NEET UG 2026: 944 MBBS Seats Still Vacant; Special Counselling Round Underway

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has declared a special stray vacancy round for NEET UG 2026 to fill up the 944 vacancies in MBBS seats across the country. This round was called because all seats could not be filled even after completion of the four counselling rounds, including a stray vacancy round.

As per the number of vacancies declared, 920 vacant seats were declared from deemed universities while 24 seats from government medical colleges. Tamil Nadu had the maximum number of vacant seats at 686, followed by Puducherry (186). Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana also have vacant seats.

Registration for the special round will start from November 2 and end on November 4, 2026. Candidates can fill up their choices until November 5. Choice locking will begin on November 4 from 4 pm to November 5 until 11 am. Seat allotment will be done on November 5 and 6. Results will be announced on November 7.

Candidates who get allocated seats should report to their respective colleges from November 7 to 16. Candidates should visit the official MCC website to view the eligibility criteria and counselling guidelines.

With a huge number of vacant seats, especially from deemed universities, there has been a lot of attention to the high cost of studying medicine. The price of annual MBBS fees from many deemed universities can vary from ₹25 to 35 lakhs.

This special counselling round gives eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates another chance to gain an MBBS seat. However, candidates should consider the price of fees and other admission criteria before choosing their desired colleges.