MCC Releases Provisional Results of NEET 2025 Stray Vacancy Round

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the definitive schedule for the Online Stray Vacancy Round, marking the final stage of the NEET PG 2025 counselling process. This crucial round provides the last opportunity for aspirants to secure remaining MD/MS/PG Diploma seats under the All India Quota and Central Universities. Key dates include a specific window for choice filling and allotment processing. The result is slated for January 21, 2026, with a strict reporting deadline of January 31, 2026. All medical aspirants must note the updated timeline to complete their admission formalities.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has delivered a significant and much-awaited notification for all post-graduate medical aspirants, confirming the detailed timeline for the Online Stray Vacancy Round of NEET PG 2025 counselling. As the fourth and final phase of the centralized seat allotment process, this round is the last opportunity for candidates to secure vacant MD, MS, or PG Diploma seats across the All India Quota (AIQ), Central Universities (including DU, AMU, and BHU), and Deemed Universities.

​The release of this schedule, following the preceding three rounds, brings the high-stakes counselling process to its conclusion. With the final result scheduled for January 21, 2026, and the reporting deadline set for January 31, 2026, the MCC has clearly delineated the final sequence of events, urging candidates to adhere strictly to the dates to avoid forfeiture of a seat. This final round is particularly important for candidates holding lower ranks who are vying for the few remaining seats in popular or niche specialties. Aspirants must approach this round with precision and a clear strategy, as the process is often accelerated and unforgiving of missed deadlines. The online format ensures transparency and efficiency in filling all residual seats.

​ Essential Dates and Final Stages for the Stray Vacancy Round

​The Online Stray Vacancy Round operates on a tight and separate schedule compared to the initial rounds, necessitating meticulous attention to detail from all participating candidates. The MCC has set distinct windows for the various activities to ensure a smooth culmination of the 2025 admission cycle. This phase officially begins after the completion of the physical reporting of the Round 3/Mop-Up Round.

• ​Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix: January 12, 2026 
  • ​Significance: This is when the final list of genuinely vacant seats, left over from all previous rounds, will be collated and released by the MCC for the institutions to verify. This matrix is the only accurate basis for candidates' choices.
• ​Registration and Payment Window:January 13, 2026 – January 18, 2026 (Payment up to 3:00 PM on Jan 18) 
  • ​Crucial Detail: Candidates who were not registered in the previous rounds or were deemed ineligible (e.g., forfeited security deposits) may have the option for fresh registration, as per MCC norms.
• ​Choice Filling and Locking:January 13, 2026 – January 18, 2026 (Choice Locking: 4:00 PM – 11:55 PM on Jan 18) 
  • ​Strategic Note: This is the most vital step. Candidates must fill their preferences from the newly released stray vacancy seat matrix. Since this is the final round, there is no option to "upgrade" later. Choices must be locked by the deadline to be considered for allotment.

​ The Final Allotment and Admission Timeline

​The period between the choice locking deadline and the reporting end date is compressed, demanding prompt action from candidates who are successfully allotted a seat. Given the limited number of seats and the finality of this round, competition for marginal scores remains fierce.

• ​Processing of Seat Allotment:January 19, 2026 – January 20, 2026 (2 days) 
  • ​The MCC's software processes the locked choices against the final seat matrix and merit list, following the established reservation policies and priority order of preferences.
• ​NEET PG 2025 Stray Vacancy Round Result:January 21, 2026 
  • ​The final allotment list will be published on the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in). Candidates must download their allotment letter immediately upon result declaration.
• ​Reporting/Joining to Allotted College:January 22, 2026 – January 31, 2026 
  • ​Absolute Deadline: The strict deadline for joining is January 31, 2026. This is a non-negotiable date. Candidates must complete their physical reporting, document verification, and admission fee payment within this 10-day window. Any delay will result in the automatic cancellation of the admission, and the seat will remain vacant.

​ Strategic Considerations for Stray Vacancy Aspirants

​The Online Stray Vacancy Round, while offering a final chance, is governed by specific rules that candidates must internalize to maximize their chances of securing a seat. Unlike the Mop-Up Round, no new seats are typically added here, making the available options extremely limited.

• ​Mandatory New Choice Filling: Even if a candidate participated in previous rounds, fresh choice filling is generally mandatory for the Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates must focus only on the seats displayed in the new, verified seat matrix for this specific round.
• ​No Free Exit and Forfeiture Rules: Candidates who are allotted a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round cannot refuse to join it. If an allotted candidate fails to join the institute, their security deposit will be forfeited, and they may be debarred from participating in future NEET PG counselling cycles as per the MCC guidelines. This rule enforces seriousness in choice-making.
• ​Document Readiness: Given the short reporting period, aspirants must have all necessary original documents, including the NEET PG 2025 scorecard, NEET PG admit card, MBBS certificates, Internship Completion Certificate, Provisional/Permanent Registration Certificate, Caste/PwD certificates (if applicable), and the downloaded Allotment Letter, fully prepared to ensure a swift reporting process.

​Conclusion

​The release of the final schedule for the NEET PG 2025 Online Stray Vacancy Round on November 19, 2025, marks the conclusive phase of the admissions process. With the result slated for January 21, 2026, and the final reporting deadline of January 31, 2026, the timeline is clear and unforgiving. Aspirants must now exercise extreme caution, meticulous planning, and strategic choice-filling to claim one of the last few seats available. Timeliness in reporting with all required documents is the final hurdle to securing a coveted MD/MS or PG Diploma seat.

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