Kerala's postgraduate medical counselling for NEET-PG 2025 has progressed through multiple phases, with allotments, registrations, and stray vacancy rounds spanning from December 2025 through February 2026. If you are an MBBS graduate seeking an MD, MS, or PG Diploma seat in Kerala, understanding the timeline of these counselling phases—and the deadlines for each—is essential to securing your preferred college and speciality. This guide consolidates the key milestones and what they mean for your admission journey.
Kerala NEET-PG counselling 2025–26 includes Phase 2 allotment (December), Phase 3 allotment (February), Round 3 registration extensions, and stray vacancy rounds; track all deadlines carefully to avoid missing registration windows.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is Kerala NEET-PG Counselling and Who Runs It?
Kerala's postgraduate medical counselling is managed by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, on behalf of the state's medical colleges and affiliated institutions. This process allocates MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats to NEET-PG qualified candidates based on merit, category, and choice of speciality and college.
The counselling is conducted in multiple phases—typically Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and stray vacancy rounds—to ensure all eligible candidates have an opportunity to secure a seat. Each phase involves option registration (where you list your preferred colleges and branches in order), followed by allotment based on merit rank and availability.
Phase 2 Allotment: December 2025 Timeline
Phase 2 of Kerala NEET-PG counselling began on December 11, 2025, with the opening of option registration. Candidates were required to log in to the CEE Kerala portal, review available seats in their category, and submit their ranked list of college–speciality combinations.
The Phase 2 allotment result was released on December 22, 2025. Candidates who received an allotment were required to accept or reject it within the stipulated time; those who accepted were directed to report to their allotted college for document verification and admission formalities. This phase typically fills a significant portion of available seats across Kerala's medical colleges.
Phase 3 Registration and Revised Schedule
Phase 3 was designed to accommodate candidates who did not secure a seat in Phase 2, as well as to fill any vacancies that arose after Phase 2 allottees reported or withdrew. However, the original Phase 3 schedule was revised by CEE Kerala, with a revised tentative schedule released on January 28, 2025.
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Option registration for Round 3 was reopened on February 6, 2025, after an initial closure. The registration deadline was subsequently extended on February 4, 2026, to allow more candidates to participate. Phase 3 allotment results were announced on February 13, 2025, enabling the next cohort of candidates to secure seats.
Stray Vacancy Round: Final Opportunity
After Phase 3 allotments are finalized, any remaining vacancies are filled through a stray vacancy round. The stray vacancy option registration portal was activated on February 19, 2025, allowing candidates to apply for any unfilled seats. This round is typically the last chance for candidates to secure a PG seat in Kerala for that admission cycle.
The stray round began on February 21, 2026, according to the timeline. Candidates who participate in the stray round should be prepared to report immediately upon allotment, as the window for joining is usually very short. Missing the stray round deadline or failing to report on time can result in forfeiture of the seat.
Merit List and Objection Period
A provisional merit list for Kerala NEET-PG was released on October 27, 2026. This list forms the basis for all subsequent allotments and is crucial for determining your eligibility and rank within your category. Candidates were given an opportunity to raise objections to the merit list by October 29, 2026, if they believed there were errors in their ranking, category classification, or other details.
If you identified an error in the merit list—such as incorrect NEET-PG score entry, wrong category assignment, or missing qualifying marks—submitting an objection within the deadline was essential. Objections filed after the deadline are typically not entertained, so timely action was critical.
What Each Phase Means for Your Admission
Phase 1 (not detailed in this timeline but typically the first round) is usually the largest allotment, filling the majority of seats. If you secure a seat in Phase 1, you move directly to reporting and admission. If not, Phase 2 offers a second chance, often with slightly lower-ranked candidates receiving allotments as vacancies from Phase 1 rejections become available.
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Phase 3 is typically for candidates with lower ranks or those seeking seats in less competitive specialities or colleges. The stray round is the final opportunity and often includes seats in specialities or colleges that remained unfilled after earlier phases. Participating in every phase you are eligible for maximizes your chances of securing a seat.
How to Track Your Status and Avoid Missing Deadlines
The CEE Kerala portal (cee.kerala.gov.in or the official counselling website) is your primary source for all updates, including registration windows, allotment results, and reporting dates. Bookmark this site and check it regularly, especially around the dates mentioned above. Many candidates miss deadlines because they rely on unofficial sources or assume they will receive email or SMS reminders.
Set phone reminders for key dates: option registration opening and closing, allotment result announcement, and reporting deadlines. Join official WhatsApp groups or follow the CEE Kerala social media accounts for real-time updates. If you have any doubts about your eligibility, rank, or the process, contact the CEE Kerala helpline or visit their office in person rather than relying on rumors or unverified online forums.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Kerala NEET-PG Counselling
One of the most common mistakes is not filling the option form strategically. Many candidates list colleges and specialities randomly or only choose their 'dream' options, leaving no backup choices. This can result in no allotment even if seats were available in less preferred options. Always fill your entire preference list, ranking options from most to least preferred, to maximize your chances.
Another critical error is missing reporting deadlines. Even if you receive an allotment, you must report to the college within the specified time frame (usually 2–3 days). Failure to report results in automatic cancellation of your allotment, and the seat goes to the next candidate. Keep all documents ready and plan your travel in advance to ensure you can report on time.
What to Do After Receiving an Allotment
Once you receive an allotment, log into the portal and accept it immediately. Do not delay, as acceptance windows are typically short (24–48 hours). After accepting, note the reporting date, time, and venue. Prepare all required documents: NEET-PG admit card, NEET-PG result, MBBS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by the college.
Report to the college on the scheduled date with all original documents and photocopies. The college will verify your documents, conduct a medical fitness test if required, and complete your admission formalities. Once you report and are admitted, you are officially a PG student in that college and speciality. Do not attempt to participate in further rounds after reporting, as doing so can lead to cancellation of your admission.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Phase 2, Phase 3, and the stray round in Kerala NEET-PG counselling?
Phase 2 is the second major allotment round, typically filling seats vacated after Phase 1. Phase 3 is the third round, accommodating candidates with lower ranks or filling remaining vacancies. The stray round is the final opportunity to fill any seats that remain unfilled after Phase 3. Each phase has its own option registration and allotment timeline. Candidates who do not secure a seat in an earlier phase can participate in the next phase.
When was the Phase 2 allotment result released for Kerala NEET-PG 2025?
The Phase 2 allotment result was released on December 22, 2025. Candidates who received an allotment were required to accept or reject it within the specified time frame and report to their allotted college for admission formalities.
What should I do if I find an error in the provisional merit list?
If you identify an error in the provisional merit list (such as incorrect NEET-PG score, wrong category, or missing marks), you must raise an objection through the CEE Kerala portal within the objection deadline. For the 2025–26 cycle, the objection deadline was October 29, 2026. Objections filed after the deadline are typically not entertained, so act quickly if you spot an error.
When does the stray round begin, and what is my last chance to secure a seat?
The stray vacancy round began on February 21, 2026, for the 2025–26 cycle. The stray round is typically the final opportunity to secure a PG seat in Kerala. If you do not secure a seat by the end of the stray round, you will need to wait for the next admission cycle or explore options in other states.
What happens if I miss the reporting deadline after receiving an allotment?
If you receive an allotment but fail to report to the college within the specified time frame (usually 2–3 days), your allotment is automatically cancelled, and the seat is offered to the next candidate on the merit list. There is typically no grace period or extension for reporting, so plan your travel and document preparation in advance.
How can I stay updated on Kerala NEET-PG counselling dates and deadlines?
The official CEE Kerala portal (cee.kerala.gov.in) is the most reliable source for all updates. Regularly check the portal for notifications, set phone reminders for key dates, and follow official CEE Kerala social media accounts. Avoid relying solely on unofficial sources or forums, as misinformation can lead to missed deadlines.
Can I participate in multiple phases of Kerala NEET-PG counselling?
Yes, if you do not secure a seat in Phase 2, you can participate in Phase 3. If you do not secure a seat in Phase 3, you can participate in the stray round. However, once you accept an allotment and report to a college, you must not participate in further rounds, as doing so can result in cancellation of your admission.
What is the significance of the revised schedule released on January 28, 2025?
The revised schedule released on January 28, 2025, updated the timeline for Phase 3 of Kerala NEET-PG counselling. This included changes to option registration dates and allotment timelines. It is important to follow the revised schedule rather than the original one to avoid missing deadlines.
Kerala NEET-PG counselling 2025–26 spans multiple phases from December 2025 through February 2026, with each phase offering a fresh opportunity to secure a seat. Track the official CEE Kerala portal closely, submit your preferences strategically in each phase you participate in, and be ready to report immediately upon allotment. Missing even one deadline can cost you a seat, so set reminders and stay organized throughout the process.
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