Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 CAP Round 3 Schedule Released: Fresh Registration, Choice Filling Dates & Mandatory Joining Rules for MBBS and BDS

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell (State CET Cell) has officially notified the comprehensive schedule for Centralized Admission Process (CAP) Round 3 for admission to Health Science degree courses (MBBS and BDS - Group A) for the Academic Year 2026–27.

Issued vide Notice No. 18 (Ref No: MED-1026/CR.No.83/UG-2026/Registration & CAP 3/Group A/2300, dated 22/09/2026), the notification provides fresh registration windows for new candidates, unlocks re-entry pathways for cancelled/non-joined candidates, and establishes strict compliance guidelines aligned with Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) All India Quota directives.

Key Highlights & Strategic Takeaways for Candidates

1. Fresh Registration Open: Candidates who did not register in earlier rounds have a final window to register online, pay fees, and upload original documents between 22 September 2026 and 26 September 2026.
2. Re-Entry for Non-Joined / Cancelled Aspirants: Candidates who were allotted seats in CAP Round 1 or CAP Round 2 but did not join or had their admissions cancelled can participate by logging into the portal, unlocking their application form, resubmitting, and making fresh payment.
3. Existing Registered Candidates: Candidates already registered who are either holding a seat from CAP Round 1/2 or who were not allotted any seat in CAP 1/2 cannot and need not re-register. Their previous registration remains valid.
4. Mandatory Fresh Preference Filling: All choices filled during CAP Round 2 are deemed null and void. Every candidate desiring consideration in CAP Round 3 must fill fresh choices between 07 October 2026 and 09 October 2026.
5. Strict "Mandatory Joining" Clause: It is compulsory to join the seat allotted in CAP Round 3. Candidates allotted a seat in this round will not be considered for subsequent stray vacancy rounds, regardless of whether they take admission or forfeit the seat.
6. MCC All India Quota Ineligibility Barrier: Any candidate who joined a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 of All India Quota (AIQ), or who holds/is allotted a seat in AIQ Round 3, is strictly barred from Maharashtra State CAP Round 3.

Official Schedule: Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 CAP Round 3 (MBBS/BDS)

The complete chronological roadmap for CAP Round 3 as specified in Notice No. 18 is detailed below:

Critical Rules & Category-Specific Compliance

1. Document Upload Verification

Candidates must upload colored scanned copies of original requisite certificates. Black-and-white photocopies or blurred uploads risk immediate rejection. After uploading, candidates must click 'Submit'; unsubmitted forms will be rejected automatically.

2. EWS Reservation Formatting

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates must be issued strictly in the Maharashtra State Government prescribed proforma valid for Academic Year 2026–27. Certificates issued in the Central Government format will not be accepted for 85% State Quota seats.

3. Caste Validity Certificate (CVC) Timelines

Under State Government Resolutions:

• OBC / SEBC Candidates: Granted an extension of up to six (6) months from the date of CAP registration to submit their Caste Validity Certificate (as per GR dated 02/07/2026).
• SC / VJ / DT / NT-A / NT-B / NT-C / NT-D / SBC Candidates: Granted an extension of up to three (3) months from the circular date (04/09/2026).
• *Warning*: Failure to present the valid CVC within the extended period will lead to automatic admission cancellation and statutory forfeiture.

4. Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

PwD candidates must have claimed the reservation during initial NEET UG 2026 application and must possess a valid Disability Certificate issued by an MCC-designated Disability Assessment Board.

5. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Quota

NRI candidates must complete verification on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal before 25 September 2026. Eligible NRI candidates will be considered exclusively for the 15% Institutional Quota in private unaided medical and dental colleges based on merit.

Strategic Counselling Advisory by Hire Guide Education

• Evaluate Vacancies Carefully on 06 October: Do not fill choices blindly. Analyse the clear vacancies (unallotted/resigned seats) and virtual vacancies (seats held by candidates seeking upward movement) released in the CAP Round 3 Seat Matrix.
• Realistic College Ordering: Because CAP Round 3 carries a mandatory joining rule (non-joining results in disqualification from subsequent stray rounds), include only those medical and dental colleges where you are genuinely prepared to take admission and complete the MBBS/BDS course.
• Document & Fee Preparedness: Keep requisite tuition fees (Demand Drafts as per respective college instructions) and original documents organised in duplicate sets before 11 October to ensure hassle-free reporting within the narrow 4-day window.

Official Links

• Official Notice No. 18 PDF (CAP Round 3 Schedule)Official Notice No. 18 PDF (CAP Round 3 Schedule)https://www.google.com/url?q=https://medical2026.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2026/instructions-downloadFile/Notice%2520No.18_Registration%2520%26%2520CAP%25203_MBBS%2520%26%2520BDS.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1790252871774000&sa=E
• Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Candidate PortalMaharashtra NEET UG 2026 Candidate Portalhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://medical2026.mahacet.org/NEET-UG-2026/login&source=gmail&ust=1790252871774000&sa=E
• State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra Official WebsiteState Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra Official Websitehttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mahacet.org&source=gmail&ust=1790252871774000&sa=E

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