Mop-up counselling is a later round used to fill seats left after earlier rounds. MCC calls its third main UG round Round 3. A state may use the name “mop-up” for a different process.
First check your current seat status. Whether you were not allotted, joined, seeking an upgrade or formally left a seat affects what you may do next. This guide uses MCC’s 2026 rules, checked on 10 October 2026.
Find the authority before reading the rule
MCC and state authorities have separate applications, choices and eligibility rules. Use the notice from the authority that will allot your seat.
Our MCC guide covers its application. The state counselling directory helps you find the state route.
MCC Round 3: check your starting point
| Your status | What to check in the 2026 bulletin |
|---|---|
| Registered in Round 1 or 2, but no seat allotted | No repeat registration just for this reason; submit fresh Round 3 choices |
| Round 2 seat holder seeking an upgrade | Submit the required willingness and complete the applicable Float steps |
| New to MCC counselling | Register with the full required payment during the round window |
| Resigned or did not report in Round 2 | Check the re-entry payment and fresh-choice rules |
| Documents do not meet the entry rule | Resolve eligibility before relying on a later-round option |
Use the exact record in your login. A payment or an older registration record does not by itself prove that all steps for this round are complete.
Fresh choices are a new decision
Read the current vacancy file and match the college, course, quota and category. Our seat-matrix guide shows how to keep those labels with the count.
If you seek an upgrade, list seats you prefer to the one you hold. Check the full fees, housing and joining deadline first. An upgraded Round 3 seat replaces the earlier seat; you cannot claim the old one back.
For example, if you hold College A and receive your higher choice at College B, plan to join B. The fee and reporting place may differ, so check them before listing it.
Physical reporting after Round 3
MCC’s bulletin requires physical reporting for Round 3 allottees. Earlier Float candidates who keep their seat without an upgrade must also report physically at their institute.
Once you join a Round 3 seat, resignation is barred under the bulletin. If you receive a Round 3 seat and do not report, you lose the security deposit and are excluded from further rounds.
Use the joining checklist to track the visit, accepted papers, fees and proof of admission. The rounds guide explains Freeze, Float and exit limits.
Stray vacancy is a separate round
The stray round has fresh registration and choices for eligible candidates. It excludes candidates joined or holding a seat and MCC Round 3 allottees who did not report. MCC and states also share allotted-candidate data to remove candidates from the All India stray process.
Check your status against the current notice before registering. A later-round vacancy is useful only if that process is open to you.
MCC handles deemed-university stray allotment online too. Use its portal and official notices; a seat promise from an agent does not replace the allotment process.
Before submitting choices
- Confirm that you can enter the round.
- Check whether registration or a fresh payment is needed.
- Read the current seats and submit fresh choices as required.
- List seats you would join, in the order you prefer.
- Save the choices, receipt and allotment record.
Read both the MCC deposit rules and the college’s service or exit bond. They cover different payments and duties.
Rule source: MCC’s revised 2026 bulletin, counselling scheme and round FAQ. Take dates from the latest round notice rather than a past year’s mop-up timetable.
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