Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the schedule for the UGNEET-2026 Stray Vacancy Round for medical and dental admissions in Karnataka. Eligible candidates will be able to complete fresh registration from October 13 to October 16, 2026.
The counselling process gives eligible NEET UG candidates an opportunity to compete for available MBBS and BDS seats. Candidates must complete the required registration steps, download their verification slip, pay the applicable caution deposit and enter their college preferences within the prescribed dates.
Candidates should check the eligibility conditions carefully before registering. Not everyone who participated in an earlier counselling round can take part in the stray vacancy round.
KEA NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Counselling authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Counselling name | UGNEET-2026 |
| Round | Stray Vacancy Round |
| Courses | MBBS and BDS |
| Fresh registration | October 13–16, 2026 |
| Option entry | October 16–19, 2026 |
| Option entry timing | October 16 at 11 AM to October 19 at 9 AM |
| Registration fee | Check the official KEA notification |
| Allotment result | Date not yet confirmed |
| Official website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
The dates for the allotment result, fee payment and college reporting should be checked in subsequent KEA announcements.
KEA NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should keep the following schedule in mind.
| Event | Date |
| Fresh registration opens | October 13, 2026 |
| Fresh registration closes | October 16, 2026 |
| Option entry begins | October 16, 2026, at 11 AM |
| Option entry closes | October 19, 2026, at 9 AM |
| Seat allotment result | To be announced |
| Fee payment and college reporting | To be announced |
Candidates should not wait until the final day to complete registration or enter their preferences. They should also confirm the latest schedule on the official portal in case KEA issues a revised notice.
Who Is Eligible for KEA UGNEET Stray Vacancy Round 2026?
Eligibility depends on the candidate’s NEET UG qualification and previous counselling status.
The announced guidelines identify the following groups:
- Candidates without a seat in previous KEA rounds: Eligible candidates who were not allotted a seat earlier may participate, subject to the remaining conditions.
- Eligible candidates who have not registered with KEA: They can use the fresh registration window to complete the required formalities.
- Candidates holding a dental seat who want a medical seat: Eligible dental seat holders seeking an upgrade to an MBBS seat are included under the stated conditions.
Candidates who have already been allotted seats in previous rounds are generally not eligible for this stray vacancy round, except for the specified dental-seat holders seeking a medical seat.
Before applying, candidates should read the latest KEA notification to confirm their eligibility. Completing registration alone does not guarantee participation or allotment.
KEA NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Caution Deposit
Candidates must pay the caution deposit applicable to the seat categories they wish to access. The announced deposit structure is as follows.
| Seat category access | Caution deposit |
| Government medical seats and all dental categories | ₹1,00,000 |
| Government and private medical seats under G and P categories | ₹12,00,117 |
| All categories, including private, NRI and management | ₹25,00,000 |
These amounts are significant. Candidates should verify the applicable category, payment instructions, refund conditions and other financial rules in the official KEA notification before making a payment.
The caution deposit is not the same as the final tuition fee. Candidates should not assume that paying the deposit covers all college admission expenses.
How to Register for KEA NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026
Eligible candidates who have not registered with KEA can follow these general steps once the registration link becomes available.
- Visit the official KEA website.
- Open the UGNEET-2026 section.
- Select the fresh registration link for the Stray Vacancy Round.
- Enter the required personal, academic and NEET UG details.
- Upload the documents requested by the portal.
- Pay the prescribed registration fee, as applicable.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation details.
- Download the verification slip after completing the required process.
- Pay the applicable caution deposit before option entry.
Candidates should use their own correct details and keep copies of payment receipts and submitted documents.
How to Complete Option Entry
Option entry allows eligible candidates to select their preferred colleges and courses from the available choices.
The announced window is scheduled from 11 AM on October 16 to 9 AM on October 19, 2026.
Candidates should:
- Log in to the official KEA portal.
- Review the available seat matrix and applicable categories.
- Select colleges and courses in their preferred order.
- Check each selection carefully before submitting.
- Save or lock the options according to the instructions.
- Keep a copy or screenshot of the submitted options for reference.
Candidates should not select colleges solely because a seat appears vacant. They should also consider the course, fee structure, location and their willingness to join if allotted.
What Happens After Option Entry?
The allotment result date has not been confirmed in the schedule available for this update. Candidates should continue checking the KEA portal for the next notice.
After the result is announced, allotted candidates must follow the official instructions for fee payment, document verification and college reporting. The relevant deadlines will be important because missing a required step may affect admission.
Candidates who are not allotted a seat should check further official notices rather than assuming another round will take place.
FAQs
1. When does KEA NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round registration start in 2026?
Fresh registration is scheduled to begin on October 13, 2026, and close on October 16, 2026.
2. What are the option entry dates?
Option entry is scheduled from October 16 at 11 AM until October 19 at 9 AM.
3. Who can apply for the stray vacancy round?
Eligible candidates who were not allotted seats in previous KEA rounds and eligible unregistered candidates may participate. Dental seat holders seeking an MBBS seat may also be eligible under the announced conditions.
4. How much is the caution deposit?
The announced deposits are ₹1 lakh, ₹12,00,117 or ₹25 lakh, depending on the categories of seats a candidate wishes to access. Check the official notice before paying.
5. Has KEA announced the stray vacancy allotment result date?
The result date has not been confirmed in the schedule covered here. Candidates should check the official KEA website for updates.
6. Where can I find the official notification?
Visit the KEA website and open the UGNEET-2026 section.