The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has made the provisional seat matrix for Round 3 of NEET UG counselling publicly available as of September 25, 2026. This document shows all available MBBS and BDS seats across colleges in Karnataka for the 85% state-quota allocation. If you are a NEET UG aspirant in Karnataka awaiting seat allotment or planning your college choices, this matrix is essential — it tells you exactly which colleges have seats, in which categories, and at what fees. Understanding how to read and use this document can help you make informed decisions during counselling.
The Round 3 seat matrix for Karnataka NEET UG counselling is now live on the official KEA portal; download it to see all available MBBS and BDS seats, college names, categories, and fees before you participate in counselling.
What is the Round 3 Seat Matrix and Why Does It Matter?
The seat matrix is a detailed list of all medical and dental college seats available in a particular round of counselling. For Round 3 in Karnataka, it covers seats under the 85% state quota — meaning seats reserved for candidates within Karnataka. Each entry in the matrix tells you the college name, the course (MBBS or BDS), the category of seat (general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), the number of seats available, and the fee structure.
This document is critical because it shows you the real, current availability before you lock in your choices. Many aspirants make the mistake of assuming seats are available at their preferred college without checking the matrix first. By reviewing it carefully, you can identify colleges where your rank and category qualify, and you can compare fees across institutions to plan your finances.
How to Download the Round 3 Seat Matrix from the Official Portal
The KEA has published the seat matrix on its official counselling portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The process to access it is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps carefully to ensure you download the correct document for your course.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in in your web browser.
- Look for the 'Quick Links' section on the homepage.
- Click on the tab labeled 'Undergraduate National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (UGNEET - 2026)'.
- Find and click the link that reads 'UGNEET 2026 – Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix. 25/09/2026'.
- You will see two separate PDF files: one for medical (MBBS) seats and one for dental (BDS) seats.
- Download the PDF that matches your course preference.
- Save the file to your device and open it to review the available seats.
What Information Does the Seat Matrix Contain?
Each seat matrix PDF is organized by college and contains standardized columns of information. Understanding what each column means will help you interpret the data correctly and make better choices during counselling registration.
- Course Code: A unique identifier assigned to each college-course combination.
- College Name: The full name of the medical or dental institution.
- Category: The reservation category for that seat (General, OBC, SC, ST, or other applicable categories).
- Number of Seats: How many seats are available in that category at that college.
- Fee Structure: The annual or total fee charged by the college for that course.
Separate PDFs for Medical and Dental Aspirants
KEA has released two distinct PDFs — one for MBBS seats and one for BDS seats. This separation is important because the colleges, seat counts, and fee structures differ significantly between the two courses. If you are considering both MBBS and BDS, you will need to review both documents to compare your options.
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is a five-and-a-half-year course leading to a medical degree, while BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a five-year course in dentistry. The colleges offering each course are different, and the number of seats available varies. Make sure you download and study the correct PDF for your intended course.
Understanding the 85% AIQ Quota in This Matrix
The seats listed in this matrix are part of the 85% All India Quota (AIQ) allocation for Karnataka. This means these seats are reserved for candidates who are domiciled in Karnataka or meet the state's residency criteria. The remaining 15% of seats are managed under the national-level AIQ and are counselled separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
If you are a Karnataka resident or eligible under the state's domicile rules, this matrix applies to you. If you are from another state, you will participate in the national-level counselling for the 15% seats. Confirm your eligibility status before using this matrix to plan your choices.
How to Use the Seat Matrix to Plan Your Counselling Choices
Simply downloading the matrix is not enough — you need to use it strategically. Start by identifying all colleges where your NEET UG rank and category combination qualify for a seat. Cross-reference your rank with the colleges listed and note which ones have seats in your category.
Next, compare the fees across colleges to understand the financial commitment. Some colleges may be government-funded with lower fees, while others are private institutions with higher costs. Make a shortlist of colleges ranked by your preference, considering both the college's reputation and the fees. This shortlist will guide your choices during the counselling registration window.
When Should You Download and Review the Matrix?
The matrix was released on September 25, 2026, and you should download it as soon as possible. KEA typically opens the counselling registration window shortly after releasing the seat matrix. The registration window is usually open for a limited time — often 2 to 5 days — so do not delay.
Review the matrix carefully before the registration window opens. Make notes of your preferred colleges and their course codes. Having this information ready will help you complete your registration quickly and accurately when the window becomes active. Rushing during registration can lead to mistakes, so preparation is key.
What Happens After You Review the Seat Matrix?
After reviewing the matrix and preparing your choice list, you will wait for KEA to announce the counselling registration dates for Round 3. During the registration window, you will log into the counselling portal using your NEET UG roll number and password, enter your choices in order of preference, and submit your form. KEA will then process your choices against the available seats and allocate a seat based on your rank, category, and the choices you made.
The seat allotment result will be published a few days after the registration window closes. You will then be required to report to your allotted college within a specified time frame to complete admission formalities, including document verification and fee payment. Missing the reporting deadline can result in forfeiture of your seat.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Where can I download the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 seat matrix?
The seat matrix is available on the official KEA counselling portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Navigate to the 'Quick Links' section, select the 'UGNEET - 2026' tab, and click on the link for 'UGNEET 2026 – Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix. 25/09/2026'. You will find separate PDFs for medical and dental seats.
What is the difference between the medical and dental seat matrix PDFs?
The medical PDF lists all available MBBS seats across colleges, while the dental PDF lists all available BDS seats. The colleges, number of seats, and fee structures differ between the two courses. Download both if you are considering both MBBS and BDS options.
What information does the seat matrix show for each college?
The matrix shows the course code, college name, category of seat (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), number of available seats, and the fee structure for each college. This information helps you identify colleges where your rank and category qualify and compare fees.
Does the seat matrix apply to all NEET UG aspirants in Karnataka?
The matrix applies to the 85% state-quota seats reserved for Karnataka residents or those meeting the state's domicile criteria. If you are from another state, you will participate in the national-level counselling for the remaining 15% seats managed by the MCC. Confirm your eligibility status before using this matrix.
When should I download and review the seat matrix?
Download it immediately after its release (September 25, 2026). KEA typically opens the counselling registration window within a few days. Reviewing the matrix in advance allows you to prepare your choice list before registration opens, helping you avoid mistakes during the registration process.
How do I use the seat matrix to make my counselling choices?
Identify all colleges where your NEET UG rank and category qualify for a seat. Compare the fees and reputation of these colleges, then create a ranked list of your preferences. Use this list during counselling registration to enter your choices in order of preference. KEA will allocate a seat based on your rank, category, and the choices you made.
What happens after I review the seat matrix and prepare my choices?
Wait for KEA to announce the counselling registration dates for Round 3. During the registration window, log into the portal, enter your choices in order of preference, and submit your form. KEA will process your choices and publish the seat allotment result a few days later. You will then need to report to your allotted college within the specified deadline to complete admission formalities.
Can the seat matrix change after it is released?
The matrix released on September 25, 2026, is labeled 'provisional', meaning it reflects the seats available at that moment. In rare cases, colleges may report additional vacancies or changes, but the matrix you download is your primary reference for planning. Always check the official portal for any updates or corrections before registration.
Download the Round 3 seat matrix today from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and spend time reviewing it carefully. Prepare your choice list now so you are ready to register quickly when the counselling window opens — timely action during counselling can make the difference between your preferred college and a less desirable allocation.
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