The second stray vacancy round is being conducted to fill remaining medical and dental seats after the earlier counselling stages. Candidates should review the latest seat matrix, confirm their eligibility and enter their preferences in the order in which they genuinely wish to join the colleges.

The option-entry facility is available through the KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates should complete the process well before the closing time, review their selections carefully and ensure that their options have been saved and submitted successfully.

Since the deadline is approaching, eligible candidates who have not yet completed option entry should prioritise this task. Missing the deadline may result in exclusion from the second stray vacancy allotment process.

KEA UGNEET 2026 Round 2 Option Entry: Key Highlights

KEA UGNEET 2026: What Is the Latest Update?

KEA has opened option entry for the second stray vacancy round, giving eligible candidates another opportunity to compete for seats remaining after the first stray vacancy round.

The authority has made the relevant seat matrix available online. Candidates should examine the vacancies before submitting their preferences, paying attention to the college, course and applicable seat category.

The first stray vacancy round has already reached the allotment and admission stage. Candidates allotted seats in that round must follow the instructions applicable to their existing allotment and should not assume that they can automatically participate in another round.

Candidates interested in the second stray round must first confirm that they meet KEA's eligibility conditions. They should also check the latest official notification for any restrictions relating to candidates who have already been allotted or admitted to a seat.

Why Is the Second Stray Vacancy Round Important?

The stray vacancy process is conducted to fill seats that remain vacant after the regular rounds of counselling. Vacancies can arise because of seat non-joining, cancellations or other circumstances permitted under the counselling rules.

The second stray vacancy round provides another opportunity for eligible candidates to be considered for remaining MBBS and BDS seats. However, the number and type of seats available may be limited.

Candidates should remember that:

• Participation does not guarantee a seat.

• Allotment depends on NEET UG merit, eligibility, submitted preferences and the available seat matrix.

• Only candidates meeting the applicable eligibility conditions can participate.

• Candidates must follow the specific rules governing previous allotments, admissions and seat eligibility.

• Options must be entered and submitted before the notified deadline.

Candidates should not base their decisions solely on vacancies reported in earlier rounds, as the seat matrix may change after admissions, cancellations or other authorised adjustments.

How to Enter Options for KEA UGNEET 2026 Stray Vacancy Round 2

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to submit their college and course preferences.

1.    Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

2.    Open the UGNEET 2026 section.

3.    Find the link for the second stray vacancy round seat-allotment option entry.

4.    Log in using the required CET number or the login method specified by KEA, including QR-code access where provided.

5.    Open the option-entry facility.

6.    Review the available colleges, courses and seat categories.

7.    Enter preferences in the order of priority.

8.    Review the entire preference list carefully before submitting it.

9.    Save and submit the options as directed on the portal.

10.                   Retain a copy or screenshot of the submitted options and confirmation, if available.

Candidates should not wait until the final minutes to submit their choices. Internet connectivity problems, login difficulties or incomplete submissions can create avoidable complications near the deadline.

How Should Candidates Choose Their College Preferences?

Option entry is an important part of the seat-allotment process. Candidates should prepare their preference list after examining the current seat matrix and their own eligibility.

1. Check the latest seat matrix

Review the available MBBS and BDS seats and identify the colleges and categories relevant to your eligibility. The matrix should be checked on the official KEA portal.

2. Understand the seat categories

Different categories of seats may have different eligibility requirements and financial implications. Candidates should read the applicable rules before including a seat in their preference list.

3. Arrange preferences carefully

List colleges in the order in which you would genuinely prefer to join them. Do not place a college higher simply because it appears to have a vacancy if you would not be willing to accept that seat.

4. Consider fees and location

Candidates should check tuition fees, other charges, location, accommodation requirements and the college's admission instructions before making their final choices.

5. Review before submission

A mistake in the preference order may affect the outcome of the allotment. Candidates should review the list carefully before submitting it.

The exact rules governing whether options can be modified after submission should be checked in the current KEA notification. Candidates should not assume that a submitted list can be changed after the portal closes.

Who Can Participate in KEA UGNEET 2026 Stray Vacancy Round 2?

Eligibility is governed by KEA's current stray vacancy round notification. Candidates should read the instructions carefully before attempting option entry.

The authority's earlier stray-round instructions included provisions for eligible candidates who had not been allotted a medical seat, as well as certain candidates holding dental seats who sought consideration for medical seats subject to the prescribed conditions and fee requirements.

For the second stray vacancy round, candidates should verify their individual eligibility and any restrictions linked to an earlier allotment or admission. In particular, candidates who have already been allotted a seat, paid the prescribed fee or reported to a college should not assume that they can freely participate again.

The applicable notice and the candidate's current counselling status take precedence over general guidance.

What Happens After Option Entry Closes?

After the option-entry window closes, KEA will process the submitted preferences according to the applicable allotment rules and available vacancies.

Candidates should monitor the official portal for the second stray vacancy round allotment result and any subsequent admission instructions. They should not rely on an estimated result date unless KEA formally announces it.

After an allotment is published, candidates should:

• Check their allotment status and allotted college.

• Read the instructions attached to the allotment result.

• Complete the required fee payment within the specified period.

• Download the seat confirmation slip, where applicable.

• Report to the allotted college with the prescribed original documents.

• Complete admission formalities before the official deadline.

Candidates must follow the schedule applicable to the second stray round rather than assuming that the deadlines from the first stray vacancy round will automatically apply.

Important Admission Deadlines for Candidates Allotted in the First Stray Round

Candidates who received a seat in the first stray vacancy round should distinguish the admission deadlines for that round from the second-round option-entry deadline.

The reported first stray round admission schedule includes the following dates:

These dates relate to the first stray vacancy round. Candidates should confirm their personal allotment instructions and the latest KEA notices before taking action. The option-entry deadline for the second stray round is a separate activity.

Documents to Keep Ready for Admission

Candidates who receive an allotment should prepare the documents specified by KEA and the allotted institution. Depending on their circumstances, these may include:

• NEET UG 2026 admit card

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard or rank details

• KEA registration and verification documents

• Seat allotment letter or seat confirmation slip

• Class 10 marksheet or date-of-birth proof

• Class 12 marksheet and certificate

• Valid photo identity proof

• Category certificate, where applicable

• Income or EWS certificate, where applicable

• Domicile or eligibility documents, where required

• Other certificates required by the counselling authority

• Fee payment receipt and related admission documents

Candidates should check the official instructions for the complete list. They should carry original documents and the required number of photocopies when reporting to the allotted institution.

What If a Candidate Misses the 1 PM Deadline?

Candidates who fail to complete option entry before the portal closes may lose the opportunity to be considered in the second stray vacancy round, subject to the applicable counselling rules.

Candidates should not assume that KEA will extend the deadline. Any extension or schedule change must be confirmed through an official notification.

If a candidate experiences a technical problem, they should consult the official portal and KEA's published contact or grievance information immediately. A screenshot of an error message may be useful when communicating with the authority, but it does not guarantee acceptance of a late submission.

KEA UGNEET 2026: Important Points to Remember

• The second stray vacancy round option-entry window closes at 1:00 PM on October 24, 2026.

• Option entry is conducted online through the KEA portal.

• Candidates should review the latest seat matrix before entering preferences.

• Eligibility restrictions relating to previous allotments and admissions must be checked carefully.

• Preferences should be arranged in genuine order of priority.

• Candidates should save confirmation of their submitted options, where available.

• The second stray round allotment result and admission schedule should be checked through official KEA notifications.

• Candidates already allotted seats in the first stray round must follow the separate admission instructions for that round.

Conclusion

The second stray vacancy round of KEA UGNEET 2026 offers eligible candidates another opportunity to be considered for remaining MBBS and BDS seats in Karnataka. With option entry closing at 1:00 PM on October 24, candidates should check the current seat matrix, verify their eligibility and submit their preferences without delay.

After submitting options, candidates should continue checking the official KEA portal for the allotment result, fee-payment instructions, seat confirmation requirements and college reporting deadlines. Following the official schedule carefully is essential to avoid missing an admission opportunity.