CENTAC opens special-stray round registration for BAMS 2025

The Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) has announced a crucial Special-Stray Round for BAMS (Ayurveda) admissions for the 2025-26 academic session. This is a final chance for NEET-UG qualified candidates to secure one of the 21 vacant seats under both Government Quota (GQ) and Management Quota (MQ) at Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College, Mahe. The registration window is extremely short, inviting fresh applications from eligible aspirants who have not yet secured an Ayush seat. Don't miss this last-ditch effort to join the BAMS program!

The Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC), Puducherry, has issued a vital notification, marking the final stage of the BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) admission process for the academic year 2025-26. In an effort to fill all remaining seats, CENTAC has officially opened the registration window for a Special-Stray Round of counselling. This decisive round is a last-minute opportunity for eligible and qualified NEET-UG candidates to secure a seat in the BAMS course at the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College, Mahe.

​The sheer competitive nature of medical admissions, coupled with the rising interest in Ayush courses, makes this announcement particularly significant. The notification, released on November 24, 2025, specifically targets the filling of 21 vacant seats available under both the Government Quota (GQ) and the Management Quota (MQ). Unlike standard counselling rounds, the Special-Stray Round operates under strict, expedited deadlines, and often involves a unique process, including inviting fresh applications. Aspirants must treat this as their final, non-negotiable opportunity to enter the BAMS program this year. Understanding the quota dynamics (GQ and MQ) and adhering strictly to the compressed timeline is essential for successful allotment.

​Understanding the Special-Stray Round and Vacancy Details

​The Special-Stray Round is typically conducted by the counselling authority after the completion of all standard rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and the initial Stray Vacancy Round) to fill seats that remain vacant due to non-joining or last-minute resignations. This final phase often follows different eligibility rules compared to earlier rounds, making it highly crucial for previously unsuccessful candidates.

​ Key Vacancy Breakdown (21 Seats)

​The availability of seats across different categories is the most important information for candidates participating in this round. The 21 seats are distributed across the two main quotas:

• ​Government Quota (GQ): These seats are allotted purely on the basis of NEET-UG Merit Rank and adherence to reservation policies (e.g., SC/ST/OBC/EWS) as applicable within the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry. The tuition fees for GQ seats are generally lower and subsidized.
• ​Management Quota (MQ): These seats are also allotted based on the NEET-UG merit list but often have different fee structures and may include non-domicile candidates. The total number of seats in a college is usually split between GQ and MQ, and this round is an opportunity to fill both remaining categories.

​ Critical Dates for BAMS Aspirants

​The timeline for the Special-Stray Round is extremely condensed. Aspirants must act immediately to ensure their participation:

• ​Registration and Application Window: Registration and submission of applications for the Special-Stray Round began on November 24, 2025.
• ​Deadline for Registration: The absolute last date and time for new registration, submission of willingness, and payment is November 26, 2025, by 5:00 PM.
• ​Allotment and Reporting: Given the urgency, the allotment list and subsequent reporting dates are expected to be announced immediately after the application deadline, likely between November 27 and November 29, 2025.

​Note: Candidates must check the CENTAC official website (centacpuducherry.in) frequently for the exact release date of the final allotment list and the reporting schedule.

​Eligibility and Mandatory Application Process

​CENTAC has laid out specific rules for who can and cannot participate in this final round. Aspirants must carefully review the eligibility criteria to avoid disqualification.

​ Who is Eligible to Apply

• ​Candidates who qualified in the NEET (UG) 2025 examination.
• ​Candidates who have not been allotted a seat in any of the previous counselling rounds (All-India Quota or State Quota) conducted by AACCC, MCC, or any other state counselling authority.
• ​Candidates who were allotted a seat but resigned before the cut-off date, provided they meet the fresh application criteria.
• ​Crucially, fresh applications are invited, meaning candidates who had not registered with CENTAC in previous rounds are now permitted to apply, offering a vital last opportunity.

​ Who is NOT Eligible to Apply

• ​Candidates who have already joined/secured any BAMS, MBBS, BDS, or other Ayush seat in the 2025-26 session through any counselling authority.
• ​Candidates who failed to meet the minimum qualifying criteria in NEET-UG 2025.

​ Mandatory Steps for Fresh Applicants

​The process for a fresh applicant in the Special-Stray Round is multi-faceted:

• ​Online Registration: Candidates must register on the CENTAC portal, generating a new application number.
• ​Payment of Fees: Payment of the requisite non-refundable Registration Fee and the full/partial Tuition Fee (or a Security Deposit) is mandatory for both GQ and MQ seats to confirm participation. The exact fee amount must be checked in the official CENTAC notice.
• ​Submission of Course Preferences: Candidates must log in to their dashboard and submit their choices, specifically selecting the BAMS course at Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College, Mahe.
• ​Undertaking Certificate: Submission of a mandatory Declaration/Undertaking Form expressing willingness to participate in this final round is often required.

​Strategic Advice for BAMS Aspirants

​Given the limited number of seats (21) and the finality of the round, a strategic approach is necessary to maximize the chances of allotment.

• ​Prioritize Choice Filling: Candidates should only fill in the BAMS option for which they are genuinely interested and willing to join immediately. Since this is the final round, there is no option for further upgradation or resignation without significant financial penalty (forfeiture of fees).
• ​Document Checklist: All original documents, including the NEET-UG Scorecard, Nativity Certificate (for Puducherry Quota), Category Certificates, and academic documents, must be kept ready. The time for reporting post-allotment will be very short.
• ​Financial Readiness: Candidates must be ready to pay the full tuition fee upon allotment, as is customary in Stray Vacancy Rounds, to confirm the seat instantly.

​Conclusion: Seizing the Last Opportunity

​The opening of the CENTAC Special-Stray Round for BAMS 2025 is a definitive last chance for deserving NEET-UG qualifiers to secure admission for the current academic session. The invitation for fresh applications, coupled with the final nature of this round, makes the 21 vacant GQ and MQ seats highly sought-after. Aspirants must complete all steps—registration, payment, and submission of choices—before the strict deadline of November 26, 2025. This requires immediate action, meticulous adherence to the guidelines, and complete readiness for the admission formalities to successfully begin their career in Ayurvedic Medicine.

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