The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) stands as the pinnacle of medical education in India, offering unparalleled opportunities for aspiring doctors through its MBBS programs across 20 institutes nationwide. For the 2025 academic session, admissions to AIIMS MBBS seats are conducted exclusively through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) scores, managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). After the completion of the initial three rounds of counseling—Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 any remaining vacant seats are filled via the Stray Vacancy Round, commonly referred to as the “Open Round” or “Mop-Up Round.” This final phase provides a last-chance opportunity for eligible candidates to secure a spot in these prestigious institutions.
As of September 18, 2025, Round 2 seat allotment results have just been released, with Round 3 registrations set to begin imminently. The Stray Vacancy Round typically follows, targeting unfilled seats after all prior allocations. This guide covers everything from eligibility and dates to the step-by-step process, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for this merit-driven, transparent allocation.
Why the Open Round Matters
The Open Round ensures no deserving seat goes unoccupied, promoting efficient utilization of India’s limited medical education resources. In 2025, AIIMS collectively offers over 2,000 MBBS seats, with reservations available for categories such as SC/ST/OBC, EWS, and PwD. Vacancies often arise due to candidates resigning for better options, state quota preferences, or administrative reasons. Last year, hundreds of AIIMS seats were filled in this round, underscoring its significance for high-ranking candidates who missed earlier allotments.
Read Also: JAGSOM PGDM Admissions 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the AIIMS 2025 Open Round (Stray Vacancy Round), candidates must meet the following requirements:
- NEET-UG Qualification: Must have appeared for and qualified in NEET-UG 2025, securing the minimum percentile (50th for General, 40th for SC/ST/OBC, 45th for General-PwD).
- Prior Participation Status: Candidates who were not allotted any seat in Rounds 1, 2, or 3; or those who resigned from a seat after Round 3 (with forfeiture of fees).
- No Dual Allotment: Must not have been allotted a seat in any state quota counselling or other central rounds that conflicts with AIQ (All India Quota).
- Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as of December 31, 2025; no upper age limit.
- Category-Specific: Eligible under the same category (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) as registered in NEET-UG.
- Physical Fitness: Medically fit as per AIIMS standards, confirmed during document verification.
Fresh registrations are mandatory for the Stray Vacancy Round, even if previously registered. Candidates allotted seats in state counselling post-Round 3 will be ineligible for the central stray round.
Important Dates and Schedule
The MCC has revised the NEET-UG 2025 counseling schedule multiple times to accommodate delays and additional seats. As of September 18, 2025, Round 2 results are out, and Round 3 is approaching. The Stray Vacancy Round (Open Round) will commence after Round 3 concludes. Below is the latest tentative schedule based on official updates:
| Activity | Round 3 Dates | Stray Vacancy Round (Open Round) Dates |
| Registration & Fee Payment | September 29 – October 5, 2025 | October 22 – October 26, 2025 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | September 30 – October 5, 2025 | October 22 – October 26, 2025 |
| Seat Allotment Processing | October 6 – October 9, 2025 | October 27 – October 28, 2025 |
| Seat Allotment Result Publication | October 10, 2025 | October 29, 2025 |
| Reporting to Allotted Institute | October 10, 2025 (last date) | November 5, 2025 (last date) |
Note: These dates are subject to change; candidates should monitor the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) for confirmations. Joining after the deadline results in forfeiture of the seat and ineligibility for future rounds. The entire process is online, except for physical reporting at the allotted AIIMS institute.
Counselling Process: Step-by-Step
The Open Round follows a centralized, online, merit-cum-preference system. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Online Registration:
- Visit mcc.nic.in and select “UG Medical Counselling.”
- Create/log in to your account using your NEET roll number and DOB.
- Pay non-refundable registration fee (₹1,000 for UR/OBC/EWS; ₹500 for SC/ST/PwD) and refundable security deposit (₹10,000 for UR/OBC/EWS; ₹5,000 for SC/ST/PwD) via net banking/credit/debit card.
- Choice Filling and Locking:
- Select preferred AIIMS institutes and courses (MBBS only for UG).
- Prioritize based on merit rank—higher ranks get first pick.
- Lock choices by the deadline; unlisted choices are auto-locked.
- Seat Allotment:
- MCC uses software to allocate seats based on NEET rank, category, and preferences.
- Results are published online; download the allotment letter.
- Reporting and Verification:
- Report physically to the allotted AIIMS with originals for verification.
- Complete admission formalities, pay institute fees, and undergo a medical check-up.
- No upgradation or resignation is allowed after allotment in this round—it’s final.
- Post-Allotment:
- If not allotted, no further central rounds; explore state stray vacancies if eligible.
The process emphasizes fairness, with mock allotments in earlier rounds to familiarize candidates with the process.
Seat Matrix and Vacancies
For 2025, AIIMS offers 2,044 MBBS seats under the AIQ (15% of the total), with the remaining seats allocated under institute quotas. After Round 2 (as of September 17, 2025), over 1,100 new MBBS seats were added nationwide, including AIIMS. Vacancies for the Stray Round will be published after Round 3, but historically, 50–200 AIIMS seats have remained open, concentrated in newer institutes like AIIMS Rajkot or Nagpur.
| Category | Approximate AIQ Seats (Total for All AIIMS) | Expected Vacancies in Open Round (Tentative) |
| UR | 707 | 20–50 |
| OBC | 381 | 10–30 |
| SC | 226 | 5–20 |
| ST | 113 | 5–15 |
| EWS | 181 | 5–20 |
| PwD (Horizontal) | 102 | 2–10 |
Exact figures will be uploaded on mcc.nic.in before the round. Priority is given to AIIMS-like institutions in the choice list.
Documents Required
Bring originals and two photocopies for verification:
- NEET-UG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
- Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (issued by designated institute)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Passport-size Photos (6)
- Allotment Letter and Fee Receipt
- Transfer/Migration Certificate (post-admission)
Fees Structure
| Fee Type | UR/OBC/EWS Amount | SC/ST/PwD Amount |
| Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | ₹1,000 | ₹500 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable if no seat) | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 |
| AIIMS Institute Fee (Annual, Approx.) | ₹6,000–₹10,000 | Same |
Security deposit is adjusted against institute fees if allotted; forfeited if not reported.
Tips for Success
- Monitor Updates: Check mcc.nic.in and aiimsexams.ac.in daily.
- Choice Strategy: Fill all preferences; prioritize based on cut-offs (e.g., AIIMS Delhi: ~99.9 percentile).
- Prepare Documents: Organize in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Seek Guidance: Consult MCC helpline (011-40759000) or AIIMS-specific portals.
- Backup Options: If unsuccessful, consider private/deemed universities or next year’s prep.
Conclusion
The AIIMS 2025 Open Round Counselling represents hope for thousands, a gateway to transformative medical careers at institutions renowned for cutting-edge research and patient care. With Round 3 on the horizon and the Stray Vacancy Round offering a final shot, eligible candidates should act swiftly. Success here demands not just academic excellence but strategic preparation. Stay informed, stay resilient, and remember: every great doctor started with one seat. For the latest, visit official sources—MCC and AIIMS, and turn your NEET dreams into reality. Good luck!
