The Round 1 option-entry window opened at 2:00 PM on October 7, 2026, and candidates can submit their preferences until 11:00 AM on October 12, 2026. The process is being conducted for admission to Ayurveda and Homoeopathy degree programmes through the Karnataka UGNEET counselling system.

KEA has also made available the college-wise, course-wise and category-wise seat matrix along with the applicable fee structure, allowing candidates to assess available options before finalising their preferences.

Candidates must exercise considerable care while entering their choices because the order of preference plays a crucial role in the seat-allotment process.

KEA AYUSH Counselling 2026: Round 1 Key Highlights

KEA AYUSH Round 1 Option Entry 2026: Important Dates

Candidates should carefully note the Round 1 schedule to avoid missing the option-entry deadline.

The option-entry window is time-bound. Candidates should not wait until the final hours because technical issues, login problems or incorrect choices can affect participation.

Who Can Enter Options in KEA AYUSH Round 1?

Only candidates who satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions can participate in the Round 1 option-entry process.

Candidates must:

• Have qualified NEET UG 2026.

• Be eligible for Karnataka UGNEET-2026 counselling.

• Have completed the required registration process.

• Have undergone document verification.

• Have obtained the required verification slip.

• Be eligible for the AYUSH course or courses for which they wish to submit preferences.

Candidates who have not completed the required verification process should not assume that they can participate merely because they qualified NEET UG.

Who Cannot Participate in This Round?

Candidates who have already joined a medical college or have been allotted a medical seat in the third round of UGNEET counselling are subject to restrictions for this AYUSH option-entry process.

KEA has specifically cautioned candidates who already hold seats in another discipline. Such candidates should participate in the AYUSH round only if they are genuinely interested in shifting to an AYUSH programme and are prepared to comply with the consequences of accepting a new allotment.

Which AYUSH Courses Are Covered?

The Karnataka AYUSH counselling process covers undergraduate courses in traditional and alternative systems of medicine.

The Round 1 process particularly includes:

BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

BAMS is an undergraduate medical programme based on the principles and practices of Ayurveda. Students receive training in Ayurvedic medicine along with relevant modern medical and clinical subjects.

BHMS – Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery

BHMS is an undergraduate programme focused on Homoeopathic medicine, with students receiving education in medical sciences and Homoeopathic principles and clinical practice.

The Karnataka AYUSH counselling framework may also cover other eligible AYUSH disciplines depending on the seats and courses included in the applicable seat matrix.

KEA AYUSH Seat Matrix 2026

KEA has published the college-wise, category-wise and course-wise seat matrix for the AYUSH admission process.

The seat matrix is one of the most important documents for candidates because it allows them to understand:

• Which colleges are participating

• Which courses are offered

• Number of seats

• Category-wise availability

• Seat type

• Applicable fee structure

• Government and private institution options

Candidates should always refer to the latest seat matrix before submitting their choices because the availability of seats can change during the counselling process.

Karnataka AYUSH Seat Matrix 2026: Latest Update

The AYUSH seat matrix released by KEA covers the available seats in participating institutions. An additional seat matrix was also issued subsequently, making it important for candidates to check the latest version before completing their preference list.

The available Karnataka AYUSH seat information includes BAMS and BHMS institutions across government and private sectors.

The previously released Karnataka AYUSH matrix indicated 4,578 seats across 66 colleges, comprising approximately 3,473 BAMS seats across 51 colleges and 1,105 BHMS seats across 15 colleges. Candidates should rely on the latest KEA matrix for the actual Round 1 allotment position because seat numbers and categories can be revised.

How to Enter KEA AYUSH Options 2026

Eligible candidates can follow the steps below to complete Round 1 option entry.

Step 1: Visit the KEA Website

Go to the Karnataka Examinations Authority's official counselling portal.

Step 2: Open the UGNEET-2026 Section

Select the UGNEET-2026 counselling section and look for the AYUSH option-entry link.

Step 3: Login

Use the credentials provided during the Karnataka UGNEET registration process.

Candidates should also keep their verification-slip details readily available.

Step 4: Check the Seat Matrix

Before entering choices, carefully examine the latest AYUSH seat matrix.

Check:

• Course

• College

• Category

• Seat type

• Fee

• Eligibility

• Location

Step 5: Prepare Your Preference Order

Arrange colleges and courses according to your genuine preference.

Step 6: Enter Options

Add the preferred AYUSH colleges and courses in priority order.

Step 7: Review the Preference List

Candidates should carefully review every option before final submission.

Step 8: Submit Options

Submit the options before 11:00 AM on October 12, 2026.

Step 9: Save a Copy

Candidates should save or print their final option-entry details for future reference.

How Should Candidates Arrange Their Options?

Choice filling should not be done randomly.

Candidates should prepare their preference list after considering:

1.    Preferred AYUSH discipline

2.    College reputation

3.    Government/private status

4.    Tuition fee

5.    Category and seat eligibility

6.    Previous admission trends

7.    College location

8.    Hostel availability

9.    Clinical exposure

10.                   Infrastructure

11.                   Travel considerations

12.                   Long-term career objectives

Candidates are generally better served by entering a sufficiently broad list of acceptable choices rather than restricting themselves to only a few institutions.

Why Option Order Matters

KEA's seat allotment is based on the candidate's merit, eligibility, category, seat availability and order of preference.

For example, if a candidate places College A above College B and both are available for allotment according to the candidate's rank and eligibility, the system will consider the higher-ranked preference first.

Therefore, candidates should place their choices in the exact order in which they would prefer to receive them.

Candidates Already Holding a Medical Seat: Important Warning

One of the most important instructions concerns candidates who have already secured admission in another medical discipline.

A candidate who already holds a seat should participate in the AYUSH round only after carefully considering whether they genuinely want to move to an AYUSH course.

If a new AYUSH seat is allotted, the candidate's existing seat in another discipline may be automatically cancelled under the applicable rules.

This means candidates should not enter AYUSH options merely as an experiment.

Existing Seat Can Be Lost After AYUSH Allotment

Candidates who already have an allotted seat must understand the consequences before entering options.

If an AYUSH seat is allotted:

• The previously held seat may be cancelled automatically.

• The candidate cannot claim the old seat back.

• The candidate will be required to join the newly allotted AYUSH institution.

• The candidate must arrange the original documents required for admission.

• Fees already paid for another course will not automatically be adjusted against the new AYUSH admission.

• The candidate may have to pay the applicable AYUSH fee again.

Therefore, candidates should discuss their options with parents or guardians before submitting choices if they are already studying in another programme.

Original Documents Are the Candidate's Responsibility

Candidates already admitted to another college should ensure that they can obtain their original documents within the required period if they receive an AYUSH allotment.

KEA has clarified that obtaining original documents from the existing institution is the candidate's responsibility.

Candidates should not assume that document-related difficulties will automatically result in an extension of the admission deadline.

Fee Payment for AYUSH Admission

Candidates shifting from another course should also understand that fees already paid to their existing institution will not automatically be transferred to the AYUSH seat.

A candidate allotted an AYUSH seat must pay the applicable fee according to the AYUSH college and seat category.

Therefore, checking the fee structure before entering options is essential.

KEA Advisory: Check Fees Before Option Entry

Candidates are advised to review the fee structure of every institution and seat category before adding it to their preference list.

This is especially important for private institutions, where the financial commitment may differ significantly from government institutions.

Candidates should enter only those options that they are prepared to accept if allotted.

KEA AYUSH Counselling 2026 Seat Allotment

After the option-entry window closes, KEA will process the allotment based on the applicable counselling rules.

The allotment will consider:

• NEET UG 2026 merit/rank

• Candidate eligibility

• Reservation and roster rules

• Seat availability

• Course eligibility

• Category

• Order of options entered by the candidate

Candidates should remember that merely entering a choice does not guarantee allotment.

What Happens After Round 1 Allotment?

After the Round 1 allotment result is announced, candidates will need to follow the instructions issued by KEA for their particular allotment status.

Depending on the allotted seat and the applicable choice option, candidates may have to:

• Accept the seat

• Pay the prescribed fee

• Download the confirmation/admission documents

• Report to the allotted institution

• Submit original documents

• Complete verification

• Complete any required online or biometric/photo verification

• Follow further-round instructions, if eligible

Candidates should carefully read the allotment notification because the consequences of accepting, rejecting or failing to report can differ.

What Happens If a Candidate Fails to Report?

KEA has issued a strong warning for candidates who receive a seat.

Candidates must report to the allotted institution within the prescribed deadline.

Failure to report after accepting or receiving the relevant allotment can result in loss of the allotted seat. Candidates who already held another seat may also face the loss of both the earlier and newly allotted seats under the applicable rules.

In such circumstances, fee refund may also not be available.

Therefore, candidates should participate only when they are certain about their preference and ability to join.

Karnataka AYUSH Counselling 2026: Government and Private Colleges

Karnataka offers AYUSH education through both government and private institutions.

Government AYUSH Colleges

Government institutions generally have comparatively lower tuition fees and are highly competitive.

Some government institutions offering AYUSH education in Karnataka include colleges in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Ballari.

Private AYUSH Colleges

Karnataka also has a substantial number of private Ayurveda and Homoeopathy institutions.

Candidates considering private colleges should compare:

• Tuition fees

• Hostel charges

• Clinical facilities

• Patient exposure

• Faculty

• Infrastructure

• Location

• Hospital facilities

• Academic record

Important Documents for AYUSH Admission

Candidates should keep their original documents and required copies ready.

These may include:

• NEET UG 2026 admit card

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard

• NEET UG rank details

• Karnataka UGNEET application details

• Verification slip

• Class 10 certificate

• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate

• Date-of-birth proof

• Category certificate, where applicable

• Karnataka domicile/residential documents, where applicable

• Income certificate, where applicable

• Valid identity proof

• Passport-size photographs

• Study certificates, where applicable

• Migration certificate, where applicable

• Other documents prescribed by KEA

Candidates should check the latest admission instructions for the exact document requirements applicable to their category.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Enter Choices Before the Deadline

The final deadline is 11:00 AM on October 12, 2026. Candidates should submit their options well before the closing time.

Do Not Enter Unwanted Colleges

Candidates should not include a college simply because seats appear available.

Check the Fee Structure

Review the fee applicable to each seat category before adding an institution.

Arrange Options Carefully

The preference order can directly influence the allotment outcome.

Keep the Verification Slip Safe

The verification slip confirms eligibility and contains information important for the counselling process.

Already-Admitted Candidates Should Be Cautious

Candidates who already have a medical or dental seat should participate only if they are genuinely willing to shift to AYUSH.

Be Prepared With Original Documents

Candidates moving from another institution should make arrangements to obtain their original documents quickly if they receive an AYUSH allotment.

Do Not Miss Reporting

Failure to report within the prescribed period can lead to cancellation of the allotted seat and other consequences.

KEA AYUSH Counselling 2026: Round 1 Process at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Has KEA AYUSH Round 1 option entry started?

Yes. KEA started Round 1 AYUSH option entry on October 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

What is the last date for KEA AYUSH Round 1 option entry?

Candidates can submit their options until 11:00 AM on October 12, 2026.

Who can enter AYUSH options?

Candidates who are eligible under UGNEET-2026, have completed registration and document verification, and have the required verification slip can participate.

Which courses are covered?

The counselling process includes undergraduate AYUSH courses, including BAMS and BHMS, subject to the courses and seats listed in the applicable KEA seat matrix.

Is NEET UG 2026 required for Karnataka AYUSH admission?

Yes. Admission to the relevant undergraduate AYUSH programmes is based on NEET UG qualification and the applicable Karnataka counselling rules.

Can a candidate already holding an MBBS or BDS seat participate?

Such candidates must exercise extreme caution. If they participate and receive an AYUSH seat, their previously held seat may be cancelled under the applicable rules. They should participate only if they genuinely intend to move to AYUSH.

Can previously paid fees be transferred to the AYUSH college?

No. Fees paid for another course are not automatically adjusted against an AYUSH seat. Candidates receiving an AYUSH allotment must pay the applicable fee.

Can candidates change their choices before the deadline?

Candidates should use the option-entry facility to review and modify their preferences within the permitted period before the final deadline.

What happens if a candidate does not report after AYUSH allotment?

Failure to report can lead to cancellation of the allotted seat. Candidates already holding another seat may face additional consequences, including loss of the earlier seat and possible loss of fee, depending on the applicable rules.

Should candidates enter as many choices as possible?

Candidates should enter a broad range of genuinely acceptable choices. They should not add institutions that they are unwilling or financially unable to join.

Conclusion

The commencement of KEA AYUSH Counselling 2026 Round 1 option entry gives NEET UG 2026-qualified candidates an important opportunity to secure admission to undergraduate AYUSH programmes in Karnataka.

The option-entry window is open from 2:00 PM on October 7 until 11:00 AM on October 12, 2026. Candidates who have completed registration and document verification and possess the required verification slip can participate in the process.

The most important step at this stage is to prepare a carefully researched preference list. Candidates should examine the latest seat matrix, course availability, category, college, fee structure and location before submitting their choices. Since the order of preference is an important factor in seat allotment, choices should be arranged according to the candidate's genuine priorities.

Candidates who already hold MBBS, BDS or another medical seat should be especially cautious. Accepting an AYUSH seat can have consequences for the previously held seat, and candidates should participate only if they are genuinely prepared to shift to an AYUSH programme.

Finally, candidates should remember that option entry is only one stage of the admission process. After allotment, timely fee payment, document verification and reporting are essential to secure the admission. Careful planning and strict adherence to KEA's deadlines will be crucial for candidates seeking a BAMS, BHMS or other eligible AYUSH seat in Karnataka.