Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Live updates and tracker is the official centralized admission resource for students seeking MBBS and BDS admission across 85% State Quota seats in Government Medical Colleges and 100% seats in Private Unaided Medical and Dental Colleges in Maharashtra. Administered by the State Common Entrance Test Cell on cetcell.mahacet.org and medical2026.mahacet.org, this live tracker brings you verified updates for every round. For real-time rank analysis and college cutoff predictions, use the All India College Predictor Hub or review our state counselling guides.
Latest Status — Verified on October 14, 2026: The State CET Cell Maharashtra has officially released Notice No. 23 and Notice No. 24 announcing the complete schedule and mandatory guidelines for the Online Stray Vacancy Round(s) for MBBS and BDS (Group A). The vacant seat matrix for Online Stray Vacancy Round 1 is published today, October 14, 2026. Online fresh choice filling opens on October 15, 2026, and closes on October 16, 2026 (11:59 PM). The selection list will be declared on October 17, 2026, followed by physical document joining from October 18 to October 20, 2026 (5:30 PM).
Check Official Stray Round Notices on State CET Cell Portal | Check MBBS and BDS Stray Vacancy Chances on College Predictor
Following this Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Live tracker, medical aspirants can track seat availability across 85% State Quota seats in government and corporation medical colleges, as well as 100% seats in private unaided medical and dental institutions across Maharashtra. While 85% state quota seats are strictly domicile-restricted for Maharashtra candidates, 15% institutional quota seats in private colleges are open to all eligible candidates across India. Below is the complete verified Online Stray Vacancy Round schedule, seat matrix guide, historical round records, and critical participation rules.
Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026: Quick Facts Overview
Review the essential details, conducting authority rules, and seat allocation quotas for Maharashtra undergraduate medical admissions under the Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Live framework:
| Counselling Parameter | Official Authority Details |
|---|---|
| Counselling Authority | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra State, Mumbai |
| Courses Offered | MBBS and BDS (Group A — Medical and Dental Sciences) |
| Counselling Rounds Conducted | CAP Round 1, CAP Round 2, CAP Round 3, and Centralized Online Stray Vacancy Rounds (1, 2, and 3) |
| Current Lifecycle Stage | Online Stray Vacancy Round 1 Active (Seat Matrix: Oct 14; Fresh Choice Filling: Oct 15 – Oct 16, 2026) |
| Selection List Declaration Date (Stray-1) | October 17, 2026 |
| Physical Reporting and Fee Payment (Stray-1) | October 18, 2026 to October 20, 2026 (up to 05:30 PM) |
| Accepted Fee Payment Modes | Demand Draft (DD), RTGS, and NEFT (Mandated by Notice No. 24) |
| Official Web Portals | cetcell.mahacet.org and medical2026.mahacet.org |
| Last Date of Verification | October 14, 2026 |
Master Schedule: Exact Round-by-Round Maharashtra CAP and Stray Vacancy Timeline
The centralized timeline for Maharashtra MBBS and BDS admissions under Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Live is organized below with verified dates:
| Counselling Round / Milestone | Official Schedule / Dates | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| CAP Round 1 Allotment & Admissions | August – September 2026 | Completed / Historical |
| CAP Round 2 Selection List & Reporting | September 2026 | Completed / Historical |
| CAP Round 3 Choice Filling & Selection List | October 7 to October 11, 2026 | Completed / Historical |
| CAP Round 3 Physical Reporting Window | October 11 to October 14, 2026 (05:30 PM) | Completed / Historical (Reporting closed) |
| Publication of Seat Matrix for Online Stray Vacancy Round 1 | October 14, 2026 | Active / Confirmed (Released on portal) |
| Online Preference / Choice Filling for Stray Round 1 | October 15 to October 16, 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) | Upcoming (Fresh choices mandatory) |
| Declaration of Selection List for Stray Round 1 | October 17, 2026 | Confirmed Official Date |
| Physical Joining & Fee Payment at Allotted Colleges (Stray-1) | October 18 to October 20, 2026 (up to 05:30 PM) | Confirmed Official Window |
| Last Date to Resign Allotted Seat Without Penalty | October 20, 2026 (up to 05:30 PM) | Confirmed Official Deadline |
| Online Stray Vacancy Round 2 (Seat Matrix & Choice Filling) | October 20 to October 21, 2026 (up to 10:00 AM) | Scheduled (If seats remain vacant) |
| Declaration of Selection List for Stray Round 2 | October 21, 2026 | Scheduled Official Date |
| Physical Joining & Fee Payment for Stray Round 2 | October 22 to October 23, 2026 (up to 05:30 PM) | Scheduled Official Window |
| Online Stray Vacancy Round 3 (Seat Matrix & Choice Filling) | October 23 to October 24, 2026 (up to 10:00 AM) | Scheduled (If seats remain vacant) |
| Declaration of Selection List for Stray Round 3 | October 24, 2026 | Scheduled Official Date |
| Physical Joining & Fee Payment for Stray Round 3 | October 25 to October 26, 2026 (up to 05:30 PM) | Scheduled Official Window |
| Final Cut-off Date for All MBBS and BDS Admissions | October 26, 2026 | Prescribed National / State Cutoff Date |
Official Notice Log: Historical Milestones and Circulars
All official notices, merit lists, and allotment circulars published by the State CET Cell during the counselling process are documented below:
| Release Date | Official Notification Subject | Status / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| October 12, 2026 | Notice No. 24: Critical Instructions for Online Stray Vacancy Round(s) (Group A) | Active; Mandates fresh choice filling, RTGS/NEFT fees, and penalty rules. |
| October 12, 2026 | Notice No. 23: Official Schedule for Online Stray Vacancy Round(s) (MBBS/BDS) | Active; Details exact schedules for Stray Rounds 1, 2, and 3. |
| October 6, 2026 | Release of Vacant Seat Matrix for CAP Round 3 (MBBS/BDS) | Completed / Historical |
| October 5, 2026 | Publication of Combined Final Merit List for CAP Round 3 | Completed / Historical |
| September 2026 | CAP Round 2 Selection List and Physical Reporting Window | Completed / Historical |
| August 2026 | CAP Round 1 Preference Form Submission and Selection List | Completed / Historical |
| August 2026 | NEET UG 2026 State Online Registration and Document Verification | Completed / Historical |
Critical Rules and Instructions for Maharashtra Online Stray Vacancy Rounds
Candidates participating in the Stray Vacancy stage under official State CET Cell directives must strictly comply with the following instructions issued in Notice No. 24:
- Cancellation of Private College Institute-Level Rounds: In past years, private medical colleges conducted offline spot admissions at their own campus. For 2026, the traditional institute-level round stands cancelled. All vacant seats across government, corporation, and private unaided colleges are filled exclusively online by the State CET Cell through centralized Online Stray Vacancy Rounds.
- Mandatory Fresh Choice Filling: All preferences entered during CAP Round 1, CAP Round 2, or CAP Round 3 are now null and void. Every candidate who wants a seat in Stray Vacancy Round 1 must log in to the portal and enter fresh choices between October 15 and October 16, 2026 (11:59 PM). If you do not fill fresh choices, you will not receive any seat.
- Choice Editing via OTP: Candidates can edit and rearrange their choices before locking. Any unlocking or final submission requires an OTP sent to your registered mobile number and email. Make sure your phone is active and verify all college codes carefully before the deadline.
- Mandatory Joining and 2-Year Debarment Penalty: There is no betterment or seat upgrade option in the stray vacancy stage. Joining an allotted seat is strictly compulsory. As per Clause 20 of the NEET UG 2026 Information Brochure, if a candidate gets a seat in the online stray vacancy rounds but fails to join, they will be debarred from Maharashtra NEET UG admissions for the next two consecutive years. Only enter choices for colleges where you are 100% prepared to take admission.
- Flexible Fee Payment via RTGS, NEFT, and DD: Because the physical joining window is very short, colleges are instructed to accept fee payments through RTGS and NEFT in addition to Demand Drafts. Colleges must publish their bank account numbers and approved fee structures on their websites. Verify the exact fee amount before visiting the institute.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Only candidates who are already registered with the State CET Cell, qualified in NEET UG 2026, and currently do not hold any seat in All India Quota (MCC) or Maharashtra State Quota are eligible. Candidates who already joined a seat in Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3 cannot participate.
Maharashtra State Quota Rules and 15% Institutional Quota
The seat allocation framework verified on this medical admission portal is divided into two distinct parts:
- 85% State Quota in Government and Private Medical Colleges (Closed State): Only candidates possessing Maharashtra State Domicile (or fulfilling specific Type A to E domicile categories) and having passed SSC and HSC from institutions within Maharashtra are eligible. Outside candidates cannot apply for 85% private college seats.
- 15% Institutional / NRI Quota in Private Colleges (Open State): Candidates from all states across India (including Non-Maharashtra domicile) are eligible to apply exclusively for the 15% Institutional and Management Quota seats in private medical and dental colleges by paying the applicable institutional registration fees.
Government Service Bond Policy and Penalty Terms
Candidates admitted to government and civic medical institutions under State CET Cell regulations are bound by mandatory state service terms:
- Mandatory Rural Service Bond: 1 Year of compulsory service in rural or public health facilities across Maharashtra upon completion of MBBS and internship.
- Bond Default Penalty: ₹10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) penalty for failing to serve the rural posting or defaulting on the bond condition.
- Seat Resignation Penalty: A penalty of ₹10,00,000 plus reimbursement of government expenditure is levied if a candidate resigns an allotted Government MBBS seat after the prescribed cutoff date.
Step-by-Step Online Stray Vacancy Admission Process
- Review Vacant Seat Matrix: Check the college-wise and category-wise vacant seat matrix published on October 14, 2026, on medical2026.mahacet.org.
- Submit Fresh Online Preferences: Log in to your candidate dashboard between October 15 and October 16, 2026. Add your desired MBBS and BDS choices in order of preference. Confirm and lock choices with the mobile OTP.
- Check Selection List: Download the Online Stray Vacancy Round 1 Selection List on October 17, 2026. Check your allotment status and download the provisional allotment letter.
- Arrange College Fees: Prepare the tuition fee through Demand Draft, RTGS, or NEFT based on the college bank details published on the college website.
- Physical Reporting with Original Documents: Visit the allotted medical or dental college between October 18 and October 20, 2026 (before 5:30 PM). Submit all original documents, pay the college fees, and complete your admission.
Mandatory Document Checklist for Physical Reporting
Candidates must carry all original certificates along with three sets of self-attested photocopies when reporting for admission:
- NEET UG Admit Card and Scorecard
- State CET Cell Online Application Form and Payment Receipt
- Provisional Selection Letter (Allotment Letter)
- Nationality Certificate, Valid Indian Passport, or School Leaving Certificate specifying Nationality
- Maharashtra Domicile Certificate issued by a Competent Authority (SDO or Executive Magistrate)
- SSC (Class 10) Passing Certificate and Marksheet
- HSC (Class 12) Passing Certificate and Marksheet
- Medical Fitness Certificate in official Annexure-H format
- Caste Certificate, Caste Validity Certificate (CVC), and Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate (valid up to March 31, 2027) for reserved categories
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Eligibility Certificate on Maharashtra State Proforma (if applicable)
- College Tuition and Hostel Fee payment proof (Demand Draft or RTGS / NEFT transfer receipt)
What This Means for Students: Practical Next Steps
As the state medical counselling enters the high-stakes Online Stray Vacancy stage, take these practical steps immediately:
- Analyze Seat Availability: Study the October 14 seat matrix carefully to identify remaining seats in government and private medical colleges.
- Submit Realistic Choices: Since allotment is binding and carries a 2-year debarment penalty, only select colleges whose annual fees and location match your family budget.
- Evaluate Merit Ranks: Check your closing rank realistic possibilities using our All India College Predictor Hub.
- Get Expert Mentorship: If you are confused about private college fees, bond rules, or bank payment procedures, visit our Medical Admissions Hub or Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with our senior admission mentors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 Live
Q1: What are the dates for Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round 1?
Answer: The vacant seat matrix is released on October 14, 2026. Online choice filling is open from October 15 to October 16, 2026 (11:59 PM). The selection list will be published on October 17, 2026, and physical reporting runs from October 18 to October 20, 2026 (5:30 PM).
Q2: Are choices filled in CAP Round 3 valid for the Stray Vacancy Round?
Answer: No. All choices filled in CAP Round 1, 2, or 3 are null and void. Candidates must submit a fresh choice form online to be considered for Stray Vacancy Round allotment.
Q3: Will private medical colleges conduct offline institutional spot rounds this year?
Answer: No. As per Notice No. 24 issued by the State CET Cell, offline institute-level spot rounds at individual colleges are cancelled. All stray seats are filled centrally online by the State CET Cell.
Q4: What happens if a student does not join an allotted seat in the Stray Vacancy Round?
Answer: Under Clause 20 of the Information Brochure, candidates who fail to join an allotted stray vacancy seat will be debarred from Maharashtra NEET UG admissions for the next two consecutive years.
Q5: Can college fees be paid via RTGS or NEFT during stray vacancy reporting?
Answer: Yes. The State CET Cell has permitted fee payments through RTGS and NEFT alongside Demand Drafts because of the short joining window. Check the college portal for bank account details.
Q6: Who is eligible for the Maharashtra Online Stray Vacancy Round?
Answer: Only already registered and NEET UG qualified candidates who do not hold any seat in All India Quota or Maharashtra State Quota are eligible. Candidates who already joined a seat in previous rounds cannot apply.
Q7: Are subsequent Stray Vacancy Rounds planned if seats remain unfilled?
Answer: Yes. The State CET Cell has announced Stray Round 2 (October 20 to 23, 2026) and Stray Round 3 (October 23 to 26, 2026) if vacant seats remain after Round 1.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Maharashtra NEET UG Medical Admissions Portal (medical2026.mahacet.org)
- State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra (cetcell.mahacet.org)
- Notice No. 23: NEET UG 2026 Schedule for Online Stray Vacancy Round(s) Group A
- Notice No. 24: NEET UG 2026 Instructions for Online Stray Vacancy Round(s) Group A
- Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Official Website
- National Medical Commission (NMC) Official Portal
Update Policy: This live tracker is revised immediately whenever State CET Cell Maharashtra publishes a new notification, seat matrix, selection list, or schedule revision. Last verified on October 14, 2026.