The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has announced the schedule for the first round of the online stray vacancy counselling for NEET UG 2026 admissions to MBBS and BDS courses. Candidates can fill their college preferences from October 15 to October 16, 2026, until 11:59 pm. The seat allotment results will be declared on October 17, 2026.
- Choice filling dates: October 15 to 16, 2026
- Seat allotment result: October 17, 2026
- Last date to report at allotted colleges: October 20, 2026, by 5:30 pm
- Fresh choice filling required for stray vacancy round
- Three stray vacancy rounds will be conducted
What is the schedule for Maharashtra NEET UG stray vacancy round 1?
The CET Cell has published the following key dates for the first stray vacancy round:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication of vacant seat details | October 14, 2026 |
| Online choice filling and preference submission | October 15 to 16, 2026 |
| Choice filling deadline | October 16, 2026, 11:59 pm |
| Round 1 stray vacancy result | October 17, 2026 |
| Reporting to allotted colleges | October 18 to 20, 2026 |
| Reporting deadline | October 20, 2026, 5:30 pm |
| Deadline to cancel allotted seat without penalty | October 20, 2026, 5:30 pm |
How can candidates fill choices for the stray vacancy round?
Eligible candidates should follow these steps to complete the choice filling process:
- Visit the official Maharashtra CET Cell website, mahacet.org.
- Navigate to the MBBS and BDS admission counselling section.
- Log in using existing registration credentials.
- Check the published vacant seat details.
- Fill in fresh college and course preferences for the stray vacancy round.
- Review and submit preferences before the deadline on October 16, 2026.
Note that preferences submitted during round 3 will be cancelled and not considered for stray vacancy seat allotment.
How many students secured admission in previous rounds?
In the first two rounds of centralised Maharashtra NEET UG counselling for 2026, a total of 17,266 students secured admission to MBBS and BDS courses. Round 1 saw 8,001 students admitted, while 9,265 students joined colleges in round 2. Round 3 provided admission opportunities to 11,340 candidates and was scheduled to continue until October 14, 2026.
Why are stray vacancy rounds conducted?
Stray vacancy rounds are held to fill vacant MBBS and BDS seats remaining after the regular counselling rounds. These rounds cover seats in government, municipal corporation, government-aided, private unaided, and minority colleges. The CET Cell has planned three online stray vacancy rounds for the 2026 admission cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does choice filling for the Maharashtra NEET UG stray vacancy round 1 start?
A: Choice filling starts on October 15, 2026, and ends on October 16, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
Q: What happens if I do not report to the allotted college by the deadline?
A: Candidates must report by October 20, 2026, 5:30 pm to confirm admission. Failure to report may result in cancellation of the seat allotment.
Q: Are preferences from previous rounds valid for the stray vacancy round?
A: No, candidates must fill fresh preferences for the stray vacancy round. Preferences from round 3 will be cancelled.
