Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Counselling: KEA Extends Option Entry to October 2 and Caution Deposit to October 1

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bangalore, has issued an official corrigendum extending the schedule for the third round (Round 3) of seat allotment for MBBS and BDS admissions under UGNEET-2026. Candidates participating in the state counselling process can now deposit their caution amount until 01 October 2026 and exercise web options until 02 October 2026, 10:00 AM IST.

This extension comes as a timely intervention following nationwide banking disruptions and strikes that temporarily impeded online NEFT/RTGS and challan transactions. Below is the detailed breakdown of the revised schedule, eligibility classifications, caution deposit slabs, and strategic guidelines for Round 3 option entry.

1. Revised Counselling Schedule & Deadlines

2. Round 3 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can and Cannot Participate?

KEA has reiterated clear eligibility boundaries governing Round 3 participation:

Eligible Categories:

1. Un-allotted Candidates: Candidates who registered and underwent verification but were not allotted any medical seat in Round 1 or Round 2.

2. Choice-4 Selectors from Round 1: Candidates allotted a seat in Round 1 who chose Choice-4 to vacate and wait for subsequent rounds.

3. Candidates Who Cancelled Seats with Penalty: Aspirants who surrendered their allotted seats within the permissible window by paying the mandated penalty.

4. Candidates Exercising 'QUIT': Those who formally opted for the 'QUIT' option prior to the finalization of Round 2 results.

5. Admitted Candidates Seeking Upgradation: Candidates who have physically reported to medical or dental colleges in Round 1 or Round 2 and wish to upgrade to a higher-preference institution.

Strict Ineligibility: Candidates who were allotted a seat in either Round 1 or Round 2 but failed to exercise any post-allotment choice (Choice 1/2/3/4) within the prescribed time are permanently disqualified from participating in Round 3.

3. Caution Deposit Requirements

4. Visual Option Entry & Upgradation Decision Architecture

KEA UGNEET Round 3 Participation & Upgradation Flowchart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Candidate Status Evaluation]
         |
         +--> [Did NOT choose Choice in R1/R2] --> Disqualified / Ineligible
         |
         +--> [Eligible: Un-allotted / Upgradation / Choice-4 / Cancelled with Penalty]
                   |
                   v
         [Remit Caution Deposit on KEA Portal]
         [DEADLINE: 01 October 2026]
                   |
                   v
         [Access Option Entry Module: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea]
                   |
                   v
         [Add, Rearrange, and Delete College Preferences]
         * Rule: Only list colleges STRICTLY PREFERRED over current holding!
                   |
                   v
         [Lock / Submit Options Before 02 October 2026, 10:00 AM]
                   |
                   v
         [Round 3 Seat Allotment Result Declared]
                   |
                   +--> [Upgraded]  --> Old seat instantly vacated & re-allotted.
                   |                    Must report to NEW college.
                   |
                   +--> [Unchanged] --> Retain previously allotted seat.
                   |
                   +--> [Fresh Allotment] --> Complete fee payment & join college.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

5. Candidate Action Roadmap: Steps for the Next 72 Hours

1. Clear the Caution Deposit: Log into the candidate portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea immediately and verify that your payment receipt has generated. Do not wait until the final evening of 01 October.

2. Analyses the Round 3 Seat Matrix: Inspect the medical and dental seat vacancies published by KEA to assess which colleges have open, real vacancies vs virtual vacancies.

3. Prune Inferior Choices: If you currently hold a seat, delete all options that are geographically or academically inferior to your current allotment. Upgradation is automatic and irrevocable.

4. Download Confirmation Slip: After saving your final preference order, always generate and download the PDF option entry acknowledgement slip showing the server timestamp.

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