MCC Choice Locking Started Now! Don’t Miss This Deadline

Latest Update

Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix by the participating Institutes: 14th February,2026.

Registration: 16th February, 2026 to 18th February, 2026 (till 12:00 P.M of 18th Feb., 2026 as per Server Time)

Payment: till 03:00 PM of 18th February, 2026, as per Server Time

Choice Filling: 16th Feb., 2026 to 19th February, 2026 (Choice Filling will be available till 11:55 PM of 19th Feb., 2026) as per Server Time

Choice Locking: from 04:00 P.M of 19th February, 2026 till 11:55 PM of 19th Feb., 2026 as per Server Time

Processing of Seat Allotment: 20th February, 2026

Result: 21st February, 2026

Reporting: 22nd February, 2026 to 28th February, 2026

Overview

Hey there, NEET candidates! The choice locking round is scheduled to begin online for the Stray Vacancy Round on  04:00 P.M of 19th February, 2026, till 11:55 PM of 19th February, 2026 as per Server Time. This round has the same 1-day span, but the process looks a little different from the other rounds.

It's basically the most crucial part - choice filling and locking. I know, I know, it sounds complicated, but trust me, it's not as scary as it seems. At NEET Support, having helped hundreds of students through this process, I can tell you that this is where you can really make a difference to your PG future.

Let's break it down together, step by step. No complicated words, no confusing terms - just plain, simple advice from someone who's been where you are right now.

Key Highlights

Schedule and Timeline

What is Stray Round?

Stray round is a final mop-up phase in NEET counselling. It is used by state or central counselling authorities to fill remaining MBBS/BDS/PG seats after all regular rounds (including stray vacancy rounds, mop-up, and stray rounds as defined locally) and AIQ/Deemed/Central counselling processes are over. It demonstrates vacancies that exist because of withdrawals, nonreporting, or ineligible candidates whose seats became vacant after rounds concluded.

Process/Steps

Step 1: Registration

If you want to be a part of the stray round, you have to register. This is something you must do. The website will be open for registration from 16 February 2026 to 18 February 2026, 12:00 PM. Payment of counselling fees can be done till 3:00 Pm of 18 February 2026. So, eligible candidates need to make sure they register online during this time for the Stray Round. Registration is necessary for Stray Round.

Step 2: Checking Merit List

The merit list will be released. Check the merit list on the official portal and confirm your eligibility for the stray vacancy round.

Step 3: Choice Filling

When you have completed the registration process, you need to fill out the MD and MS course and college choices that you like. You have to do this between 16th February, 2026, and 19th February, 2026 (Choice Filling will be available till 11:55 PM of 19th Feb., 2026) as per Server Time. Make sure you do it before 11:55 PM on 19th February 2026. You should choose your MD and MS courses and colleges during this time.

Step 4: Choice Locking

People who are applying need to make sure they lock in the choices they have filled out on 19th February 2026. They have to do this before 11;55 pm. If the candidates do not lock in their choices during this time, the choices they made for the candidates may not be thought about.

Step 5: Seat Allotment Result

The result for the Stray Vacancy Round seat allotment will be announced on 21st February 2026. This result is based on the Stray Vacancy Round seat allotment merit and the choices that people filled in.

Step 6: Reporting to Allotted College

People who get a seat have to go to their college between 22 February 2026 and 28 February 2026. They need to do this to finish all the admission work.

What is Choice Filling and Choice Locking?

Choice Filling is the process in counselling in which you select your preferred colleges and courses online.

• You see all available seats in government, deemed, central, and AIIMS/AFMS colleges.
• You rank the colleges and courses in order of your preference — the one you want most goes first, the next one second, and so on.
• You can add, remove, or reorder choices anytime during the choice-filling window.

Choice Locking is like submitting your final decision to the counselling system. After you lock:

• No further changes can be made once your submitted order of preferences becomes final.
• If you forget to lock your choices, the system will automatically lock the last saved choices for you at the deadline.
• Only locked choices are considered for seat allotment.

Choice Filling Strategy

Your choice of filling strategy can make or break your chances. Here's what works:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

FAQs

Conclusion

The MCC NEET PG Counselling Stray Vacancy Round 2026 is very important for candidates who want admission to MD and MS courses in medical colleges. This round is being conducted to fill the postgraduate medical seats that remained vacant after the first three rounds of counselling.

Candidates must carefully follow each step of the Stray Vacancy Round process, including registration, choice filling, choice locking, seat allotment, and reporting. All activities must be completed strictly within the given timelines. Missing any stage may result in loss of eligibility for seat allotment.

Regularly checking official notifications and completing every step on time will help candidates avoid last-minute issues and improve their chances of successful admission through the Stray Vacancy Round.