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NEET 2025 Counselling: Differences Between Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Round

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Differences Between Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Round
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If you’re a NEET aspirant feeling uncertain about what occurs after the initial counselling rounds, you’re not the only one. Many students often find themselves perplexed when confronted with terms such as “Mop-Up Round” and “Stray Vacancy Round.” These stages in the NEET counselling process are vital and represent the last chance to secure a seat in medical or dental courses. 

In this article, we at Medico Pilot – a prominent provider of NEET counselling guidance based in Bangalore – will clarify everything you need to understand about these rounds. Our offerings include assistance with MCC counselling, guidance on admissions, help with choice filling, support in selecting colleges, predictions for expected cut-offs, and live Q&A sessions to aid students in making well-informed choices.

What is the Mop-Up Round in NEET Counselling?

The Mop-Up Round is a stage that takes place following the first two rounds of NEET counselling. It primarily serves candidates who did not secure a seat in the previous rounds or those seeking to improve their existing seat allocation.

Key Highlights:

  • Organized by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed Universities, Central Universities, and AIIMS/JIPMER.  
  • Additionally, it is managed separately by the State Counselling Authorities for state quota positions.  
  • Its purpose is to fill the remaining vacancies after Round 2.  
  • Candidates who have already accepted a seat in Round 2 cannot register anew.  
  • Qualified individuals can take part by re-selecting or rearranging their preferences.

Who Can Participate in the Mop-Up Round?

  • Individuals who were not allocated a seat in Rounds 1 and 2.  
  • Individuals who signed up but did not report to or accept the seat offered in Rounds 1 or 2.  
  • Newly registered individuals (only if permitted by the counselling authority).  
  • Individuals who exited previous rounds without accepting a seat

Who Is Ineligible?

  • Individuals who have already been assigned a seat in Round 2 (according to MCC regulations).  
  • Individuals who did not register in previous rounds (rules may vary by authority).

What is the Stray Vacancy Round?

The Stray Vacancy Round is the final phase of NEET counselling, aimed at filling any unoccupied seats remaining after the Mop-Up Round.

Key Highlights:

  • This phase is managed by the colleges themselves, but under the oversight of the MCC or state authorities.  
  • No new registrations are permitted.  
  • Only those applicants who have registered before and have not been assigned a seat by the end of the Mop-Up Round qualify.  
  • Eligible candidate lists are provided to the institutions, which then reach out to the shortlisted candidates directly.

Who can participate in the Stray Vacancy Round?

  • Individuals who are registered with MCC or the state counselling and have not been assigned a seat until the Mop-Up round.  
  • Those who have not enrolled in any institution.

Who is not allowed to participate?

  • Individuals who have already accepted a seat elsewhere.  
  • Individuals who did not register in previous counselling rounds.

Difference Between Mop-Up Round and Stray Vacancy Round

Feature

Mop-Up Round

Stray Vacancy Round

Conducted By

MCC or State Authorities

Respective Colleges

Registration

Allowed

Not Allowed

Seat Allocation

Through choice filling

By college from the eligible list

Eligible Candidates

Unallotted or fresh candidates

Only unallotted registered candidates

Admission Control

Centralized

College-level

 

Choice Filling Option

Yes, Candidates can fill out and prioritize collegesNo choice filling colleges call eligible candidates directly

Announcements on the NTA website.​

Why These Rounds Are Important?

These rounds can significantly impact a candidate’s path. Many students either delay their actions or lack knowledge about the procedures.

  • Numerous prestigious medical universities still have unfilled seats during the Mop-Up and Stray Rounds.
  • Private institutions frequently utilize these rounds to occupy their leftover seats.
  • With the right guidance, students can aim for the most suitable college according to their NEET rank and category.

How Medico Pilot Assists

At Medico Pilot, our goal is to support students as they confidently navigate each stage of NEET counselling, particularly the intricate final phases. We provide:

  • Comprehensive assistance for Mop-Up and Stray Rounds
  • Expert guidance for AIQ and State Counselling procedures
  • Advice on choice-filling techniques and preference lists
  • Timely updates regarding seat availability and deadlines
  • Q&A sessions to clarify any last-minute questions

Regardless of whether you hail from Karnataka or elsewhere in India, our NEET counselling specialists ensure that no opportunity slips away.

Conclusion

Comprehending the Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy Rounds is crucial for every NEET candidate seeking a medical or dental seat in India. These rounds provide the last opportunity to secure a seat, particularly if you were unsuccessful in the previous rounds.

Don’t let a lack of guidance or information cause you to miss out on your chance. Allow Medico Pilot to be your reliable partner in confidently navigating each phase of NEET counselling.

Are you prepared to take the next step? Visit medicopilot.in and let us assist you in finding your way to medical college.

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