Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Registration Opens for 664 MBBS Seats

Oct 13, 2026Author:Dhuruv Singh
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Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Registration Opens for 664 MBBS Seats
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially opened the registration window for the NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round. This crucial phase of counselling presents a final opportunity for medical aspirants to secure one of the 664 available MBBS seats across various private medical colleges in the state. Candidates, both fresh and existing, can complete their registration and option entry process by visiting the KEA's dedicated portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This round is particularly significant for students who have not yet secured a seat in the previous counselling phases. The registration window is active from October 13 to October 16, 2026, making it imperative for eligible candidates to act swiftly and meticulously review all details before the deadline.

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Key Dates & Schedule for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round

Candidates must keep track of these important dates to ensure they don't miss any critical steps in the Stray Vacancy Round:
Activity / ParameterDetails & Schedule
Round 3 Fee Payment ClosedOctober 9, 2026
Round 3 Reporting DeadlineOctober 11, 2026
Stray Round New Registration WindowOctober 13 to October 16, 2026
Option Entry ScheduleTo Be Announced on KEA Portal
Seat Allotment ScheduleTo Be Announced on KEA Portal

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Seat Matrix

A total of 664 MBBS seats are available in this Stray Vacancy Round. It's important to note that no dental (BDS) seats are available for allotment in this specific round. KEA may also add more seats from forfeited Round 3 allotments, so candidates should monitor the official website for updates.
Activity / ParameterDetails & Schedule
OTH Management Quota637 seats (Annual Fee: Rs 25.09 lakh to Rs 45 lakh)
Open Private at Srinivasa Institute Mangalore27 seats (Annual Fee: Rs 22.25 lakh)
Total MBBS Seats664

Who Is Eligible for the Stray Vacancy Round?

KEA has outlined specific eligibility criteria for candidates wishing to participate in the Stray Vacancy Round. Understanding these rules is crucial before applying:
  • Candidates must not currently hold a seat from the first three KEA counselling rounds.
  • They must not have reported to any All India Quota (AIQ), deemed, or private institute through previous counselling rounds.
  • Students who currently hold a KEA dental (BDS) seat are eligible to apply for an MBBS seat in this round. However, they will need to pay the MBBS course fees to facilitate the switch.
  • Candidates who have been allotted a Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Round 4 seat are strictly not eligible to apply for the KEA Stray Vacancy Round.

How to Register for the Stray Vacancy Round

The registration process is straightforward, but attention to detail is key. Follow these steps to successfully register:
  • Visit the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  • Look for the link related to 'NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round Registration'.
  • New candidates will need to complete the fresh registration process, providing all necessary personal and academic details.
  • Existing applicants can log in using their credentials and proceed with the option entry.
  • Carefully fill in all required information and upload any necessary documents as specified.
  • Submit your choices for colleges and courses within the stipulated option entry schedule (to be announced).
  • Ensure you save and print a copy of your application for future reference.

Important Action Plan for Candidates

With the Stray Vacancy Round being a final opportunity for many, a strategic approach is vital. Here’s what you should do:
  • Verify Eligibility: Double-check all eligibility criteria before applying to avoid any last-minute disappointments.
  • Review Seat Matrix: Carefully examine the available seats and their respective fee structures. Consider your preferences and financial capabilities.
  • Prepare Documents: Keep all necessary documents, including NEET UG scorecard, domicile certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and academic transcripts, ready for verification.
  • Utilize Tools: To make informed decisions about college choices, use reliable resources. Our NEET College Predictor can help you assess your chances of admission to various MBBS and BDS colleges based on your NEET score or rank.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly visit the KEA official website for announcements regarding option entry, seat allotment, and reporting schedules.
This round is a critical juncture for many aspirants. By staying informed and prepared, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing an MBBS seat in Karnataka.

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the last date to register for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round?

The registration window for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round is open from October 13 to October 16, 2026. Candidates must complete their registration and option entry within this period.

Q: How many MBBS seats are available in the Stray Vacancy Round?

A total of 664 MBBS seats are available for allotment in the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round. These include 637 seats under the OTH Management Quota and 27 Open Private seats at Srinivasa Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore. No BDS seats are available in this round.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round?

Eligible candidates include those who have not secured a seat in the first three KEA rounds, have not reported to any AIQ, deemed, or private institute, or hold a KEA dental seat (and are willing to pay MBBS fees). Candidates allotted an MCC Round 4 seat are not eligible.

Q: Where can I find the official notification and apply for the Stray Vacancy Round?

All official notifications, registration links, and updates for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round are available on the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) official website: <a href="https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/" target="_blank">cetonline.karnataka.gov.in</a>. Candidates should regularly check this portal for the latest information.