The Directorate General of Medical Education and Training (DGME), Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, has issued important guidelines for the third round of online counselling under UP NEET MDS 2026. The notice, numbered ME-3/2026/1785, was issued on 02 October 2026 and outlines the rules candidates must follow during the third counselling cycle.

According to the notice, seats in the third round will be allotted strictly on the basis of the third-round merit list. Candidates participating in the counselling process are advised to carefully understand the rules related to security deposits, choice filling, seat upgradation, vacant seats and admission reporting before submitting their choices.

No Fresh Security Deposit for Eligible Candidates from Earlier Rounds

Candidates who remained unallotted in the first or second round of counselling, as well as candidates who were admitted in the earlier rounds, will not be required to deposit the security amount again for participating in the third round.

However, candidates who were allotted a seat in the second round but did not take admission or resigned after admission will have their entire deposited security amount forfeited. Such candidates will be allowed to participate in the third round only after depositing the security amount again.

Clear-Cut Vacancy and Virtual Vacancy to Be Displayed

During choice filling for the third round, candidates will be able to see seats that became vacant after the second round due to candidates not reporting or resigning. These seats will be displayed as Clear-cut Vacancy.

In addition to these vacancies, the counselling system will also display Seat Against Cancellation (SAC) options. According to DGME, SAC seats are a type of virtual vacancy. Such a seat can arise when an already admitted candidate is upgraded to another seat. The candidate's previous seat may then be allotted to another eligible candidate according to merit and choice preference.

Choice Locking Is Mandatory

DGME has clearly stated that candidates must lock their choices after completing choice filling. If a candidate fails to lock the choices, he or she will not be included in the seat allotment process. The responsibility for any consequence arising from failure to lock choices will rest entirely with the candidate.

Candidates seeking re-allotment must also carefully select their preferences. If another seat is allotted according to the choices submitted by the candidate, the previously allotted seat will automatically become vacant and may be allotted to another candidate.

If no re-allotment takes place, the candidate's previously admitted seat will continue as it is.

Candidates Must Carefully Remove Existing Seat from Choices

DGME has advised candidates to ensure that they do not include their already admitted seat among the choices submitted for re-allotment. If the previously admitted seat is again allotted because of the choices filled by the candidate, the candidate will have to appear at the concerned nodal centre and complete the admission process again as per the applicable procedure.

Admission Mandatory After Third-Round Allotment

Candidates allotted seats in the third round in both government and private dental colleges will be required to take admission. If a candidate fails to take admission after third-round allotment, the entire security deposit submitted by the candidate will be forfeited.

For candidates already admitted through the first or second round, different forfeiture rules have been specified depending on whether the candidate is holding a government or private dental college seat.

For government dental colleges, if an already admitted candidate receives re-allotment in the third round but does not take admission after the re-allotment, the entire security deposit as well as the total fee deposited at that time will be forfeited.

For private dental colleges, if an already admitted candidate receives re-allotment in the third round but does not take admission, the entire security deposit will be forfeited. In addition, 50% of the tuition fee deposited at that time will also be forfeited.

Reporting Process for Government and Private Colleges

After third-round allotment or re-allotment, candidates allotted seats in government dental colleges will have to report to the concerned dental college/university to complete the admission process.

Candidates allotted seats in private dental colleges will have to report to the concerned nodal centre for completing their admission formalities.

For private dental college admissions, candidates must submit a CTS bank draft for the prescribed tuition fee in favour of Director General Medical Education & Training UP, payable at Lucknow, at the concerned nodal centre. DGME has stated that failure to submit the required tuition fee will result in automatic cancellation of admission.

The government-prescribed tuition fee and fee structure applicable to minority institutions are available on the official counselling websites.

Medical Examination Mandatory

Candidates receiving an allotment in the third round will also be required to undergo a medical examination by the Medical Board constituted at the concerned dental college or nodal centre.

After completing the admission process at the concerned nodal centre following allotment or re-allotment, candidates will have to report to the respective dental college.

Candidates Advised to Check Official Websites

DGME has stated that the entire counselling process will be conducted according to the provisions of the government order dated 23 July 2026 relating to NEET PG 2026 policy and the applicable counselling brochure.

For Counselling & Admission Guidance, Call or WhatsApp: 9340961481

For admission counselling guidance, MDS college selection assistance and support with the UP NEET MDS counselling process, candidates can connect with AdmissionDuniya at 7099092900 through call or WhatsApp.Click here