Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has extended the joining deadline for MBBS and BDS candidates allotted seats in the Stray Vacancy Round 1 and revised the schedule for Online Stray Vacancy Rounds 2 and 3. The revised schedule was issued, dated October 21, 2026, for MBBS and BDS courses under Group A.
According to the notice, the extension was announced because the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), New Delhi, displayed the final All India Quota (AIQ) Stray Vacancy Round selection list late on October 20, 2026. As a result, the publication of the Maharashtra State Quota Stray Vacancy Round 1 selection list was delayed, prompting the CET Cell to revise the previously announced schedule.
Maharashtra NEET UG 2026: Revised Stray Vacancy Counselling Schedule
The CET Cell has announced the following revised dates for joining and the subsequent online stray vacancy rounds.
| Counselling Activity | Revised Date and Deadline |
|---|---|
| Physical joining for candidates allotted seats in Stray Vacancy Round 1, with all original documents and requisite fees | Extended up to October 22, 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Last date to resign from a seat without penalty | October 22, 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Display of seat matrix and online preference/choice filling for Stray Vacancy Round 2 | October 22–23, 2026; choice filling closes at 8:00 AM on October 23 |
| Declaration of the Stray Vacancy Round 2 selection list | October 23, 2026 |
| Physical joining for Round 2 candidates with original documents and requisite fees | October 24, 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Display of seat matrix and online preference/choice filling for Stray Vacancy Round 3 | October 24–25, 2026; choice filling closes at 8:00 AM on October 25 |
| Declaration of the Stray Vacancy Round 3 selection list | October 25, 2026 |
| Physical joining for Round 3 candidates with original documents and requisite fees | October 26, 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Last date of joining as per Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) | October 26, 2026 |
Note: The notice states that fees for physical joining can be paid through Demand Draft (DD) or NEFT/RTGS. Candidates should follow the instructions applicable to their allotted college.
Round 1 Joining Deadline Extended to October 22
Candidates allotted MBBS or BDS seats in Maharashtra’s Stray Vacancy Round 1 have been given additional time to complete their admission formalities. The revised deadline for physical joining is 5:30 PM on October 22, 2026.
Candidates must report to their allotted colleges with all original documents and pay the requisite fees within the extended deadline. The notice also specifies October 22, up to 5:30 PM, as the last date to resign from a seat without penalty.
Candidates should not assume that the extension applies to other activities unless stated in the notice.
Stray Vacancy Round 2: Choice Filling and Allotment
The seat matrix and online preference/choice-filling process for eligible candidates participating in Stray Vacancy Round 2 will be displayed from October 22.
The choice-filling window will continue until 8:00 AM on October 23, 2026. The Round 2 selection list is scheduled for publication on October 23.
Candidates allotted seats in this round must complete physical joining at their respective colleges by 5:30 PM on October 24, 2026, with all original documents and the required fees.
Stray Vacancy Round 3: Revised Dates
The next online choice-filling window is scheduled for October 24 and October 25, 2026. Eligible candidates can enter their preferences after the seat matrix is displayed.
The Round 3 selection list is scheduled for October 25, 2026. Candidates who receive an allotment must complete physical joining at the allotted college by 5:30 PM on October 26, 2026.
The notice specifically states that choices filled during Online Stray Vacancy Round 1 will be treated as null and void for the subsequent choice-filling process mentioned in the revised schedule. Candidates should therefore carefully review the current seat matrix and enter their preferences as required for the relevant round.
Important Instructions for Candidates
The Maharashtra CET Cell has issued the following instructions:
- Candidates must carry all original documents and pay the required fees when reporting for physical joining.
- Candidates should carefully follow the choice-filling and joining deadlines for their respective rounds.
- All participating institutions and colleges have been directed to treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days to comply with the counselling schedule and the limited time available.
- The schedule remains subject to changes directed by the MCC, National Dental Commission (NDC), Central Government, State Government or a court.
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