The Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 has entered its final phase, with the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell releasing the online stray vacancy round schedule for MBBS and BDS (Group A) admissions for the academic year 2026-27. According to the published information, the CET Cell issued Notice No. 23 on 12 October 2026, announcing three online stray vacancy rounds — Round 1, Round 2 and Round 3 — to fill the seats that remain vacant after the regular CAP rounds.
This is the last opportunity for eligible candidates to secure admission to medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra under the state quota. The first seat matrix will be published on 14 October 2026, followed by online choice filling on 15 and 16 October 2026. Candidates should read the official notice carefully and complete every activity within the announced deadlines, because the CET Cell has made fresh choice filling compulsory and does not allow new registrations for the stray rounds.
Table of Contents
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Counselling Authority | Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell |
| Examination | NEET UG 2026 |
| Courses Covered | MBBS and BDS (Group A) |
| Academic Year | 2026-27 |
| Notice Number and Date | Notice No. 23, dated 12 October 2026 |
| Counselling Round | Online Stray Vacancy Rounds 1, 2 and 3 |
| Round 1 Seat Matrix | 14 October 2026 |
| Final Joining Deadline | 26 October 2026 (as per MCC) |
| Official Website | medical2026.mahacet.org |
Important Dates
| Counselling Activity | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Seat Matrix Publication | 14 October 2026 |
| Round 1 Online Choice Filling | 15 to 16 October 2026, up to 11:59 PM |
| Round 1 Selection List | 17 October 2026 |
| Round 1 College Reporting and Joining | 18 to 20 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Last Date to Resign Without Penalty | 20 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Round 2 Seat Matrix and Choice Filling | 20 to 21 October 2026, up to 10:00 AM |
| Round 2 Selection List | 21 October 2026 |
| Round 2 College Reporting and Joining | 22 to 23 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Round 3 Seat Matrix and Choice Filling | 23 to 24 October 2026, up to 10:00 AM |
| Round 3 Selection List | 24 October 2026 |
| Round 3 College Reporting and Joining | 25 to 26 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Final Joining Deadline (MCC) | 26 October 2026 |
Eligibility and Participation Rules
Participation in the stray vacancy rounds is subject to the eligibility conditions laid down in Notice No. 23 and the official information brochure. According to the published information, the following rules apply:
- No new registration will be allowed for the online stray vacancy rounds. Only previously registered, eligible candidates can participate.
- Fresh choice filling is compulsory for each stray vacancy round. Preferences entered during CAP Round 3 will not be considered for Stray Vacancy Round 1.
- A candidate allotted a seat in Stray Vacancy Round 1 cannot participate in the subsequent stray vacancy rounds.
- Joining the allotted seat during the stray rounds is mandatory for the allotted candidate.
- Candidates who wish to resign must do so by 20 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM; cancellation after this deadline attracts a penalty as per the information brochure.
- Participating colleges have been directed to treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days during the counselling schedule.
Admission Process: How to Fill Stray Round Choices
Eligible candidates must submit fresh choices for the stray vacancy round through the official counselling portal. The steps, according to the published instructions, are:
- Visit the official Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 counselling portal at medical2026.mahacet.org.
- Read Notice No. 23 and the relevant counselling instructions before proceeding.
- Check the published seat matrix for the applicable stray vacancy round.
- Access the online preference or choice-filling facility during the scheduled dates.
- Fill fresh preferences for the colleges where you intend to take admission.
- Complete the choice-filling process within the applicable deadline.
- Check the selection list on the scheduled date, and report to the allotted college with original documents and the required admission fees within the joining window.
Documents to Keep Ready
Candidates selected in any stray vacancy round must report to the allotted college in person and complete the admission formalities. According to the published information, the following are generally required at the time of reporting:
- NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
- Domicile certificate of Maharashtra, wherever applicable
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card or voter ID)
- Medical fitness certificate, as required by the college
- Passport-size photographs
- Admission fee, payable as per the college and information brochure norms
Candidates should confirm the exact document list from the official information brochure on the official website, since requirements can vary between government and private colleges.
Important Links
- Official Website – Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Counselling Portal
- State CET Cell Official Website
- Download Counselling Schedule (Notice No. 23)
While the stray rounds run, candidates tracking other national-level examinations can also follow the NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 cycle, whose dates and eligibility details were announced separately, and SSC aspirants can keep an eye on the SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment for central government opportunities.
FAQs
When will the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round seat matrix be released?
The first Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy seat matrix is scheduled for 14 October 2026. It covers the first online stray vacancy round for MBBS and BDS (Group A) admissions.
What is the last date for Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray round choice filling?
For Stray Vacancy Round 1, online choice filling runs from 15 to 16 October 2026, closing at 11:59 PM. Each subsequent stray round has its own separate choice-filling window.
Can I register as a new candidate for Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy counselling?
No. According to the published information, new registration is not permitted for the online stray vacancy rounds. Participation is subject to the eligibility conditions in Notice No. 23 and the information brochure.
When will the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Stray Round 1 selection list be released?
The first online stray vacancy selection list is scheduled for 17 October 2026. Selected candidates must report to their allotted colleges between 18 and 20 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM.
Do I need to fill fresh choices for the stray vacancy round?
Yes. Fresh choice filling is compulsory for every stray vacancy round. Preferences submitted during CAP Round 3 are not considered for Stray Vacancy Round 1.
What is the final joining deadline for Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 counselling?
The final joining deadline for the 2026-27 academic year admissions is 26 October 2026, as per the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) schedule.
What happens if I am allotted a seat in Stray Vacancy Round 1?
Joining is mandatory. A candidate allotted a seat in Stray Vacancy Round 1 cannot participate in the subsequent stray vacancy rounds.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the schedule published by the Maharashtra State CET Cell through Notice No. 23. Counselling dates and rules are subject to revision by the authorities. Candidates should verify all details on the official website, medical2026.mahacet.org, before acting on this information.
