The MCC has announced the commencement of the Stray Vacancy Round of counselling for NEET UG 2025 (for MBBS/BDS seats) under the All-India Quota (AIQ), Deemed & Central Universities. This round gives candidates one last chance to secure a seat when leftovers remain after the regular rounds of counselling.
Key Dates & Schedule
According to the updated schedule:
Registration for the Stray Vacancy Round: 4 November to 9 November 2025.
Choice filling & locking window: around 5 November to 9 November 2025.
Seat allotment/result for the Stray Vacancy Round: expected around 12 November 2025.
Institute reporting & admission: 13 November to 20 November 2025.
Table of Contents
Who Can Participate?
Candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2025 and registered in earlier rounds but didn’t get a seat OR have opted to upgrade can participate in this round.
Those who have already taken admission and joined a college in earlier rounds may not be eligible for this stray vacancy round.
Seats remaining un-allotted or vacated after the regular rounds fall under this round’s matrix.
Why This Round is Important
The Stray Vacancy Round is essentially the final opportunity for many aspirants to secure a medical or dental seat via MCC’s process. With rounds 1, 2 and 3 already conducted, this round deals with leftover/unfilled seats—often offering options not previously available. It therefore bears high significance for those still waiting and preparing.
How to Register at MCC (mcc.nic.in)
Visit the official MCC website: mcc.nic.in and navigate to the “UG Medical Counselling” section. mcc.nic.in+1
Click on “New Registration – Stray Vacancy Round 2025”.
Enter your NEET UG roll number, application number, DOB and other required details.
Pay the registration fee/security deposit (if applicable).
Fill choices of colleges/institutions from the vacant seat matrix. Lock your choice list before the deadline.
After the choice-lock, wait for the allotment result. Once allotted, report to the institution in the stipulated timeframe to complete admission formalities.
Documents to Keep Ready
Prepare the following documents in scanned and hard-copy formats for registration and reporting:
NEET UG 2025 Scorecard / Rank Letter
Class 12 (or equivalent) marksheet & certificate
Category certificate (if applicable)
Photo Identity (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport)
Passport-size photograph & signature (as uploaded earlier)
Proof of registration fee/payment and admit card
Other institution-specific documents as required
Things to Note
Once you register for the stray vacancy round, you can’t go back to previous round options of upgrading unless rules permit. Check the MCC information bulletin for specifics.
Seat matrix and list of participating colleges/institutions for the strays will be published/detailed on MCC’s site. Monitor official notification.
If allotted a seat, you must report to the institute within the reporting window; else the allotment may be cancelled and the seat goes back to vacancy pool.
Keep track of the latest notices or updates in case of schedule changes or seat additions. For example, the schedule for stray vacancy round was revised recently.
FAQs – Quick Answers
Q1. What is the Stray Vacancy Round in NEET UG 2025 counselling?
A1. It is the final round of the MCC-conducted counselling sequence where leftover/unfilled seats from prior rounds are allocated.
Q2. When does the registration for the Stray Vacancy Round open?
A2. The registration opens from around 4 November 2025 and goes till about 9 November 2025.
Q3. Can a candidate who already has a seat be eligible for this round?
A3. Generally no — only candidates who did not secure or joined a seat earlier (or meet upgrade criteria) can participate.
Q4. Where do I apply?
A4. On the official MCC portal: mcc.nic.in under “UG Medical Counselling”.
Q5. What is the last date to join once seat is allotted in the stray round?
A5. Typically between 13 to 20 November 2025. Check specific notification for your category/institution.
