The Maharashtra NEET PG counselling process is one of the most competitive postgraduate medical admission procedures in India. Every year, thousands of medical graduates compete for a limited number of MD and MS seats in government and private medical colleges across the state. Among all counselling stages, the third round plays a crucial role, especially for candidates who were unable to secure a seat in earlier rounds.

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For the academic year 2025, the third round of Maharashtra NEET PG counselling is expected to be decisive for filling remaining vacancies and offering final opportunities to deserving candidates. This guest post provides a detailed overview of the 3rd round schedule, process, eligibility, and important guidelines.

Significance of the 3rd Round in Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling

The third round of counselling, often referred to as the mop-up round, is conducted after the completion of the first two rounds. This round is particularly important because:

• Seats remain vacant due to non-reporting or resignation

• Many candidates get a chance despite lower NEET PG ranks

• Private and institutional quota seats are primarily filled

• Last opportunity for state-level seat allotment

For candidates who missed earlier chances, the third round can be a turning point in their postgraduate medical journey.

Maharashtra NEET PG Counselling 3rd Round Schedule Overview

The official schedule for the third round is released after the conclusion of Round 2 and finalization of the vacant seat matrix. Although the exact dates may change, the general timeline includes:

• Announcement of vacant seat position

• Online registration for Round 3

• Choice filling and locking

• Declaration of seat allotment results

• Reporting and joining at allotted colleges

The duration of the third round is usually shorter, so candidates must stay alert and act quickly.

Registration Process for the 3rd Round

To participate in the third round of Maharashtra NEET PG counselling, eligible candidates must complete the online registration process. This usually involves:

• Logging in with NEET PG credentials

• Completing fresh registration for Round 3, if required

• Paying the applicable counselling fees

• Confirming willingness to participate in the mop-up round

Candidates who did not register earlier may also be allowed to participate, subject to counselling authority guidelines.

Choice Filling and Locking Procedure

Choice filling is a critical step in the third round. Candidates are advised to approach this stage strategically due to limited seat availability. During this process, candidates must:

• Select preferred MD and MS courses

• Choose medical colleges based on availability

• Arrange choices in order of priority

• Lock choices before the deadline

Filling a wider range of options improves the chances of seat allotment.

Seat Allotment Process in the 3rd Round

Seat allotment in Maharashtra NEET PG counselling is conducted based on:

• NEET PG rank

• Reservation and category norms

• Availability of vacant seats

• Choices filled by the candidate

Once the allotment result is declared, candidates must download the provisional allotment letter and prepare for reporting.

Reporting to the Allotted Medical College

Candidates who receive a seat in the third round must report to the allotted college within the prescribed time frame. The reporting process generally includes:

• Physical document verification

• Submission of original certificates

• Payment of tuition and admission fees

• Completion of institutional admission formalities

Failure to report on time may result in forfeiture of the allotted seat.

Eligibility Criteria for Participating in the 3rd Round

Not all candidates are eligible to take part in the third round. Typically, the following candidates can participate:

• Candidates not allotted any seat in earlier rounds

• Candidates who were allotted seats but did not join

• Candidates newly registered for counselling, if permitted

Candidates who have already joined a seat through earlier rounds may not be eligible to participate further.

Types of Seats Available in the 3rd Round

The third round primarily focuses on filling:

• Private medical college seats

• Institutional quota seats

• Occasionally vacant government seats

While high-demand clinical branches are limited, candidates may still find opportunities in certain specialties depending on vacancy status.

Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid

Many aspirants lose valuable opportunities due to small oversights. To avoid this, candidates should:

• Regularly check counselling updates

• Complete registration and choice locking on time

• Avoid unrealistic preference selection

• Keep all required documents ready

A cautious and well-planned approach can significantly improve outcomes in the third round.

What Happens After the 3rd Round?

After the third round, if seats remain vacant, colleges may conduct further admission processes as per regulatory norms. However, for most candidates, the third round represents the final state-level chance to secure MD or MS admission in Maharashtra.

Candidates who successfully secure a seat should focus on completing admission formalities and preparing for the academic session.

Final Thoughts

The Maharashtra NEET PG counselling 3rd round schedule is a critical phase for postgraduate medical aspirants. With limited time and intense competition, candidates must remain alert, informed, and proactive throughout the process.

Proper planning, timely action, and realistic expectations can make the third round a successful step toward achieving a postgraduate medical degree in Maharashtra. For many candidates, this stage marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding professional journey.