The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala has begun the third and final phase of option registration for MBBS and BDS seats under the state's medical counselling process. This round covers government college state quota seats and self-financed medical and dental college positions. If you are a NEET aspirant in Kerala who did not secure a seat in earlier phases or wish to explore better options, Phase 3 is your last major opportunity this cycle. Importantly, all previous choices are discarded—you must register fresh preferences to be considered for Round 3 allotment.
Phase 3 option registration is open until October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM; candidates must log in and submit entirely new college and course preferences, as earlier choices will not be carried forward.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is Phase 3 and who can apply?
Phase 3 is the third round of seat allotment in Kerala's NEET UG counselling cycle for MBBS and BDS courses. It is open to all candidates whose names appear on the official KEAM 2026 medical rank list maintained by CEE Kerala. This includes candidates who did not receive an allotment in Phase 1 or Phase 2, as well as those who were offered seats but chose to opt out in Phase 2 to try for a better option.
The phase also covers newly added seats that may have become available after earlier rounds. However, if you have already joined a college in Phase 2 and are satisfied with your allotment, you do not need to register again. Phase 3 is only for candidates actively seeking a seat or wishing to move to a higher-ranked preference.
Key dates and deadlines for Phase 3 registration
The registration window opened on September 28, 2026, and candidates have until October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM to submit their fresh choices. After this deadline, the system will close and no further registrations will be accepted. The allotment result will be published in two stages: a provisional list on October 8, 2026, followed by the final allotment on October 9, 2026.
Once allotments are announced, the reporting and joining window runs from October 10 to October 14, 2026, with a final deadline of 4:00 PM on October 14. College authorities must then submit the list of admitted candidates by 5:00 PM the same day. It is critical to mark these dates on your calendar and plan accordingly.
- Option registration opens: September 28, 2026
- Option registration closes: October 7, 2026, 10:00 AM
- Provisional allotment published: October 8, 2026
- Final allotment published: October 9, 2026
- Reporting and joining period: October 10–14, 2026, until 4:00 PM
- College submission deadline: October 14, 2026, 5:00 PM
How to register fresh options online
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The entire registration process is conducted online through the CEE Kerala candidate portal. You will need your KEAM 2026 application number and password to log in. Begin by visiting the official website cee.kerala.gov.in and locating the KEAM 2026 Candidate Portal link.
Once logged in, click on the Fresh Option Registration link for Phase 3. You will then be able to select your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority. The order matters significantly—place your most desired choice at the top of the list, as the allotment system will consider the highest available option based on your rank. After entering all preferences, save your entries and confirm the final list before the deadline. Download and retain a printout of your confirmed options for your records.
- Visit cee.kerala.gov.in
- Open the KEAM 2026 Candidate Portal
- Log in with your application number and password
- Click on Fresh Option Registration for Phase 3
- Select colleges and courses in priority order
- Save and confirm your final list
- Download and print your confirmed options
- Ensure confirmation is completed before October 7, 10:00 AM
Why earlier choices do not carry forward
A critical difference in Phase 3 is that all options you submitted in Phase 1 or Phase 2 are completely discarded. The system does not automatically carry forward your previous preferences. This means you must actively re-register and re-enter your college and course choices, even if they are identical to what you submitted before.
This design ensures that candidates can reassess their preferences based on the outcomes of earlier phases and the availability of newly added seats. It also prevents candidates from being locked into outdated choices. If you do not register fresh options by the deadline, you will not be considered for Phase 3 allotment, regardless of your rank or eligibility.
How allotment rank and priority are calculated
Allotment in Kerala's NEET UG counselling is determined primarily by your NEET UG all-India score and your rank in the Kerala state merit list. Reservation categories, communal quotas, and special reservations as defined in the KEAM 2026 prospectus also apply. Your position in the merit list directly influences which seats become available to you.
The order in which you list your college and course preferences is equally important. The allotment algorithm processes your options from top to bottom and assigns you the highest-ranked available seat that matches your eligibility and preference order. For example, if your first choice is unavailable but your second choice is, you will be allotted the second choice. This is why careful prioritization of your preferences is essential.
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Seats covered under Phase 3
Phase 3 allotment covers state quota MBBS and BDS seats in government medical and dental colleges across Kerala. It also includes seats in self-financed (private) medical and dental colleges that are part of the state counselling pool. The exact number and distribution of seats available in Phase 3 will be published by CEE Kerala before the allotment result.
Candidates should review the official seat matrix and college list on the CEE Kerala portal to understand which institutions and courses are participating in Phase 3. This information will help you prepare a realistic and well-informed preference list.
What happens if you do not register for Phase 3?
If you are eligible for Phase 3 but do not submit fresh options by the October 7 deadline, you will automatically be excluded from the Phase 3 allotment process. Your name will not be considered for any seat, even if seats remain unfilled. This is a strict rule and there are typically no extensions or exceptions.
If you have already joined a college in Phase 2 and are content with that seat, you do not need to register. However, if you are still seeking a seat or hoping to upgrade, registration is mandatory. Do not assume that your Phase 1 or Phase 2 choices will be considered—they will not be.
Practical steps to prepare for Phase 3 registration
Begin by reading the full Phase 3 notification on the CEE Kerala website to understand all rules and deadlines. Gather your KEAM 2026 login credentials and ensure you can access the candidate portal without issues. Research the colleges and courses you wish to apply for, noting their cutoff ranks from earlier phases and any special eligibility criteria.
Create a shortlist of colleges and courses ranked by your preference. Consider factors such as college reputation, location, course specialization, and your realistic chances of admission based on your rank. Enter your preferences into the portal well before the deadline—do not wait until the last day, as technical issues or internet problems could prevent timely submission. After confirming your options, take a printout and keep it safe for reference during the allotment and reporting process.
- Read the official Phase 3 notification in full
- Verify your KEAM login credentials work
- Research colleges and their Phase 1/2 cutoff ranks
- Prepare a prioritized list of colleges and courses
- Log in and enter fresh options early
- Confirm and save your final list
- Print and retain a copy of your confirmed preferences
- Monitor the CEE Kerala portal daily for allotment updates
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Do my Phase 1 and Phase 2 options carry forward to Phase 3?
No. Phase 3 requires you to submit entirely fresh options. All preferences from Phase 1 and Phase 2 are discarded. You must log in and re-enter your college and course choices to be considered for Phase 3 allotment. If you do not register fresh options, you will not be considered for any seat in this round.
What is the deadline for Phase 3 option registration?
The deadline is October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Registration opened on September 28, 2026. You must submit your fresh options before this time; no extensions are typically granted. After 10:00 AM on October 7, the registration portal will close.
Who is eligible to register for Phase 3?
Any candidate whose name appears on the KEAM 2026 medical rank list is eligible. This includes candidates who did not receive an allotment in Phase 1 or Phase 2, those who opted out of Phase 2, and those seeking newly added seats. If you have already joined a college in Phase 2 and are satisfied, you do not need to register.
What seats are available in Phase 3?
Phase 3 covers state quota MBBS and BDS seats in government medical and dental colleges, as well as seats in self-financed medical and dental colleges under the state pool. The exact number and distribution of available seats will be published by CEE Kerala before the allotment result.
How is allotment decided in Phase 3?
Allotment is based on your NEET UG all-India score, your rank in the Kerala state merit list, applicable reservations, and the order in which you list your preferences. The system assigns you the highest-ranked available seat that matches your eligibility and preference order. Your first choice is considered first; if unavailable, your second choice is considered, and so on.
When will the Phase 3 allotment result be published?
The provisional allotment list will be published on October 8, 2026, and the final allotment on October 9, 2026. Candidates can then report to their allotted colleges between October 10 and October 14, 2026, by 4:00 PM.
What should I do if I have already joined a college in Phase 2?
If you are satisfied with your Phase 2 allotment and have joined the college, you do not need to register for Phase 3. However, if you wish to explore better options or upgrade your seat, you must register fresh options by the October 7 deadline.
How should I prioritize my college preferences in Phase 3?
List your most preferred college and course at the top of your options. The allotment system processes your preferences in order and assigns you the highest-ranked available seat. Place colleges in order of your genuine preference, considering factors like reputation, location, specialization, and your realistic chances based on your rank.
Phase 3 is your final opportunity to secure a Kerala MBBS or BDS seat this cycle. Register fresh options by October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM on cee.kerala.gov.in. Monitor the CEE Kerala portal daily for the allotment result on October 9 and be ready to report to your allotted college by October 14.
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