Kerala KEAM 2026 MBBS BDS Stray Vacancy Seats Released

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala has made public the tentative vacancy position for KEAM 2026 MBBS and BDS admissions. This list shows which seats remain unfilled across government and private medical and dental colleges in Kerala after the main counselling rounds. If you are a KEAM aspirant waiting for a second chance at admission, or if you are considering stray vacancy allotment, this vacancy data is essential to understand your realistic options and plan your next steps.

What is stray vacancy allotment and why does it matter?

Stray vacancy allotment is the final round of seat allocation in KEAM counselling. After the main counselling rounds conclude, some seats remain empty due to candidates declining offers, not reporting to colleges, or other reasons. These unfilled seats are then offered to remaining eligible candidates in a separate, time-bound process.

For NEET-UG aspirants in Kerala, stray vacancy represents a last opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat if you did not get one in the main rounds. The process is typically faster and more competitive, as all remaining candidates compete for a limited number of seats. Understanding the vacancy position beforehand helps you decide whether to participate and which colleges to prioritize.

MBBS vacancies: 84 seats across Kerala colleges

The tentative vacancy list shows 84 MBBS seats available in both government and private self-financing medical colleges across Kerala. Government medical colleges with reported vacancies include institutions in Idukki, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Konni (Pathanamthitta district). These government seats are typically more competitive and have lower fees, making them highly sought after.

Private self-financing medical colleges with vacancies include Al Azhar Medical College, Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Dr. Moopens Medical College, KMCT Medical College, Kerala Medical College, Mount Zion Medical College, Palakkad Institute of Medical Sciences, and Sree Gokulam Medical College, among others. Some colleges show higher vacancy numbers—for example, Palakkad Institute of Medical Sciences, Mount Zion Medical College, and Sree Gokulam Medical College each have 7 vacant seats. Private college seats typically have higher fees but may offer more flexibility in admission timelines.

• Government medical colleges: Idukki, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Konni (Pathanamthitta)
• Major private colleges with vacancies: Al Azhar, Azeezia, Believers Church, Dr. Moopens, KMCT, Kerala Medical College, Mount Zion, Palakkad Institute, Sree Gokulam
• Highest individual college vacancies: 7 seats each at Palakkad Institute, Mount Zion, and Sree Gokulam

BDS vacancies: 106 seats in dental colleges

The BDS vacancy position is larger, with 106 seats tentatively available across government and private dental colleges in Kerala. Government dental colleges reporting vacancies include institutions in Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kannur, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram. These government dental seats are typically more affordable and attract strong competition.

Private dental colleges with reported vacancies include Al Azhar Dental College, Azeezia College of Dental Science, Sree Anjaneya Institute of Dental Sciences, Educare Institute of Dental Sciences, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, KMCT Dental College, MES Dental College, Malabar Dental College, Pushpagiri College of Dental Science, and Sri Sankara Dental College. The larger number of BDS vacancies compared to MBBS suggests that dental seats may be relatively easier to secure in stray allotment, though this depends on the number of candidates competing.

• Government dental colleges: Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kannur, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram
• Major private dental colleges: Al Azhar, Azeezia, Sree Anjaneya, Educare, Indira Gandhi, KMCT, MES, Malabar, Pushpagiri, Sri Sankara

Category-wise vacancies: Check the official PDF for your eligibility

The vacancy position released by CEE Kerala includes category-wise breakdowns—meaning seats are divided among General, OBC, SC, ST, and other reserved categories as per Kerala's reservation policy. The exact number of vacancies in each category varies by college and course. This is critical information because your eligibility to apply depends on which category you belong to.

You must download and review the official vacancy PDF from the CEE Kerala website to see the category-wise position for each college. Do not assume that all 84 MBBS or 106 BDS seats are available to you; your actual options depend on your category and the specific vacancies in that category at each college. This step is non-negotiable before you register for stray allotment.

• Vacancies are divided by category: General, OBC, SC, ST, and others
• Each college has different category-wise vacancy numbers
• Download the official PDF to see exact category-wise positions
• Your eligibility depends on your category and the vacancies available in it

How to use this vacancy list for stray allotment planning

Now that the tentative vacancy position is public, you should use it to make an informed decision about stray allotment participation. First, identify which colleges have vacancies in your category. Second, research the colleges—their location, infrastructure, faculty, and fees—to decide which ones you would genuinely accept if offered a seat. Third, prepare your choice list in order of preference, because stray allotment typically operates on a single-round, first-come-first-served or merit-based allocation model.

Remember that this is a tentative list. The actual number of vacancies may change as candidates report to colleges, complete admissions, or withdraw. Some vacancies may be filled before stray allotment begins. Additionally, the CEE Kerala will announce specific dates and registration windows for stray allotment; mark these dates on your calendar and ensure you register within the deadline. Missing the registration window means losing your chance entirely.

• Identify colleges with vacancies in your category
• Research college reputation, location, fees, and facilities
• Prepare a ranked choice list based on your preferences
• Watch for CEE Kerala's stray allotment schedule announcement
• Register within the announced deadline—do not miss it

Government vs. private colleges: What the vacancy data tells you

The vacancy list includes both government and private self-financing colleges. Government medical and dental colleges in Kerala are funded by the state, have lower fees (typically ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 per year for Indian nationals), and are highly competitive. Private self-financing colleges charge significantly higher fees (often ₹10–20 lakhs per year) but may have more modern infrastructure and flexible admission processes.

If you are eligible for a government college seat, it is generally advisable to prioritize it due to lower cost and prestige. However, if government seats in your category are limited or if you have a strong preference for a particular private college's program or location, private options are available. The vacancy data shows that both sectors have unfilled seats, giving you options across the affordability and prestige spectrum.

• Government colleges: Lower fees, higher competition, state-funded
• Private colleges: Higher fees, potentially better infrastructure, more flexible timelines
• Both sectors have vacancies in the stray allotment list
• Prioritize government seats if eligible, but private options exist

Important reminders before you apply for stray allotment

Before you register for stray allotment, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria set by CEE Kerala. You must have appeared for KEAM 2026, obtained a valid score, and not been allotted a seat in the main counselling rounds (or have declined your allotted seat). Some candidates are ineligible for stray allotment if they have already accepted and reported to a college in the main rounds.

Additionally, verify that you have all required documents ready: your KEAM admit card, score card, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and other documents as specified by CEE Kerala. Stray allotment moves quickly, and delays in document submission can result in forfeiture of your seat. Finally, be prepared to pay the admission fee and report to the college within the stipulated timeframe if you are allotted a seat; failure to do so will result in cancellation.

• Verify your KEAM eligibility and score validity
• Confirm you are eligible for stray allotment (not already admitted elsewhere)
• Gather all required documents: admit card, score card, certificates
• Be ready to pay fees and report to college immediately after allotment
• Missing deadlines will result in seat cancellation

What happens after stray allotment closes?

Once stray allotment concludes and all eligible candidates have been processed, any remaining vacancies may be filled through additional rounds or may remain unfilled for that academic year. Some colleges may open a waitlist or conduct spot admissions for remaining seats, but these processes vary by institution and are not guaranteed.

If you do not secure a seat in stray allotment, you have limited options: you can consider applying to colleges outside Kerala (if you are open to that), explore private medical colleges in other states, or prepare to reappear for NEET-UG in the following year. The key is to act decisively during stray allotment and not miss the registration window.

• Remaining vacancies after stray allotment may be filled through waitlists or spot admissions
• These processes are college-specific and not guaranteed
• If unsuccessful, consider colleges outside Kerala or reappear next year

Frequently asked questions

The release of the tentative vacancy position is your signal to act. Download the official PDF from CEE Kerala, identify your realistic options, and prepare your choice list now. Stray allotment moves quickly, and missing the registration deadline means losing your chance—so mark the dates carefully and register on time.