Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 seat matrix out today: choices close 11 am on November 14

By TUF News Desk · Published 13 November 2026 · 4 min read

Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy

Maharashtra medical aspirants have less than a day left to lock in their choices. The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has put up the seat matrix for the third Special Stray Vacancy Round of NEET UG 2026, and the window to fill preferences closes at 11 am tomorrow, November 14.

The matrix lists the MBBS and BDS seats still vacant across Maharashtra after the second special stray round. Candidates can check it on the official portal, medical2026.mahacet.org, and submit their preferences there. The CET Cell will declare the Round 3 selection list on November 14, the same day choice filling closes.

The seats on offer

The three special stray rounds were announced to fill 138 vacant MBBS and BDS seats left after three centralised admission process rounds and three online stray vacancy rounds. Of these, 84 were MBBS seats and 54 were BDS seats. Rounds 1 and 2 have already drawn from that pool, so the Round 3 matrix shows a smaller list. Candidates should check the college-wise list on the portal before filling choices, since the matrix is the only reliable guide to what is actually open.

Fresh choices only

Anyone who filled choices in Round 1 or Round 2 has to start again. The CET Cell has said preferences submitted in the earlier special stray rounds will not count in Round 3, and only fresh choices submitted by 11 am on November 14 will be considered.

The round is open to candidates who qualified NEET UG 2026, registered for the Maharashtra admission process, and were not allotted a seat in any earlier Group A round. Candidates who joined an MBBS or BDS seat by October 26 cannot take part, and neither can those holding a seat through the All India Quota or an earlier stray vacancy round.

There is a cost to taking a seat lightly. Candidates who are allotted a seat in this round and do not join it can face penalties and disqualification from later rounds.

Dates to remember

How to check the list

The seat matrix and the choice filling form are both on the official Maharashtra NEET UG portal. Candidates can log in at medical2026.mahacet.org and check the Maharashtra CET Cell website for notices. Most of the participating colleges are affiliated to the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in Nashik. Candidates still sorting out paperwork can work through the admission documents checklist before they travel.

What happens next

Allotted candidates must report in person to their college on November 15 or 16 with original documents and the fee payment. The CET Cell accepts payment through demand draft, RTGS or NEFT. November 16 is the final admission deadline, after which the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 counselling process closes.

Frequently asked questions

When does Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Round 3 choice filling close?

At 11 am on November 14, 2026. Candidates must submit and lock their preferences on the official portal, medical2026.mahacet.org, before that time.

Do candidates need to fill fresh choices for Round 3?

Yes. Preferences filled in Special Stray Rounds 1 and 2 will not count in Round 3, so every candidate must submit fresh choices to be considered.

When will the Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Round 3 selection list be declared?

On November 14, 2026, the same day choice filling closes. The list will be published on the CET Cell portal.

What is the last date for admission after Round 3?

Candidates allotted a seat must report to their college on November 15 or 16, 2026. November 16 is the final admission deadline for the whole process.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Shiksha, FreeJobAlert, CaderaEdu