A NEET seat matrix lists seats for a specific counselling authority and stage. Before reading the counts, check the year, round, course, quota and category. Keep clear vacancies separate from virtual vacancies, which may open if candidates upgrade.
Use the file to identify seats worth researching. Then check whether you qualify, can afford them and would accept an allotment.
Start with a real 2026 vacancy row
Page 1 of MCC’s UG Round 3 clear-vacancy file contains this entry:
| Field | Entry in the file |
|---|---|
| College | Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair |
| Institute code | 200101 |
| Quota | All India |
| Course | MBBS |
| Category label | OP NO |
| Seats in this row | 3 |
Source: MCC’s Round 3 clear-vacancy PDF for UG Counselling 2026, page 1. This is a snapshot of that round, rather than a statement of current availability.
Read the number with all its labels. Three belongs to this specific MBBS, All India, OP NO row. Another category or quota has its own entry.
In these compact category labels, OP means Open, while NO marks a seat outside the Persons with Disability (PwD) sub-quota. An OP PH entry refers to the Open category’s PwD sub-quota.
Keep the original code in your notes alongside its meaning. Writing only “Port Blair: three seats” leaves out details needed for choice filling.
Check the proof your category needs with the counselling document guide before using that row in your shortlist.
Understand clear and virtual vacancies
A clear vacancy is a seat listed as vacant at that stage.
A virtual vacancy is conditional. It represents a seat held by a candidate seeking an upgrade. If that candidate receives a higher choice, the earlier seat may become available.
MCC published separate clear- and virtual-vacancy files for UG Round 3 in 2026. Keep those two types separate when taking notes. MCC’s explanation of virtual vacancies also ties their availability to an upgrade by the current holder.
Why adding the counts can mislead
Consider this illustrative example, rather than an actual college row:
| Vacancy type | Count | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | 2 | Two seats listed as vacant |
| Virtual | 3 | Three occupied seats that may open through upgrades |
Write “two clear; three virtual.”
If one of the three holders upgrades, one earlier seat may be released. If another keeps the existing seat, that place stays occupied.
Adding the counts gives five entries across two types. Calling them “five empty seats” loses the difference.
Even a clear vacancy does not guarantee you an allotment. Your eligibility, rank, choices and the round’s rules still matter.
Keep intake separate from round vacancies
Approved intake is the college’s authorised approved intake. A round vacancy concerns a seat in one counselling process at one stage.
A college’s intake can be split across quotas and categories. Some seats may already be filled, while others may be handled by a different authority.
For choice filling, use the matrix for your own route. Our MCC counselling guide explains the national process. State choices need the matching state counselling file.
Read each row in this order
- Confirm the authority, year and round.
- Check whether the file lists clear, virtual or newly added seats.
- Match the college name, campus and institute code.
- Confirm the course.
- Read the quota and full category label, including any disability or other restriction.
- Take the count from that exact row.
This helps you avoid confusing a BDS entry with MBBS or mixing up colleges with similar names.
If a heading or code is unclear, check the original document and the authority’s instructions before interpreting it.
Use the file for your current stage
The Round 3 example above teaches you how to read a row. Later rounds use their own vacancy files and participation rules.
Before filling choices, check the authority’s latest:
- Round schedule
- Vacancy or seat-matrix file
- Additions, withdrawals and corrections
- Eligibility instructions for your current status
A saved PDF is useful for reference. Recheck the official notices before you submit your choices.
If you get the seat, move to the seat reporting checklist and check the notice for your round.
Save a note you can update
| Your field | What to record |
|---|---|
| Source | File title, publication date and page |
| Seat | College, campus, code, course and quota |
| Vacancy type | Clear or virtual |
| Category | Original code and its meaning |
| Count | Figure from the matching row |
| Decision | Eligibility, cost and whether you would join |
Save the original PDF with your note. If a revised file appears, keep the earlier copy and recheck your shortlisted rows against the revision.
A newly added college needs the same checks as any other choice. Review its fees, housing, joining requirements and MBBS bond terms.
Use vacancy counts and closing ranks together
A vacancy count describes seats at one stage. A closing rank describes a past allotment outcome.
First check whether the seat fits your eligibility and budget. Then compare past ranks for the same course, quota and category. Finally, place acceptable seats in your real preference order.
Our counselling rounds guide can help you understand the stage you are considering. Check its participation rules before building your list.
After reading the vacancy, use the deemed and private seat comparison to check the full cost of a private or deemed option.
Frequently asked questions
Check the publication dates and the notice explaining the revision. Use the version the authority says applies to that round, and recheck your shortlisted seats.
Add seats you would accept after checking eligibility, costs and campus arrangements. A vacancy gives you a reason to research a college.
No. It depends on movement during allotment. If the current holder retains the seat, that virtual vacancy may stay occupied.
No. Intake is the approved approved intake. A vacancy is tied to a particular counselling authority, round, quota and category.
