The Karnataka Examination Authority has extended the option entry window for the first round of NEET-PG counselling 2026. Candidates must now complete their choice filling and locking by 12 noon today, November 3, 2026. This extension gives aspirants additional time to carefully select and arrange their preferred MD/MS courses and colleges before the mock allotment result is released. Understanding the revised timeline and the steps to enter your choices correctly is crucial to avoid missing this critical counselling phase.
Complete your choice entry and locking by 12 noon today (November 3, 2026) on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in to participate in the first round of NEET-PG counselling; the mock allotment result will follow shortly after the window closes.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Changed: Extension of the Option Entry Deadline
The Karnataka Examination Authority announced an extension to the option entry window for NEET-PG counselling 2026 Round 1. The original deadline was 4 PM on November 2, 2026, but this has now been pushed to 12 noon on November 3, 2026. This extension provides candidates with additional time to finalize their choices of courses and colleges.
The revised schedule means that the mock allotment result, originally planned for release after 4 PM on November 3, will now be issued after the new option entry window closes at noon. Candidates should note that the revised full schedule will be published online by the authority shortly, so it is important to check the official website regularly for any further updates.
Why This Matters for Your NEET-PG Admission Journey
For an MBBS graduate participating in NEET-PG counselling, the option entry phase is one of the most important steps in securing your preferred postgraduate seat. The choices you enter determine which colleges and specialities you are eligible for in the allotment process. A rushed decision during a tight deadline can lead to suboptimal choices or even missed opportunities.
The extension gives you breathing room to research colleges, compare speciality options, understand fee structures (which the authority has noted may have changed for some institutions), and make informed decisions about your ranking. This is not a time to fill choices hastily; each choice should reflect your genuine preference and career goals.
How to Enter Your Choices: Step-by-Step Process
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The option entry portal is live on the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. To enter your choices for the first round of counselling, follow the process outlined by the authority. You will need your CET (Common Entrance Test) number and application number to log in to the portal.
Once logged in, you can view the available courses and colleges, enter your choices in order of preference, and rearrange them as needed. The system allows you to save your choices before final submission. It is critical that you lock your choices before the 12 noon deadline; any choices entered after this time will not be considered for the allotment.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on the NEET-PG Round 1 option entry link
- Log in using your CET number and application number
- Access the option entry section
- Enter your course and college choices in order of preference
- Rearrange choices if needed
- Save and submit your choices before 12 noon today
Understanding the Mock Allotment Result
After the option entry window closes at 12 noon, the Karnataka Examination Authority will process all submitted choices and release a mock allotment result. This mock result is not your final seat allocation; rather, it is a simulation that shows you which college and course you would be allotted based on your current choices, your NEET-PG rank, and the availability of seats.
The mock allotment serves as a preview and allows you to assess whether your current choice arrangement is likely to result in your desired outcome. Based on the mock result, you will have an opportunity to modify your choices—adding new options, deleting unsuitable ones, or rearranging the order of preference—before the final allotment is declared.
What Happens After Mock Allotment: The Next Steps
Once the mock allotment result is released, the counselling process moves into its next phase. You will be given a window to review your mock result and make any changes to your choices if you wish. This is your chance to correct any mistakes or reconsider your preferences based on the simulated outcome.
After you finalize your choices following the mock allotment, the authority will release the provisional allotment result for Round 1. This provisional result is closer to your actual seat allocation but may still be subject to verification and final confirmation. Once the final allotment result is declared, you will be required to report to your allotted college with the necessary documents to complete the admission process.
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Important Note on College Fee Changes
The Karnataka Examination Authority has flagged that fee structures at several medical colleges have been updated. This is a critical detail for your decision-making, as the cost of your postgraduate course can significantly impact your financial planning and career choices. Before finalizing your choices, verify the current fee details for each college you are considering.
Do not assume that fees remain the same as in previous years or as advertised earlier. Check the official college websites and the counselling portal for the most recent fee information. This will help you make choices that align not only with your academic preferences but also with your financial capacity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Choice Entry
One of the most frequent errors candidates make is entering choices without a clear strategy. Avoid filling choices randomly or based on hearsay. Instead, rank colleges and courses based on your genuine interest, career goals, location preference, and financial situation. Your choice list should reflect a logical progression from your most preferred to your least preferred option.
Another mistake is failing to lock your choices before the deadline. The system requires you to explicitly submit and lock your choices; simply saving them is not enough. Ensure that you receive a confirmation message indicating that your choices have been successfully locked. Do not wait until the last minute to submit; technical glitches or internet issues could prevent timely submission if you delay.
Where to Find Official Updates and Support
All official notifications, updates, and revised schedules will be published on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This is your primary source of information for the counselling process. Bookmark this page and check it regularly, especially after major milestones like the option entry deadline and mock allotment release.
If you encounter technical issues while entering your choices or have questions about the process, contact the Karnataka Examination Authority through the official channels listed on their website. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for counselling information, as misinformation can lead to costly mistakes.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the new deadline for option entry in Karnataka NEET-PG 2026 Round 1?
The option entry deadline has been extended to 12 noon on November 3, 2026. Candidates must complete their choice filling and locking by this time on the official portal cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Any choices submitted after 12 noon will not be accepted.
How do I log in to the option entry portal?
Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, click on the NEET-PG Round 1 option entry link, and log in using your CET (Common Entrance Test) number and application number. Once logged in, you can access the option entry section to enter your choices.
What is a mock allotment result and why is it important?
A mock allotment result is a simulation of your potential seat allocation based on your entered choices, your NEET-PG rank, and seat availability. It is not your final seat but gives you a preview of the likely outcome. This allows you to review and modify your choices before the final allotment is declared.
Can I change my choices after submitting them?
You can modify your choices after the mock allotment result is released. The authority will provide a window during which you can add, delete, or rearrange your choices based on your mock allotment outcome. However, once the final allotment result is declared, changes are typically not allowed.
What should I do if I notice that college fees have changed?
Verify the current fee details for each college on the official counselling portal and the college's website before finalizing your choices. The Karnataka Examination Authority has noted that fees at several medical colleges have been updated. Ensure your choice list reflects colleges whose fees align with your financial capacity.
What happens if I miss the 12 noon deadline today?
If you do not submit and lock your choices by 12 noon on November 3, 2026, you will not be able to participate in the first round of counselling. You may be eligible for subsequent rounds if seats remain available, but missing the first round significantly reduces your chances of securing your preferred college or speciality.
How should I arrange my choices in the option entry form?
Arrange your choices in order of genuine preference, starting with your most preferred college and course. Your ranking should reflect your career goals, location preference, and financial situation. Avoid random ordering; a logical progression from most to least preferred increases your chances of a satisfactory allotment.
Where can I find the official revised schedule for Round 1 counselling?
The revised full schedule will be published on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in by the Karnataka Examination Authority. Check the official website regularly for updates on the mock allotment release date, the window for choice modification, and the provisional and final allotment dates.
Complete your choice entry and locking by 12 noon today on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. After the option entry window closes, monitor the official website for the mock allotment result and be prepared to review and modify your choices if needed. This is a critical phase of your NEET-PG admission journey—take the time to make informed decisions.
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