Short answer
The Stray Vacancy Round is MCC's last round. It is held online for seats still vacant after Round 3, including Deemed University seats, and needs fresh registration and choice filling. You can't take part if you didn't register for it, if you have joined or hold any seat at that time, or if you were allotted a Round 3 seat by MCC and didn't report.
Based on MCC's UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin (revised 20.08.2026). The 2027 bulletin hasn't been published yet — rules can change, so check it when it is.
Who this applies to
Candidates in MCC counselling for AIQ, Deemed, Central University/Institute, AIIMS and JIPMER seats
The rule, explained
After Round 3, the Centre and the states share data. Anyone whose name is in the allotted list of either the Centre or a state is removed from the All India Stray Vacancy Round.
If you are allotted a seat in the Stray round, you must join it. If you don't, you lose your security deposit and can't take part in any further rounds.
The data of candidates allotted in MCC's Stray round is shared with the states, to remove them from the states' own stray rounds.
What the official document says
AIQ Stray Vacancy Round for vacant seats of Round 3 and Deemed University seats will be conducted by MCC of DGHS, MoHFW through online mode.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 51 (opens the official site)
Candidate joined/holding any seat at the time of Stray Vacancy Round.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 62 (opens the official site)
Data will be shared with Centre and the States after Round 3 and if any candidate has his name in the list of allotted candidates in either Centre or State, then such candidates shall be eliminated from the All India Stray Vacancy Round.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 50 (opens the official site)
If the candidate does not join the allotted seat, his/her security deposit will be forfeited and the candidate will not be eligible to participate in further rounds, if any.
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS · Revised UG Counselling 2026 Information Bulletin dated 20.08.2026 (NEET-UG MBBS/BDS/B.Sc. Nursing), PDF page 51 (opens the official site)