Maharashtra Vacant Seats Counselling: Important Documents & Process

With over 21 lakh candidates aspiring to enter the NEET UG 2025 batch nationwide, and only around 9,000 MBBS seats in Maharashtra available under state quota and private colleges. Getting a seat is very difficult. Vacant seat counselling (Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds) offers a final opportunity for those candidates who have missed out in the earlier rounds. It is important to follow the process carefully and carry all the required documents to make the most of this opportunity. This blog explains the counselling steps and highlights the essential documents you need to have to ensure a smooth admission process and avoid disqualification.

What is the Vacant Seats / Stray Vacancy Round?

Vacant Seats or Stray Vacancy Round is the last stage of NEET UG counselling that is conducted after all regular and mop-up rounds. It is aimed at filling up leftover MBBS/BDS seats in mostly private or minority colleges that remain vacant. This is an opportunity for unallotted eligible candidates to get admission one last time based on their NEET Score.

Why Seats Remain Vacant?

Despite the demand for MBBS/BDS seats, last-minute withdrawals, non-joining, or non-payment of fees by the allotted candidates result in vacant seats. Some of the key factors are mentioned below:

• Non-joining: Candidates allotted seats don’t report or join.
• Withdrawals: Candidates withdraw after allotment.
• Disqualifications: Due to incomplete documentation or eligibility issues. 
• Unclaimed NRI / Management Quota seats: Often remain vacant if not converted to the general category.

Who conducts it?

In Maharashtra, the stray vacancy round is conducted by two authorities, depending on the quota and colleges involved. This gives a clear idea of who handles what kind of seats.

Documents required for MBBS Stray Vacancy Round (2025)

The Stray Vacancy Round is the last chance of finding an MBBS seat in Maharashtra. It is therefore necessary to see that candidates must carry all required original documents as well as copies for verification to carry out smooth admission in these rounds from their side. Below is a checklist of essential documents you need to carry for the 2025 stray vacancy counselling.

Academic Documents:

• NEET UG 2025 Scorecard
• NEET UG 2025 Admit Card
• Class 10 MarkSheet & Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
• Class 12 Mark Sheet & Certificate

Identity & Nationality Proof

• Maharashtra Domicile Certificate
• Nationality Certificate or a valid Indian Passport
• Aadhaar Card (as photo identity and address proof)

Category & Reservation (If Applicable)

• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC issued by an authority)
• Caste Validity Certificate
•  Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (OBC/SEBC – valid up to March 2026)
•  EWS Certificate (Issued on or after April 1, 2025)

Other Essential Documents

• Transfer Certificate / School Leaving Certificate
• Migration Certificate (if passed Class 12 from a board other than the Maharashtra State Board)
• Medical Fitness Certificate (as per CET Cell prescribed format)
• Gap Certificate (on stamp paper, if there’s an academic gap after Class 12)

Step-wise counselling process

The Maharashtra NEET UG 2025 counselling process is conducted in phases to ensure fair and systematic seat allotment. Each step from registration to final admission holds importance. Here's a brief guide that will help you through the entire process. 

Registration

• Click on "NEET-UG MBBS/BDS Admission" from the official site
• Fill in the personal and academic particulars
• Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, mark sheets, etc.)
• Pay the counselling registration fee (online)

Document Verification

If asked, attend the verification at the regional centres, you must carry: 

• All original documents
• Two sets of self-attested photocopies across
• Get the acknowledgement slip for the verification

Choice Filling

• Log in to your candidate's portal
• Specify the colleges and courses in order of your preference
• Save and lock your choices before the deadline

Seat Allotment and Reporting

• Visit the website to check the seat allotment result
• Download the allotment letter
• Report to the allotted college within the stipulated time frame
• Deposit original documents
• Pay the admission fee as per the demand
• Complete all formalities of biometric and physical admission

Types of Seats Offered

Seat types will be available at government/private/minority colleges during counselling for Maharashtra NEET UG 2025. To make informed decisions and secure admission to any of these colleges, candidates need to understand the different seat types, including State Quota, Institutional Quota, and NRI Quota.

Common Mistakes One Should Avoid

During Maharashtra NEET UG counselling, even small mistakes can cost you your seat or cause delays in the process. Being aware of common errors, such as missing deadlines, submitting incomplete documents, or overlooking official announcements, can help you stay on track and secure your admission smoothly.

• Failure to bring original copies of important documents for verification or reporting.
• Assuming that one would not be eligible for stray rounds if one were unallotted a seat in earlier rounds. 
• Not reporting on time, post seat allotment, before the stipulated deadline, to the allotted colleges. 
• Not checking carefully for the matrix of seats or relating eligibility criteria before applying or filling in the form. 

The Final Tips for Aspirants

Stay focused on your goal and carefully plan your schedule for Maharashtra NEET UG counselling. Make sure to have all your documents ready, meet all deadlines, and rely only on official information. This will help you complete the admission process smoothly and secure your seat without any problems.

• Should have all of your original documents along with plenty of extra photocopies in neat organisation.
• Always keep an eye on all the updates being posted on CET Maharashtra's official website and the respective individual college websites.
• Try to attend as many stray vacancy rounds as you can to improve your prospects of admission.
• Keep a track of the Select Your University website, which provides seat vacancy and counselling activity information.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra MBBS Vacant Seats Counselling 2025 offers an important second chance for many aspiring medical students to secure admission. By understanding the essential documents and following the counselling process step-by-step, candidates can avoid common mistakes and improve their chances of success. It is also important to stay updated with official announcements and strictly follow all deadlines. Candidates who are well-prepared and act promptly have the best chance to make the most of this final opportunity.