Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University (HNBUMU), Dehradun, has released important instructions for the Stray Vacancy Round of Uttarakhand NEET UG State Centralised Counselling 2026. The notice, published on October 17, 2026, outlines eligibility conditions, registration requirements, fee payment, choice filling, reservation rules and admission procedures.

The round is intended to fill vacant MBBS and other applicable undergraduate medical seats through the state counselling process, subject to the official seat matrix and counselling rules. Eligible candidates can participate through the university's official website, www.hnbumu.ac.in.

Candidates must follow the prescribed process within the official schedule. Earlier choices submitted during the first, second and third rounds will be treated as cancelled, so candidates must submit fresh choices for the Stray Vacancy Round.

Who Is Eligible for Uttarakhand NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round?

According to HNBUMU's notification, the following candidates may participate, subject to the applicable eligibility rules:

• Candidates who registered for the first, second or third counselling rounds but were not allotted a seat in any of those rounds.

• Candidates who did not register in the earlier rounds and now wish to participate in the Stray Vacancy Round.

The following candidates are not eligible:

• Candidates who secured admission to a seat allotted through Uttarakhand state counselling in the first, second or third round.

• Candidates who completed admission to a seat allotted through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) All India Quota counselling.

• Candidates who were allotted a seat in the third round of Uttarakhand state counselling but did not take admission within the prescribed period.

Candidates should review the complete information bulletin to confirm their eligibility before registering or participating.

Uttarakhand NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Registration and Fees

The university has specified a registration fee of INR 4,500 for participation in the Stray Vacancy Round. The applicable security deposit must also be paid online according to the selected quota and university rules.

The registration and payment process differs depending on whether a candidate registered and paid the required amounts during earlier rounds.

Candidates who change their quota should carefully check the security deposit applicable to their new selection. If the previously deposited amount is higher than the amount required for the selected quota, the excess amount will be refunded online after the counselling process concludes, according to the university's stated procedure.

Fresh Choice Filling and Locking Are Mandatory

HNBUMU has clarified that all eligible candidates wishing to participate in the Stray Vacancy Round must complete fresh choice filling. Options submitted during the first, second or third counselling rounds will automatically be treated as cancelled.

Candidates must complete the following steps:

1. Visit the official university website at https://www.hnbumu.ac.in.

2. Log in using the previously registered ID or complete fresh registration, as applicable.

3. Pay the prescribed registration fee and security deposit, where required.

4. Fill in the online application with the required information.

5. Select the applicable quota, such as State Quota or All India Open Quota, where available and permitted.

6. Enter fresh college and course preferences in the desired order.

7. Review and submit the choices within the notified schedule.

8. Download and retain a printout of the completed application form.

Candidates may select as many available seat options as they wish under the applicable quota. However, they should verify college fees, bond conditions, course details and seat recognition before selecting their preferences.

If a candidate fills in choices but does not lock them within the prescribed time, the system will automatically submit the saved choices after the deadline. These choices will be treated as the candidate's final preferences for allotment.

Uttarakhand NEET UG Counselling: Reservation Rules

Reservation benefits under the State Quota will be governed by the policies and orders applicable in Uttarakhand on the counselling date. Candidates claiming reservation must submit valid certificates issued by the competent authority of the Uttarakhand government.

Important reservation instructions include:

• State domicile: Reservation benefits are available only to eligible permanent or original residents of Uttarakhand, as prescribed by the applicable rules.

• OBC category: The OBC certificate must remain valid through counselling and admission. The notification advises candidates to check the certificate's validity period carefully.

• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): Candidates must produce a current EWS certificate issued by the competent Uttarakhand authority and meet the applicable conditions.

• Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Candidates must obtain the required disability certificate from a medical board designated by the National Medical Commission.

• Defence-related reservation: The applicable benefits under the specified defence subcategory are subject to Uttarakhand government rules and eligibility requirements.

If an eligible candidate is unavailable in a reserved category or subcategory, the vacant seat may be converted and filled according to the prescribed rules.

NRI Seats in Selected Medical Colleges

The notification also refers to Uttarakhand government orders earmarking 15% of seats for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates in the following institutions:

• Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun

• Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun

• Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, Dehradun

Candidates interested in NRI seats should check the applicable government orders, college-specific eligibility criteria and official seat matrix before submitting their preferences.

Seat Matrix and College Fee Details

HNBUMU has stated that the institution-wise seat matrix, including State Quota and All India Open Quota seats, is available through a separate link on the university website. The seat matrix may be modified during the Stray Vacancy Round according to the applicable rules, and the final allotment will be based on the revised information.

Candidates should also review the detailed fee structure uploaded for each participating institution. College fees, bond requirements and seat recognition status should be confirmed directly with the relevant institution before choices are submitted.

Admission After Stray Vacancy Seat Allotment

Candidates allotted a seat must complete the admission process within the prescribed deadline. They are required to report in person to the allotted institution and submit all requested original documents.

The university will publish detailed joining instructions after the seat allotment list is released. Candidates should monitor the official website and follow the reporting schedule carefully.

HNBUMU has warned that a candidate who receives a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round but does not join may face forfeiture of the security deposit and debarment from the NEET UG admission process for one year, in accordance with the applicable Supreme Court, Government of India and MCC instructions.

Official Website and Latest Updates

Candidates should rely on the official university website for the final counselling schedule, seat matrix, application instructions and allotment updates.

• University: Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University

• Official website: https://www.hnbumu.ac.in

• Notification date: October 17, 2026

The university has reserved the right to revise the counselling schedule in accordance with directions from the Government of India, National Testing Agency, MCC, National Medical Commission, Dental Council of India or competent courts.

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