Office of the Commissioner, Medical Education, Chhattisgarh, has announced the registration and choice-filling schedule for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round for MBBS and BDS admissions in government and private medical and dental colleges across the state.
According to the official notice dated October 16, 2026, both newly eligible candidates and previously registered eligible candidates can participate in the stray vacancy round, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
The online application process begins on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM, while the last date for registration is October 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Candidates must complete online choice filling and locking by 11:59 PM on October 18, 2026.
Chhattisgarh NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round Schedule
The Directorate of Medical Education has announced the following schedule for the stray vacancy round.
| Counselling Activity | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM |
| Last Date for Online Registration | October 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM |
| Online Choice Filling and Locking Starts | October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM |
| Last Date for Choice Filling and Locking | October 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM |
Who Is Eligible for Chhattisgarh NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round?
The notification states that participation will be permitted according to Rule 7(xv) of the Chhattisgarh Medical, Dental and Physiotherapy Undergraduate Admission Rules. Only the following candidates can participate:
- Previously registered candidates who have not been allotted a seat in any earlier counselling round.
- Newly registered candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Candidates who have already been allotted seats in previous rounds are not included among the eligible candidates specified for this round.
Fresh Choice Filling Is Mandatory for Previously Registered Candidates
One of the most important instructions in the notice concerns candidates who registered during earlier counselling rounds. The authority has clarified that all choices submitted in previous rounds have been automatically cancelled.
Therefore, previously registered eligible candidates must submit fresh college preferences to participate in the stray vacancy round. Candidates who fail to fill fresh choices will not be considered for seat allotment in this round. This requirement applies even if a candidate had already submitted choices during an earlier counselling phase.
Additional Registration Fee for Private Medical College Choices
The notice also provides an important instruction for candidates who previously selected only government medical colleges. If such candidates now wish to include private medical colleges in their preferences, they must pay the difference between the registration amount applicable to private medical colleges and the registration amount already deposited.
Only after paying the applicable additional amount will they be able to select private medical colleges during choice filling. Candidates should verify the applicable registration amount on the official portal before proceeding.
Online Application and Choice Filling Process
Candidates must complete the registration and choice-filling process through the official Chhattisgarh medical counselling websites.
Official websites:
- https://www.cgdme.in/
- https://cgdme.admissions.nic.in/
The notice states that the online application and choice-editing facility will remain available during the prescribed period. However, entries such as the candidate’s mobile number and email address, along with information obtained directly from examination-result data provided by the Central Government, cannot be edited. Candidates should carefully check all details before submitting their application.
Security Deposit Forfeiture Rules
The notification warns candidates about the consequences of failing to join an allotted seat. If a candidate is allotted a seat in the second round or any subsequent counselling round but does not take admission, or joins and later resigns from the seat, the registration amount deposited by the candidate may be forfeited under the applicable rules. The notice advises candidates to select only those institutions where they genuinely intend to take admission.
What Happens if Seats Remain Vacant After the Stray Vacancy Round?
The authority has also explained the procedure for seats that remain vacant after the stray vacancy round.
If seats remain vacant despite sufficient time being provided, or if the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) declares additional vacant seats, allotment may be conducted again on the basis of the choices submitted by candidates during this round.
Candidates should therefore exercise their choices carefully, as these preferences may also be considered for further allotment of vacant seats under the conditions mentioned in the notification.
Important Instructions for Candidates
The official notice includes several additional instructions:
1. Fresh choices are compulsory: Previously registered eligible candidates must fill choices again because earlier preferences have been cancelled.
2. Select colleges carefully: Candidates should choose only those institutions where they are willing to join if allotted a seat.
3. Complete registration on time: New applicants must finish their online registration by 5:00 PM on October 18, 2026.
4. Lock choices before the deadline: The choice-filling and locking facility closes at 11:59 PM on October 18, 2026.
5. NRI seat allotment: The notice states that the last date for admission under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) category has already passed. Accordingly, allotment of those seats is restricted under the relevant admission rules.
6. Avoid admission-related fraud: The authority has clarified that admissions to government and private medical and dental colleges in Chhattisgarh are conducted only through the counselling process organised by the Office of the Commissioner, Medical Education. Candidates should not trust individuals or organisations promising admission outside the official process.
7. Candidate responsibility: Applicants are responsible for completing all counselling formalities, including registration, payment, choice filling, choice locking, document submission and reporting, within the prescribed deadlines.
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