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NEET UG Special Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Key Dates and Details

The NEET UG Special Stray Vacancy Round 2026 is set to provide a crucial opportunity for students as approximately 2,000 MBBS seats remain unfilled. This round, initiated by the DGHS and MCC, aims to assist those who missed out in previous counseling rounds. Key dates for registration, choice filling, and reporting have been announced, making it essential for candidates to stay informed and prepared. This article outlines the complete schedule and offers important tips for students to navigate this final stage of the counseling process successfully.
By Ambika Singh Oct 31, 2026, 17:47 IST

Overview of the NEET UG Special Stray Vacancy Round



NEET UG Special Stray Vacancy Round 2026: After several rounds of NEET UG counseling, around 2,000 MBBS seats remain unfilled in medical colleges across India. To address this issue, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) are launching a ‘Special Stray Vacancy Round.’ This initiative is particularly beneficial for students who faced challenges in previous rounds due to minor mistakes or high cut-off scores.


Schedule for the Special Stray Round

The timeline for the NEET UG special round has been published on the MCC website, mcc.nic.in. This round will not only cover MBBS but also include the 5th and 6th rounds of counseling for BDS and B.Sc. Nursing programs. The process kicks off on November 2, 2026, detailing all essential dates from registration to reporting at designated colleges.


Details of the MBBS Special Stray Round

A Lifeline for Vacant Seats:
With approximately 2,000 MBBS seats still available, the DGHS and MCC are providing a crucial opportunity for students who narrowly missed admission in earlier rounds.


Key Dates:



  • Registration and Fee Payment: November 2 to November 4 (3:00 PM), with fee payment available until 6:00 PM on November 4.


  • Choice Filling: Candidates can select their preferred colleges from November 2 to November 5, with choice locking from 4:00 PM on November 4 to 11:00 AM on November 5.


  • Seat Allotment: This will occur on November 5 and 6, with results announced on November 7, 2026.


  • College Reporting: Students must report to their assigned colleges between November 7 and November 16 (5:00 PM).



Plan for the Sixth Round (BDS and B.Sc. Nursing)

In addition to MBBS, the DGHS has outlined a plan for BDS and B.Sc. Nursing admissions. The 5th and 6th rounds will be conducted simultaneously.


Important Dates:



  • Registration and Choice Filling: November 17 to November 19, 2026, with choice locking from 4:00 PM on November 18 to 9:00 AM on November 19.


  • Results and Reporting: Seat allotment will take place on November 19, with results announced on November 20. Students can report to their colleges from November 21 to November 28, 2026.



Essential Tips for Students

This is the final phase of the NEET UG counseling process, and any oversight could be detrimental. When selecting your choices, be mindful of your rank and the previous year's cut-offs for the colleges. Ensure timely fee payment and have all original documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues during college reporting.