NEET UG 2026: MBBS Vacancies Increase to 946 for MCC Special Stray Round as 109 Candidates Fail to Join
The number of vacant MBBS seats under the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has increased to 946 for the NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round. The vacancy count has risen by 109 seats after candidates who were allotted medical colleges during the previous stray vacancy round failed to join their respective institutions.
Earlier, 837 MBBS seats remained vacant after the previous round of NEET UG 2026 counselling. The additional 109 seats have now been included in the latest vacancy position for the special stray round.
The special round provides another opportunity to eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates to secure MBBS admission against the remaining seats.
State-Wise Distribution of 946 MBBS Vacancies
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of vacant MBBS seats, with 688 vacancies, followed by Puducherry with 187. Together, the two regions account for 875 of the 946 vacant seats.
The remaining vacancies are distributed across other states and Union Territories.
| State/Region | Vacant MBBS Seats |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 688 |
| Puducherry | 187 |
| Karnataka | 25 |
| Maharashtra | 13 |
| Other States and UTs | 33 |
| Total | 946 |
Most Vacancies Are in Deemed Universities
According to the reported vacancy figures, 920 of the 946 vacant MBBS seats are in deemed universities. The remaining seats include vacancies under different counselling categories, including the All India Quota and other institutional quotas.
The vacancy list also includes a seat at AIIMS Madurai and an unfilled seat at Government Stanley Medical College. The concentration of vacancies in deemed universities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has drawn attention to the role of high tuition fees in students' admission decisions.
Annual tuition fees at several deemed universities in these regions reportedly range from ₹23 lakh to ₹35 lakh. Some institutions have also reportedly offered fee concessions to attract students.
MCC Special Stray Round 2026: Important Dates
The MCC has scheduled the Special Stray Vacancy Round for MBBS admissions as follows:
| Counselling Activity | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Registration and fee payment | November 2–4, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | November 4, 2026, 3:00 PM |
| Choice filling | November 2–5, 2026 |
| Choice locking | November 4, 4:00 PM to November 5, 11:00 AM |
| Seat allotment result | November 7, 2026 |
| Last date for reporting | November 16, 2026, 5:00 PM |
Important: The registration deadline of November 4 at 3:00 PM has passed as of the evening of November 4. Candidates who have already registered should check the MCC portal for the remaining choice-filling, locking and reporting instructions.
109 Candidates Fail to Join Allotted Medical Colleges
The increase in vacancies highlights the issue of candidates not joining medical colleges after receiving seat allotments. Officials attributed the additional 109 vacancies to candidates who did not report to their allotted institutions during the previous stray round.
The situation has also renewed attention on the cost of medical education, particularly in private and deemed universities. Despite multiple counselling rounds, a substantial number of seats have remained unfilled.
What Should NEET UG 2026 Candidates Do?
Candidates participating in the special stray round should carefully review the available seat matrix, college details and fee structure before making their choices. They should also check the eligibility conditions and counselling instructions published by MCC.
Candidates who receive an allotment must complete admission and reporting formalities within the prescribed deadline. The latest vacancy position and official counselling notices are available on the MCC website: https://mcc.nic.in/
FAQs
1. How many MBBS seats are vacant for the NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Round?
A total of 946 MBBS seats are reported vacant for the MCC Special Stray Vacancy Round.
2. Why did the number of vacant MBBS seats increase to 946?
The vacancy count increased by 109 because candidates allotted seats during the previous stray round failed to join their respective colleges.
3. Which state has the highest number of vacant MBBS seats?
Tamil Nadu has the highest number, with 688 vacant MBBS seats.
4. How many MBBS seats are vacant in Puducherry?
Puducherry has 187 vacant MBBS seats.
5. How many vacant seats are available in deemed universities?
A total of 920 of the reported 946 vacant MBBS seats are in deemed universities.
6. When will the MCC Special Stray Round result be announced?
The seat allotment result is scheduled for November 7, 2026.
7. What is the last date for reporting after seat allotment?
Candidates allotted seats must report to their respective colleges by November 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
8. Where can candidates check the NEET UG 2026 counselling updates?
Candidates can check the official Medical Counselling Committee website at https://mcc.nic.in/.
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