Students looking for an MBBS or BDS seat in Karnataka should take note of the latest counselling update. KEA has announced the schedule for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round.
Fresh registration is scheduled from October 13 to October 16, 2026. Option entry will begin on October 16 and continue until October 19.
This round is not open to every candidate who took part in earlier counselling. Your eligibility depends on whether you received a seat previously and whether you meet the conditions announced by KEA.
Karnataka NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
| Authority | KEA |
| Courses | MBBS and BDS |
| Registration dates | October 13–16, 2026 |
| Option entry | October 16–19, 2026 |
| Option entry timing | 11 AM on October 16 to 9 AM on October 19 |
| Result date | Not announced |
| Official website | KEA official portal |
Who Can Apply?
Before opening the registration form, check whether you fit the announced eligibility conditions.
You may be eligible if:
- You qualified for the relevant NEET UG admission process.
- You did not receive a seat in previous KEA counselling rounds.
- You are eligible to register afresh under the latest rules.
- You hold a dental seat and are eligible to seek an MBBS seat upgrade under the stated conditions.
Candidates who have already received a seat are generally not eligible for this round, apart from the specified dental-to-medical upgrade case.
Important: Read the latest official notification before paying any fee. Do not register based only on a general eligibility summary.
Registration and Option Entry Dates
| Activity | Schedule |
| Fresh registration begins | October 13 |
| Last date for fresh registration | October 16 |
| Option entry starts | October 16 at 11 AM |
| Option entry ends | October 19 at 9 AM |
| Allotment result | Awaiting announcement |
| Admission and reporting | Awaiting announcement |
All dates are for 2026. Keep checking the official portal in case the authority changes the schedule.
How to Register for the Stray Vacancy Round
Follow these steps when the fresh registration link becomes active:
- Go to the official KEA website.
- Open the UGNEET-2026 page.
- Find the Stray Vacancy Round fresh registration link.
- Fill in the required details.
- Upload the requested documents.
- Pay the applicable registration fee.
- Submit the form and save your confirmation.
- Download your verification slip after completing the required process.
- Pay the applicable caution deposit before entering your options.
Do not leave registration until the last minute. Make sure the details you enter match your official documents.
Caution Deposit: How Much Money Is Required?
The caution deposit depends on the seat categories you want to access.
| Category access | Deposit |
| Government medical seats and all dental categories | ₹1,00,000 |
| Government and private medical seats under G and P categories | ₹12,00,117 |
| All categories, including private, NRI and management | ₹25,00,000 |
These are substantial amounts, so check the official rules carefully before paying. Confirm the applicable category and read the refund conditions. The caution deposit should not be confused with the full college tuition fee.
How to Fill College Options
Option entry is the stage where you choose your preferred colleges and courses.
The scheduled window runs from 11 AM on October 16 to 9 AM on October 19, 2026.
Before submitting your choices:
- Check the latest seat availability.
- Review the college and course details.
- Compare the fees and location.
- Place your preferred colleges in the correct order.
- Submit or lock your choices as instructed.
- Save a copy of your final options.
Only select a college that you would genuinely consider joining if you receive an allotment.
What Should You Do After Registration?
Registration is only the first step. Download the verification slip, complete the caution deposit requirement and enter your options within the deadline.
After option entry closes, watch the KEA website for the allotment result and the next instructions. If you receive a seat, follow the announced fee payment and college reporting process.
The allotment result and reporting dates are not confirmed in the schedule covered here, so avoid relying on unofficial dates.
FAQs
When does Karnataka NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round registration begin?
Registration is scheduled to begin on October 13, 2026.
What is the last date to register?
The scheduled last date is October 16, 2026.
When can I fill in my college choices?
Option entry is scheduled from 11 AM on October 16 until 9 AM on October 19.
Can a candidate who already has a seat participate?
Generally, candidates already allotted seats in previous rounds are ineligible, except for the specified eligible dental-seat holders seeking a medical seat.
What is the caution deposit?
Depending on the seat categories, the announced amount is ₹1 lakh, ₹12,00,117 or ₹25 lakh. Verify the correct amount and refund rules on the official portal.
Where can I check updates?
Visit the KEA official website and open the UGNEET-2026 section.