NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Seat Matrix Released: 4,068 Vacant Seats for MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round seat matrix, listing 4,068 vacant seats across MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing programmes, according to reports published on October 14, 2026. The matrix helps eligible candidates identify participating institutions and available seats before completing their choices for the final stage of centralised undergraduate medical counselling.

The stray vacancy round is intended to fill seats that remain vacant after earlier counselling rounds. Candidates should check the official MCC portal for the latest seat matrix, eligibility conditions, revised schedules and choice-filling instructions before taking action.

NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round: Key Details

Important: The figure of 4,068 is the total reported across the listed courses, not the number of MBBS seats alone. Candidates should consult the official PDF to confirm the course-wise, college-wise and category-wise distribution.

What Is the NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round?

The stray vacancy round is a later stage of the NEET UG counselling process used to allot eligible candidates to seats that remain vacant after earlier rounds. The available seats can vary by institution, course, quota and category.

MCC conducts counselling for the relevant All India Quota and other participating seats covered by its counselling process. State counselling authorities separately manage their respective state-quota processes and schedules. Candidates should not assume that a vacancy listed by MCC represents every vacant medical seat in India.

How to Download the NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Seat Matrix PDF

1. Visit the official Medical Counselling Committee website.
2. Open the Undergraduate Medical Counselling section.
3. Go to the current events or relevant counselling notices for UG 2026.
4. Locate the stray vacancy round seat matrix notice or PDF.
5. Open the document and search for the desired college, course and category.
6. Check the latest counselling schedule and candidate instructions before filling choices.

Candidates should download the document from the official portal rather than relying exclusively on screenshots or lists circulated on social media. Seat availability may change if the authority issues a revised matrix or a notice concerning the addition or withdrawal of seats.

How to Check Vacant Seats by College and Course

The seat matrix generally identifies participating institutions and the vacancies available under the relevant course and counselling category. Candidates should examine the following information before selecting a college:

• College name: Confirm the institution listed in the official document.
• Course: Check whether the vacancy is for MBBS, BDS or BSc Nursing.
• Seat category: Review the applicable quota and category details.
• Number of vacancies: Confirm the number of seats shown in the latest matrix.
• Eligibility: Check the applicable rules for participation in the stray round.
• Fees and location: Review the college's published fees, location and other admission conditions before making a choice.

A vacancy in the matrix does not guarantee allotment. Allocation depends on eligibility, NEET merit, candidate choices, applicable reservation and quota rules, and the availability of seats when allotment is processed.

Choice Filling and Counselling Schedule

Reports published on October 14 indicated that the stray round registration and choice-filling process was approaching its deadline, with choice filling reported to remain open until October 15. Candidates must verify the exact closing time and any subsequent extension on the official MCC website, because schedules can be revised.

Eligible candidates should complete the applicable steps within the published deadline. These may include registration, payment of the prescribed security deposit where required, choice filling and choice locking. The precise requirements depend on the candidate's counselling status and the current MCC instructions.

Do not assume that a choice has been submitted simply because a college appears in a saved list. Follow the portal's instructions to complete and lock choices wherever required.

Who Can Participate in the Stray Vacancy Round?

Participation is governed by MCC's rules for the relevant counselling round. Eligibility may depend on whether a candidate has registered, the candidate's status in earlier rounds, whether a seat has already been allotted or joined, and any restrictions specified in the current notice.

Before applying, candidates should:

• Read the latest MCC information bulletin and stray-round notice.
• Check whether their previous allotment or joining status affects eligibility.
• Confirm that registration and any required payment have been completed.
• Keep their NEET UG details and required documents available.
• Follow the applicable reporting and admission requirements if a seat is allotted.

Because eligibility restrictions can differ between rounds, candidates should not rely on general advice or the rules of a previous year's stray vacancy round.

Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready

Depending on the applicable admission and reporting instructions, candidates may need the following documents:

• NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard or rank details.
• Class 10 certificate or other accepted proof of date of birth.
• Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate.
• Valid identity proof.
• Category or reservation certificate, where applicable.
• Other documents specified by the allotted institution or counselling authority.

This is a general preparation list, not a substitute for the official document checklist. Candidates should verify the exact requirements for their course, category and institution.

Important Precautions Before Accepting a Seat

• Verify the college and course details against the official seat matrix.
• Read the current rules on resignation, joining and participation before making decisions about an existing allotment.
• Check the tuition fee, additional charges and applicable refund rules.
• Use only the official MCC portal for counselling actions and payment instructions.
• Monitor official notices for changes to seat availability, reporting deadlines or candidate eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the NEET UG 2026 stray round seat matrix been released?

Reports dated October 14, 2026, stated that MCC had released the stray vacancy round seat matrix. Candidates should confirm the latest document through the official MCC portal.

How many vacant seats are reported?

The reported total is 4,068 vacant seats across MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing. Candidates should check the official PDF for the detailed distribution.

Where can I download the seat matrix?

Visit mcc.nic.in and open the Undergraduate Medical Counselling current events or notices section.

Does the seat matrix guarantee admission?

No. The matrix indicates reported vacancies. Allotment depends on eligibility, NEET merit, candidate preferences, applicable counselling rules and the availability of seats during allotment.

Are all vacant medical seats in India included in the MCC matrix?

Not necessarily. MCC's matrix covers seats included in its counselling process. State counselling authorities manage their respective counselling processes and may publish separate vacancy lists.

What should candidates do if the deadline has passed?

Check the official MCC portal immediately for any revised schedule or subsequent notice. Do not assume that registration or choice filling remains open unless the authority confirms it.

Conclusion

The reported release of the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round seat matrix gives eligible candidates an opportunity to review remaining MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing vacancies under the relevant MCC counselling process. The reported total of 4,068 seats should be read as a combined figure, with the official PDF providing the detailed college-wise and course-wise information.

Candidates should prioritise the latest official notice, confirm their eligibility, review available choices carefully and complete every required counselling step within the applicable deadline. A seat shown as vacant is an opportunity to consider, not a guarantee of allotment.