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 which MBBS and BDS seats are open across colleges in Karnataka for the 85% state-quota category. If you are a NEET UG aspirant waiting to participate in Round 3 counselling or tracking seat availability, this matrix is essential: it tells you exactly which colleges have seats, in which courses, for which categories, and at what fees. Understanding how to read and use this document can help you make informed choices during counselling registration.
Download the Round 3 seat matrix from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in to see which MBBS and BDS seats are available in your category before you register for counselling.
What is the Round 3 Seat Matrix and Why Does It Matter?
The seat matrix is a detailed list of all available undergraduate medical and dental seats across participating colleges in Karnataka for a specific counselling round. It is released before candidates register, so you know exactly what options exist before you make your choices.
For Round 3, the matrix covers seats in the 85% state-quota category—these are seats reserved for candidates within Karnataka. The matrix is separate for MBBS and BDS courses, and each lists the colleges, the number of seats available, the category (general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), and the fee structure. This transparency helps you plan your counselling strategy and avoid surprises during seat allotment.
How to Download the Round 3 Seat Matrix from the Official Website
The KEA has published the seat matrix on its official counselling portal. Follow these steps to access it:
First, visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Look for the 'Quick Links' section on the homepage. Under that section, find and click on the tab labeled 'Undergraduate National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (UGNEET - 2026)'. This will take you to the NEET UG counselling page. Next, locate the link for 'UGNEET 2026 – Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix. 25/09/2026' and click it. You will then see separate PDF links for medical seats and dental seats. Download whichever applies to your course choice. Save the PDF to your device so you can review it carefully before counselling registration begins.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Click 'Quick Links' → 'UGNEET - 2026'
- Select 'Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix' link dated 25/09/2026
- Download the MBBS or BDS PDF as needed
- Save and review before counselling registration
What Information Is Included in the Seat Matrix PDF?
Each seat matrix PDF contains standardized columns that help you compare colleges and seats systematically. Understanding what each column means will help you evaluate your options more effectively.
The matrix includes the course code (a unique identifier for each college-course combination), the name of the college, the category of the seat (such as General, OBC, SC, ST, or other reserved categories), the number of seats available in that category, and the fee structure for that seat. By cross-referencing these details, you can identify which colleges have seats in your category, how many seats are available, and what you will pay if you are allotted that seat.
- Course Code: Unique identifier for the college and course
- College Name: Name of the medical or dental institution
- Category: General, OBC, SC, ST, or other reserved category
- Number of Seats: How many seats are available in that category
- Fee Structure: Annual or total fees for that seat
Why Is the Seat Matrix Released Before Counselling Registration?
The KEA releases the seat matrix in advance so that candidates can make informed decisions during counselling. This is a key principle of transparent admissions: you should know what is available before you commit to a choice.
By reviewing the matrix before registration, you can identify colleges that match your rank, category, and preferences. You can also note which colleges have fewer seats (and may fill quickly) and which have more. This advance information helps you rank your college choices strategically during counselling, increasing your chances of a seat that aligns with your goals.
Understanding the 85% State-Quota Category
The seats shown in this matrix are part of the 85% state-quota allocation for MBBS and BDS courses in Karnataka. This means these seats are reserved for candidates who have qualified NEET UG and are eligible to study in Karnataka colleges under state rules.
The remaining 15% of seats are typically allocated through the All India Quota (AIQ) and are managed separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) at the national level. If you are a Karnataka resident or eligible under state domicile rules, you will participate in the state counselling using this matrix. If you are from another state, you may be eligible for AIQ seats through a different counselling process.
What to Do After Downloading the Seat Matrix
Once you have the PDF, take time to study it carefully. Create a shortlist of colleges where seats are available in your category and within a realistic rank range based on your NEET score and previous round cutoffs.
Compare the fees across colleges to understand the financial commitment. Check whether any colleges on your list are in your preferred city or region. Note the course codes for your top choices—you will need these during counselling registration. If you are unsure about your rank or eligibility for a particular seat, consult the KEA website or contact your school counselor. Do not wait until the last moment to register; the earlier you register, the better your chances of securing a seat in a higher-ranked college.
Key Dates and Next Steps in the Counselling Process
The release of the seat matrix on September 25, 2026 signals that Round 3 counselling is imminent. Typically, the KEA will announce the registration window (the dates during which you can log in and make your choices) shortly after the matrix is published.
Mark your calendar and ensure you register within the announced window. After registration closes, the KEA will process all choices and release the allotment result. If you are allotted a seat, you will need to report to the college for document verification and admission formalities. Stay updated on the KEA website for announcements about registration dates, allotment results, and reporting deadlines.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Where can I download the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 seat matrix?
You can download it from the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Go to Quick Links, select the UGNEET - 2026 tab, and click on the 'Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix' link dated 25/09/2026. Separate PDFs are available for MBBS and BDS courses.
What does the seat matrix tell me about available seats?
The seat matrix shows the college name, course code, category of seat (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), number of seats available in each category, and the fee structure. This helps you identify which colleges have seats in your category and what the fees will be.
Is the seat matrix the same for MBBS and BDS?
No. The KEA releases separate PDFs for MBBS and BDS seats. You should download the matrix for the course you are applying for. Both are available on the same page.
What is the 85% state-quota category mentioned in the matrix?
The 85% state-quota seats are reserved for candidates eligible under Karnataka state rules. The remaining 15% are typically allocated through the All India Quota (AIQ) managed by the MCC. If you are a Karnataka resident or meet state domicile criteria, you will participate in state counselling using this matrix.
When should I register for Round 3 counselling after the matrix is released?
The KEA will announce the registration window (start and end dates) after releasing the seat matrix. Register as early as possible within that window to maximize your chances of securing a seat in your preferred college. Do not wait until the last day.
How do I use the seat matrix to plan my counselling choices?
Review the matrix to identify colleges with seats in your category. Compare fees and locations. Note the course codes of your top choices. Rank these colleges in order of preference during counselling registration. Use previous round cutoffs to estimate which colleges are realistic for your rank.
What if I don't see any seats available in my category in the matrix?
If seats in your category are not shown in Round 3, it may mean they were filled in earlier rounds or are not available in that round. You can still register and be placed in a waitlist, or wait for a subsequent round if the KEA conducts one. Contact the KEA helpline for clarification.
Is the seat matrix final, or can it change before counselling?
The matrix is labeled 'provisional,' which means it reflects the seats available as of the release date. Minor changes are possible if colleges report updates, but the matrix is generally stable. Always check the KEA website for any official amendments before you register.
Download the Round 3 seat matrix today and spend time analyzing it before counselling registration opens. Your informed choices during counselling directly affect your chances of securing a seat in your preferred college. Stay alert for the KEA's announcement of the registration window and register promptly.
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