The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the seat matrix for Round 3 of NEET UG counselling 2026, listing all vacant MBBS and BDS positions across government and private colleges in the state. This is a critical window for candidates who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds or wish to upgrade their college choice. The option entry period is now open, but the deadline is tight: candidates must submit their college preferences by 11:00 AM on September 29, 2026. Missing this deadline means losing your chance to participate in Round 3 allotment.
You have until 11:00 AM on September 29, 2026 to fill your college preferences for Karnataka Round 3 NEET UG counselling; after that, the option entry window closes and you cannot participate in this round.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is the Round 3 Seat Matrix and Why Does It Matter?
The Round 3 seat matrix shows all MBBS and BDS seats that remain vacant after Rounds 1 and 2 of counselling have concluded. It also includes newly sanctioned seats that regulatory authorities approved after earlier rounds. This matrix is broken down by college and by reservation category (general, OBC, SC, ST, and other applicable categories), so you can see exactly which seats are available in which colleges.
Round 3 is often the last major counselling opportunity before the state moves to stray vacancy (also called mop-up) rounds. Many candidates who missed earlier rounds, or who want to try for a better college, get a second chance here. Additionally, some colleges may have released seats due to candidates declining their allotment or not reporting on time, making fresh options available.
How to Access the Seat Matrix Online
The seat matrix is available on the official KEA portal. You do not need to wait for anyone to send it to you—you can download it yourself in just a few steps. The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Look for the Quick Links section on the homepage
- Select the UGNEET 2026 tab
- Click on the Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix link
- Download the MBBS seat matrix PDF and the BDS seat matrix PDF separately
- Open both PDFs and carefully review the college-wise and category-wise vacant seat counts
Understanding the Seat Matrix: What Each Column Means
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The seat matrix PDFs are organized by college name, course (MBBS or BDS), and then by category. For each college and course combination, you will see how many seats are vacant in each category: general, OBC, SC, ST, and any other applicable reserved categories. This breakdown is essential because your eligibility to fill a seat depends on both your NEET rank and your category.
For example, if you are an OBC candidate looking for MBBS seats, you would scan the OBC column for colleges you are interested in and note which ones have vacant seats. A seat shown as vacant in the matrix means it is genuinely available for allotment in Round 3—it is not a guarantee that you will get it (that depends on your rank and the competition), but it confirms the seat exists and is being offered.
Critical Dates: Option Entry and Caution Deposit Deadlines
Timing is everything in counselling. The KEA has set strict deadlines, and missing even one can disqualify you from that round. Here are the key dates you must remember:
- Seat Matrix Release: September 25, 2026
- Option Entry Window Opens: September 25, 2026
- Option Entry Window Closes: September 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM (this is non-negotiable)
- Caution Deposit Deadline: October 1, 2026
How to Fill Your College Preferences (Option Entry)
Once you have reviewed the seat matrix and identified colleges where seats are available in your category, you must log in to the KEA counselling portal using your registered credentials. The portal will allow you to enter your college and course preferences in the order of your choice. You are not limited to just one preference—you can list multiple colleges and courses, ranking them from most preferred to least preferred.
The algorithm will try to allot you the highest-ranked college on your list where you are eligible (based on your NEET rank and category). If you do not get that college, it will move to your second choice, and so on. This is why the order matters: place your dream college first, then realistic options, then backup colleges. You can edit your preferences as many times as you want during the option entry window, so do not rush. Review your choices carefully before the 11:00 AM deadline on September 29.
What Happens After Option Entry Closes?
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Once the option entry window closes at 11:00 AM on September 29, KEA will process all the preferences submitted by candidates and run the allotment algorithm. The allotment result will be announced shortly after, though KEA has not specified an exact date. You will be able to check your allotment status on the KEA portal using your login credentials.
If you are allotted a seat, you will then have to pay the caution deposit (a refundable amount, typically ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the college) by October 1, 2026. Failure to pay the caution deposit by this deadline will result in forfeiture of your allotted seat. After paying the caution deposit, you will be required to report to your allotted college on the date specified by KEA to complete document verification and final admission formalities.
Who Is Eligible to Participate in Round 3?
To participate in Round 3, you must have registered for NEET UG counselling 2026 in Karnataka and must not have been allotted a seat in Rounds 1 or 2, or you may have been allotted but declined it. If you participated in earlier rounds and were allotted a seat that you accepted and reported for, you cannot participate in Round 3 (you are already admitted). Additionally, if you are seeking a reserved-category seat (SC, ST, OBC, etc.), you must meet the eligibility criteria for that category as per Karnataka's reservation rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Option Entry
Many candidates lose their Round 3 opportunity due to preventable errors. Do not let this happen to you. First, do not wait until the last minute to fill your preferences—the portal may experience traffic congestion close to the deadline, and you could be locked out. Second, do not fill preferences for colleges where no seats are available in your category; these will be rejected by the algorithm. Third, do not forget to submit your preferences before 11:00 AM on September 29; a submission at 11:01 AM will not be accepted. Finally, do not ignore the caution deposit deadline; even if you are allotted a seat, you must pay by October 1 or lose it.
What to Do Right Now: Your Action Checklist
Do not delay. The option entry window is open now and closes in just a few days. Follow this checklist to ensure you do not miss out:
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and download both the MBBS and BDS seat matrix PDFs
- Review the available seats in your category across colleges you are interested in
- Make a ranked list of colleges in order of your preference
- Log in to the KEA counselling portal using your registered username and password
- Fill in your college and course preferences in your desired order
- Double-check your preference order for accuracy
- Submit your option entry before 11:00 AM on September 29, 2026
- Save a screenshot or confirmation of your submission
- Mark October 1, 2026 on your calendar for the caution deposit deadline
- Monitor the KEA portal for the Round 3 allotment result announcement
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the last date to fill options for Karnataka Round 3 NEET UG counselling 2026?
The option entry window closes on September 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM. This is a hard deadline; submissions after 11:00 AM will not be accepted. You must complete and submit your preferences before this time.
Where can I download the Round 3 seat matrix for MBBS and BDS?
You can download the seat matrix from the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Go to Quick Links, select UGNEET 2026, and click on the Medical and Dental Provisional Seat Matrix link. Download both the MBBS and BDS PDFs separately.
What does the seat matrix show, and how do I use it to choose colleges?
The seat matrix lists all vacant MBBS and BDS seats across Karnataka colleges, broken down by college name and reservation category (general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). You should review it to identify colleges where seats are available in your category, then rank those colleges in order of your preference during option entry.
Can I change my preferences after submitting them during option entry?
Yes, you can edit your preferences as many times as you want during the option entry window (September 25 to 29, 2026). However, once the window closes at 11:00 AM on September 29, you cannot make any changes. Review your final preference order carefully before the deadline.
What happens if I am allotted a seat in Round 3?
If you are allotted a seat, you will see it on the KEA portal after the allotment result is announced. You must then pay the caution deposit (a refundable amount, typically ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000) by October 1, 2026. After paying, you must report to your allotted college on the date specified by KEA to complete document verification and final admission.
What is the caution deposit, and what happens if I do not pay it by October 1?
The caution deposit is a refundable amount (usually ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000) that you must pay to confirm your seat after allotment. If you do not pay it by October 1, 2026, your allotted seat will be forfeited and offered to the next eligible candidate. This money is refunded to you after you complete your MBBS or BDS course.
Can I participate in Round 3 if I was allotted a seat in Round 2?
No. If you were allotted a seat in Round 2 and accepted it (reported to the college), you cannot participate in Round 3. Round 3 is only for candidates who were not allotted in earlier rounds or who declined their allotment.
Is Round 3 the last chance to get a seat in Karnataka NEET UG counselling 2026?
Round 3 is the last major counselling round. After Round 3, the state typically conducts stray vacancy (mop-up) rounds for any remaining vacant seats. However, stray rounds may have fewer seats and different rules, so Round 3 is your best opportunity to secure a seat.
Download the seat matrix today, identify your preferred colleges, and submit your preferences well before 11:00 AM on September 29, 2026. This is your chance to secure an MBBS or BDS seat in Karnataka—do not let it slip away due to a missed deadline or a careless mistake. Keep the caution deposit deadline (October 1) marked on your calendar as well.
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