The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the schedule for the final stages of the NEET PG 2025 counselling process, including Round 3 completion and the subsequent stray vacancy round for remaining unfilled postgraduate medical seats. NEET PG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses) counselling is conducted by MCC for central pool seats, including All India Quota (AIQ), Centre/Deemed universities and AFMS seats. The counselling process determines admissions to MD, MS, and PG diploma programmes across participating institutions.
NEET PG 2025 Round 3 Final Counselling
The final Round 3 counselling is the last regular allotment round before the stray vacancy process. MCC has scheduled this round to conclude on February 13, 2026. Candidates who have participated in Round 3 must complete all procedures, including seat acceptance, fee payment and college reporting, by this deadline. The Round 3 phase includes choice filling, locking and seat allotment for candidates who have registered for MCC counselling as per the schedule. If seats remain unfilled after Round 3 admissions close, those seats will be carried forward to the stray vacancy round.
Stray Vacancy Counselling Round 2026
Following the conclusion of Round 3, MCC will open the stray vacancy round — a final opportunity for candidates to secure admission into postgraduate medical seats that remain vacant after the main rounds. According to the latest schedule:
- Stray Vacancy Round Registration Begins: 16 February 2026
- Further Process: Choice filling and locking, seat allotment and result dates will follow as announced by MCC.
Candidates are advised to monitor the official MCC portal at mcc.nic.in for detailed dates, choice-filling windows, seat matrix updates and application links once the stray vacancy round opens.
What This Means for Aspirants?
The final counselling and stray vacancy rounds are crucial for aspirants who have yet to secure a postgraduate medical seat through earlier rounds. The stray vacancy round, in particular, provides one last opportunity to gain admission before the academic session begins. Aspirants are advised to:
- Complete registration promptly when the stray vacancy window opens
- Fill and lock choices carefully within deadlines
- Download and verify allotment letters after seat allotment
- Report to allotted colleges as per instructions and timelines
MCC will publish all counselling updates, including seat allotment results and reporting schedules, on its website. Candidates should regularly check the portal for the latest notifications.