Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Seat Matrix and Choice Filling Notice

Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Counselling Context

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has published Notice No. 27 regarding the online Stray Vacancy Round for NEET UG Counselling across health science institutions in Maharashtra. This admission process provides qualified candidates a final opportunity to secure vacant MBBS and BDS seats in government, government-aided, and private medical colleges statewide.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Candidates seeking admission to medical and dental programs across the state should regularly explore all latest Maharashtra Government Jobs and educational updates to stay informed about seat allocation procedures, verification timelines, and merit publications managed by state authorities.

Eligibility Criteria & Seat Matrix Structure

Participation in the stray vacancy round is strictly restricted to candidates who meet the official eligibility requirements prescribed by the CET Cell. Applicants must evaluate the newly published seat matrix before submitting their institutional choices.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have qualified NEET UG 2026 and fulfilled all eligibility criteria mandated by the Maharashtra CET Cell for MBBS and BDS degree courses.
• Age Limit: Age requirements align strictly with standard NEET UG admission norms established by regulatory authorities.
• Seat Matrix Information: The seat matrix details category-wise, quota-wise, and college-wise available seats for both MBBS and BDS courses across participating medical institutes in Maharashtra.
• Registration Requirement: No fresh registrations are permitted during the stray vacancy stage; only pre-registered eligible candidates can participate.

Candidates interested in allied healthcare and medical careers can also check more Nursing jobs in Maharashtra to stay updated on related state health sector admissions and recruitment drives.

Selection Process & Admission Stages

The stray vacancy seat allotment operates entirely through a transparent, merit-driven online system managed by the State CET Cell, Mumbai. Allocation depends on rank, category reservation rules, seat availability, and candidate preference options.

• Stage 1: Seat Matrix Publication & Matrix Analysis: Publication of vacant seat lists across medical and dental colleges on 16 October 2026.
• Stage 2: Online Choice Filling: Mandatory submission of fresh college preferences via the official online counselling portal from 17 October 2026 to 18 October 2026 (up to 11:59 PM).
• Stage 3: Merit-Based Seat Allotment & Physical Joining: Computerized seat allotment based on NEET UG merit score, followed by mandatory document verification and physical reporting at the allotted institute.

Candidates monitoring state-level technical and diploma schedules alongside medical admissions can view the MSBTE Winter 2026 Time Table Released for Diploma Exams recruitment details for academic examination timelines.

Application Fee & Schedule Overview

No separate application fee is charged for downloading the seat matrix or submitting online preference forms for this round. Official admission-related payments or tuition fee deposits follow standard CET Cell counselling rules upon seat confirmation.

• Seat Matrix Release Date: 16 October 2026
• Choice Filling Window: Starts 17 October 2026 and closes strictly on 18 October 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Mode of Process: 100% Online choice submission via official candidate portal

Step-by-Step Online Choice Filling Guide

Eligible candidates must complete their online option form accurately within the stipulated timeframe. Follow these sequential steps to complete preference filling:

1. Visit the official Maharashtra NEET UG counselling portal at medical2026.mahacet.org.
2. Log into your candidate account using your registered credentials.
3. Download and review the official Stray Vacancy Seat Matrix PDF to check updated college codes, seat types, and category vacancies.
4. Access the preference filling link and select preferred MBBS/BDS colleges in order of priority.
5. Verify all chosen options carefully before submitting and locking choices prior to 18 October 2026, 11:59 PM.
6. Save and print the final submitted preference form for future record.

Required Documents & Crucial Candidate Warnings

Candidates receiving seat allotment during the stray vacancy round must bring original certificates and self-attested photocopies during physical institute reporting. Verification failure results in immediate seat cancellation.

• Document Checklist:
  • NEET UG 2026 Scorecard and Admit Card
  • Class 10th and Class 12th Marksheets and Passing Certificates
  • Maharashtra Domicile Certificate and Nationality Certificate
  • Caste Certificate, Caste Validity Certificate, and Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (if applicable)
  • Valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID)
  • Official Allotment Letter generated from the CET Cell portal
• Important Precautions:
  • Ensure internet stability while locking college choices to prevent submission errors.
  • Candidates allotted a seat in the stray vacancy round must report and join the institute within the specified window to avoid penalty or disqualification.
  • Do not wait until the final hour on 18 October 2026 to submit choices, as heavy server traffic may cause technical delays.