MCC and State Counselling Authorities Expected to Issue January Notices on PG Seat Positions

Stay updated with the latest NEET PG 2026 news as MCC and State Authorities prepare to issue critical January notices. Our comprehensive guide covers expected seat positions for Round 3 and the Stray Vacancy round. Learn about the Clear and Virtual Vacancy trends across top states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. Prepare your documentation and track official schedules to secure your medical PG seat. Ensure you follow the specific timelines to avoid forfeiture of security deposits.

The medical postgraduate admission cycle in India has reached a pivotal juncture. Following the conclusion of the Round 2 reporting extensions in late December, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and various State Counselling Authorities are now set to release updated seat matrices. These notices are vital for aspirants aiming for the remaining clinical and non-clinical seats in the Round 3 and Stray Vacancy phases.

Anticipated Seat Matrix and Vacancy Trends

The upcoming January notices will detail the "Clear Vacancies" (unoccupied seats) and "Virtual Vacancies" (seats held by candidates opting for upgradation). Recent trends indicate a significant number of seats still available across several high-demand regions.

• Maharashtra and Karnataka: These states continue to lead with the highest number of available seats in both government and private sectors.
• Clinical vs. Non-Clinical: While clinical branches like Radio-diagnosis and General Medicine are nearing capacity, Round 3 often sees a resurgence of seats due to non-joining.
• Deemed Universities: A substantial pool of seats is expected to be advertised for the Stray Vacancy round, particularly in private deemed institutions.

Comparative Counselling Roadmap for January 2026

To navigate the final weeks of admission, aspirants must distinguish between All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota timelines. The following table provides a structured overview of the expected schedule for this month:

Crucial Participation Rules for Aspirants

The January rounds carry stricter penalties compared to earlier stages. Aspirants must be diligent with their preferences and understand the legalities of the "Exit with Forfeiture" rule to protect their career prospects.

• Fresh Registrations: Candidates who did not register in previous rounds can still join Round 3 by paying the requisite security deposit.
• Mandatory Joining: In most states, if a seat is allotted in Round 3, the candidate must join; failure to do so results in the forfeiture of fees.
• Document Readiness: Ensure that original MBBS degree certificates and Internship Completion Certificates (dated before the cut-off) are ready for immediate physical reporting.

In conclusion, the first week of January 2026 is the final window for many to secure their desired specialization. As the vacancy lists are published, the ability to act swiftly and accurately will determine your admission success. Candidates must strictly monitor the official MCC and state DME portals daily to ensure they do not miss the narrow window for choice filling and registration.