NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round Registration Begins; Apply by November 4, Check Schedule

Published 2 Nov 20267 min read

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has opened registration for the NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round to fill vacant MBBS seats across participating medical colleges and institutions. Eligible candidates can complete fresh online registration through the official MCC website, mcc.nic.in, starting November 2, 2026. According to the MCC notification issued on October 30, candidates must complete registration by November 4, 2026, at 3 PM. The online payment facility will remain available until 6 PM on the same day.
The choice-filling and locking facility will remain open from November 2 to November 5, 2026. The Special Stray Vacancy Round seat allotment result is scheduled to be declared on November 7, 2026. MCC has clarified that candidates must complete fresh registration for this round, as previous registration details will not automatically carry forward. Only eligible candidates who are not holding any allotted seat can participate.
NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Round: Important Dates
Candidates can check the complete counselling schedule below:
| Counselling Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Registration and payment begins | November 2, 2026, 10 AM |
| Last date for registration | November 4, 2026, 3 PM |
| Last date for fee payment | November 4, 2026, 6 PM |
| Choice filling and locking | November 2–5, 2026 |
| Seat allotment result | November 7, 2026 |
Candidates should complete registration and payment separately within the specified deadlines to avoid missing the opportunity.
How to Register for NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round?
Eligible candidates must complete fresh registration through the MCC UG Medical Counselling portal. The process is entirely online.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official MCC website at https://mcc.nic.in.
- Open the UG Medical Counselling section on the homepage.
- Select the NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round registration link.
- Register as a fresh candidate using the required NEET UG 2026 credentials.
- Enter personal, academic and contact information.
- Pay the applicable registration and security fees through the online payment facility.
- Log in to access the choice-filling facility.
- Select preferred medical colleges and lock the choices before the deadline.
- Download and save the registration confirmation for future reference.
Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility and review their college preferences before locking their choices.
MCC Conducts Fifth Round for BDS and BSc Nursing Seats
Alongside the MBBS Special Stray Vacancy Round, MCC is also conducting the Fifth Round of counselling for BDS and BSc Nursing seats. The registration and choice-filling schedule for this round follows the same timeline as the MBBS Special Stray Round. The seat allotment result is also scheduled for November 7, 2026. MCC has additionally announced a Sixth Round for BDS and BSc Nursing admissions.
The important dates for the upcoming sixth round are:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration begins | November 17, 2026 |
| Seat allotment result | November 20, 2026 |
Candidates seeking BDS and BSc Nursing admissions should carefully distinguish between the fifth and sixth round schedules and follow the applicable counselling instructions.
Who Is Eligible for NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Round?
Participation in the MBBS Special Stray Vacancy Round is restricted to candidates who meet the eligibility conditions prescribed by MCC.
The major requirements include:
- Candidates must have qualified NEET UG 2026.
- Applicants must not be holding any allotted seat under MCC counselling.
- Candidates must complete fresh registration for the Special Stray Vacancy Round.
- Applicants must satisfy the applicable eligibility and participation conditions specified in the MCC notification.
Candidates who have already secured an allotted seat through any MCC counselling round are not eligible to participate in this round. Candidates holding seats through state quota counselling should also check the applicable state counselling rules before registering.
MCC Issues Instructions to State Counselling Authorities
MCC has also issued directions to state counselling authorities regarding the removal of candidates who have been allotted seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) from state counselling lists. Candidates should verify their current admission and allotment status before proceeding with fresh registration. Applicants are advised to read the official MCC notification carefully to understand the eligibility restrictions, seat-allotment conditions and applicable security deposit rules.
Important Instructions for NEET UG 2026 Candidates
Candidates planning to participate in the Special Stray Vacancy Round should keep the following points in mind:
- Fresh registration is mandatory for this round.
- Previous registration data will not automatically carry forward.
- Registration closes on November 4 at 3 PM.
- Fee payment closes on November 4 at 6 PM.
- Choice filling and locking must be completed by November 5.
- Candidates holding an allotted MCC seat are not eligible.
- The seat allotment result will be announced on November 7.
- Candidates should verify their state quota admission status before applying.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Candidates seeking vacant MBBS seats through the NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round should take the following steps:
- Visit the official MCC portal at mcc.nic.in.
- Keep NEET UG 2026 login credentials ready.
- Check eligibility and current seat-allotment status.
- Complete fresh registration before November 4 at 3 PM.
- Pay the required fees before November 4 at 6 PM.
- Fill and lock college preferences by November 5.
- Check the Special Stray Round allotment result on November 7.
Candidates should regularly visit the MCC website for the latest counselling notifications, seat availability updates and admission instructions.