Karnataka NEET UG 2026: Stray Vacancy Round Option Entry Process Commences

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially initiated the option entry process for the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round. Candidates who have previously registered for the state-level medical counselling process are now invited to log in to the official portal to select their preferred colleges and courses for the final phase of seat allocation.

This online process is a critical step for students seeking admission into medical programmes across the state. To participate in this round, candidates must ensure they have completed the necessary financial requirements, as the payment of the medical course fee is a mandatory prerequisite for accessing the choice-filling interface.

Important Deadlines and Procedures for Stray Round

The KEA has set strict timelines for the completion of the stray vacancy round. Eligible students are required to deposit their medical course fees no later than 11:00 AM on October 19, 2026. Following the successful payment of the fee, candidates can proceed to the choice-filling section on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

The deadline for completing and locking the option entry process is 1:00 PM on October 19, 2026. Officials have advised candidates to complete their submissions well in advance of the deadline to prevent any potential technical issues or last-minute complications that could arise during the final hours of the window.

Once the option entry period concludes, the KEA will process the data to release the seat allotment results. These results will be determined based on the preferences submitted by the candidates during this online window. It is essential for students to carefully review their choices, as the final seat allocation will be strictly based on the options locked within the portal by the specified time.