The National Medical Commission (NMC), through its Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), has issued a crucial clarification regarding NEET PG 2025 admissions, confirming that no Special Stray Vacancy Round will be conducted and setting a strict deadline for valid admissions.
No Special Stray Vacancy Round for NEET PG 2025
In its latest communication, the PGMEB clearly stated that there will be no Special Stray Vacancy Round for NEET PG 2025 counselling. The decision comes after the matter reached finality following the dismissal of key petitions by the Supreme Court of India.
The court had allowed stakeholders to submit representations to the Central Government. However, since no approval was granted, the proposal for conducting an additional stray round has been officially rejected.
Admissions Beyond February 28, 2026 Declared Invalid
The NMC has reiterated that any admission made after February 28, 2026, will be treated as invalid. This deadline aligns with the counselling schedule approved by the Supreme Court in the case of Ashish Ranjan vs. UOI & Ors.
Authorities emphasized that:
- Admissions beyond the deadline will be considered unauthorized
- Such admissions are liable for cancellation
Strict Directions to States and Medical Colleges
The Commission has directed all State/UT governments, counselling authorities, and medical colleges to strictly follow the centralized counselling schedule set by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under DGHS.
It has also warned against:
- Conducting independent counselling at the state level for PG/SS seats
- Violating timelines prescribed under NMC regulations
All states have been asked to align their rules, statutes, and admission processes strictly with the official schedule.
Official Communication to Stakeholders
NMC Secretary Dr. Raghav Langer has formally written to Directors of Medical Education (DMEs), counselling authorities, and heads of medical institutions, urging strict compliance with the prescribed guidelines and timelines.
Over 1,100 PG Seats Remained Vacant Earlier
Earlier, the Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha that 1,140 postgraduate medical seats remained vacant after the first round of NEET PG 2025 counselling, highlighting ongoing challenges in seat allocation despite multiple counselling rounds.
What This Means for Aspirants
- No further opportunity through a Special Stray Round
- Final admission deadline strictly closed on February 28, 2026
- Any late admission risks cancellation
Aspirants and institutions must now adhere strictly to the finalized counselling framework, as no further relaxations are expected.
