Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 Choice Filling 2026 Begins: Check Seat Matrix & Last Date
Maharashtra NEET UG CAP Round 3 choice filling 2026 has started for MBBS and BDS admissions. The Round 3 seat matrix was released on October 6, and eligible candidates can submit their fresh preferences from October 7 to October 9, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
The Round 3 selection list is scheduled for October 11, 2026. Candidates should check the revised seat matrix carefully before arranging their college preferences because Round 3 choices need to be submitted afresh.
Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 Choice Filling 2026 Begins
The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra has started the NEET UG CAP Round 3 choice filling process for MBBS and BDS admissions for the 2026–27 academic year.
Candidates who are eligible for Maharashtra state counselling can now log in to the counselling portal and submit their college and course preferences. The Round 3 seat matrix was published on October 6, 2026, giving candidates the latest information about seats available for this round. The choice filling window is short, so candidates should not wait until the final day. The last date to submit and lock Round 3 preferences is October 9, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
| Round 3 Registration | September 22–26, 2026 |
| Final Merit List | September 29, 2026 |
| Round 3 Seat Matrix | October 6, 2026 |
| Choice Filling | October 7–9, 2026 |
| Choice Filling Last Date | October 9, 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Round 3 Selection List | October 11, 2026 |
| Physical Joining | October 11–14, 2026 |
OGcollege Insight: The above timeline is based on the latest Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 counselling schedule currently reported for 2026.
What Is the Last Date for Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 Choice Filling?
The last date for Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 choice filling is October 9, 2026, up to 11:59 PM. Candidates should ideally complete their choices before the final few hours because a last-minute technical issue, incorrect preference order or failure to lock the choices can affect participation in the allotment process. The choice-filling window runs for only three days, from October 7 to October 9.
Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 Seat Matrix 2026 Released
The Maharashtra CET Cell released the Round 3 seat matrix on October 6, 2026. The matrix is important because it shows the seats available for the current round across participating MBBS and BDS colleges. Candidates should not simply copy their Round 2 preference list. They should first check which colleges and courses have seats available in Round 3. The seat matrix should be treated as the starting point for building your Round 3 preference list.
Do You Need to Fill Fresh Choices in Round 3?
Yes. Candidates participating in Round 3 should submit fresh preferences for this round. The choices submitted in an earlier round should not simply be assumed to carry forward. Reports on the Round 3 schedule specifically note that candidates need to submit new preferences after the Round 3 seat matrix is released. This is particularly important for students who want to change their college preference after seeing the Round 3 vacancies.
How to Fill Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 Choices 2026
Step 1: Visit the Maharashtra NEET Counselling Portal
Open the official Maharashtra CET Cell counselling portal and access the NEET UG 2026 counselling section.
Step 2: Log In
Use your registered credentials to access your counselling dashboard.
Step 3: Check the Round 3 Seat Matrix
Before adding preferences, check the latest Round 3 seat matrix. Look at:
- College
- Course
- Government/private status
- Category
- Available seats
- Relevant quota
Step 4: Add College Preferences
Add the MBBS and/or BDS colleges you are genuinely willing to join.
Step 5: Arrange the Preference Order
Do not arrange colleges randomly. Keep your most preferred realistic option at the top, followed by other acceptable options.
Step 6: Review Carefully
Check the entire preference list before submission.
Step 7: Submit and Lock
Complete the choice submission/locking process within the prescribed deadline.
How to Arrange Your Maharashtra NEET Round 3 Choices
| Preference Type | What to Include |
| Top choices | Preferred colleges you strongly want |
| Realistic choices | Colleges matching your rank/category |
| Safer choices | Colleges where your chances are comparatively stronger |
| Backup options | Acceptable MBBS/BDS alternatives |
What Should You Check in the Round 3 Seat Matrix?
| Check | Why It Matters |
| College | Identifies available institute |
| MBBS/BDS | Course preference |
| Category | Determines relevant seat pool |
| Quota | Important for eligibility |
| Vacancy | Indicates seats available |
| Government/Private | Major fee difference |
| Previous preference | Helps decide upgrades |
OGcollege Insight: A vacant seat does not automatically mean that every candidate can claim it.
Who Should Participate in Maharashtra NEET Round 3?
Candidates should first check their eligibility under the current Maharashtra counselling rules. Round 3 can be particularly relevant for:
- Candidates who did not receive a seat earlier
- Candidates looking for an upgrade
- Candidates who want to reconsider their college preferences
- Eligible candidates newly participating in Round 3
- Candidates considering available BDS options
Documents to Keep Ready
- NEET UG 2026 scorecard
- NEET UG admit card
- Maharashtra counselling application details
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 certificate/marksheet
- Valid photo ID
- Domicile-related documents, where applicable
- Category certificate, if applicable
- EWS certificate, if applicable
- Medical fitness documents, if required
- Passport-size photographs
- Other documents specified by the counselling authority
OGcollege Insight: Candidates should follow the latest official document requirements rather than relying only on older counselling checklists.
Talk to a Senior Before Finalising Your Maharashtra Choices
A counselling decision is not only about rank and vacancy. Students can use OGcollege Talk to Seniors to connect with medical seniors and ask practical questions about academics, hostel life, patient exposure, clinical workload, campus environment and day-to-day life in medical college. This can be particularly useful when two colleges look similar on paper but offer different student experiences.
Related OGcollege Guides
Students following Maharashtra NEET counselling can also read “MCC NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Registration, Dates & Seat Matrix,” “MCC NEET UG Round 3 Result 2026: Check Seat Allotment,” and “Chhattisgarh NEET UG Round 3 Choice Filling 2026 Extended: Revised Seat Matrix” to understand how Round 3 and subsequent counselling stages work across different counselling systems.
Final Verdict
Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 choice filling 2026 has started, and October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM is the key deadline. The Round 3 seat matrix was released on October 6, giving candidates the latest vacancy information before they submit their preferences.
Candidates should use the short choice-filling window carefully. Check the latest seat matrix, create a realistic preference order, consider government and private options separately, and include only colleges they would genuinely be willing to join. The Round 3 selection list is scheduled for October 11, with physical joining scheduled from October 11 to October 14.
Verified Sources
Maharashtra NEET UG Round 3 updates - Current reporting on choice filling and fresh preferences.
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