges, 114 in self-financing colleges, and 196 in private colleges; plus 28 BDS seats in government dental colleges and 221 in self-financing dental colleges—all broken down by category and quota.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is this vacancy list and why does it matter?
This is a tentative (subject to change) snapshot of unfilled MBBS and BDS seats available for the stray round of counselling in Tamil Nadu for the 2026-27 academic year. The stray round is the last phase of counselling, after all previous rounds (merit-based and special rounds) have been completed. Any seats that remain vacant after those rounds are offered in the stray round.
This list matters because it shows you, in real time, where seats actually exist. If a college and category combination shows zero seats, you cannot get a seat there in the stray round, no matter how high your score. Conversely, if seats are available in your category at a college you prefer, you know you have a realistic chance if you apply. This is your roadmap for the final phase of admission.
Government MBBS colleges: how many seats are available?
As of 17 October 2026, there is only 1 MBBS seat available across all government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. This seat is in the MBC/DNC (Most Backward Caste / Denotified Community) category at Thoothukudi Medical College. All other categories (OC, BC, BCM, SC, SCA, ST) show zero vacancies in government colleges.
This extremely limited availability reflects that government MBBS seats are highly competitive and most have already been filled in earlier counselling rounds. If you are in the MBC/DNC category and interested in Thoothukudi Medical College, this is your only government college opportunity in the stray round. Candidates in other categories will need to look at self-financing or private colleges.
| College | OC | BC | BCM | MBC/DNC | SC | SCA | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thoothukudi Medical College, Thoothukudi | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
Self-financing MBBS colleges: seat breakdown by category
Self-financing MBBS colleges in Tamil Nadu have a total of 114 seats available across government quota and management quota. Government quota seats (filled through state counselling) total 22 seats: 3 OC, 1 BC, 6 BCM, 8 MBC/DNC, 4 SC. Management quota seats (filled by the college directly) total 86 seats, plus 3 Christian Minority, 1 Malayalam Minority, 1 Telugu Minority, and 1 NRI seat.
The colleges with the most vacancies are Annapoorna Medical College & Hospital, Salem (12 seats total), Madha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Chennai (13 seats), and APS Medical College Hospital, Mevaloorkuppam, Kancheepuram (23 seats). Colleges like Trichy SRM Medical College and Tagore Medical College have only 1 seat each. If you are applying to self-financing colleges, check the specific college and category combination to see if a seat is available for you.
| College | OC | BC | BCM | MBC/DNC | SC | SCA | ST | MQ | CM | MM | TM | NRI | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Trichy | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Coimbatore | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 |
| Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kanyakumari | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 |
| Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Chennai | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | 5 |
| Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, Chennai | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 2 | — | — | 1 | — | 4 |
| Madha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Chennai | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | 3 | — | — | — | 13 |
| Annapoorna Medical College & Hospital, Salem | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 8 | — | — | — | — | 12 |
| KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| Indira Medical College & Hospitals, Thiruvallur | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | — | — | — | — | 7 |
| Swamy Vivekanandha Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Namakkal | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 2 |
| Arunai Medical College & Hospital, Tiruvannamalai | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | 4 |
| Nandha Medical College and Hospital, Perundurai, Erode | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 2 |
| PSP Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kancheepuram | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 13 | — | — | — | — | 14 |
| Rajalakshmi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 8 | — | — | — | — | 10 |
| APS Medical College Hospital, Mevaloorkuppam, Kancheepuram | — | — | 2 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 16 | — | — | — | — | 23 |
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Private MBBS colleges: seat availability and quota breakdown
Private MBBS colleges in Tamil Nadu have a total of 196 seats available. These are distributed across three colleges: Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai (133 seats); Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center, Kanyakumari (42 seats, private university); and Takshashila Medical College, Ongur, Tindivanam, Villupuram (21 seats, private university).
Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College has the largest availability, with 46 BC, 4 BCM, 21 MBC/DNC, 10 SC, 1 SCA, 1 ST seats in government quota, plus 50 management quota seats. Kanyakumari Medical Mission has 2 BC, 1 BCM, 2 SC, 1 SCA seats in government quota and 35 management quota seats plus 1 Christian Minority seat. Takshashila Medical College has 3 MBC/DNC seats in government quota and 18 management quota seats. Private colleges typically charge higher fees than self-financing colleges, so check the fee structure before applying.
| College | OC | BC | BCM | MBC/DNC | SC | SCA | ST | MQ | CM | MM | TM | NRI | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai | — | 46 | 4 | 21 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 50 | — | — | — | — | 133 |
| Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center, Kanyakumari (Private University) | — | 2 | — | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 35 | 1 | — | — | — | 42 |
| Takshashila Medical College, Ongur, Tindivanam, Villupuram (Private University) | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | 18 | — | — | — | — | 21 |
Government BDS (dental) colleges: limited vacancies
Government dental colleges in Tamil Nadu have a total of 28 BDS seats available across three colleges. Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai has 7 seats (2 BC, 3 MBC/DNC, 2 SC). Government Dental College, Pudukkottai has 9 seats (4 BC, 3 MBC/DNC, 2 SC). Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore has 12 seats (7 BC, 3 MBC/DNC, 2 SC).
All available seats are in BC, MBC/DNC, or SC categories. There are no vacancies in OC, BCM, SCA, or ST categories. If you are a BC or SC candidate interested in government dental education, these colleges offer your only opportunity in the stray round. Candidates in other categories will need to apply to self-financing dental colleges.
| College | OC | BC | BCM | MBC/DNC | SC | SCA | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | — | 2 | — | 3 | 2 | — | — | 7 |
| Government Dental College, Pudukkottai | — | 4 | — | 3 | 2 | — | — | 9 |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore | — | 7 | — | 3 | 2 | — | — | 12 |
Self-financing BDS colleges: 221 seats across 19 colleges
Self-financing dental colleges in Tamil Nadu have a total of 221 BDS seats available. These are spread across 19 colleges, with significant variation in availability. Best Dental Science College, Madurai has the most seats (26 total), followed by Asan Memorial Dental College & Hospital, Chengalpattu (37 total), and Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur (14 total).
Seats are available across all categories: OC (40), BC (6), BCM (31), MBC/DNC (39), SC (9), SCA (6), ST (9), plus 90 management quota seats and some minority seats. If you are interested in dental education and did not secure a seat in earlier rounds, self-financing dental colleges offer the widest range of options. However, fees at these colleges are typically higher than government colleges. Compare the fee structure and college reputation before applying.
- Colleges with 20+ seats: Asan Memorial Dental College & Hospital, Chengalpattu (37); APS Medical College Hospital, Mevaloorkuppam (23); Best Dental Science College, Madurai (26)
- Colleges with 10–19 seats: Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur (14); Rajas Dental College & Hospital, Tirunelveli (14); PSP Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kancheepuram (14); Madha Dental College & Hospital, Kundrathur (12); Annapoorna Medical College & Hospital, Salem (12); Ragas Dental College & Hospital, Chennai (19); Rajalakshmi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram (10)
- Colleges with fewer than 10 seats: JKK Natrajah Dental College & Hospital, Komarapalayam (8); Nandha Dental College & Hospital, Erode (8); K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research, Tiruchengode (10); Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences, Kanyakumari (9); Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Chennai (9); Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai (9); RVS Dental College & Hospital, Coimbatore (10); Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Dental College, Perambalur (9); Priyadharshini Dental College & Hospital, Thiruvallur (11); CSI College of Dental Sciences & Research, Madurai (6); Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kancheepuram (2); Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital, Coimbatore (2); Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode, Namakkal (6)
| College | OC | BC | BCM | MBC/DNC | SC | SCA | ST | MQ | CM | MM | TM | NRI | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | — | — | — | — | 14 |
| Best Dental Science College, Madurai | — | 5 | 1 | 6 | 5 | — | — | 9 | — | — | — | — | 26 |
| JKK Natrajah Dental College & Hospital, Komarapalayam | — | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 8 |
| K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research, Tiruchengode | — | 2 | — | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 10 |
| Ragas Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | — | 7 | — | 3 | 1 | — | — | 8 | — | — | — | — | 19 |
| Rajas Dental College & Hospital, Tirunelveli | — | 3 | — | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 14 |
| Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences, Kanyakumari | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital, Coimbatore | — | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 |
| Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode, Namakkal | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 |
| Madha Dental College & Hospital, Kundrathur | — | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 12 |
| Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kancheepuram | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 |
| CSI College of Dental Sciences & Research, Madurai | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | 6 |
| Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | — | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | — | 2 | — | 3 | — | — | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| RVS Dental College & Hospital, Coimbatore | — | 2 | — | 3 | 3 | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 10 |
| Priyadharshini Dental College & Hospital, Thiruvallur | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | 9 | — | — | — | — | 11 |
| Asan Memorial Dental College & Hospital, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram Dist. | — | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 29 | — | — | — | — | 37 |
| Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Dental College, Perambalur | — | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| Nandha Dental College & Hospital, Erode | — | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | 8 |
Understanding category codes and quota types
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The vacancy list uses several abbreviations for caste/community categories and quota types. Here is what each means: OC = Open Category (no caste-based reservation); BC = Backward Caste; BCM = Backward Caste Muslim; MBC/DNC = Most Backward Caste / Denotified Community; SC = Scheduled Caste; SCA = Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar; ST = Scheduled Tribe.
Quota types are: Government Quota = seats filled through state counselling (typically lower fees); Management Quota = seats filled by the college directly (typically higher fees, may have different eligibility rules); Minority seats (CM = Christian Minority, MM = Malayalam Minority, TM = Telugu Minority) = reserved for students of those religious/linguistic backgrounds; NRI = Non-Resident Indian seats (for Indian citizens living abroad or their children).
You can only apply for a seat in your own category. For example, if you are BC, you cannot apply for an OC seat. Check your NEET scorecard to confirm your category. If you belong to a minority community and the college has minority seats, you may be eligible for those seats in addition to your category seats.
Key differences: government vs. self-financing vs. private colleges
Government colleges charge minimal fees (typically ₹500–₹1,500 per year) and are highly subsidized by the state. Seats are allocated through state counselling based on merit. However, very few government seats remain in the stray round, as shown by the single MBBS seat available.
Self-financing colleges charge higher fees (typically ₹5–₹15 lakhs per year) but are still regulated by the state. They have both government quota seats (allocated through state counselling) and management quota seats (allocated by the college). The fees for government quota seats are lower than management quota seats at the same college.
Private colleges (including private universities) charge the highest fees (typically ₹10–₹20 lakhs per year) and have more autonomy in admissions. They are less regulated than self-financing colleges. Most seats in private colleges are management quota. If cost is a concern, prioritize government quota seats at self-financing colleges over management quota or private college seats.
Important: this is a tentative list—seats may change
The notice clearly states this is a 'tentative' vacancy list. This means the numbers shown are subject to change. Seats may increase if candidates who were allotted seats in earlier rounds do not join, or seats may decrease if candidates withdraw from the stray round. The actual seats available when counselling begins may differ from this snapshot.
Do not make final decisions based solely on this list. Use it as a guide to understand where seats are likely to be available, but be prepared for changes. Keep checking the official DME Tamil Nadu website (tnmedicalselection.net) for updates closer to the stray round counselling dates. The final, confirmed vacancy list will be released just before counselling begins.
What to do next: prepare for stray round counselling
If you did not secure a seat in earlier counselling rounds and are eligible for the stray round, use this vacancy list to identify colleges and categories where seats are available. Cross-reference your NEET rank, score, and category with the available seats to shortlist realistic options.
Gather all required documents (NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate if applicable, domicile certificate, etc.) and keep them ready. Ensure your category certificate is valid and correctly issued—many applications are rejected due to invalid or incorrectly formatted certificates.
Monitor the official DME Tamil Nadu website and TN MedSelect portal for the exact stray round counselling schedule, registration dates, and final vacancy list. Stray round counselling typically happens quickly, so be prepared to register and submit your choices as soon as the portal opens. Missing the deadline means losing your chance at a seat.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How many MBBS seats are available in government colleges in the stray round?
Only 1 MBBS seat is available in government colleges as of 17 October 2026. This seat is in the MBC/DNC category at Thoothukudi Medical College. All other categories have zero vacancies in government colleges. Most government seats have already been filled in earlier counselling rounds.
I am in the OC (Open Category). Where can I find MBBS seats?
There are no OC MBBS seats available in government colleges. However, self-financing and private colleges have some OC seats: self-financing colleges have 3 OC seats total, and private colleges have no OC seats listed. Your best options are self-financing colleges. Check the specific colleges and their fee structures before applying.
What is the difference between government quota and management quota seats?
Government quota seats are allocated through state counselling based on merit and are typically cheaper (lower fees). Management quota seats are allocated directly by the college and typically have higher fees. At self-financing colleges, both types are available. Government quota seats are generally preferable if you want lower fees, but availability is limited in the stray round.
I want to study dentistry (BDS). How many seats are available?
There are 28 BDS seats in government dental colleges and 221 seats in self-financing dental colleges, for a total of 249 seats. Government dental seats are only in BC, MBC/DNC, and SC categories. Self-financing dental colleges have seats across all categories. If you are in OC or other categories, self-financing dental colleges are your option.
Can I apply for a seat in a category other than my own?
No. You can only apply for seats in your own category as shown on your NEET scorecard. For example, if you are BC, you cannot apply for OC or SC seats. Applying for the wrong category will result in your application being rejected.
What does 'tentative' mean? Will the seat numbers change?
Tentative means the numbers are subject to change. Seats may increase if candidates who were allotted seats in earlier rounds do not join, or decrease if candidates withdraw. The final, confirmed vacancy list will be released just before stray round counselling begins. Use this list as a guide, but check the official website for updates.
Which self-financing MBBS college has the most seats available?
APS Medical College Hospital, Mevaloorkuppam, Kancheepuram has the most seats (23 total), followed by Madha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Chennai (13 seats), and Annapoorna Medical College & Hospital, Salem (12 seats). However, check the specific category you belong to, as not all seats may be available in your category.
I am a Christian Minority candidate. Are there seats reserved for me?
Yes. Several self-financing MBBS and BDS colleges have Christian Minority (CM) seats. For example, Madha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Chennai has 3 CM seats for MBBS. Check the 'CM' column in the vacancy tables to see which colleges have minority seats available in your category.
What happens if I don't join after being allotted a seat in the stray round?
This notice does not specify the consequences of not joining. However, typically, if you do not report to the college and complete admission formalities by the deadline, your seat is cancelled and may be offered to another candidate. Always confirm your choice before accepting a seat, as backing out later may affect your eligibility for future counselling rounds.
When will the stray round counselling actually begin?
This notice does not provide the stray round counselling schedule. You must check the official DME Tamil Nadu website (tnmedicalselection.net) or the TN MedSelect portal for the exact dates. Stray round counselling typically happens quickly after earlier rounds, so monitor the website regularly to avoid missing the registration deadline.
Are private university colleges (like Kanyakumari Medical Mission) the same as private colleges?
Private universities are a separate category. They are private institutions but operate under university status and may have different fee structures and regulations than private colleges. Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center and Takshashila Medical College are listed as private universities. Check their fee structures and accreditation before applying, as they may differ from regular private colleges.
I have a valid caste certificate. Can I apply for both my category seat and a minority seat?
This depends on the college's rules and whether you belong to the minority community. Generally, you can apply for your category seat. If you also belong to a minority community (Christian, Malayalam, or Telugu), you may be eligible for minority seats at colleges that offer them. Check the college's admission guidelines or contact the DME office for clarification.
This tentative vacancy list is your roadmap for the stray round. Use it to identify colleges and categories where seats are available, but remember that numbers may change. Gather all required documents now and monitor the official DME Tamil Nadu website (tnmedicalselection.net) and TN MedSelect portal daily for the final vacancy list and stray round counselling schedule. Stray round counselling moves quickly—missing the registration deadline means losing your chance. Act fast once the portal opens.
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