New Delhi, February 2026 — The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially opened the final stage of NEET PG 2025 counselling, known as the stray vacancy round, offering one last chance for eligible medical graduates to secure postgraduate seats in MD, MS, PG diploma and allied medical courses under the All india Quota (AIQ) for the academic year 2025‑26.

This round comes after the conclusion of Round 3, and is designed to fill any remaining vacant PG medical seats at government and private institutions nationwide.

What Is the Stray Vacancy Round?

The stray vacancy round is the final stage of the NEET PG counselling process. It allows candidates who did not secure a seat in previous rounds to compete for whatever seats remain vacant after all earlier allotments have been completed.

This round is often the last opportunity for aspirants to get a seat before the academic session begins.

Registration and Choice Filling — Key Steps

📍 Registration Dates

• Registration Opens: 16 February 2026
• Registration Closes: 18 February 2026
  During this period, eligible candidates must register on the official MCC portal at mcc.nic.in and pay the counselling fee (if required).

📍 Choice Filling and Locking

• Choice Filling Window: 16 – 19 February 2026
• Choice Locking Window: 19 February 2026 (4 pm – 11:55 pm)
  Candidates must select their preferred colleges and courses and lock them before the deadline to be considered for seat allocation.

Seat Allotment and Admission

• Final Seat Allotment Result: 21 February 2026
• College Reporting Window: 22 – 28 February 2026

The MCC will publish the final all‑India stray vacancy seat allotment result on 21 February. After the results are released, selected candidates must complete the admission and reporting formalities at their allotted colleges between 22 and 28 February 2026.

Failure to report by the deadline can result in forfeiture of the seat offer.

Important Notes for Candidates

✔ Fresh Choices Needed — Any choices submitted in earlier rounds are now invalid; candidates must fill new preferences for this stray vacancy round.

✔ Eligibility for Stray Round — Candidates who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds (or chose not to join) are eligible to register for this round.

✔ Finality of Allotment — Once a seat is allotted and the candidate reports to the institute, that seat becomes final for the 2025‑26 academic year.

Candidates are strongly advised to regularly check the MCC website for updates, notifications, and downloading allotment letters or instructions.

Why This Round Matters

The stray vacancy round is the last window for admissions through MCC for NEET PG 2025 under AIQ. With a large number of seats still unfilled after earlier rounds — due to resignations, upgrades, and non‑reporting — this round gives aspirants one final chance to secure postgraduate training positions.

Quick Timeline (Stray Vacancy Round)

Activity

Date

Registration Opens

16 Feb 2026

Registration Closes

18 Feb 2026

Choice Filling

16 – 19 Feb 2026

Choice Locking

19 Feb 2026

Seat Allotment Result

21 Feb 2026

Reporting to Colleges

22 – 28 Feb 2026

In short: The Final leg of NEET PG 2025 counselling — the stray vacancy round — is underway. Eligible candidates must register by 18 February, fill their choices, and await seat allotment on 21 February, with admissions to be completed before 28 February 2026. This is the last opportunity this year to secure a postgraduate medical seat through MCC counselling.

 

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.