UP NEET UG Round 3 Counselling 2026: 887 MBBS & BDS Seats Available

The Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME) in Uttar Pradesh has announced the seat availability for the third round of NEET UG counselling in 2026. A total of 887 seats across MBBS and BDS programmes have been made available for allocation in this round. The seat matrix breaks down availability by individual college, institution type (government and private), and reservation category, giving aspirants a clear picture of their options before they submit their college preferences during the counselling process.

What is Round 3 counselling and why does it matter?

After Rounds 1 and 2 of NEET UG counselling, some seats remain unfilled due to candidates not reporting to colleges, withdrawing, or upgrading to better options. Round 3 is the final opportunity for remaining candidates to secure admission to an MBBS or BDS seat in Uttar Pradesh. This round is critical because it represents the last phase of the state's counselling process, and seats not filled here may go to the All India Quota or remain vacant.

For aspirants who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds or who wish to change their college choice, Round 3 is a second chance. The availability of 887 seats suggests significant opportunity, though competition remains high. Understanding the exact seat count and distribution across colleges helps you set realistic expectations and prioritise your preferences strategically.

Government vs. private seat distribution in Round 3

Of the 887 seats available, 166 are in government medical and dental colleges, while 721 are in private institutions. This 1:4 ratio reflects the broader structure of medical education in Uttar Pradesh, where private colleges significantly outnumber government institutions. Government seats are typically more competitive due to lower fees and higher perceived prestige, but private seats offer more availability and may suit candidates with different financial or academic profiles.

The large number of private seats does not mean they are easier to secure—many private colleges have high cutoff scores and fees. However, the diversity of private institutions across the state means you have more geographic and institutional choices. When filling your preference list, balance your aspirations with realistic cutoff analysis for each college type.

How are seats distributed across reservation categories?

The seat matrix allocates positions across Unreserved (UR), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories, along with applicable subcategories such as religious minorities in certain colleges. This ensures that seats are reserved according to national and state-level reservation policies, giving eligible candidates from reserved categories a fair chance at admission.

If you belong to a reserved category, check the matrix carefully to identify colleges where seats are available in your category. Some colleges may have more seats in certain categories than others. For example, some private colleges designated as minority institutions have separate seat allocations. Understanding your eligibility and the category-wise availability at each college is essential for strategic preference submission.

College-wise seat availability: what the matrix shows

The detailed seat matrix lists all 107 medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh participating in Round 3, along with the exact number of seats available at each. Seats range from as few as 1 (at colleges like Autonomous State Medical College, Ayodhya, and several others) to as many as 89 (at Teerthankar Mahaveer Medical College, Moradabad, Jain Minority). This variation reflects differences in college size, capacity, and the number of seats filled in earlier rounds.

Larger colleges like F.H. Medical College, Agra (27 seats), Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly (57 seats), and Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Gajraula (47 seats) offer more opportunities, while smaller colleges have limited openings. When preparing your preference list, include a mix of colleges with varying seat counts—some with higher availability to increase your chances, and some with fewer seats if they are your preferred choices based on location, reputation, or specialisation.

MBBS vs. BDS seat split in Round 3

While the matrix does not explicitly separate MBBS and BDS seat counts in the summary, the detailed college list includes both medical colleges (offering MBBS) and dental colleges (offering BDS). Medical colleges dominate the list, reflecting the larger number of MBBS seats available compared to BDS. If you are interested in dentistry, note that BDS seats are concentrated in dedicated dental colleges and dental faculties within larger institutions.

The availability of both MBBS and BDS options in Round 3 means you can choose based on your interest and merit. If you have qualified for both and are undecided, use this round to secure a seat in your preferred course. Remember that MBBS and BDS have different career trajectories, so your choice should align with your long-term professional goals.

How to use the seat matrix for preference submission

The seat matrix is your roadmap for filling the preference list during Round 3 counselling. Start by identifying colleges where seats are available in your category and merit range. Cross-reference your NEET score with previous round cutoffs (if available) to estimate which colleges you are likely to get. Prioritise colleges in order of your preference, not in order of difficulty—the counselling algorithm will allocate you the highest-ranked college where you meet the cutoff.

Include colleges across different tiers: some aspirational choices (colleges you hope to get into), some realistic choices (colleges where your score likely qualifies), and some safe choices (colleges with higher seat counts or lower expected cutoffs). Avoid leaving seats blank in your preference list; instead, fill all available options to maximise your chances. The more colleges you list, the higher the probability of securing a seat in Round 3.

• Identify colleges with seats in your category and score range
• Rank colleges by your genuine preference, not by difficulty
• Include aspirational, realistic, and safe college choices
• Fill all available preference slots to increase allocation chances
• Cross-check college location, fees, and facilities before finalising preferences

Important dates and next steps for Round 3

The DGME has released the seat matrix to allow candidates time to review options and prepare their preference lists. Typically, after the matrix release, the counselling authority announces the schedule for preference submission, document verification, and seat allocation. You must watch the official DGME website and your registered email for announcements regarding the exact dates for these steps.

Once the preference submission window opens, you will have a limited time (usually 2–3 days) to log in, review the seat matrix, and submit your ranked list of colleges. Missing this deadline means you cannot participate in Round 3. After preference submission, the counselling authority processes the data and releases the allocation result. Candidates who are allocated a seat must report to their assigned college within the specified time to confirm admission.

• Monitor the official DGME website for Round 3 schedule announcements
• Prepare your preference list before the submission window opens
• Submit preferences within the deadline—late submissions are not accepted
• Check the allocation result on the scheduled date
• Report to your allocated college on time with required documents

What if you don't get a seat in Round 3?

If you are not allocated a seat in Round 3, your options depend on the state's counselling rules. Some states conduct a Stray Vacancy Round (also called Spot Round) after the main rounds, where remaining seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Others may direct unallocated candidates to the All India Quota counselling or to private colleges' direct admission processes. Check the DGME's official notification for post-Round 3 options.

If you do not secure a seat in Uttar Pradesh, you can still participate in counselling in other states if you have registered there, or explore private college admissions outside the counselling process. Some private colleges offer direct admission based on NEET score and merit. Plan ahead by registering in multiple states during the initial NEET counselling registration phase to keep your options open.

Key takeaways for NEET aspirants in Round 3

Round 3 is your final opportunity in Uttar Pradesh's main counselling process. With 887 seats available across 107 colleges, there is genuine scope for securing admission if you approach the preference submission strategically. The mix of government and private colleges, combined with category-wise reservations, ensures that candidates from diverse backgrounds have a fair chance.

Use the seat matrix as a planning tool, not just a reference. Analyse your score, identify realistic colleges, and rank them thoughtfully. Remember that counselling is not a competition with other candidates—it is an algorithm-driven process that matches your preferences with available seats. The more informed and strategic your preference list, the better your outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Round 3 counselling is your final chance to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Uttar Pradesh through the main counselling process. Study the seat matrix carefully, align your preferences with your score and aspirations, and submit your list before the deadline. Stay updated on the DGME website for the exact schedule and any further notifications.