The West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee (WBMCC) has opened registration for the stray vacancy round of NEET UG 2026 counselling, offering qualified candidates a final opportunity to secure vacant MBBS and BDS seats across the state's medical and dental colleges. This round is designed for aspirants who did not secure admission in earlier counselling phases or wish to explore remaining vacancies. The entire process—from registration through seat allotment—will unfold over just one week, with tight deadlines at each stage. Understanding the exact dates and steps is critical, as missing even a single deadline can cost you a seat.
Register on October 16, 2026 (11 AM–8 PM) at wbmcc.nic.in; seat allotment results will be declared by October 23, with physical reporting on October 23, 24, and 26.
Your matched MBBS & BDS colleges
LockedEnter your NEET rank to unlock the real colleges you can get — All India Quota and every state — with official closing ranks and fees.
Unlock My College ListWhat is the stray vacancy round and who can apply?
The stray vacancy round is the final counselling phase in West Bengal's NEET UG 2026 admission process. It is open to all candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 and hold a valid score, regardless of whether they participated in earlier counselling rounds or were allotted a seat previously. This round fills any MBBS and BDS seats that remain vacant after the main and subsequent counselling phases.
Eligibility is straightforward: you must have appeared for NEET UG 2026, obtained a qualifying score, and possess a valid NEET UG roll number and application number. There is no restriction based on category, domicile, or previous counselling participation. This makes the stray vacancy round a genuine second (or final) chance for many aspirants to enter a medical or dental college in West Bengal.
Registration window: October 16 only—do not miss this date
Registration for the stray vacancy round opens and closes on a single day: October 16, 2026. The registration portal at wbmcc.nic.in will be live from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This compressed timeline means you must complete your registration on this date; there is no extension or second chance to register later.
During the same window (11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on October 16), you must also pay the non-refundable counselling fee online via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. The fee payment portal remains open until midnight on October 16, giving you a slightly longer window to complete payment if you register early. However, registration itself closes at 8:00 PM, so do not delay.
- Registration opens: October 16, 2026, 11:00 AM
- Registration closes: October 16, 2026, 8:00 PM
- Fee payment window: October 16, 2026, 11:00 AM to midnight
- Portal: wbmcc.nic.in
Step-by-step registration process at wbmcc.nic.in
To register, visit wbmcc.nic.in and locate the UG Medical & Dental Counselling section on the homepage. Click on the Online Stray Vacancy Round Registration link. You will be asked to log in using your NEET UG roll number, application number, and password. Ensure you have these credentials ready before you begin.
Once logged in, fill the online application form carefully. You will need to verify and enter your personal details, academic qualifications, category status (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), and confirm your West Bengal domicile certificate status. Any errors here can lead to rejection during document verification, so double-check every field.
Know the exact MBBS/BDS colleges your rank can get
Official 2023–2025 closing ranks and fees, matched to your rank.
After completing the form, proceed to pay the counselling fee online. You will receive an auto-generated payment receipt—download and save this. Finally, review all entered information, confirm your registration, and print the Registration Acknowledgement Slip. This slip is mandatory for the document verification step on October 17.
- Visit wbmcc.nic.in and click UG Medical & Dental Counselling
- Log in with NEET UG roll number, application number, and password
- Fill personal details, qualifications, category, and domicile status
- Pay counselling fee online (net banking, card, or UPI)
- Download payment receipt and print Registration Acknowledgement Slip
- Keep both documents for verification on October 17
Document verification on October 17: what to bring and where
After registration, all candidates must undergo mandatory document verification on October 17, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You will be assigned a designated verification center (typically a medical or dental college in West Bengal). Bring your Registration Acknowledgement Slip, NEET UG admit card, original identity proof, domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by WBMCC.
The verification process is in-person and non-negotiable. Missing this step will disqualify you from the stray vacancy round, even if you registered on time. Arrive early to avoid queues, and ensure all documents are original or certified copies as required. After verification, WBMCC will publish the list of verified candidates and the seat matrix (number of vacant MBBS and BDS seats available) after 5:00 PM on October 17.
- Date and time: October 17, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Designated verification center (assigned during registration)
- Documents to bring: Registration Acknowledgement Slip, NEET admit card, identity proof, domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable)
- Verified candidate list and seat matrix published: October 17, after 5:00 PM at wbmcc.nic.in
Choice filling and preference locking: October 17–18
Once you are verified, you can log back into wbmcc.nic.in to view the seat matrix and fill your college preferences. The choice-filling window opens at 6:00 PM on October 17 and closes at 10:00 AM on October 18, 2026. During this time, you can select and rank the colleges and courses (MBBS or BDS) you wish to be considered for, in order of preference.
This is a critical step. Rank your choices carefully based on college reputation, location, and your own priorities. Once you lock your choices at 10:00 AM on October 18, you cannot change them. The allotment algorithm will match your preferences with available seats based on your NEET rank and the choices of all other candidates. If you do not fill or lock your choices by the deadline, you will not be considered for any seat in this round.
- Choice-filling opens: October 17, 2026, 6:00 PM
- Choice-filling closes: October 18, 2026, 10:00 AM
- Rank colleges in order of preference
- Lock your choices before 10:00 AM on October 18—no changes allowed after locking
Seat allotment result: October 23 at noon
The seat allotment result for the stray vacancy round will be declared by 12:00 PM (noon) on October 23, 2026. You will be able to check your allotment status on wbmcc.nic.in by logging in with your credentials. The result will show whether you have been allotted a seat, and if so, which college, course (MBBS or BDS), and category of seat you have received.
Every kind of MBBS/BDS seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET rank can reach.
If you are allotted a seat, you must report physically to your allotted college on one of the designated reporting dates (October 23, 24, or 26, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM) to complete admission formalities. Failure to report within this window may result in forfeiture of your seat. If you are not allotted a seat in this round, the stray vacancy round concludes, and no further counselling phases are typically conducted.
- Seat allotment result declared: October 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM
- Check result at wbmcc.nic.in using your login credentials
- Physical reporting dates: October 23, 24, and 26, 2026, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Report to your allotted college with required documents to complete admission
Complete timeline at a glance
The entire stray vacancy round process spans just over one week. Here is the complete schedule to help you plan and avoid missing any deadline.
| Activity | Date & Time | Portal / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Online Registration | October 16, 2026, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM | wbmcc.nic.in |
| Counselling Fee Payment | October 16, 2026, 11:00 AM to midnight | wbmcc.nic.in |
| Document Verification | October 17, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Designated Verification Centers |
| Verified Candidate List & Seat Matrix Published | October 17, 2026, after 5:00 PM | wbmcc.nic.in |
| Choice Filling & Locking | October 17, 6:00 PM to October 18, 10:00 AM | wbmcc.nic.in |
| Seat Allotment Result | October 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM | wbmcc.nic.in |
| Physical Reporting & Admission | October 23, 24, and 26, 2026, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Allotted Medical/Dental Colleges |
Why the stray vacancy round matters for your MBBS or BDS admission
If you did not secure a seat in the main counselling rounds or earlier phases, the stray vacancy round is your final opportunity to gain admission to an MBBS or BDS college in West Bengal in 2026. While the number of vacant seats in this round is typically smaller than in earlier phases, they represent real, confirmed positions in accredited medical and dental institutions.
The compressed timeline—registration, verification, choice-filling, and allotment all within one week—demands that you be organized and ready. Missing even one deadline (especially registration on October 16 or choice-locking on October 18) will eliminate you from consideration. Treat these dates as non-negotiable and set reminders well in advance.
Common mistakes to avoid in the stray vacancy round
Many aspirants lose seats in the stray vacancy round due to preventable errors. Do not register on October 16 at the last minute—the portal may experience traffic, and you could miss the 8:00 PM deadline. Register early in the morning or early afternoon. Do not skip document verification on October 17; it is mandatory, and absence will disqualify you. Do not fill your choice form carelessly; rank colleges thoughtfully, as you cannot change your preferences after locking.
Ensure your domicile certificate and category certificate (if applicable) are valid and original or properly certified. Discrepancies in your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.) between your NEET admit card and registration form can lead to rejection during verification. Finally, do not assume you will be allotted a seat just because you registered; allotment depends on your rank, your choices, and the availability of seats. Prepare mentally for both outcomes and have a backup plan if you are not allotted a seat.
- Register early on October 16, not at the last minute
- Attend document verification in person on October 17—it is mandatory
- Verify all personal details match your NEET admit card before submitting
- Ensure domicile and category certificates are valid and original
- Rank colleges carefully; you cannot change choices after locking
- Lock your choices before 10:00 AM on October 18
- Check allotment result on October 23 and report to your college on time
See the exact MBBS colleges your NEET rank can get
Free 2-minute preview — official closing ranks and fees for every seat your rank can reach, All India and your state.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply for the WB NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round?
Any candidate who has qualified NEET UG 2026 and holds a valid NEET UG score is eligible. There is no restriction based on whether you participated in earlier counselling rounds or were allotted a seat previously. You must have your NEET UG roll number and application number ready to register.
When does registration for the stray vacancy round open and close?
Registration opens on October 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM the same day. This is a single-day window with no extension. You must complete your registration and pay the counselling fee within this timeframe.
What documents do I need to bring for verification on October 17?
Bring your Registration Acknowledgement Slip (printed after registration), NEET UG admit card, original identity proof, domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by WBMCC. All documents should be original or certified copies as required.
Can I change my college preferences after locking them on October 18?
No. Once you lock your choices at 10:00 AM on October 18, 2026, you cannot change them. The allotment algorithm will use your locked preferences to match you with available seats. Choose and rank your colleges carefully before locking.
When will the seat allotment result be declared, and what should I do if I am allotted a seat?
The seat allotment result will be declared by 12:00 PM on October 23, 2026, at wbmcc.nic.in. If you are allotted a seat, you must report physically to your allotted college on October 23, 24, or 26, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to complete admission formalities. Failure to report within this window may result in forfeiture of your seat.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline on October 16?
If you miss the registration deadline on October 16, you will not be able to participate in the stray vacancy round. There is no extension or late registration window. The stray vacancy round is the final counselling phase, so missing this deadline means you will not secure admission through NEET UG 2026 counselling in West Bengal.
Is document verification on October 17 mandatory?
Yes, document verification is mandatory. All registered candidates must attend verification at their designated center on October 17, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Missing this step will disqualify you from the stray vacancy round, even if you registered on time.
How many seats are typically available in the stray vacancy round?
The number of vacant seats in the stray vacancy round varies depending on how many seats remain unfilled after earlier counselling phases. WBMCC will publish the seat matrix (showing the exact number of MBBS and BDS seats available) on October 17 after 5:00 PM, once verification is complete.
Mark October 16, 17, 18, and 23 on your calendar now. The stray vacancy round is your final opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in West Bengal through NEET UG 2026 counselling. Register early on October 16, attend verification on October 17, lock your choices by 10:00 AM on October 18, and be ready to report to your allotted college by October 26. Do not let a missed deadline cost you a seat.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.