If you are still not allotted a seat through NEET UG Counselling 2025, don’t lose heart. The mop-up round is here, and now it is formally called Round 3 of MCC NEET UG Counselling, which is the best opportunity for you. This round will also is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and includes the leftover MBBS, BDS and B.Sc. Nursing seats of All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, AMU, and BHU.
This guide will include the following:
- What happens in Round 3?
- Who is eligible?
- What are the key rules?
- How to maximize your chances?
- Important updates on seat conversions and minority quota.
Contents
- 1 What Is Round 3 (Mop-Up Round) in MCC NEET UG Counselling?
- 2 Step-by-Step Process of Round 3 Counselling (Mop-Up Round)
- 3 Who Can Participate in Round 3?
- 4 Important Tips to Maximize Admission Chances in Mop-Up Round
- 5 Conversion of Seats in Round 3: What You Must Know
- 6 Is Upgradation Allowed from Round 2 to Round 3?
- 7 What is Exit with Forfeiture?
- 8 Key Points You Cannot Afford to Miss
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9.1 Q. If I do not participate in Round 1 and 2 can I do fresh registration for Round 3?
- 9.2 Q. Do I have to fill the choices again in Round 3?
- 9.3 Q. Can I resign from college, after joining in Round 3?
- 9.4 Q. What if I do not report after Round 3 allotment of seats?
- 9.5 Q. Is Upgradation of seat allowed in Round 3?
- 9.6 Q. Can I be eligible for Stray Vacancy Round after Round 3?
- 9.7 Q. What is seat conversion in Round 3?
- 9.8 Q. Do I have to report physically to the college after Round 3 seat allotment.
What Is Round 3 (Mop-Up Round) in MCC NEET UG Counselling?
Round 3, earlier referred to as the Mop-Up Round, is an important step in MCC NEET Counselling 2025. It is the final centralized round of counselling prior to the Stray Vacancy Round, presenting an opportunity for candidates to get a seat under AIQ or other prominent categories.
This round is available for:
- Fresh candidates who did not initially register.
- Candidates who failed to secure a seat in Round 1 or 2.
- Candidates who had resigned or failed to report in previous rounds.
- Candidates applying for upgradation from Round 2 positions.
Step-by-Step Process of Round 3 Counselling (Mop-Up Round)
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility Check | Those unallotted in earlier rounds or newly applying can participate. |
| 2. Fresh Registration | Only for new candidates or those who didn’t report/resigned earlier. |
| 3. Choice Filling & Locking | Mandatory fresh choices must be filled and locked. |
| 4. Seat Allotment Result | Published on MCC official website. |
| 5. Reporting to Allotted College | Physical reporting is compulsory with original documents. |
| 6. Upgradation Option | Allowed from Round 2 to Round 3. Not allowed after joining Round 3 seat. |
| 7. No Resignation After Joining | Once joined, you cannot resign from the Round 3 seat. |
| 8. Forfeiture Rule | Not reporting leads to forfeiture of security deposit & disqualification. |
Who Can Participate in Round 3?
Eligible Candidates:
- Registered in Round 1 or 2 and did not get any seat.
- Candidates who did not join in earlier rounds or resigned.
- New candidates (i.e., new registration with full payment).
- Candidates upgraded in Round 2.
- Candidates with correct documents as per eligibility by MCC.
Not eligible:
- Candidates with invalid/incomplete documents.
- Candidates that did not register from any round.
- Candidates that do not fill in fresh choices for Round 3.
Important Tips to Maximize Admission Chances in Mop-Up Round
- Register Early: Don’t wait until the last second. Upload all documents correctly.
- Fill in Maximum Choices: There is no limit on the number of colleges-you miss 100% of chances you don’t take and use.
- Leave Realistic Choices: Look at NEET rank and category and previous years’ cutoff.
- Use Seat Conversion Wisely: Minority/NRI/Reserved seat can convert to General-situational seat matrix.
- Report on Time: Physical reporting compulsory, no reporting = No seat + forfeited.
- Don’t Assume Auto-Upgradation: Round 2 Auto-Upgradations only require you to find Upgradation during Round 2.
- Understand Exit Rules: Exiting during Round 3 = Not eligible for stray round and loss of security deposit.
Conversion of Seats in Round 3: What You Must Know
- In Round 3, General/Unreserved seats are only converted from vacant category seats if there are no available candidates. This holds true for all institutions:
- Deemed Universities: NRI, Muslim, and Jain minority seats may be converted to General.
- AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, AMU: Reserved category seats are converted if they are not occupied.
- Central Universities & Institutes: Seat conversion also comes into play after there are no eligible candidates left.
Tip: Even if you are not a minority or reserved category, keep monitoring converted seats!
Is Upgradation Allowed from Round 2 to Round 3?
If you’ve taken a seat in Round 2, you can upgrade to Round 3. Once you are allotted and join a seat in Round 3, you may not resign or upgrade your seat any further.
This is your confirmed seat of choice, and if you do not report this seat you will be removed from the Stray Vacancy Round.
What is Exit with Forfeiture?
“Exit with forfeiture” refers to:
- You were allotted a seat in Round 2 or Round 3.
- You chose not to report.
- Your security deposit will be forfeited and you will not be able to continue with counselling.
Once you join a seat in Round 3 you will not be able to resign or participate in the Stray Round.
Key Points You Cannot Afford to Miss
- Round 3 = MCC’s final centralized allotment round.
- Physical reporting is required.
- New choice filling is required even for previously registered candidates.
- Security deposit is non-refundable if you fail to report.
- No resignation or transfer after joining in Round 3.
Continuously check the MCC website for seat matrix updates, particularly for seat conversion announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I do not participate in Round 1 and 2 can I do fresh registration for Round 3?
A. Fresh registration can be done in round 3 and you will have to pay full registration fee and security deposit.
Q. Do I have to fill the choices again in Round 3?
A. You need to do fresh choice filling. If you do not, you will not be eligible.
Q. Can I resign from college, after joining in Round 3?
A. You will not be able to resign from the seat in Round 3, after joining.
Q. What if I do not report after Round 3 allotment of seats?
A. You will forfeit your security deposit and will not be eligible for the Stray Round.
Q. Is Upgradation of seat allowed in Round 3?
A. You can upgrade from Round 2 to Round 3.. But you cannot upgrade after you join the seat in Round 3.
Q. Can I be eligible for Stray Vacancy Round after Round 3?
A. Only if you did not get a seat in round 3. If you were allotted a seat and did not report, then you cannot participate.
Q. What is seat conversion in Round 3?
A. Any vacant NRI, Jain, Muslim or reserved seat can be converted to General Category.
Q. Do I have to report physically to the college after Round 3 seat allotment.
A. You have to report with original documents to confirm your admission.
My name is Rajesh Mishra. For the past 18 years, I have been helping students get admission into the right colleges. I believe that even students with average or low ranks deserve admission in good colleges—without chasing agents, falling for false promises, or paying donations.
To share my experience and guidance with more students, I write blogs on NEET, Engineering, and AYUSH counselling.
You can connect with me directly through social media and other platforms.