The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadlines for candidates who have been allotted MBBS or BDS seats in Round 1 of NEET UG 2026 counselling. You now have until 4 September 2026 to select your choice and pay the seat confirmation fee, and until 6 PM on 5 September to report physically to your allotted college. This is a critical window — if you miss any of these deadlines or fail to select the correct choice, you will be marked as CHOICE-4, which means you lose your Round 1 seat and cannot participate in any subsequent counselling rounds. This notice applies only to candidates who have already received a seat allotment in Round 1.
You must select your choice by 2 PM on 4 September, pay fees by 4 PM the same day, and report to college by 6 PM on 5 September — miss any deadline and you lose your seat permanently.
What This Notice Means for You
If you have been allotted an MBBS or BDS seat in Round 1 of Karnataka NEET UG 2026 counselling, this notice directly affects you. KEA has extended the original deadlines to give you more time to complete three critical steps: selecting your choice (confirming you want the seat), paying the seat confirmation fee, and physically reporting to your allotted college. These are not optional — each step must be completed by the exact time stated, or your seat will be cancelled.
The extension was announced on 3 September 2026. The new deadlines are tight and fall on consecutive days, so you must plan ahead and not delay any step.
The Three Deadlines You Must Meet
KEA has set three separate deadlines, each with a specific time. Missing even one will result in the loss of your seat. Here is the exact schedule:
| Step | Deadline Date | Deadline Time | What You Must Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Selection | 4 September 2026 | 2:00 PM | Log in to the KEA portal and select your choice to confirm you want the allotted seat |
| Fee Payment & Confirmation Slip Download | 4 September 2026 | 4:00 PM | Pay the seat confirmation fee during banking hours and download your Seat Confirmation Slip |
| Physical Reporting to College | 5 September 2026 | 6:00 PM | Report to your allotted college in person with your Seat Confirmation Slip |
Step 1: Choice Selection by 2 PM on 4 September
The first step is to select your choice on the KEA portal. This is your formal confirmation that you accept the seat allotted to you. You must log in to the counselling portal and select the appropriate choice option before 2:00 PM on 4 September 2026.
This is not a passive step — you must actively go to the portal and make a selection. Simply receiving an allotment letter does not mean your choice is automatically selected. If you do not select a choice by the deadline, KEA will treat you as 'not interested' in the Round 1 seat, and you will be marked as CHOICE-4 (explained below). This will disqualify you from all future counselling rounds.
- Log in to the KEA NEET UG 2026 counselling portal
- Navigate to the choice selection section
- Select the appropriate choice option for your allotted seat
- Confirm and submit your selection
- Complete this by 2:00 PM on 4 September 2026
Step 2: Fee Payment During Banking Hours by 4 PM on 4 September
After selecting your choice, you must pay the seat confirmation fee. KEA specifies that this payment must be made during banking hours — this means you cannot pay outside normal bank operating times (typically 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays). The overall deadline for fee payment is 4:00 PM on 4 September 2026.
Once you have paid the fee, you must immediately download your Seat Confirmation Slip from the portal. This slip is your proof of payment and your admission ticket to the college. You will need to carry this slip when you report to the college on 5 September. Do not delay — pay early on 4 September so you have time to download the slip before the 4 PM deadline.
- Pay the seat confirmation fee through the KEA portal or designated bank during banking hours
- Ensure payment is completed by 4:00 PM on 4 September 2026
- Immediately download your Seat Confirmation Slip after payment
- Save and print the slip — you will need it for college reporting
- Keep proof of payment (receipt or transaction confirmation)
Step 3: Physical Reporting to College by 6 PM on 5 September
The final step is to report physically to your allotted college. You must arrive at the college by 6:00 PM on 5 September 2026 with your Seat Confirmation Slip. This is not optional — online reporting or sending someone on your behalf is not acceptable. KEA requires your physical presence at the college to complete the admission process.
Bring your Seat Confirmation Slip, your original documents (as per the college's admission checklist), and any other documents the college has asked for. Arrive well before 6 PM to allow time for document verification and admission formalities. If you do not report by the deadline, your seat will be cancelled.
- Travel to your allotted college on 5 September 2026
- Arrive before 6:00 PM with your Seat Confirmation Slip
- Bring all original documents required by the college
- Complete admission formalities and document verification
- Obtain your admission confirmation from the college
The CHOICE-4 Trap: What Happens If You Miss a Deadline
This is the most critical warning in this notice. If you do not select the appropriate choice by 2 PM on 4 September, KEA will automatically mark you as CHOICE-4. CHOICE-4 is not a seat option — it is a rejection status that means you have forfeited your Round 1 seat.
Once you are marked CHOICE-4, you cannot participate in any subsequent counselling rounds. This means you lose all chances to get an MBBS or BDS seat in Karnataka for this admission season. You will not be eligible for Round 2, Round 3, or any other round. Your admission journey ends.
Similarly, if you pay the fee late (after 4 PM on 4 September) or fail to report to the college by 6 PM on 5 September, your seat will also be cancelled. There are no extensions, no exceptions, and no appeals for missing these deadlines. The only way to avoid CHOICE-4 is to complete all three steps on time.
- Not selecting a choice = automatically marked CHOICE-4
- CHOICE-4 = disqualified from all future rounds
- Late fee payment = seat cancellation
- Failure to report to college = seat cancellation
- No extensions or appeals are granted
Who This Notice Applies To
This notice applies only to candidates who have been allotted an MBBS or BDS seat in Round 1 of Karnataka NEET UG 2026 counselling. If you have not yet received an allotment letter, or if you are on a waiting list, this notice does not apply to you yet.
If you are unsure whether you have been allotted a seat, log in to the KEA portal and check your allotment status. Only candidates with a confirmed Round 1 allotment must follow these deadlines.
- You have received a Round 1 seat allotment letter from KEA
- Your allotment is for an MBBS or BDS course
- You are a NEET UG 2026 candidate in Karnataka
Important: Banking Hours Requirement for Fee Payment
KEA has specifically stated that fee payment must be made during banking hours. This is a strict requirement. Banking hours are typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday). You cannot pay the fee outside these hours, even if the portal appears to accept your payment.
Plan to pay your fee early on 4 September 2026 — do not wait until the last hour. If you attempt to pay after banking hours close (usually 4 PM), your payment may not be processed, and you will miss the deadline. This will result in seat cancellation.
- Fee payment must be during banking hours (typically 10 AM–4 PM on weekdays)
- Do not attempt to pay after banking hours close
- Pay early on 4 September to ensure timely processing
- Keep your payment receipt as proof
Documents You Will Need
When you report to your allotted college on 5 September, you must bring specific documents. The most critical document is your Seat Confirmation Slip, which you will download after paying the fee. You will also need to bring your original documents as per the college's admission checklist.
KEA's notice does not specify the exact list of documents required at the college, as this may vary by institution. However, typically you will need your NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if applicable), and any other documents mentioned in the college's admission guidelines. Contact your allotted college immediately to confirm the exact list.
- Seat Confirmation Slip (downloaded after fee payment) — mandatory
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
- NEET UG 2026 Scorecard
- 10th standard mark sheet and certificate
- 12th standard mark sheet and certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Any other documents specified by your allotted college
How to Access the KEA Portal for Choice Selection and Fee Payment
You will complete choice selection and fee payment through the official KEA NEET UG 2026 counselling portal. The portal is accessible online, and you will need your login credentials (usually your NEET roll number and password) to access it.
If you have forgotten your login details, use the 'Forgot Password' option on the portal to reset them. Do this well in advance — do not wait until 4 September. If you face technical issues accessing the portal, contact KEA's helpline immediately. Do not assume the portal is down; try again or contact support.
- Visit the official KEA NEET UG 2026 counselling portal
- Log in with your NEET roll number and password
- Navigate to the choice selection section
- Select your choice and confirm
- Proceed to fee payment
- Download your Seat Confirmation Slip after payment
- Save and print the slip
What to Do If You Cannot Meet a Deadline
If you are facing a genuine emergency (serious illness, accident, family crisis) that prevents you from meeting a deadline, contact KEA's counselling office immediately. However, the notice does not mention any provision for deadline extensions or emergency waivers. KEA's policy is strict: deadlines are final, and no exceptions are typically granted.
Do not assume you can get an extension. The safest approach is to complete all steps well before the deadline. If you are unwell on 4 September, arrange for a trusted family member to help you complete the online steps (choice selection and fee payment). For college reporting on 5 September, you must be present in person, so plan your health and travel accordingly.
- Contact KEA immediately if facing a genuine emergency
- Do not assume extensions will be granted
- Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues
- Arrange backup support if you are unwell
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What happens if I don't select my choice by 2 PM on 4 September?
If you do not select your choice by 2 PM on 4 September 2026, KEA will automatically mark you as CHOICE-4. This means you are treated as 'not interested' in your Round 1 seat, and your seat will be cancelled. You will not be eligible to participate in any subsequent counselling rounds (Round 2, Round 3, etc.), and you will lose all chances to get an MBBS or BDS seat in Karnataka for this admission season.
Can I pay the fee after 4 PM on 4 September?
No. The fee payment deadline is strictly 4:00 PM on 4 September 2026, and payment must be made during banking hours (typically 10 AM–4 PM on weekdays). If you pay after 4 PM or outside banking hours, your payment will not be processed, and your seat will be cancelled. Pay early on 4 September to ensure timely processing.
What is the Seat Confirmation Slip, and why do I need it?
The Seat Confirmation Slip is a document you download from the KEA portal after paying the seat confirmation fee. It is your proof of payment and your admission ticket to the college. You must carry this slip when you report to your allotted college on 5 September. Without it, the college will not admit you. Download it immediately after paying the fee and keep it safe.
Do I have to report to the college in person, or can someone go on my behalf?
You must report to the college in person by 6:00 PM on 5 September 2026. KEA requires your physical presence to complete the admission process. Sending someone on your behalf or attempting online reporting is not acceptable. If you do not report in person by the deadline, your seat will be cancelled.
What documents do I need to bring when I report to the college?
You must bring your Seat Confirmation Slip (mandatory). You will also need to bring your original documents as per the college's admission checklist, which typically includes your NEET admit card, NEET scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), and income certificate (if applicable). Contact your allotted college immediately to confirm the exact list of documents required.
What if I miss the college reporting deadline on 5 September?
If you do not report to your allotted college by 6:00 PM on 5 September 2026, your seat will be cancelled. There are no extensions or second chances. You must plan your travel and be present at the college well before 6 PM. If you are facing a genuine emergency, contact KEA immediately, but do not assume an extension will be granted.
Can I change my choice after selecting it on 4 September?
The notice does not mention any provision to change your choice after selecting it. Once you have selected your choice by 2 PM on 4 September, it is final. Do not select hastily — ensure you are selecting the correct choice for the seat allotted to you.
What if I have not received my allotment letter yet?
This notice applies only to candidates who have been allotted a Round 1 seat. If you have not received an allotment letter, log in to the KEA portal and check your allotment status. If you are on a waiting list or have not been allotted a seat, this notice does not apply to you yet. Wait for further announcements from KEA regarding subsequent rounds.
Is there any way to get an extension if I miss a deadline?
The notice does not mention any provision for deadline extensions. KEA's policy is strict: all deadlines are final. The only way to avoid losing your seat is to complete all three steps (choice selection, fee payment, and college reporting) on time. Do not rely on the possibility of an extension.
What if the KEA portal is down or I face technical issues?
If you face technical issues accessing the portal, contact KEA's counselling office immediately. However, do not wait until the last minute to attempt choice selection or fee payment. Complete these steps early on 4 September so you have time to resolve any technical issues. Keep KEA's helpline number handy.
If you have been allotted an MBBS or BDS seat in Round 1, act immediately: select your choice by 2 PM on 4 September 2026, pay the fee by 4 PM the same day (during banking hours), download your Seat Confirmation Slip, and report to your allotted college by 6 PM on 5 September with the slip and all required documents. Missing any deadline or failing to select your choice will result in automatic CHOICE-4 marking, which disqualifies you from all future counselling rounds. There are no extensions, no exceptions, and no appeals. Plan ahead, complete all steps on time, and secure your seat.
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