The NEET-MDS Schedule 2026 outlines the upcoming counselling timeline for MDS admissions under All India Quota, Deemed and Central Universities, and State Quota.

The schedule includes dates for Round 3 counselling, sharing of joined candidate data, last date of joining, Stray Vacancy Round and commencement of the MDS academic session.

Participating institutes and colleges have also been advised to treat all Saturdays, Sundays and Gazetted Holidays as working days to ensure adherence to the counselling schedule and complete the counselling process within the available time.

NEET MDS Round 3 Counselling Dates 2026

For All India Quota, Deemed and Central Universities, Round 3 of NEET MDS counselling will be conducted from October 3 to October 11, 2026.

For the State Quota, Round 3 counselling will be conducted from October 6 to October 12, 2026.

The schedule also provides separate deadlines for sharing the data of joined candidates with the concerned authorities.

All India Quota / Deemed & Central Universities

The joined candidates' data for Round 3 will be shared by MCC on October 20, 2026.

State Quota

For State Quota counselling, the joined candidates' data will be shared by the respective State DMEs/State Counselling Authorities on October 20, 2026.

The data of joined candidates will subsequently be shared with MCC for weeding out during the seat processing of the Stray Vacancy Round.

Last Date of Joining for NEET MDS Round 3

The last date of joining for Round 3 candidates is October 19, 2026 for both the All India Quota/Deemed & Central Universities and State Quota counselling.

Candidates allotted seats in Round 3 should complete the required admission and joining formalities within the prescribed deadline.

Last date of joining: October 19, 2026

NEET MDS Stray Vacancy Round 2026

The schedule also announces the dates for the Stray Vacancy Round.

For All India Quota, Deemed and Central Universities, the Stray Vacancy Round will be conducted from October 22 to October 29, 2026.

For the State Quota, the Stray Vacancy Round will be conducted from October 24 to October 30, 2026.

As per the schedule, the data of allotted candidates for the All India Quota/Deemed and Central Universities Stray Vacancy Round will be shared by MCC on October 29, 2026.

Last Date of Joining in Stray Vacancy Round

The last date of joining after the Stray Vacancy Round has been fixed as November 5, 2026.

The same last date is specified for both the All India Quota/Deemed and Central Universities and State Quota counselling.

Last date of joining: November 5, 2026

NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Schedule: Important Dates

MDS Academic Session 2026-27 Begins on October 1

According to the schedule, the commencement of the academic session for MDS courses is October 1, 2026.

The counselling schedule has been structured around the commencement of the academic session and the subsequent Round 3 and Stray Vacancy admission process.

Important Instructions for Participating Institutes

All participating institutes and colleges have been advised to treat Saturdays, Sundays and Gazetted Holidays as working days for the purpose of following the counselling schedule.

The instruction has been issued considering the limited time available for conducting counselling and the need to ensure that the prescribed schedule is followed.

Candidates should therefore remain attentive to the deadlines issued by MCC and the respective State Counselling Authorities.

Click here to check NEET MDS Counselling 2026 updates.

Candidates should regularly check the official counselling portal and the concerned State Counselling Authority for further instructions regarding seat allotment, reporting, joining and Stray Vacancy Round admissions.

For Counselling & Admission Guidance, Call or WhatsApp: 9340961481

Candidates seeking guidance regarding NEET MDS 2026 counselling, Round 3, Stray Vacancy Round, MDS seat allotment, college selection and admission procedures can connect with AdmissionDuniya.Click here