The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has opened the Stray Vacancy Round for NEET UG 2026 counselling, marking the final opportunity for candidates to secure an MBBS seat in the state this year. Registration runs from October 13 to 16, 2026, and covers 664 unfilled MBBS positions across private medical colleges. This round is open to both first-time applicants and those who did not secure a seat in the first three counselling phases. If you have completed your NEET UG exam and are still seeking admission to an MBBS programme in Karnataka, this window is your last chance for 2026.
Register between October 13–16, 2026 at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in to compete for 664 remaining MBBS seats; no dental seats are available in this round.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Is the Stray Vacancy Round and Who Can Apply?
The Stray Vacancy Round is KEA's final admission phase for the 2026 NEET UG counselling cycle. It exists to fill seats that remain unoccupied after the first three regular rounds of counselling. This round is open to fresh applicants who have never registered with KEA, as well as existing candidates who registered earlier but did not secure a seat.
To be eligible, you must not currently hold an allotted seat from KEA Rounds 1, 2, or 3, and you must not have reported to any medical college (whether All India Quota, deemed, or private). If you hold a dental seat from a previous KEA round, you may apply to switch to an MBBS seat by paying the MBBS course fee. However, if you have already been allotted a seat through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Round 4 process, you cannot participate in this stray round.
How Many MBBS Seats Are Available and Where?
A total of 664 MBBS seats are on offer in this stray round. Of these, 637 seats fall under the Others (OTH) management quota category and are spread across private medical colleges throughout Karnataka. Annual fees for these seats range from Rs 25.09 lakh to Rs 45 lakh, depending on the institution.
The remaining 27 seats are located at Srinivasa Institute of Medical Sciences in Mangalore and are classified as Open Private seats. These carry an annual fee of Rs 22.25 lakh. Notably, no dental seats are available for allotment in this round, so if you are seeking a BDS programme, you will need to wait for future counselling windows or explore options outside Karnataka.
| Seat Category | Number of Seats | Annual Fee (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| OTH Management Quota (Private Colleges) | 637 | 25.09 lakh to 45 lakh |
| Open Private (Srinivasa Institute, Mangalore) | 27 | 22.25 lakh |
| Total MBBS Seats | 664 | — |
Registration and Payment Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
The registration window for the stray round is strictly limited to October 13–16, 2026. This is a four-day window, so it is critical that you complete your registration before the deadline closes. KEA has also announced that the option entry (the process of selecting your college preferences) and the seat allotment schedule will be announced on the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, so you should monitor the portal regularly for these updates.
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Before the stray round opened, Round 3 fee payment closed on October 9, 2026, and the reporting deadline for Round 3 allotted candidates was October 11, 2026. These dates have already passed and are relevant only if you were allotted a seat in Round 3. KEA may also add additional seats to the stray round if candidates forfeit their Round 3 allotments, so the final seat count could increase.
- Stray Round Registration: October 13–16, 2026
- Option Entry Schedule: To be announced on KEA portal
- Seat Allotment Schedule: To be announced on KEA portal
- Round 3 Fee Payment Deadline: October 9, 2026 (closed)
- Round 3 Reporting Deadline: October 11, 2026 (closed)
Step-by-Step Registration Process for New and Existing Candidates
If you are registering for the first time, you must complete fresh online registration on the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. If you have already registered in a previous round but did not secure a seat, you can log in using your existing credentials. After logging in or registering, you will need to pay the applicable registration fee as set by KEA.
Once payment is complete, download your verification slip from the portal. The next step is to pay the MBBS course fee for the college you wish to join. This is a mandatory payment and must be completed before you can enter your college preferences. Finally, when the option entry window opens (the date will be announced on the KEA portal), you must carefully select and rank your preferred colleges. Submit your choices before the deadline to ensure your preferences are recorded.
- Complete fresh registration (new applicants) or log in with existing credentials
- Pay the registration fee
- Download the verification slip
- Pay the MBBS course fee
- Enter and submit your college preferences during the option entry window
Why This Is Your Final Opportunity for a 2026 MBBS Seat in Karnataka
The stray round is the last admission window for NEET UG 2026 in Karnataka. All remaining seats are in the private management category, meaning they are offered by private medical colleges. If you do not secure a seat in this round, you will not be able to join an MBBS programme in Karnataka in 2026. This makes the stray round a critical opportunity for any candidate who has not yet been allotted a seat.
The availability of 664 seats is substantial, but competition can still be intense because this is the final window. Candidates who were not allotted seats in earlier rounds, those who did not report to their allotted colleges, and those switching from dental to MBBS programmes will all be competing for these positions. Your choice of colleges and careful preference ranking will be crucial to your success.
What to Prepare Before You Register
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Before you begin the registration process, gather all necessary documents and information. You will need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard, which contains your roll number and score. You will also need a valid identity document such as your Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID. Have your educational certificates (10th and 12th mark sheets) ready, as you may need to upload them during registration.
Financially, ensure you have funds available for both the registration fee and the MBBS course fee. The course fee varies by college but ranges from Rs 22.25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh per year. You should also have a valid email address and mobile number for communication from KEA. Finally, research the colleges offering seats in this round so that you can make informed choices when the option entry window opens.
- NEET UG 2026 scorecard
- Valid identity document (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID)
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Funds for registration and course fees
- Valid email and mobile number
- List of colleges and their fee structures
Monitoring the KEA Portal for Updates
After you register, you must stay alert to announcements on the KEA portal. The exact dates for option entry and seat allotment have not yet been finalized and will be posted on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Missing these announcements could mean missing critical deadlines, so check the portal at least once every two days during and after the registration window.
KEA may also announce that additional seats have been added to the stray round from forfeited Round 3 allotments. If this happens, the total seat count could increase beyond 664, creating more opportunities. Keep an eye on the seat matrix updates as well, as colleges or fee structures may be revised.
- Check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in daily for option entry and allotment schedule updates
- Watch for announcements about forfeited Round 3 seats being added to the stray round
- Monitor for any changes to the seat matrix or fee structures
- Enable notifications or set reminders so you do not miss deadlines
Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates make eligibility errors that result in their applications being rejected. Do not apply if you already hold a seat from KEA Rounds 1, 2, or 3, or if you have reported to any medical college. If you hold a dental seat and wish to switch to MBBS, you must be prepared to pay the MBBS course fee; simply holding a dental seat does not automatically qualify you for an MBBS seat.
If you have been allotted a seat through the MCC Round 4 process (which is the All India Quota counselling), you are not eligible for the stray round. Verify your eligibility carefully before registering. If you are unsure, contact KEA directly or visit the portal for clarification. Submitting an ineligible application wastes your time and may result in rejection.
- Do not apply if you hold a seat from KEA Rounds 1, 2, or 3
- Do not apply if you have already reported to any medical college
- Do not apply if you have an MCC Round 4 allotment
- Dental seat holders must be ready to pay MBBS fees to switch
- Verify your eligibility before registering
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the registration deadline for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 stray round?
Registration is open from October 13 to October 16, 2026. You must complete your registration before 11:59 PM on October 16. After this date, the registration window will close and you will not be able to apply.
How many MBBS seats are available in the stray round, and where are they located?
A total of 664 MBBS seats are available. Of these, 637 seats are in the Others (OTH) management quota across private medical colleges in Karnataka, with fees ranging from Rs 25.09 lakh to Rs 45 lakh per year. The remaining 27 seats are at Srinivasa Institute of Medical Sciences in Mangalore at Rs 22.25 lakh per year. No dental seats are available in this round.
Am I eligible for the stray round if I hold a dental seat from a previous KEA round?
Yes, you can apply to switch from a dental seat to an MBBS seat in the stray round. However, you must be prepared to pay the MBBS course fee for the college you are allotted. Simply holding a dental seat does not automatically give you an MBBS seat; you must go through the registration and allotment process.
What documents do I need to register for the stray round?
You will need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard, a valid identity document (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID), and your 10th and 12th mark sheets. Have these documents ready before you begin registration on the KEA portal.
When will the option entry and seat allotment schedules be announced?
KEA has not yet announced the exact dates for option entry and seat allotment. These schedules will be posted on the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. You should check the portal regularly after registration closes to find out when you can enter your college preferences and when allotment results will be released.
Can I apply for the stray round if I was allotted a seat in MCC Round 4?
No, you are not eligible for the stray round if you have been allotted a seat through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Round 4 process. The stray round is only for candidates who do not hold any seat from KEA Rounds 1–3 or from MCC Round 4.
What happens if I do not secure a seat in the stray round?
The stray round is the final admission window for NEET UG 2026 in Karnataka. If you do not secure a seat in this round, you will not be able to join an MBBS programme in Karnataka in 2026. You may need to explore options in other states or consider applying in future years.
Can KEA add more seats to the stray round after registration opens?
Yes, KEA may add additional seats to the stray round if candidates forfeit their Round 3 allotments. The final seat count could increase beyond 664. Monitor the KEA portal for updates on the seat matrix.
Register immediately at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in between October 13–16, 2026 if you are seeking an MBBS seat in Karnataka. This is your final opportunity for 2026, so gather your documents, arrange your fees, and monitor the KEA portal closely for option entry and allotment dates.
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