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The NEET PG Counselling 2025 final phase, known as the Stray Vacancy Round (Round 4), began on 16 February 2026. Registration and fee payment are open from 16 to 18 February 2026, while choice filling is available from 16 to 19 February 2026. The last date for choice locking is 19 February 2026 (11:55 PM). Seat allotment processing will take place on 20 February, and the result will be declared on 21 February 2026. Candidates must report to their allotted colleges between 22 and 28 February 2026. This is the final opportunity for AIQ, Central, and Deemed University seats.
The NEET PG Counselling 2025 procedure is the key process by which the medical graduates in India receive postgraduate medical admissions in the form of MD, MS and PG Diploma programs for the 2025-26 academic year. This counselling is under the Government of India, managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and is applicable to all candidates who have passed the NEET PG 2025 entrance examination.
The counselling schedule, eligibility regulations and procedures of allotment of seats are posted in the official MCC site (mcc.nic.in); it is recommended that all candidates visit this portal frequently to access the most recent updates and modifications in the programs since they can be changed. All India Quota (AIQ) seat counselling, central universities, and deemed university seat counselling are conducted by the MCC, nationwide, and the entire process is done online, including registration, seat allotment and joining.
This year the counselling will comprise numerous rounds with the final Stray Vacancy Round, which will give one more chance to eligible doctors to obtain a postgraduate seat in case they were not allocated in previous rounds. The last timeline and official updates were posted on the counseling board and notices section of MCC and are valid of the last timelines as of February 2026.
The NEET PG counselling process 2025 includes the following key rounds before the final stray vacancy round:
Round 1 counselling is usually the first major allocation of seats based on candidate preferences, rank and reservation criteria. This round establishes initial allotments and most aspirants secure their seats at this stage.
This round is typically for candidates who did not get seats in Round 1 or who wish to upgrade their allocated seat based on preference.
This round is an expanded allocation phase before the stray vacancy round. It addresses leftover vacancies and fills seats from candidates who applied in Round 2 but were either not allotted or seeking upgrade. Official results from Round 3 were published ahead of the stray vacancy round.
The Stray Vacancy Round is the final phase of MCC counselling and fills remaining vacant seats after Mop-Up. It is open to candidates who either did not get seats previously, resigned formally, or did not report/join earlier allocations. This round is the last chance in the 2025 counselling cycle and is strictly online via the MCC portal.
Once MCC publishes the allotment list, here’s how candidates can check:
The MCC has released the official schedule for the final Stray Vacancy Round of NEET PG Counselling 2025. This timeline is critical for candidates hoping to secure a seat during the last phase of counselling:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration & Fee Payment | 16 – 18 February 2026 |
| Choice Filling | 16 – 19 February 2026 |
| Choice Locking | 19 February 2026 (till 11:55 PM) |
| Processing of Allotment | 20 February 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Seat Allotment) | 21 February 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted College | 22 – 28 February 2026 |
These dates are published officially on the MCC portal and form the authoritative timeline for NEET PG counselling’s final phase.
Not all candidates are automatically eligible for the stray vacancy round. According to official MCC notices:
Official eligibility criteria and notices specific to Stray Vacancy can be downloaded from the MCC archive page of the official website.
The MCC publishes all official schedules, notices and seat matrix files on its official website. Key sections you should monitor regularly include:
The seat matrix PDF for the Stray Vacancy Round will also be released officially at mcc.nic.in and candidates can download clear vacancy, virtual vacancy and newly added seats sheets directly.
Visit the MCC official website mcc.nic.in and go to the PG Medical Counselling section.
Use your NEET PG application number and password to register. Fresh registration may be needed for stray vacancy round.
Pay the counselling registration fee and any registration security deposit online.
Fill choices of colleges and courses. This step determines your seat allotment priority.
Lock your filled choices before the deadline. Once locked, changes are not permitted.
After processing, the allotment result will be declared and available for download from the official site.
If allotted a seat, report to the allotted institute within the specified dates with valid documents.
While reporting to the allotted college, candidates must present the following:
Always double-check exact document lists from official counselling guidelines on MCC or allotted college.
The NEET PG 2025 Counselling process is an essential pathway for medical graduates seeking MD, MS, DNB, and diploma seats across India. With Round 1 already underway, candidates must stay updated with MCC notifications, adhere strictly to deadlines, and carefully fill and lock their choices to maximize their chances of securing a desirable seat. Since the counseling schedule continues to evolve due to regulatory changes, aspirants should regularly check the official website for accurate information. Proper preparation, timely reporting, and readiness with documents will ensure a smooth admission experience. As the subsequent rounds—Round 2, Round 3, and Stray Vacancy—unfold, staying alert and informed will be the key to successful seat allotment and securing a postgraduate medical specialization of choice.
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