Uttarakhand NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Counselling: Eligibility, Fees & Process

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University (HNBUMU) has released the official instructions for Round 3 of NEET UG 2026 counselling for MBBS and BDS seats in Uttarakhand. This is the third and final round of seat allocation for candidates who did not secure a seat in Rounds 1 and 2, or who wish to upgrade their current seat. Round 3 is open to eligible candidates who meet specific criteria — including those who did not register in earlier rounds, those who registered but received no seat, and those who chose FLOAT in earlier rounds and now wish to upgrade. This round offers a final opportunity to secure admission to a medical or dental college in Uttarakhand through the state's centralised counselling process.

Who Can Apply for Round 3 Counselling

Round 3 counselling is NOT open to all candidates. The university has set strict eligibility rules to determine who can participate. Understanding these rules is critical — if you do not fall into one of the five eligible categories, your application will be rejected and you will lose your registration fee.

You are eligible to apply for Round 3 if you fall into ANY ONE of these five categories:

The university will check your registration history and seat allotment record from Rounds 1 and 2. If you do not meet at least one of these five conditions, you will not be permitted to participate in Round 3, even if you pay the fee and submit an application.

• You did NOT register in Round 1 or Round 2, and you now wish to participate in Round 3 for the first time.
• You registered in Round 1 or Round 2, but NO seat was allotted to you in either round, and you now wish to participate in Round 3.
• You registered in Round 1 or Round 2, a seat was allotted to you, you chose FLOAT (meaning you kept your seat flexible for upgrade), and now you wish to participate in Round 3 to upgrade to a better seat.
• You registered in Round 1 or Round 2, a seat was allotted to you, but you did NOT choose FLOAT or FREEZE within the time limit set by the board, and you now wish to participate in Round 3 to get a seat allotted.
• You chose FREEZE or FLOAT in Round 1, secured your seat by completing the admission process at your allotted college, but you later abandoned that seat, and you now wish to participate in Round 3 to get a new seat.

Who CANNOT Apply for Round 3 — Ineligible Categories

Even if you registered in earlier rounds, you are NOT eligible for Round 3 if you fall into either of these two categories. The university will reject your application if you are ineligible, and you will forfeit your registration fee.

Do not attempt to register if you are ineligible. Check your status carefully before paying any fee.

• You chose FREEZE in Round 1 or Round 2, completed the full admission process at your allotted college within the time limit set by the board, and secured your admission. (You have already been admitted and cannot participate again.)
• You were allotted a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 through the MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) India Round 3 counselling conducted by the Government of India, and you completed the admission process within the time limit and secured your admission. (You have already been admitted through the national process and cannot participate in state counselling again.)

Registration and Fee Payment — Online Only

All registration and fee payments for Round 3 must be done ONLINE only. The university does not accept offline or manual payments. You must use a credit card, debit card, or net banking to pay both the registration fee and the security deposit (caution money) through the official counselling portal.

If you registered in Round 1 or Round 2 and already paid the registration fee and security deposit in those rounds, you are still eligible to participate in Round 3 — but you must complete a NEW online registration and choice-filling process. You do NOT need to pay the registration fee and security deposit again. Instead, you will log in with your registered ID and fill a fresh choice form (called 'New Choice Submission'). If you do not do this, your previous round's choices will be automatically cancelled, and you will not be considered for Round 3 seat allotment.

If you registered in Round 1 or Round 2 and paid the security deposit, but you now wish to change your quota (from State Quota to All India Open Quota, or vice versa), you must log in to the university website www.hnbumu.ac.in, fill a new online application form for Round 3 with your new quota choice, and submit a fresh choice form. You do NOT need to pay the registration fee and security deposit again. However, if the security deposit you paid earlier is less than what is required for your new quota, you must pay the additional amount. If it is more, the excess will be refunded to your bank account one month after the entire counselling process ends.

• Payment method: Credit card, debit card, or net banking only — no cash, cheque, or offline payment accepted.
• If you are a first-time registrant in Round 3: Pay both registration fee and security deposit online.
• If you registered in Rounds 1–2 and are now participating in Round 3: Log in with your ID, fill a new choice form, and submit it. No additional registration fee or security deposit needed (unless you are changing quota).
• If you are changing quota: Fill a new online application form, select your new quota, and submit a fresh choice form. Pay any additional security deposit if required; excess will be refunded after counselling ends.
• Modification fee: If you wish to modify any information in your application or choice form during the registration period, you must pay ₹500 online as a modification fee each time. Each modification requires a fresh ₹500 payment.

Important: New Choice Submission (Fresh Choice Filling) is Mandatory

This is one of the most critical rules for Round 3. Every eligible candidate MUST fill a completely NEW choice form for Round 3. Your choices from Round 1 or Round 2 will NOT carry forward — they are automatically cancelled.

After you register (or log in if you are a returning candidate), you must fill out a fresh online application form with all required information, then fill a new choice form (called 'New Choice Submission') and SUBMIT it. If you only SAVE your choices but do NOT SUBMIT them by the deadline, the system will automatically submit your saved choices at the end of the registration period, and those will be considered for seat allotment. However, if you do not even SAVE your choices, you will be considered ineligible for Round 3 seat allotment.

The university emphasises: Do not rely on your old choices. Fill and submit a fresh choice form for Round 3. This is mandatory. Candidates who fail to do this will not be considered for seat allotment in Round 3.

• Your Round 1 and Round 2 choices are automatically cancelled for Round 3.
• You must fill a completely new choice form for Round 3.
• You must SAVE your new choices during the registration period.
• You must SUBMIT your new choices (or they will be auto-submitted at the deadline).
• If you do not SAVE your choices, you will be ineligible for Round 3 seat allotment.
• If you SAVE but do not SUBMIT, the system will auto-submit at the deadline.
• After SUBMIT, you can modify your choices only by paying ₹500 per modification during the registration period.

How to Fill Your Choices — Quota, Category, and Seat Selection

When you fill your choice form for Round 3, you will see all available seats in your chosen quota (State Quota or All India Open Quota) and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.). You can select as many seats as you wish, in any order of preference. The system will rank your choices by priority — the seat you list first is your first preference, the second is your second preference, and so on.

Important: The seat matrix (the list of available seats by college, course, category, and quota) is displayed on the university website and is updated as candidates accept or abandon seats during the counselling process. Before you select a seat, check the seat matrix to see how many seats are available in each category and college. Be aware that the number of available seats may change as other candidates make their choices.

You are responsible for your choice. The university and counselling board will not be held responsible if you select a seat that you later regret. Before you choose a seat, contact the college directly to ask about fees, bond requirements, seat recognition status, and any other details. Verify all information with the college — do not rely on the counselling board or university.

If you are eligible for a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.), you can select seats in that category. However, if no eligible candidate applies for a reserved seat, that seat may be converted (upgraded) to the general category or another category as per rules. This means the number of seats available in your category may change during counselling.

• Select seats based on your quota (State Quota or All India Open Quota).
• Select seats based on your category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.).
• Rank your choices in order of preference — first choice, second choice, third choice, etc.
• Check the seat matrix before selecting to see how many seats are available.
• Contact the college directly to verify fees, bond, recognition, and other details.
• You are fully responsible for your choice — the university has no liability.
• Reserved seats may be converted to other categories if no eligible candidate applies.
• Seats may change as other candidates make their choices — check the matrix regularly.

Seat Upgrade (Upgradation) Rules for Round 3

If you secured a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 and chose FLOAT (meaning you kept your seat flexible), you can now participate in Round 3 to try to upgrade to a better seat. However, there are strict rules about what happens if you upgrade.

If you upgrade in Round 3: Your previous seat (from Round 1 or Round 2) will be vacated and given to the next eligible candidate on the waiting list. You will have no claim on your old seat. If you do not get a seat in Round 3, you will NOT be able to go back to your old seat — it will be gone. This is a significant risk. Think carefully before choosing to upgrade.

If you had FLOAT in Round 1 or Round 2 but did not fill a choice form for Round 3: Your FLOAT seat will remain as it was. You will keep your old seat and will not participate in Round 3.

If you had FLOAT in Round 1 or Round 2 and you do not get a seat in Round 3: Your old FLOAT seat will be cancelled, and you will have no seat at all. You will then be eligible to participate in Round 4 (if it is conducted).

If you had FREEZE in Round 2 but did not complete the admission process within the time limit: Your seat will be cancelled. However, you can still participate in Round 3 to get a new seat.

• FLOAT candidates can upgrade in Round 3 by filling a new choice form.
• If you upgrade and get a new seat: Your old seat is vacated and given to the next candidate.
• If you upgrade and do NOT get a new seat: You lose your old seat and have no seat at all.
• If you do not participate in Round 3: Your FLOAT seat remains unchanged.
• FREEZE candidates who did not complete admission can participate in Round 3.
• Candidates who did not choose FLOAT or FREEZE can participate in Round 3 to get a seat.

Seat Surrender (Abandonment) — Critical Deadline

If you secured a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 and you wish to abandon it (surrender it) to participate in Round 3, you MUST do so by the deadline. The deadline is 05 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. After this deadline, you CANNOT abandon your seat.

To abandon your seat, you must follow the official procedure published on the university website. Simply not showing up for admission does NOT count as abandonment — you must formally surrender your seat through the online portal.

If you abandon your seat by the deadline: Your security deposit will be forfeited (kept by the university) as per the rules of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University. You can then participate in Round 3 and, if eligible, register for future rounds.

If you do NOT abandon your seat by the deadline: You will be considered to have accepted your seat. You cannot participate in Round 3. If you later fail to complete the admission process, your seat will be cancelled, your security deposit will be forfeited, and you will be barred from participating in future counselling rounds for one year as per the orders of the Government of India / NMC / MCC India / DGHS.

Important: The deadline is firm. Do not miss it. If you wish to abandon your seat, do so by 05 October 2026 at 5:00 PM through the official online process only.

• Deadline to abandon your seat: 05 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.
• You must use the official online process to abandon — do not rely on email or phone.
• If you abandon by the deadline: Your security deposit is forfeited; you can participate in Round 3.
• If you do NOT abandon by the deadline: You are considered to have accepted your seat.
• If you accept a seat but later fail to complete admission: Your seat is cancelled, deposit forfeited, and you are barred from counselling for one year.
• The deadline is absolute — no extensions or exceptions.

Reservation (Quota) and Category Eligibility — Documents Required

Uttarakhand state counselling offers reserved seats for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and other categories as per state and national rules. To claim a reserved seat, you must provide valid proof of your category.

Category certificates must be issued BEFORE the final date of Round 3 online application. Certificates issued after the application deadline will NOT be accepted. This is a strict rule — if your certificate is dated after the deadline, you will lose your reserved seat eligibility.

OBC (Other Backward Class) certificates are valid for only THREE YEARS from the date of issue. If your OBC certificate was issued more than three years ago, it is no longer valid. You must obtain a fresh certificate. The university will check the validity date on your certificate — if it has expired, your OBC category claim will be rejected.

SC/ST certificates do not have an expiry date, but they must be issued by a competent authority of the Uttarakhand government. Certificates from other states are not accepted for Uttarakhand state quota seats.

EWS (Economically Weaker Section) certificates are issued under specific government orders and must be current and valid. Check the government order number and date on your certificate to ensure it is valid.

Persons with Disabilities (PwD) must provide a medical certificate from a medical board nominated by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Certificates from other sources will not be accepted.

If you claim a reserved category but do not provide a valid certificate by the deadline, your claim will be rejected, and you will be considered in the general category. You will lose your reserved seat eligibility.

• SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD certificates must be issued BEFORE the Round 3 application deadline.
• OBC certificates are valid for only 3 years from the date of issue.
• SC/ST certificates do not expire but must be from Uttarakhand government.
• EWS certificates must be current and issued under valid government orders.
• PwD certificates must be from an NMC-nominated medical board.
• Certificates issued after the application deadline will NOT be accepted.
• If you do not provide a valid certificate, you will be considered in the general category.
• Verify the validity and issuing authority of your certificate before applying.

Admission Process After Seat Allotment

After the counselling board allots you a seat in Round 3, you must complete the admission process at your allotted college within the time limit set by the board. The detailed admission procedure will be published on the university website after the seat allotment list is released.

You must appear in person at your allotted college with all original documents (as listed in the admission procedure). You cannot complete admission remotely or by proxy. If you do not appear in person and submit all required documents within the deadline, you will be considered to have abandoned your seat, and your security deposit will be forfeited.

Once you have completed the admission process and secured your seat, you will not be able to abandon it or participate in further counselling rounds (unless you formally surrender it through the official process, which may result in forfeiture of your deposit).

The university will publish the full admission procedure on its website after the Round 3 seat allotment list is released. Check the website regularly for updates.

• Admission must be completed in person at your allotted college.
• You must submit all original documents as per the admission procedure.
• You must complete admission within the time limit set by the board.
• Failure to complete admission will result in forfeiture of your security deposit.
• Once admitted, you cannot abandon your seat without formal surrender.
• Check the university website for the full admission procedure after seat allotment.

Seat Matrix and Institutional Seat Availability

The seat matrix shows the total number of MBBS and BDS seats available at each college in Uttarakhand, broken down by quota (State Quota, All India Open Quota, NRI Quota) and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.). This matrix is published on the university website and is updated regularly as candidates accept or abandon seats.

The seat matrix is a live document. As candidates make their choices and seats are allotted, the number of available seats changes. If a candidate abandons a seat, that seat becomes available again. If a candidate accepts a seat, that seat is no longer available. You should check the seat matrix regularly to see the current availability before making your final choice.

The seat matrix will be updated as students abandon seats during the counselling process. This means the number of seats available in your category may increase or decrease. Plan your choices accordingly.

• Seat matrix shows seats by college, quota, and category.
• The matrix is updated as candidates accept or abandon seats.
• Check the matrix regularly to see current availability.
• Seats may increase if other candidates abandon them.
• Seats may decrease if other candidates accept them.
• Use the matrix to plan your choice preferences.

Fee Structure and Security Deposit

Each college in the counselling process has its own fee structure for MBBS and BDS courses. The detailed fee information for each college is published on the university website in a separate link. Before you select a seat, you MUST check the fee structure of that college to understand the total cost of admission, including tuition fees, bond requirements, and any other charges.

The security deposit (caution money) that you pay during registration is separate from the college fees. The security deposit is held by the university and is refunded after the entire counselling process is complete (usually one month after the final round ends). College fees are paid directly to the college at the time of admission.

Do not assume all colleges have the same fees. Check each college's fee structure carefully before making your choice.

• Each college has its own fee structure.
• Fee details are published on the university website.
• Check fees before selecting a seat.
• Security deposit is separate from college fees.
• Security deposit is refunded after counselling ends.
• College fees are paid directly to the college at admission.

Important Warnings and Common Mistakes to Avoid

The university has highlighted several critical mistakes that candidates make, which result in rejection of their application or loss of their seat. Read these carefully and avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not filling a NEW choice form for Round 3. If you participated in Round 1 or Round 2, your old choices are automatically cancelled. You MUST fill a fresh choice form for Round 3. If you do not, you will not be considered for seat allotment.

Mistake 2: Not SUBMITTING your choice form. If you only SAVE your choices but do not SUBMIT them, the system will auto-submit at the deadline. However, if you do not even SAVE your choices, you will be ineligible. Always SAVE and SUBMIT your choices.

Mistake 3: Providing an invalid or expired category certificate. If your OBC certificate is more than 3 years old, or if your category certificate is dated after the application deadline, it will be rejected. Verify your certificate validity before applying.

Mistake 4: Selecting a seat without checking the college's fees, bond requirements, or seat recognition status. The university is not responsible if you select a seat and later discover the college has high fees or other issues. Contact the college directly before selecting.

Mistake 5: Missing the seat abandonment deadline. If you wish to abandon your seat from Round 1 or Round 2 to participate in Round 3, you must do so by 05 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. After this deadline, you cannot abandon your seat.

Mistake 6: Not appearing in person for admission. Once you are allotted a seat, you must appear in person at the college with all original documents. If you do not, your seat will be cancelled and your security deposit will be forfeited.

Mistake 7: Assuming your old seat will be available if you upgrade and do not get a new seat. If you choose FLOAT and upgrade in Round 3 but do not get a new seat, your old seat is gone. You will have no seat at all.

• Fill a NEW choice form for Round 3 — old choices are cancelled.
• SAVE and SUBMIT your choices — do not rely on auto-submission.
• Verify your category certificate is valid and not expired.
• Check college fees, bond, and recognition before selecting a seat.
• Abandon your old seat by 05 October 2026 at 5:00 PM if you wish to participate in Round 3.
• Appear in person at your allotted college with all original documents.
• Do not assume your old seat will be available if you upgrade and fail to get a new seat.
• Do not attempt to register if you are ineligible — you will lose your fee.

Frequently asked questions

Round 3 counselling is your final opportunity to secure a medical or dental seat in Uttarakhand if you did not get one in Rounds 1 and 2, or if you wish to upgrade. Check immediately whether you are eligible using the five eligibility criteria listed above. If you are eligible, register online, pay the fee, fill a NEW choice form, and SUBMIT it by the deadline. Do not miss the deadline — it is firm. Verify your category certificate validity, check college fees before selecting seats, and plan to appear in person at your allotted college for admission. For all updates, check the university website www.hnbumu.ac.in regularly.