Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Counselling 2026: Option Entry Begins September 25, Check Schedule

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the schedule for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 3 counselling for MBBS and BDS admissions. The Karnataka NEET Round 3 option entry 2026 will begin on September 25 at 11 AM and remain open until September 29 at 11 AM.

Candidates who are eligible for the third round must pay the prescribed Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 caution deposit between September 24 and September 28. Importantly, KEA has clarified that candidates must enter their choices afresh, as options submitted in previous rounds will not be considered for Round 3.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Counselling 2026: Important Dates

The Karnataka NEET counselling 2026 Round 3 schedule includes caution deposit payment, fresh option entry and subsequent seat allotment. Candidates should track these dates carefully because missing the deposit or option-entry deadline can affect participation.

KEA will conduct the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 seat allotment after the relevant MCC Round 3 AIQ allotment process. The authority has said that seats remaining after Round 2, along with seats that become available because of cancellations, forfeitures or additions to the seat matrix, may be considered for Round 3.

Is Fresh Choices Mandatory for Karnataka NEET Round 3 Option Entry 2026?

The most important update for candidates is that fresh option entry is required for Karnataka NEET UG Round 3. Choices entered during Round 1 or Round 2 will not automatically carry forward. Candidates who pay the required caution deposit can enter their preferred MBBS and BDS colleges and courses between September 25 and September 29. KEA has advised students to arrange their choices according to their actual preference.

Candidates should also consider colleges and courses that are not showing an immediately available seat, as vacancies may arise because of cancellations or additions to the seat matrix during the allotment process.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Eligibility

The Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 counselling 2026 is open to specific categories of candidates. These include:

• Candidates who were not allotted a medical or dental seat in earlier rounds.
• Candidates who cancelled an allotted medical or dental seat after paying the prescribed penalty.
• Candidates who have already taken admission to a medical or dental college and are eligible to participate for upgradation under the applicable rules.
• Other candidates specifically permitted under the KEA Round 3 notification.

However, candidates who were allotted a seat in an earlier round but did not exercise the required choice, as well as candidates who selected Choice-4, are not eligible for the third round.

How to Complete Karnataka NEET Round 3 Option Entry 2026?

Candidates can complete the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 option entry through the KEA counselling portal once the link becomes active.

1. Visit the official KEA counselling website.
2. Open the UGNEET 2026 section.
3. Log in using the required credentials.
4. Complete the applicable caution deposit payment.
5. Open the Round 3 option-entry link.
6. Select preferred MBBS and BDS colleges and courses.
7. Arrange the options in order of preference.
8. Review the choices carefully and submit them before September 29 at 11 AM.
9. Save or print the submitted options for future reference.

Candidates should not rely on their previous-round choices because Karnataka NEET Round 3 requires fresh option entry.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Caution Deposit 2026

Candidates seeking to participate in Karnataka NEET Round 3 counselling have to pay the applicable caution deposit between September 24 and September 28, 2026. Candidates who have already reported to a medical or dental college do not need to pay the caution deposit, according to the announced guidelines. The amount paid for another course is also not automatically treated as the Round 3 caution deposit.

Students should complete the payment within the deadline before attempting Karnataka NEET Round 3 option entry 2026.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Counselling 2026 FAQs