Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Schedule Released: Check Stray Vacancy Round Dates and Registration Process

Overview

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has issued the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule, including the process for the stray vacancy round. The online counselling is conducted for admission to MBBS, BDS and other notified undergraduate medical courses in participating institutions across Maharashtra; the total number of available seats will be published through course-wise and college-wise seat matrices.

Candidates seeking admission under the Maharashtra state quota should carefully monitor registration, preference-filling, allotment and reporting deadlines. Missing a scheduled activity may result in disqualification from the relevant counselling round.

Key Highlights

Important Dates

The notification concerns the counselling timeline, while the precise calendar must be checked in the detailed schedule displayed on the admission portal. Candidates should not rely on unofficial dates, particularly for the stray vacancy round, as its timeline may change after earlier allotment rounds.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Applicants must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English from a recognised board.
• Candidates must have qualified NEET UG 2026 and secured the applicable category-wise qualifying percentile.
• General-category applicants are ordinarily required to obtain at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Biotechnology taken together. The prescribed relaxation for reserved and PwD categories will apply under prevailing regulations.
• Candidates applying for Maharashtra state-quota seats must satisfy the relevant domicile, schooling, nationality and institutional eligibility requirements.
• Final-year or result-awaited candidates must produce proof of passing the qualifying examination within the prescribed admission timeline.
• Eligibility can vary for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other allied courses; applicants must read the course-specific information brochure before registering.

Age Limit

• The candidate should generally have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026.
• The applicable upper-age rule, if any, will be governed by current National Medical Commission, Dental Council and judicial directions.
• Date-of-birth proof must match the candidate’s Class 10 certificate and NEET UG records.

Fees

• Online counselling or registration fee: To be announced in the official information brochure.
• Security deposit, if applicable, must be paid through the designated online payment facility.
• Tuition fees and institutional charges will differ by course, college type, category and quota.
• Candidates should retain the payment receipt and verify that the transaction status is successful before the deadline.

Selection Process

1. NEET UG merit: Candidates will first be considered on the basis of their NEET UG 2026 score, rank and qualifying status, subject to state eligibility rules.
2. Choice filling and seat allotment: Registered candidates must submit and lock their college and course preferences. Seats will be allotted using merit, category, reservation, availability and preference order.
3. Document verification and admission: Allotted candidates must complete document verification, pay the required fee and report to the institution within the specified period. Stray vacancy allotment will cover seats remaining after the preceding rounds, subject to eligibility restrictions.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Maharashtra State CET Cell website at cetcell.mahacet.org and open the NEET UG 2026 admission portal.
2. Read the counselling information brochure, schedule, eligibility instructions and seat matrix before starting registration.
3. Select the new registration option and enter the required details, including NEET UG roll number, application number, date of birth, mobile number and email address.
4. Create login credentials and verify the registered mobile number or email address where required. Candidates should use an active contact number throughout the admission cycle.
5. Complete the application form with personal, academic, category, domicile and reservation details. Information must match the NEET UG application and supporting documents.
6. Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature, NEET scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, domicile proof, nationality proof, category certificate and other applicable documents.
7. Pay the prescribed counselling fee and security deposit, if required, using the available online payment method.
8. Review the form carefully, submit it and download the confirmation page. Registration alone does not guarantee allotment.
9. During the relevant round, enter college and course choices in the desired order and lock them before the deadline.
10. Download the allotment letter after the result and follow the reporting, document verification and fee-payment instructions. Candidates participating in the stray vacancy round should check whether fresh choice filling is mandatory.

Important Links

FAQs

1. Who can participate in Maharashtra NEET UG counselling 2026?

Candidates who qualify NEET UG 2026 and meet the applicable Maharashtra state, academic, domicile and category requirements can register for counselling.

2. Is separate registration required for the stray vacancy round?

The requirement depends on the official round rules. Candidates should check whether existing registration is carried forward or whether fresh registration and choice filling are required.

3. Is a seat guaranteed after completing online registration?

No. Seat allotment depends on NEET rank, category, reservation rules, submitted preferences, document validity and the number of seats available in each round.