Schedule for NEET PG 2026 stray vacancy round updated by MCC

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced a revision to the schedule for the NEET PG Counselling 2026 stray vacancy round, giving candidates updated timelines to follow for the final phase of postgraduate medical seat allocation. This information has been published on the official MCC portal, where aspirants can review the latest counselling dates and prepare accordingly. 

Under the revised schedule, the online registration process for the stray vacancy round will begin on February 16, 2026, and continue through February 18, 2026. During this period, eligible candidates must complete their registration formalities and pay the required fees to participate in this counselling stage. 

Simultaneously, the window for choice filling will open on February 16 and remain available until February 19, 2026, which is also the last day for candidates to lock their preferences for colleges and courses. 

Once the choice locking phase is complete, the MCC will process the allotments on February 20, 2026, and subsequently declare the results of the stray vacancy round on February 21, 2026. 

Candidates who receive seat allotments will then be required to report to their allotted institutions between February 22 and February 28, 2026 to complete admission formalities and secure their postgraduate seats. 

This stray vacancy round represents the last opportunity for NEET PG 2026 aspirants to gain admission into postgraduate medical programmes through central counselling, making adherence to the updated timelines particularly important for candidates still seeking a seat.