With the conclusion of Round-2, medical postgraduates are preparing for the NEET PG 2025 Round-3 counselling. Following a significant reduction in the qualifying percentile by NBEMS, many more candidates are now eligible to participate. Check the official MCC schedule for registration, choice filling, and seat allotment results for MD/MS/DNB seats across All India Quota and Deemed Universities.

Following the Medical Counselling Committee's (MCC) decision to lower the qualifying percentile to accommodate vacant seats, the third-round of counselling is witnessing a massive surge in participation. As of February 1, 2026, many state-level authorities have also aligned their schedules to match the central mop-up phase. The National Board of Examinations (NBEMS) clarified that the revised cutoff only expands the pool of eligible candidates without altering the original merit ranks.

• Revised Cutoff Impact: Candidates with significantly lower percentiles, including those previously ineligible, can now participate in the third-round for available clinical and non-clinical branches.
• Seat Availability: A total of 10,101 clear vacancies and 18,076 virtual vacancies have been reported, providing a critical safety net for those who did not secure a seat in earlier phases.
• State vs. Central: While MCC handles the All India Quota, state-specific portals like UP NEET have opened their windows for state quota seats simultaneously.
• Fresh Registration: Newly eligible candidates must complete a fresh enrollment on the MCC portal to be considered for the seat allotment process.

Critical Deadlines and Reporting Procedures

The 2025-26 academic session has seen a delayed but structured approach to the mop-up proceedings. According to the official 2026-updated schedule, the reporting phase for Round-3 is currently the priority for candidates who were allotted seats in the last week of January.

Candidates are reminded that for the third-round, the security deposit is non-refundable if a seat is allotted but the candidate fails to join. This "No Exit" policy is designed to ensure that the maximum number of medical seats are occupied before the final stray vacancy round begins. Every enrollment must be backed by original documentation and the necessary fee payment via the official gateway.

Conclusion

As the February 6 reporting deadline approaches, candidates are moving quickly to finalize their admissions in postgraduate medical colleges. The successful completion of the third-round will lead directly into the stray vacancy round, which is the final opportunity for those still without an allotment. Medical officers and residents are encouraged to maintain a close watch on the MCC News & Events section for any last-minute extensions or seat additions. Given the recent mop-up trends, ensuring all certificates are verified during the current enrollment period is vital for a smooth transition into the residency program starting later this month.