Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round 1: Dates, Choices and Admission Steps

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the schedule for the first online stray vacancy round of Maharashtra NEET UG counselling 2026. The round will fill vacant MBBS and BDS seats for the 2026-27 academic year.

Candidates who want to take part must check the vacant seat list and submit fresh college and course choices. Choices entered during the third regular counselling round will not carry forward. In simple terms, the old preference list is out of the game.

Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round dates

The first online stray vacancy round will follow this schedule:

The CET Cell has also announced that three online stray vacancy rounds will be held to fill the remaining seats. Candidates should check the official portal for updates on later rounds.

Who should check this round?

This round is meant for eligible candidates seeking MBBS or BDS admission through Maharashtra NEET UG counselling. Candidates should check the rules issued by the CET Cell before taking part. Seat availability can change after earlier rounds, so a college that was full before may appear in the stray vacancy seat matrix.

Do not assume that your earlier choices remain active. The CET Cell has stated that choices submitted in the third regular round will be cancelled for this process. Every candidate who takes part must submit a new list of college and course preferences.

How to fill choices for Maharashtra NEET UG stray vacancy round

1. Open the official Maharashtra NEET UG counselling website at medical2026.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2026.
2. Log in with your existing registration details.
3. Open the vacant seat details after the seat matrix is published.
4. Check the available MBBS and BDS seats, along with the college details.
5. Select the colleges and courses you want to consider.
6. Arrange the choices in order of preference.
7. Review the full list before submitting it.
8. Submit the choices before 11:59 PM on October 16, 2026.
9. Save or download the confirmation page for your records.

Take time to review the list before clicking submit. A rushed choice list can create trouble later, and the submit button has no undo feature, much like sending a message to the wrong group.

What happens after seat allotment?

The result for the first stray vacancy round will be published on October 17, 2026. Candidates who receive an MBBS or BDS seat must report to the allotted college between October 18 and October 20.

Admission formalities must be completed by October 20 at 5:30 PM. Candidates should follow the college instructions and carry the required admission documents. They should also keep copies of their NEET UG details, counselling registration records, allotment letter and identity documents ready. The official notice and the allotted college will provide the final document list.

Important points for candidates

• Fresh choices are compulsory for the stray vacancy round.
• Previous choices from the third regular round will not be used.
• Check the vacant seat matrix before selecting preferences.
• Submit the preference list within the announced time.
• Check the allotment result on October 17, 2026.
• Report to the allotted college within the reporting window.
• Complete admission by October 20 at 5:30 PM.
• Follow the latest instructions on the official Maharashtra CET Cell website.

Before submitting choices, candidates should confirm the course, college and seat category shown in the vacancy list. They should also check travel plans and reporting requirements, since the admission window is short. Keep login details safe and check the portal during each key date.