The Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC), Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Puducherry, has issued a notice regarding the Special Stray Round counselling for MBBS and BDS admissions for the academic year 2026-27.

As per the notice dated 2 November 2026, eligible candidates can submit their willingness and pay the required fee through their CENTAC dashboard from 2 November to 8 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Candidates must check the published vacancy list before registering for the round.

CENTAC has also invited fresh online applications from UG NEET-qualified candidates for unfilled MBBS and BDS seats under Management Quota. However, fresh applicants will be considered for seat allotment only after the existing merit list has been exhausted.

CENTAC Special Stray Round 2026: Important Dates

MBBS and BDS Vacancy Details

CENTAC has announced the following vacancies for the Special Stray Round:

The notice also states that unfilled Government Quota seats will be converted into Management Quota seats after exhausting the Government Quota candidate list.

Fresh Applications for MBBS and BDS Management Quota

UG NEET 2026-qualified candidates who have not applied to CENTAC can submit fresh applications between 2 November and 8 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM.

After submitting the application, fresh candidates must also submit their willingness, provide course preferences and pay the required Special Stray Round registration fee. Their applications will be considered for allotment only after candidates from the existing merit list have been exhausted.

Both existing candidates and fresh applicants can submit course preferences from 4 November to 8 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM.

Eligibility for CENTAC Special Stray Round

CENTAC has specified that eligible candidates who have applied through the committee can participate, except for the following categories:

• Candidates included in the CENTAC Round 3 or Stray Round allotment list, whether they joined or did not join the allotted seat.

• Candidates included in the Round 3 admitted list of All India Quota or State Quota counselling, including candidates who joined in Round 1 or Round 2.

• Candidates who have been allotted any seat in the MCC Stray Round or AYUSH counselling.

Candidates should refer to the UG NEET Information Brochure 2026-27 for the complete eligibility conditions.

Full Tuition Fee Payment for Special Stray Round

Candidates participating in the Special Stray Round must submit their willingness, course preferences and pay the full tuition fee applicable to the respective course and quota. The full tuition fee will be treated as the registration fee for participation.

Candidates who paid a registration fee in previous rounds must pay the applicable balance amount for the Special Stray Round. The relevant tuition fee details are available on the CENTAC website and in Page 33 of the UG NEET Information Brochure.

Payment can be made through Net Banking or by generating an NEFT/RTGS challan through the candidate dashboard. Candidates must transfer the exact amount mentioned in the challan. An NEFT/RTGS challan can be used only once.

Important Rules for Special Stray Round Candidates

CENTAC has issued the following important instructions:

• Candidates must submit fresh course preferences for the Special Stray Round. Preferences submitted during the earlier Stray Round will become null and void.

• Candidates included in the admitted list cannot resign from their admitted seats or participate in this round.

• Sliding will not be permitted in the Special Stray Round.

• Unfilled seats will be converted according to the Seat Conversion Algorithm mentioned in Annexure 14.

• Candidates allotted a seat must join within the prescribed timeline. Failure to join will result in forfeiture of the applicable fee.

• Candidates who fail to join after allotment will not be allowed to participate in any further counselling rounds, if conducted, and may also be debarred from appearing for the UG NEET examination next year.

For Puducherry SC/ST/EBC/GSS candidates allotted a Government Quota seat, the notice specifies forfeiture of the Stray Round Registration Fee of INR 50,000 for MBBS and BDS. Candidates should check the applicable fee and forfeiture provisions in the information brochure.

How to Participate in CENTAC Special Stray Round

Eligible candidates can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CENTAC website.

2. Log in using the existing dashboard credentials. Fresh applicants must first submit the online application.

3. Check the published vacancy details and submit willingness to participate.

4. Pay the applicable full tuition fee or balance amount through the available payment options.

5. Submit fresh course preferences between 4 November and 8 November 2026.

6. Check the CENTAC dashboard and official website for further allotment updates.

Official Website and Contact Details

Candidates can visit the CENTAC website for the vacancy list, information brochure, payment instructions and counselling updates.

Official Website: www.centacpuducherry.in

Helpline Numbers: 0413-2655570 / 0413-2655571

Candidates can also submit queries through the Grievances option available in their login dashboard.

For Counselling & Admission Guidance, Call or WhatsApp: 9340961481

For the latest NEET UG 2026 counselling updates, Special Stray Round registration details, seat allotment results and admission news, visit AdmissionDuniya for timely information and guidance.Click here.