The Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME) in Uttar Pradesh has opened a stray vacancy counselling round for NEET-UG aspirants, releasing 115 unfilled seats across government and private medical and dental colleges in the state. This round gives candidates who were not allotted seats in earlier counselling phases a final opportunity to secure admission. The merit list containing 2,546 eligible candidates has been published, and the choice-filling window is now active. If you are a NEET aspirant in Uttar Pradesh and your name appears on the merit list, this round could be your pathway to an MBBS or BDS seat.
If your name is on the UP NEET 2026 stray vacancy merit list, you must fill your college choices by November 12, 2026, 11 AM to be considered for one of the 115 available MBBS and BDS seats.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the stray vacancy round and why does it matter?
A stray vacancy round is the final phase of NEET counselling in which seats that remain empty after all earlier rounds are offered to eligible candidates. These vacancies occur when allotted candidates decline their seats, fail to report for admission, or do not complete required formalities. For many aspirants, this round represents a last chance to secure a medical or dental seat in their home state.
In the UP NEET 2026 stray vacancy round, 115 seats have been made available—93 MBBS and 22 BDS. This is a smaller pool than earlier rounds, so competition will be intense. However, the merit list includes 2,546 registered candidates, meaning your rank and score will determine your chances. Participation is open only to candidates whose names appear on the published merit list and who have completed registration, paid the security fee, and had their documents verified.
How are the 115 seats distributed between government and private colleges?
The seat distribution heavily favors private institutions. Of the 115 total vacancies, only 11 are in government colleges, while 104 are in private medical and dental colleges. This imbalance reflects the larger number of private medical institutions in Uttar Pradesh and the fact that government seats typically fill quickly in earlier counselling rounds.
The 11 government seats comprise 10 MBBS and 1 BDS seat. The MBBS vacancies are spread across Autonomous State Medical Colleges in Sonbhadra, Bahraich, Hardoi, Jaunpur, and Sultanpur, as well as other government medical colleges across the state. Private colleges account for 83 MBBS and 21 BDS seats distributed throughout Uttar Pradesh. If you are seeking a government seat, your chances are limited but not zero—your merit rank will be the deciding factor.
- Government seats: 11 total (10 MBBS + 1 BDS)
- Private seats: 104 total (83 MBBS + 21 BDS)
- Total: 115 seats (93 MBBS + 22 BDS)
Who is eligible to participate in this round?
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Eligibility for the stray vacancy round is straightforward but has strict conditions. Your name must appear on the official merit list published by DGME. Simply being a NEET-UG candidate is not enough—you must have registered for UP counselling, paid the required security fee, and completed document verification. If any of these steps are incomplete, you will not be considered.
Appearing on the merit list does not guarantee a seat or even an interview call. It only means you are eligible to participate in the choice-filling process. Your final allotment depends on your merit rank, your college preferences, and the availability of seats in those colleges. Before proceeding to fill choices, verify your name, roll number, and other details in the merit list on the official portal upneet.gov.in.
Key dates: When to fill choices and when to report
The stray vacancy round follows a compressed timeline. The merit list was released on November 7, 2026, and choice filling began the same day. However, the choice-filling window closes on November 12, 2026, at 11 AM—this is a hard deadline. If you miss this window, you cannot participate in this round. Seat allotment results will be announced on November 12, 2026, the same day.
Once allotment results are released, you will have a short window to report to your allotted college. Admission formalities and reporting must be completed between November 13 and November 16, 2026. Failure to report within this period may result in forfeiture of your seat. Plan ahead: ensure you have all required documents ready and can travel to your allotted college within these dates.
- Merit list released: November 7, 2026
- Choice filling: November 7–12, 2026 (11 AM deadline)
- Seat allotment result: November 12, 2026
- Admission reporting: November 13–16, 2026
How to check the merit list and seat matrix
The merit list and seat matrix are available on the official UP NEET counselling portal at upneet.gov.in. You can log in using your NEET roll number and password to view your name, rank, and other details. The seat matrix shows the exact number of MBBS and BDS seats available in each college, helping you make informed choices.
Download and save both documents for reference. The merit list will tell you your position relative to other candidates, and the seat matrix will show which colleges have vacancies and in which courses. Use this information to strategically rank your college preferences. Remember that seats are allotted in order of merit rank, so a higher rank significantly improves your chances.
What should you do if your name is on the merit list?
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If your name appears on the merit list, act immediately. Log into upneet.gov.in and review the seat matrix carefully. Identify colleges and courses that match your preferences and are realistic based on your merit rank. Rank your choices in order of preference—the system will allot you the highest-ranked college for which you are eligible based on your rank and seat availability.
Fill your choices before the November 12 deadline. Do not delay or assume you will have time later. Once the deadline passes, no further choices can be added or modified. After allotment, check your result on November 12 and prepare to report to your allotted college with all required documents between November 13 and 16. Verify admission fees, hostel availability, and other logistics in advance.
What if your name is not on the merit list?
If your name does not appear on the merit list, you are not eligible for this stray vacancy round. This typically happens if you did not register for UP counselling, did not pay the security fee, or did not complete document verification in time. Unfortunately, there is no appeal or late registration process for the stray vacancy round.
If you believe your name should be on the list, contact the DGME office or the UP NEET counselling helpline immediately to clarify your status. However, given the tight timeline, resolution may not be possible before the November 12 deadline. For future reference, ensure all counselling formalities are completed promptly in any subsequent rounds or admission processes.
Private vs. government seats: What are the differences?
Government medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh are typically more affordable, with lower tuition fees and better access to scholarships and financial aid. However, government seats are highly competitive and limited—only 11 are available in this stray vacancy round. Private colleges charge significantly higher fees but may offer more flexibility in course selection and campus facilities.
Your choice between government and private should depend on your merit rank, financial situation, and career goals. If your rank is high enough to secure a government seat, it is generally advisable to prioritize it. If government seats are out of reach, private colleges remain a valid pathway to an MBBS or BDS degree. Research each college's reputation, infrastructure, and placement record before finalizing your preferences.
What happens after seat allotment?
Once you are allotted a seat on November 12, you will receive an allotment letter with details of your college, course, and reporting instructions. You must report to the college between November 13 and 16 with original documents, including your NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by the college.
Upon reporting, you will complete admission formalities such as fee payment, hostel registration, and document submission. Failure to report within the specified dates will result in cancellation of your allotment and forfeiture of the seat. Once admitted, you will begin your MBBS or BDS course as per the college's academic calendar. Ensure you have all documents organized and funds ready before the reporting date.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the UP NEET 2026 stray vacancy round?
The stray vacancy round is the final phase of NEET counselling in Uttar Pradesh. It offers seats that remained vacant after earlier counselling rounds. In 2026, 115 MBBS and BDS seats are available across government and private colleges. This is typically the last opportunity for candidates to secure admission in the state.
How many seats are available and where are they located?
A total of 115 seats are available: 93 MBBS and 22 BDS. Of these, 11 seats are in government colleges (10 MBBS + 1 BDS) and 104 are in private colleges (83 MBBS + 21 BDS). Government seats are spread across Autonomous State Medical Colleges in Sonbhadra, Bahraich, Hardoi, Jaunpur, Sultanpur, and other government institutions. Private seats are distributed across various colleges throughout Uttar Pradesh.
Who can participate in the stray vacancy round?
Only candidates whose names appear on the official merit list published by DGME can participate. You must have registered for UP NEET counselling, paid the security fee, and completed document verification. Appearing on the merit list does not guarantee a seat—it only makes you eligible to fill choices. Your final allotment depends on your merit rank and college preferences.
When is the choice-filling deadline?
Choice filling began on November 7, 2026, and ends on November 12, 2026, at 11 AM. This is a hard deadline. If you do not fill your choices by this time, you cannot participate in this round. Seat allotment results will be announced on November 12, 2026.
When do I need to report to my allotted college?
You must report to your allotted college between November 13 and 16, 2026, to complete admission formalities. Failure to report within this window will result in cancellation of your allotment. Bring all original documents, including your NEET scorecard, mark sheets, and any other documents specified by the college.
How do I check if my name is on the merit list?
Visit the official UP NEET counselling portal at upneet.gov.in and log in using your NEET roll number and password. You can view your name, rank, and other details. The merit list and seat matrix are also available as downloadable PDFs on the same portal. Save these documents for reference during choice filling.
What should I do if my name is not on the merit list?
If your name does not appear, you are not eligible for this stray vacancy round. This usually means you did not register for UP counselling, did not pay the security fee, or did not complete document verification. Contact the DGME office or the UP NEET counselling helpline immediately to clarify your status, but resolution may not be possible before the November 12 deadline.
Are government or private seats better?
Government seats are typically more affordable and offer better access to scholarships, but only 11 are available and competition is intense. Private colleges charge higher fees but may offer more flexibility. Your choice should depend on your merit rank, financial situation, and career goals. If your rank qualifies for a government seat, it is generally advisable to prioritize it.
If your name is on the UP NEET 2026 stray vacancy merit list, log into upneet.gov.in immediately, review the seat matrix, and fill your college choices before November 12, 2026, at 11 AM. Once allotted, prepare all required documents and report to your college between November 13 and 16 to secure your MBBS or BDS seat.
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