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NEET 2026: The results for NEET UG have been announced, revealing that out of nearly 20 lakh candidates, 11.21 lakh have successfully qualified. Many students aspire to enroll in MBBS programs at government medical colleges after passing this rigorous exam. However, gaining admission can be challenging for those with lower scores, as higher-ranked candidates are prioritized. If your score is on the lower side, don’t lose hope; the 'Stray Vacancy Round' of NEET counseling may provide a pathway to your dream college. This round can be a significant opportunity for many. Let's delve into what this round involves and how it can assist you in securing a seat in a government institution despite lower marks.

NEET counseling occurs in several phases: Round 1, Round 2, the Mop-up Round, and finally, the Stray Vacancy Round.

The Stray Vacancy Round is specifically organized to fill any remaining seats in government or private medical colleges after the initial three rounds have concluded. It often happens that a student is assigned a seat but fails to complete the admission process due to reasons like missing documents or choosing to enroll in a different college, resulting in vacant seats.

At this point, the candidates left are typically those who scored slightly lower. Seats are allocated to these students based on their merit. As a result, the cut-off for the Stray Vacancy Round tends to be significantly lower than anticipated, enabling students with lesser ranks to achieve their goal of attending their desired college.

No New Registration Required:

Typically, new registrations are not allowed for this round. Only candidates who had previously registered but did not secure a seat can participate. Missing out on a seat could be detrimental.

If you receive a seat allocation during this round, it is crucial to accept the admission; otherwise, you may face penalties for not taking the seat.

Stay Informed:

Keep yourself updated about this round by frequently checking the websites of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and your respective state authority.