If you have cleared NEET UG and are waiting for a medical or dental college seat in Karnataka, today is a critical deadline. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is closing the option entry window for the second round of stray vacancy allotment at 1 PM today, October 24, 2026. This is your chance to list your preferred colleges and courses for seat assignment. Missing this deadline means you will not be considered for this round of allotment.
Submit your college and course preferences on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in before 1 PM today to participate in Karnataka's second stray vacancy allotment for MBBS and BDS seats.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is stray vacancy allotment and why does it matter?
Stray vacancy allotment is a counselling round that fills seats left empty after the main and first-round allotments. These are genuine vacancies that arise when candidates decline their allotted seats, fail to report, or do not complete admission formalities. For many aspirants who did not secure a seat in earlier rounds, stray vacancy becomes their opportunity to enter a medical or dental college.
The second stray vacancy round is particularly important because it represents the final major window for seat allocation in Karnataka's NEET UG counselling process. Seats available in this round are real and will be allotted based strictly on the preferences you submit today.
How to submit your preferences before the 1 PM deadline
The process is straightforward but time-sensitive. You must visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and log in using your CET (Common Entrance Test) number or by scanning the QR code provided. Once logged in, locate the stray vacancy option entry link for round 2.
After accessing the option entry portal, you will be asked to list your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority. The allotment algorithm will match you to the highest-ranked college on your list where a vacancy exists and for which you are eligible. Save your choices carefully and submit before 1 PM—the system will not accept entries after the deadline.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on UGNEET 2026 section
- Select the Stray Vacancy Round 2 option entry link
- Log in with your CET number or QR code
- Enter your college and course preferences in order of preference
- Review your choices and save
- Submit before 1 PM on October 24, 2026
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Check the seat matrix before entering your choices
Before you submit any preferences, you must review the seat matrix for round 2 stray vacancy. This document shows exactly which colleges have vacancies, how many seats are available in each course (MBBS or BDS), and in which category (general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). The seat matrix is published on the official KEA website and is essential for making informed choices.
Do not guess or assume which colleges have seats. Entering preferences for colleges with no vacancies wastes your priority slots. Study the matrix carefully, identify colleges where you are eligible and where seats genuinely exist, and then rank them according to your preference. This strategic approach maximizes your chances of a successful allotment.
What happened in round 1 stray vacancy?
The first stray vacancy round was completed earlier, and the final allotment results have already been released. Candidates who participated in that round and received allotments have either joined their colleges or declined their seats. The vacancies created by those who did not join are now being offered in this second round.
If you did not participate in round 1 or did not receive an allotment then, this round 2 is your next opportunity. The seats available now are fresh vacancies and represent a genuine chance to secure admission to an MBBS or BDS programme in Karnataka.
Why the 1 PM deadline is non-negotiable
The KEA operates on strict timelines to ensure fair and transparent counselling. Once the option entry window closes at 1 PM, the system will lock and no further entries will be accepted, regardless of technical issues or last-minute delays on your part. This is not a soft deadline—it is a hard cutoff enforced by the system.
Plan ahead: do not wait until 12:50 PM to log in. Internet delays, login issues, or slow form submission can cost you your chance. Complete your entry at least 15–20 minutes before the deadline to allow for any unforeseen problems.
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What happens after you submit your preferences?
After the option entry window closes, the KEA will process all submitted preferences using a computerized allotment algorithm. This algorithm ranks candidates by their NEET UG score and merit position, then matches each candidate to the highest-ranked college on their preference list where a vacancy exists and for which they are eligible.
The allotment result will be published on the official website within a few days. Once you receive your allotment, you will have a specified time window to report to your allotted college, submit required documents, and complete admission formalities. Failure to report within the deadline will result in forfeiture of your seat.
Who is eligible to participate in stray vacancy round 2?
Any candidate who has qualified NEET UG and is eligible for counselling in Karnataka can participate in stray vacancy allotment. This includes candidates who did not participate in earlier rounds, those who did not receive an allotment, and those who declined their previous allotments. There is no separate eligibility criterion for stray vacancy—your NEET UG qualification and Karnataka domicile or eligibility status are sufficient.
However, you must ensure that you have registered for counselling and have a valid CET number. If you have not yet registered, contact the KEA immediately, as registration deadlines may have already passed.
Common mistakes to avoid when entering preferences
Many candidates make preventable errors during option entry. The most common is entering preferences for colleges with no vacancies—this wastes your priority slots. Another is ranking colleges in the wrong order; always list your most preferred college first, even if it has fewer seats. Do not assume you will get a second chance; treat this round as your final opportunity.
Also, do not enter preferences for colleges outside Karnataka or for courses you are not eligible for (for example, BDS if you only qualify for MBBS based on your score). Verify your eligibility category (general, OBC, SC, ST) and ensure the colleges you choose have vacancies in your category. Finally, save your form multiple times as you fill it, and do not rely on a single save at the end.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the exact deadline for submitting preferences in Karnataka NEET UG stray vacancy round 2?
The option entry window closes at 1 PM on October 24, 2026. No entries will be accepted after this time. You must submit your preferences before this deadline to be considered for allotment in this round.
Where do I submit my college and course preferences for stray vacancy round 2?
You must visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, log in with your CET number or QR code, and access the stray vacancy round 2 option entry link. All preferences must be submitted through this portal.
How do I know which colleges have vacancies in stray vacancy round 2?
The KEA publishes a seat matrix on its official website that lists all colleges with vacancies, the number of seats available in each course and category, and other relevant details. You must review this matrix before entering your preferences to ensure you are choosing colleges that actually have seats.
Can I change my preferences after submitting them?
No. Once you submit your preferences before the 1 PM deadline, you cannot modify them. The system will lock your choices and proceed to allotment. This is why it is critical to review your preferences carefully before submitting.
What happens if I do not submit preferences by 1 PM today?
If you do not submit your preferences by 1 PM, you will not be considered for allotment in stray vacancy round 2. You will miss this opportunity to secure a seat. There may be further rounds, but there is no guarantee, so it is essential to participate today if you wish to be considered.
How long does it take to receive the allotment result after option entry closes?
The KEA typically releases the allotment result within a few days of the option entry deadline. The exact date will be announced on the official website. Once the result is published, you can check your allotment status and the college and course you have been assigned.
What should I do if I receive an allotment in stray vacancy round 2?
If you receive an allotment, you will be given a specific time window (usually 3–5 days) to report to your allotted college with required documents and complete admission formalities. Failure to report within this deadline will result in forfeiture of your seat. Follow all instructions issued by the KEA and your college carefully.
Can I participate in stray vacancy round 2 if I did not participate in earlier rounds?
Yes. Any candidate who has qualified NEET UG and is eligible for counselling in Karnataka can participate in stray vacancy allotment, regardless of whether they participated in earlier rounds. You do not need to have participated in round 1 to be eligible for round 2.
Today's 1 PM deadline is your final opportunity to secure a seat in this round of Karnataka's NEET UG counselling. Review the seat matrix, finalize your preferences, and submit them well before the cutoff time. Once allotment results are announced, be prepared to report to your college immediately to complete admission formalities.
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