MCC Updates Stray Vacancy Seat Matrix After Joined Candidate Reconciliation

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially updated the seat matrix for the NEET PG 2025 stray vacancy round following a comprehensive reconciliation of joined candidates. As of February 19, 2026, the final vacancy list reflects 2,980 available seats across All India Quota, Deemed Universities, and Central Institutes. This report details the mandatory choice-locking process ending today, the strict "No Free Exit" policy, and the potential debarment for candidates who fail to join allotted seats. Aspirants are urged to finalize their fresh choices on the official MCC portal before the midnight deadline to secure their last chance at postgraduate medical admission.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has today released the updated stray vacancy seat matrix for the NEET PG 2025-26 academic session. Following a meticulous candidate reconciliation process that verified the joining status of students from previous rounds, the committee has identified exactly 2,980 vacant seats across the country. As of February 19, the choice-locking window is in its final hours, marking the absolute last opportunity for medical graduates to secure a specialization in this year’s admission cycle. The MCC has integrated data from various State Counselling authorities to prevent seat blocking, ensuring that the updated matrix remains a true representation of available clinical and non-clinical positions.

The Reconciliation Process and Final Seat Matrix

The candidate reconciliation phase involved cross-referencing the "Admitted Candidates List" from Round 1, 2, and 3 with the institutional reporting data. This has resulted in a clear stray vacancy list that is now available for fresh choice filling.

• Institutional Verification: Participating institutes verified their tentative vacancies on the official MCC portal between February 14 and February 15.
• Seat Types: The updated matrix includes clear vacancies (seats never occupied) and virtual vacancies (seats vacated due to upgrades in Round-3).
• Finality of Data: Since today is February 19, the current stray vacancy count is considered definitive, and no further additions will be made to the system before the allotment processing begins tomorrow.

Mandatory Choice-Locking and Allotment Rules

With the stray vacancy round reaching its zenith today, candidates must adhere to the strict operational guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The choice-locking facility is scheduled to remain active until 11:55 PM tonight.

• Fresh Choices Required: Unlike previous rounds, any choices filled in Round 1, 2, or 3 have been nullified. Candidates must submit fresh preferences based on the updated matrix to be considered for allotment.
• No Free Exit: The MCC has implemented a high-stakes policy for this final round. If a candidate is allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round, they must join the college.
• Penalty Clause: Failure to join an allotted seat will result in the forfeiture of the security deposit and a one-year debarment from appearing in the NEET PG exam.
• Ineligibility: Candidates who have already joined a seat in any state or central quota round are automatically disqualified through the candidate reconciliation software.

Timeline for Final Allotment and Reporting

The MCC has established a rapid timeline to ensure that the 2026 medical residency session begins without further delay. Following the choice-locking today, the system will move into the automated merit-cum-preference algorithm.

• Allotment Letter: Successful candidates can download their allotment letters from the candidate activity board starting tomorrow evening.
• Document Readiness: Reporting requires original documents, including the MBBS degree, internship completion certificate (cutoff May 31, 2026), and a valid NMC/DCI registration.
• Security Deposit: For those not allotted any seat, the security deposit (₹25,000 for AIQ and ₹2,00,000 for Deemed) will be refunded to the original payment source after the completion of the entire stray vacancy cycle.

Conclusion

The release of the stray vacancy seat matrix following candidate reconciliation marks the beginning of the end for the NEET PG 2025-26 admission saga. As of February 19, the 2,980 available seats represent a critical lifeline for those still seeking a professional specialization. The MCC’s choice-locking phase is the final hurdle where precision is more important than speed; candidates must verify the updated matrix against their own rank and preferences one last time. By ensuring a synchronized and transparent process, the Medical Counselling Committee aims to fill every specialized medical position in the country, thereby strengthening the future of Indian healthcare. Aspirants are strongly advised to complete their locking today and prepare for immediate physical reporting if allotted, as the February 28 joining deadline is non-negotiable.

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