The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadlines for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round, allowing eligible candidates who have not secured medical or dental seats to participate in the counselling process. The decision offers another opportunity to applicants seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in the state. The extension follows requests from candidates who were unable to obtain seats during earlier counselling rounds. Eligible applicants must pay the prescribed caution deposit and submit fresh college and course preferences through the KEA counselling portal within the revised deadlines.
Karnataka NEET UG 2026: Revised Deadlines
KEA has announced the following deadlines for candidates planning to participate in the stray vacancy round:
Caution deposit payment: By 11 am on 19th October 2026
Fresh choice filling: By 1 pm on 19th October 2026
Official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
Candidates should complete both steps before the respective deadlines. Paying the deposit alone does not complete the process; applicants must also submit their preferences online to be considered for seat allotment.
Who Can Participate in the Stray Vacancy Round?
The stray vacancy round is conducted to fill medical and dental seats that remain vacant after previous counselling rounds. Eligible candidates who have not secured a seat through KEA can participate, subject to the authority's prescribed conditions.
Newly registered applicants must complete the required registration and document-verification formalities before entering their choices. Candidates should also confirm their eligibility status and check the seat categories for which they can submit preferences.
The caution deposit varies according to the type of seat sought. As outlined in the revised counselling information, candidates seeking dental seats must deposit Rs 1 lakh, while those opting for N and Q category medical seats must deposit Rs 25 lakh. Applicants should consult the official KEA notification for the complete fee structure and applicable conditions before making payment.
How to Submit Fresh College Preferences
KEA has instructed candidates to enter fresh choices for the stray vacancy round. Preferences submitted during earlier counselling rounds will not be considered for this stage of allotment.
Candidates can follow these steps:
Visit the official KEA website
Open the UGNEET-2026 stray vacancy round option-entry link
Log in using the required credentials
Check the available seats and eligible categories
Select preferred medical or dental colleges and courses in order of priority
Review and submit the choices, then save the confirmation for future reference
Candidates should make their selections carefully, considering the course, college, applicable fees and their willingness to accept an allotment.
What Happens After Seat Allotment?
Candidates who receive a seat in the stray vacancy round must report to the allotted college within the deadline specified by KEA. They must complete admission formalities and submit the required original documents.
Failure to report within the prescribed period can lead to cancellation of the allotment and forfeiture of the caution deposit. Applicants should therefore enter preferences only after assessing whether they can join the allotted institution.
EducationNewsNetwork brings this counselling development into focus as medical aspirants approach the final stages of Karnataka's admission process. TopEducationNews readers should remember that participation does not guarantee a seat, as allotment depends on eligibility, NEET rank, submitted preferences, and the availability of vacancies.
Candidates should regularly check the official KEA portal for the latest notices, seat details, and reporting instructions. Completing each step accurately and within the revised schedule will help eligible applicants avoid missing this opportunity.
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