State Counselling Bodies Prepare for Next Admission Rounds Based on Vacancies
As the 2025-26 medical admission cycle nears its final stages, state counselling bodies across India are gearing up for the next crucial rounds. With several seats remaining vacant after the initial phases of NEET UG and PG allotments, these upcoming sessions represent a vital opportunity for aspirants. State authorities are currently finalizing seat matrices to ensure every available slot in government and private medical colleges is utilized effectively before the session cutoff.

The transition from Round 2 to the subsequent Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy rounds is marked by a dynamic shift in seat availability. Authorities are meticulously verifying the "Clear Vacancy" and "Virtual Vacancy" lists to provide a transparent view for candidates.
- State cells are consolidating data on candidates who were allotted seats in Round 2 but failed to report or opted for a free exit.
- Updated seat matrices are being published on official state portals, highlighting category-wise availability in clinical and non-clinical branches.
- Virtual vacancies, created when candidates opt for upgradation, are being converted into actual seats if the original holder successfully upgrades.
Strategic Guidelines for Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds
Participating in these later rounds requires a strategic approach, as the rules become more stringent compared to earlier phases. Aspirants must be aware of the "No Resignation" policies that often trigger at this stage.
- Fresh registration is mandatory for candidates who did not register earlier or for those whose previous security deposit was forfeited.
- Choice filling must be performed with high precision, as many states do not allow the modification of preferences once the locking window closes.
- Candidates must maintain a high degree of flexibility regarding college locations and specialized branches to maximize their chances of allotment.
Comparative Timeline for State vs. All India Quota (AIQ)
| Activity Phase | All India Quota (AIQ) Timeline | State Quota (SQ) Timeline |
| Round 2 Reporting Ends | 25 December 2025 | 28 December 2025 |
| Mop-Up/Round 3 Registration | 26 - 30 December 2025 | 2 - 11 January 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Allotment | 15 - 21 January 2026 | 21 - 24 January 2026 |
| Final Joining Deadline | 31 January 2026 | 31 January 2026 |
Documentation and Reporting Essentials for Final Rounds
The final rounds are often conducted with very short reporting windows. Aspirants should have their original documents ready for immediate physical verification at the allotted institutes.
- Ensure all certificates, including the NEET 2025 scorecard, domicile proof, and category certificates, are valid and self-attested.
- Prepare the requisite tuition fees in the form of Demand Drafts or via specified online modes as per the college’s instructions.
- Candidates are advised to stay locally available near their preferred hubs to facilitate rapid movement during spot admissions or stray vacancy calls.
In conclusion, the upcoming admission rounds are the "last mile" of the 2025 medical recruitment process. Success in these rounds depends heavily on timely information and the readiness of your administrative paperwork. To ensure you do not miss out on a potential seat, you should monitor official state medical portals daily for the release of the final seat matrix and revised merit lists.
