KEA Issues Mandatory Fresh Option Entry Guidelines for KCET 2026 Round 3 Counselling

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released an important notification regarding the third round of seat allotment for the KCET 2026 counselling process. In a significant update for participating students, the authority has mandated that all candidates must submit a fresh list of options to be considered for this stage of the admission process. Previous choices entered by candidates during earlier rounds will not be carried forward or considered for the third-round seat allocation.

This directive applies to all courses covered under the UGCET admission framework, including engineering, architecture, pharmacy, agriculture science, veterinary, B.Sc Nursing, Yoga and Naturopathy, BPT, BPO, and Allied Health Sciences. Candidates are urged to approach the option-entry portal with caution, ensuring that their preferred colleges and courses are listed strictly in their order of priority. The KEA has explicitly advised students to include only those institutions where they are genuinely prepared to secure admission, as the allotment will be finalized based on these new entries and individual merit.

Guidelines for Option Entry and Seat Cancellation Policies

According to the official notice, the third-round allotment will incorporate seats that remained vacant after the conclusion of the second round. This pool of available seats includes those forfeited or cancelled by candidates, as well as newly added seats. Because the availability of these seats may fluctuate due to ongoing cancellations or additions, the KEA has emphasized that students should not select options simply because they appear on the list. Instead, careful consideration of personal preferences is required before final submission.

A critical aspect of this announcement is the finality of the third-round process. The KEA has clarified that once the seat allotment results are published, candidates will not be granted any further opportunities to modify their choices. Furthermore, the authority has issued a stern warning regarding the financial implications of cancelling an engineering seat after the third round. Candidates who choose to withdraw their admission at this stage will be subject to a penalty equivalent to five times the fee amount. Given these strict regulations, students are encouraged to finalize their choices with full awareness of the potential consequences and the binding nature of the third-round allotment.