All ArticlesNEET MDS 2026 Counselling Schedule Update: MCC Round 3 and Stray Vacancy Round Dates for AIQ, Deemed, Central
Overview
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the updated NEET MDS counselling schedule for Round 3 and the Stray Vacancy Round of NEET MDS 2026. The schedule covers two tracks: All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed and Central Universities, run by MCC, and State Quota counselling, run by each state's authority. For the AIQ track, Round 3 runs from 22nd to 31st October 2026. For the state track, Round 3 runs from 29th October to 9th November 2026.
The updated NEET MDS counselling schedule also fixes last dates of joining, the dates on which joined-candidate data is shared, and the Stray Vacancy Round windows, which close with a joining deadline of 28th November 2026. The notice also states that the academic session for MDS courses commences on 1st October 2026.
Type
This is the Round 3 and Stray Vacancy Round part of the NEET MDS counselling schedule for 2026.
The NEET MDS counselling schedule applies to MDS seats in All India Quota, Deemed and Central Universities, and to MDS seats filled through state counselling.
It gives round-level windows. Detailed stage dates, such as registration and choice filling within a round, are published in MCC's and each state's separate notices.
State / Authority
The NEET MDS counselling schedule is issued under the Government of India, through MCC, which works under the Directorate General of Health Services.
State authorities, such as state DMEs and counselling committees, follow the state window in this schedule for their own MDS seats.
Provider
MCC conducts counselling for AIQ, Deemed and Central University MDS seats and shares joined-candidate data with states.
State DMEs and state counselling authorities run the state counselling windows and send their own joined-candidate data back.
The schedule also advises participating institutes to treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days, because of the limited time available.
Round 3 in the NEET MDS Counselling Schedule
All India Quota, Deemed and Central Universities:
Round 3 counselling: 22nd to 31st October 2026.
Last date of joining: 7th November 2026.
Sharing of joined-candidate data by MCC: 9th November 2026.
State counselling:
Round 3 counselling: 29th October to 9th November 2026.
Last date of joining: 16th November 2026.
Sharing of joined-candidate data by state DMEs and counselling authorities: 17th November 2026.
In this NEET MDS counselling schedule, the state window opens about a week after the AIQ window, so state counselling can use what has happened in the AIQ round.
Stray Vacancy Round in the NEET MDS Counselling Schedule
All India Quota, Deemed and Central Universities:
Stray Vacancy Round: 10th to 19th November 2026.
Data of allotted candidates will be shared by MCC on 19th November 2026.
Last date of joining: 28th November 2026.
State counselling:
Stray Vacancy Round: 18th to 21st November 2026.
Last date of joining: 28th November 2026.
Both tracks in the NEET MDS counselling schedule share the same final joining date. This leaves the state round only four days, from 18th to 21st November, so state candidates should expect a quick process.
Why the Data Sharing Dates Matter
The schedule lists dates on which MCC and state authorities share data on joined and allotted candidates. These exchanges help authorities identify candidates who have already joined a seat in the other system, so that the same candidate does not hold a seat in both. A candidate who joins an AIQ seat in Round 3 should expect that fact to be known to the state authority by the time of state allotment. This is also why candidates should only choose colleges they actually intend to join, as many MDS counselling processes attach penalties and debarment to seats that are taken and then abandoned.
How This Compares With the Earlier Timetable
MCC's earlier NEET MDS 2026 schedule had Round 3 running in early October, with seat matrix verification on 2nd October and the Stray Vacancy Round following from 21st October. The updated NEET MDS counselling schedule moves Round 3 to 22nd to 31st October and the Stray Vacancy Round to 10th to 19th November, which pushes the final joining dates to November. Candidates who planned around the earlier dates should rework their plans against the new NEET MDS counselling schedule.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Check which track of the NEET MDS counselling schedule you are in. AIQ, Deemed and Central seats follow the MCC window, while state seats follow the later state window.
Watch for detailed notices. The NEET MDS counselling schedule gives round windows, so registration, choice filling, result and reporting dates for each round come from MCC and the state authority.
Plan joining carefully. The last joining dates are 7th November (AIQ Round 3), 16th November (state Round 3) and 28th November (Stray Vacancy Round).
Prepare caution deposits and documents early. Many states require large caution deposits for MDS counselling, and deposits are forfeited if you do not join an allotted seat.
Compare options before you lock choices. Our verified college database can help you evaluate MDS colleges across the country.
If you want help planning around the NEET MDS counselling schedule, our counselling services can guide you through AIQ and state rounds. See our pricing for plans, or contact our team for personal support.
Key Things to Remember
AIQ, Deemed and Central Round 3: 22nd to 31st October 2026, with joining by 7th November.
State Round 3: 29th October to 9th November 2026, with joining by 16th November.
Stray Vacancy Round: 10th to 19th November (AIQ, Deemed, Central) and 18th to 21st November (state), with joining by 28th November.
Academic session for MDS courses is notified to begin on 1st October 2026, and institutes should treat weekends and holidays as working days.
Always confirm stage-wise dates in the official MCC and state notices.
For the official notice and updates on the NEET MDS counselling schedule, check the MCC website.
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