WB NEET UG 2026: stray round choice filling closes Oct 18, result on Oct 23
By TUF News Desk · Published 18 October 2026 · 4 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Today is the last day to lock your choices. The West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee opened choice filling and locking for the stray vacancy round of NEET UG 2026 counselling on October 17, and the window closes on October 18. This is the final round of the state’s MBBS and BDS admission cycle, so anyone who registered and cleared verification should finish the process before the portal shuts.
The schedule, announced by WBMCC in its revised notice, runs on a tight timeline with almost no gaps between steps. Choice filling is open on October 17 and 18 through the official WBMCC portal. The committee published the verified candidate list and the final seat matrix on October 17, after 5 pm, so candidates know exactly which seats are in play before they rank their options. The seat allotment result will be declared by 12 noon on October 23. Candidates who get a seat must complete physical reporting and admission formalities on October 23, 24 or 26.
Who this round is for
The stray vacancy round exists to fill MBBS and BDS seats that remained vacant after the earlier rounds of state counselling. WBMCC handles admissions to government and private medical and dental colleges in West Bengal, covering the 85 per cent state quota in government institutions as well as applicable private and management seats.
Fresh registration for this round ran earlier and closed at 8 pm on October 16, with the counselling fee payable until midnight the same day. Candidate document verification took place on October 17. Only candidates who completed registration, paid the fee and cleared verification can participate in choice filling. If you missed the registration window, this round is no longer open to you.
Filling choices today
Log in to the WBMCC portal, check the published seat matrix against your NEET UG 2026 rank, and list your colleges in genuine order of preference. Once you lock your choices, they cannot be changed, and allotment will be processed strictly on merit, category and availability. A practical tip that still matters on the last day: do not rank only the most sought-after government colleges. The whole point of a stray round is to fill leftover seats, and a wider list of realistic options gives you a better shot at an actual allotment.
If you are comparing colleges before locking choices, our guide to choosing a university in India walks through what to weigh beyond the name board. And since reporting follows within days of the result, keep your admission documents ready now rather than scrambling on October 23.
After the result
If you are allotted a seat on October 23, report to the college on one of the three reporting days with your original documents and the admission fee. In a final round like this, an allotted seat typically has to be accepted, so treat every college on your choice list as one you are prepared to join. Missing the reporting deadline means the seat goes back into the pool and you are out of this year’s cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for WB NEET UG 2026 stray round choice filling?
Choices must be filled and locked on October 17 and 18, 2026, through the official WBMCC portal at wbmcc.nic.in. There is no extension expected after the window closes.
When will the WB NEET stray round seat allotment result be declared?
The seat allotment result will be published by 12 noon on October 23, 2026, on the WBMCC portal.
When do allotted candidates have to report for admission?
Physical reporting and admission formalities at the allotted colleges are scheduled for October 23, 24 and 26, 2026, between 10 am and 4 pm.
Can I register fresh for the stray vacancy round now?
No. Registration and fee payment closed on October 16, and only candidates who registered and cleared verification can fill choices in this round.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for WB NEET UG 2026 stray round choice filling?
Choices must be filled and locked on October 17 and 18, 2026, through the official WBMCC portal at wbmcc.nic.in.
When will the WB NEET stray round seat allotment result be declared?
The seat allotment result will be published by 12 noon on October 23, 2026.
When do allotted candidates have to report for admission?
Physical reporting and admission formalities at the allotted colleges are scheduled for October 23, 24 and 26, 2026.
Can I register fresh for the stray vacancy round now?
No. Registration and fee payment closed on October 16, and only verified candidates can fill choices in this round.
Sources: UniList, Collegedunia, Shiksha