Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round: Option Entry Deadline Extended to Oct 19
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Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round: Key Dates & Schedule
Staying updated with the official schedule is paramount for all candidates. Here are the revised key dates for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round:
| Activity / Parameter | Details & Schedule |
| Seat matrix published | October 8, 2026 |
| New registration window | October 13 to 16, 2026 |
| Option entry opens | October 16, 2026 at 11 AM |
| Option entry closes (extended) | October 19, 2026 at 9 AM |
Who Can Apply for the Stray Vacancy Round?
The Stray Vacancy Round has specific eligibility criteria. Candidates must carefully review these to ensure they qualify:
- Only NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates are eligible.
- Candidates who were not allotted any seat in previous KEA rounds can apply.
- Those who missed earlier registration windows can register afresh for this round.
- Candidates currently holding a dental seat allotment may still apply for medical seats.
- Candidates who have already secured and joined a medical college seat are NOT eligible to participate in this round.
Mandatory Steps for Option Entry & Seat Locking
A critical point for all participants: fresh preferences are mandatory in this Stray Round. Choices submitted in earlier rounds will not be carried forward. You must re-enter all your desired college and course options now.
To maximize your chances and make informed decisions, utilize the NEET College Predictor. This tool can help you assess your admission possibilities for various MBBS and BDS colleges based on your NEET 2026 score or rank, considering both All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota seats.
Ensure you meticulously review and lock your choices on the official KEA portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, well before the October 19, 9 AM deadline.
Karnataka UGNEET 2026 Stray Round Fee Structure
Candidates participating in the Stray Round must be aware of the deposit amounts required for different seat categories:
| Seat Category | Deposit Amount (Rs) |
| G Seats (Government Quota) | 1,00,000 |
| P Seats (Private Quota) | 12,00,117 |
| N and Q Seats (NRI and Management) | 25,00,000 |
| All Dental Seats | 1,00,000 |
It's important to note that while dental seats have a deposit amount listed, KEA has clarified that no dental seats were left after the third round, and this stray round is exclusively for medical seats this year.
Understanding the Stray Round Seat Matrix
The KEA published the final seat matrix for the Stray Round on October 8, 2026. This matrix details all vacant seats by college, course, and quota type. A total of 664 MBBS seats are available, predominantly in private medical colleges across Karnataka.
Candidates are strongly advised to download and thoroughly review this seat matrix from the official KEA website before submitting their options. This will help you make strategic choices based on actual seat availability.
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the extended deadline for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round option entry?
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the option entry deadline for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Round to October 19, 2026, at 9 AM. Candidates must lock their preferences on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in before this time.
Q: How many MBBS seats are available in the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round?
A total of 664 MBBS seats are available in the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round. These seats are spread across various government and private medical colleges in the state. KEA has clarified that no dental seats are available in this round.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round?
Only NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates who were not allotted a seat in previous KEA rounds are eligible. Candidates who missed earlier registration can also register afresh. Those holding a dental seat may apply for medical seats, but candidates already admitted to a medical college cannot participate.
Q: Do I need to enter new options if I participated in previous rounds of Karnataka NEET UG counselling?
Yes, it is mandatory to enter fresh preferences for the Stray Round. Choices submitted in earlier rounds will not be carried forward. All candidates must re-enter their desired college and course options on the KEA portal.
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