PrepMaticExam glossary · NEET
Mop-up round in NEET counselling
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The mop-up round is a late round of counselling that fills seats left over from the earlier rounds. In Tamil Nadu's 2026-27 prospectus, Round 3 is the mop-up round, and the rules get stricter from here: if you do not join in Round 3 or later, you forfeit your deposit. Other authorities use the term differently, so check what the round is called in the notice you are reading.
Tamil Nadu's round structure
| Round | Notes |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | Free exit allowed before the stipulated date |
| Round 2 | Free exit allowed before the stipulated date |
| Round 3 (mop-up) | Not joining forfeits the deposit |
| Stray Round | Final round for leftover seats |
Candidates who joined a seat up to Round 3 of either the All India Quota or the state quota cannot take part in later rounds. Choices cannot be changed once locked.
The 2026 timeline
Tamil Nadu announced the Round 3 schedules on 27 September 2026 and published Round 3 vacancy positions on 29 and 30 September. On 8 October 2026 it extended the Round 3 schedule and issued a notice on converting NRI and Minority seats for this round. The round was therefore still open on 8 October 2026. MCC ran its own Round 3 for All India Quota seats, and its stray vacancy round was scheduled for 12 to 17 October 2026, as reported.
How to approach it
- Read the vacancy list first. The vacancy positions show what is left. Do not build your list on last year's picture.
- Decide before you accept. Because the deposit is forfeited if you do not join, take a seat only if you will report.
- Lock a full list. Seats vanish quickly in a late round, so a long list of acceptable options reduces the risk of ending with nothing.
- Keep documents and fees ready. The reporting window is short.
The stray vacancy round is what follows. For the deposit amounts, see the security deposit page, and for the whole process see the Tamil Nadu counselling guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the mop-up round the same as the stray vacancy round?
No. In Tamil Nadu the mop-up round is Round 3, and the Stray Round comes after it.
Can I leave a seat without losing the deposit in Round 3?
In Tamil Nadu, no. A free exit applies in Round 1 and Round 2 only, before the stipulated date.
Official sources
- Tamil Nadu Selection Committee: Round 3 notices and schedule extensions.
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- Stray vacancy roundThe stray vacancy round is the last online round of NEET counselling, filling seats left empty after Round 3. See how it works, who can join and what to expect.
- Choice lockingChoice locking is the step that freezes your college list before seat allotment. Learn what it means, why you cannot edit after it, and mistakes to avoid.
- MCC security depositThe MCC security deposit is refundable and paid at registration, unlike the fee. See the 2026 reported amounts, Tamil Nadu's deposit rules and when it is lost.
- Tamil Nadu NEET counsellingTamil Nadu MBBS/BDS counselling for 2026-27: seat matrix, nativity rule, 69% reservation, the 7.5% government-school quota, rounds and documents.
- NEET counselling processHow NEET counselling works: what MCC and state authorities each run, the steps from registration to reporting, rounds, choice filling and documents.
More in NEET
- MCCMCC, the Medical Counselling Committee under DGHS, runs NEET counselling for All India Quota, deemed, central and AIIMS seats. See its steps, rounds and limits.
- Nativity certificateA nativity certificate proves you are a native of Tamil Nadu, which the state quota requires. See why a residence certificate is not accepted and who may apply.
- Management quotaManagement quota is a category of private medical seats with higher fees. See the Tamil Nadu 2026-27 share, fees and deposit, and how it differs from NRI quota.
- NEET percentileNEET percentile is the share of candidates who scored at or below you. See the formula, how it differs from marks and rank, and the qualifying percentile rule.
- NEET tie-breakingNEET tie-breaking decides rank when candidates have equal marks. See the order NTA uses (Biology first), what was removed, and a worked example.
- NMCNMC is the National Medical Commission, whose rules set the NEET syllabus and eligibility. See what it controls, what NTA and MCC do, and the 2026 syllabus.
- NRI quotaNRI quota is a separate share of private medical college seats. See Tamil Nadu's 15% share for 2026-27, how it differs from management quota and what to check.
- NTANTA is the National Testing Agency that conducts NEET-UG. See what it handles, what it leaves to MCC and the states, and how to spot genuine NTA notices.