Karnataka NEET UG 2026: Round 2 Option Entry Deadline Extended to September 10

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially extended the deadline for the second round of option entry for NEET UG 2026 counselling. Students seeking admission to medical and dental courses across the state now have until September 10, 2026, at 9:30 am to finalize their college and course preferences.

This extension provides candidates with additional time to review their choices and make necessary adjustments to their priority lists. The decision comes as part of the ongoing seat allotment process, ensuring that applicants have sufficient opportunity to align their preferences with the latest available information regarding seat availability and institutional updates.

New Medical College Added to Seat Matrix

In a significant update for participants, the KEA has released the seat matrix for the newly established Bagalkote Medical College and Research in Bagalkote. This government institution was added to the official seat matrix on September 7, 2026. Consequently, candidates participating in the second round of counselling are now eligible to include this new college in their preference lists while modifying or submitting their options.

How to Complete the Option Entry Process

To participate in the second round of seat allotment, candidates must access the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The process requires navigating to the UGNEET section and selecting the option entry link. Access is granted through the CET application number or a secure QR code verification method, which involves scanning the on-screen code with a mobile device and verifying the process via an OTP sent to the registered mobile number. A mandatory face verification step is also required to ensure the security of the application.

Before finalizing their choices, candidates are required to pay a non-refundable fee of INR 750. Once the payment is processed and the receipt is generated, the option entry portal becomes active. Students can then organize their preferences either by college or by course. The KEA advises all applicants to carefully review their selected preferences, save the final submission, and download a printout of the submitted options for their records. This documentation is essential for future stages of the admission process.