NEET UG Counselling 2026: Round 3 and Stray Vacancy Dates
MCC has released the NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 3 and online stray vacancy schedule, including registration, choice filling, results, and reporting dates.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the schedule for the third round and online stray vacancy round of NEET UG Counselling 2026. Candidates who want admission to undergraduate medical courses can check the dates on the official website, mcc.nic.in.
These rounds can help candidates who did not get a seat in earlier rounds, want to upgrade their seat, or are waiting for vacant MBBS and BDS seats. The key point is simple: each step has a fixed time. Missing a payment, choice filling, or reporting deadline can affect your admission.
NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 3 schedule
The tentative seat matrix for Round 3 will be released on September 21, 2026. The seat matrix shows the colleges, courses, and seats available before registration begins.
| Event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Tentative seat matrix | September 21, 2026 |
| Registration and payment | September 22 to September 27, 2026 |
| Registration closing time | 3 PM on September 27 |
| Payment closing time | 6 PM on September 27 |
| Choice filling | September 23 to September 28, 2026 |
| Choice locking | 7 PM on September 27 to 12 noon on September 28 |
| Seat allotment processing | September 28 to September 29, 2026 |
| Round 3 result | September 30, 2026 |
| Reporting and joining | October 1 to October 9, 2026 |
Candidates must complete registration and payment within the given window. The registration facility will close at 3 PM on September 27, while the payment facility will remain open until 6 PM. This two-part deadline is easy to miss, so keep both times on your calendar.
Online stray vacancy round dates
The online stray vacancy round will begin in October. This round is held to fill seats that remain vacant after the earlier counselling rounds. Candidates should read the MCC rules before taking part, as seat acceptance and joining conditions may apply.
| Event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Registration and payment | October 12 to October 14, 2026 |
| Registration closing time | 3 PM on October 14 |
| Payment closing time | 6 PM on October 14 |
| Choice filling | October 12 to 10 AM on October 15 |
| Choice locking | 4 PM on October 14 to 10 AM on October 15 |
| Seat allotment processing | October 15 to October 16, 2026 |
| Stray vacancy result | October 17, 2026 |
What candidates should do before registration
- Keep your NEET UG application details and login information ready.
- Check the latest MCC notice, seat matrix, fee details, and eligibility rules.
- Prepare a list of preferred colleges and courses before choice filling starts.
- Place choices in order of preference. The order matters during seat allotment.
- Review your choices before locking them. Locked choices may not be changed.
- Save the registration form, payment receipt, choice list, and allotment letter.
- Keep original certificates and several photocopies ready for reporting.
Documents to keep ready
Students may need documents such as the NEET UG admit card, scorecard, rank letter, identity proof, Class 10 and Class 12 certificates, school leaving certificate, category certificate where required, and recent passport-size photographs. The exact list can vary by college and category.
After a seat is allotted, read the reporting instructions carefully. Candidates must report to the allotted institute within the stated dates and complete the joining process. Carry the required documents and check whether the college asks for a medical fitness certificate or other forms.
Where to check the official update
Visit mcc.nic.in for the full counselling schedule, registration link, seat matrix, choice filling rules, result notice, and reporting instructions. Candidates should rely on the latest MCC notice if any date or process changes. A screenshot from a group chat may be useful for gossip, but it is not an official notice.
