Punjab NEET UG Counselling 2026: The Punjab counselling authority has just announced the schedule for Round 4, also known as the Stray Vacancy Round, offering eligible candidates another shot at snagging an MBBS seat.
This round is crucial since Punjab operates under a closed-state policy for most of its seats. So, it’s vital for candidates to know who can participate, if fresh registration is necessary, the security deposit based on categories, and the deadlines for document verification, choice filling, and college reporting.
Who Can Participate in Punjab Round 4?
In Punjab, the state and open-category seats are under a closed state policy. This means that typically, only candidates from Punjab are eligible for the relevant seats.
There’s an important exception: NRI candidates can join under the NRI quota, but they’ll need to meet the specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
If you haven't registered in Punjab before, you may still get a chance to register during the Stray Vacancy Round, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Who Needs to Register Again?
Candidates who got a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 but didn’t join the assigned seat, and didn’t secure a seat in Round 3, will likely need to register again to take part in the Stray Vacancy Round.
New candidates must also complete the willingness and security deposit process.
It’s a good idea for candidates to double-check their individual counselling status before they go through the registration process again.
Punjab Round 4 Counselling 2026: Important Dates
Here’s the timeline you’ll need to keep an eye on:
| Counselling Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fresh Registration | 16-18 October 2026 |
| NRI Document Verification deadline | 16th October 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Provisional Merit List | 19th October 2026 |
| Choice Filling | 20-21st October 2026 |
| Allotment Result | 22nd October 2026 |
| College reporting & Admission Formalities | 24-26th October 2026 |
Seats for the Stray Vacancy Round are limited, so make sure to complete every step on time.
Security Deposit / Willingness Amount
If you’re registering fresh, don’t forget about the security deposit.
Here’s what you’ll need to pay:
| Candidate/ College Preference | Security Deposit |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges | 10,000/- |
| SC/BC/PwD candidates choosing government colleges | 5,000/- |
| Private Medical Colleges | 2,00,000/- |
| Candidates choosing both government nad private Colleges | 2,00,000/- |
Before making any payments, check the official Punjab counselling notification for the exact amount and refund/adjustment conditions.
NRI Candidates: Document Verification
NRI candidates have another chance to get their paperwork in order for Round 4.
According to the counselling update, they need to finish their document verification by 16 October 2026 at 4:00 PM.
NRI candidates should ensure they have all necessary sponsorship, relationship, and supporting documents ready before the deadline.
Since the eligibility requirements for NRIs can be pretty stringent, it’s best to stick to the latest official guidelines instead of relying on what was required in previous rounds.
Provisional Merit List: 19 October
The provisional merit list is set to be released on 19 October 2026.
Make sure to check your details carefully once it’s out. If you spot any discrepancies, follow the procedure laid out by the counselling authority to address them.
Choice Filling: 20–21 October
You’ll be able to fill in your choices from 20 to 21 October 2026.
Take your time with this—think carefully about your preferences, as the Stray Vacancy Round aims to fill seats that were left vacant after earlier rounds.
Before locking in your choices, consider:
- College preference
- Seat category
- Tuition fees
- Hostel and additional expenses
- Eligibility
- Previous allotment status
- Distance and location
- Long-term affordability
Avoid basing your choices purely on last year’s cut-offs; vacancy patterns can shift quite a bit from one year to the next.
Allotment Result: 22 October
The allotment result for Round 4 will be announced on 22 October 2026.
If you’re allocated a seat, make sure to follow the reporting instructions closely and complete all admission formalities within the given timeframe.
College Reporting: 24–26 October
If you get a seat in the Stray Vacancy Round, you’ll need to report to your respective college between 24 and 26 October 2026.
Be sure to bring all the required original documents with you.
Missing the reporting deadline could mean losing your seat, so keep an eye on those dates!
Why Is the Stray Vacancy Round Important?
The Stray Vacancy Round might be the last chance for many candidates to snag an MBBS seat through the state counselling process. But heads up—there are usually way fewer seats available compared to earlier rounds. So, when the final seat matrix comes out, be ready to jump into action.
For candidates from Punjab, understanding the closed-state nature of the counselling is crucial. The eligibility requirements really matter here.
What About Candidates With Lower NEET Scores?
There’s also some news for candidates with lower NEET scores looking outside Punjab. If you're considering Rajasthan, you might find private MBBS options, but expect to pay around ₹70 lakh per year. Just remember, this figure can vary based on the college and admission terms, so it's best to check the official counselling authority and specific colleges for the exact fees before committing your money.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab has announced the Round 4 / Stray Vacancy Round schedule.
- The state generally follows a closed system for its applicable state/open-category seats.
- Eligible Punjab candidates who haven't registered yet may still have a shot at it.
- Those who didn't show up for their previously allotted seats may need to register again.
- New candidates must finish the required willingness/security deposit process.
- NRI candidates can join in too, as long as they meet eligibility and document verification criteria.
- Provisional merit list: 19 October 2026.
- Choice filling: 20–21 October 2026.
- Allotment result: 22 October 2026.
- College reporting: 24–26 October 2026.
Conclusion
Punjab's NEET UG Round 4 is a critical last chance for eligible candidates still hunting for an MBBS seat. With limited spots expected in the Stray Vacancy Round, make sure to keep an eye on the official seat matrix and complete your registration, document verification, and choice filling within the deadlines.
For NRI candidates, the additional document-verification opportunity makes this round particularly significant. And remember, always check the latest official notifications before making any decisions or payments, since counselling schedules, eligibility requirements, and seat availability can shift.
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