Karnataka NEET UG 2026: Stray Round Option Entry Deadline Extended, Check Revised Schedule

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadlines for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round, giving eligible candidates additional time to complete the required fee payment and college choice-filling process. Candidates seeking MBBS admission through Karnataka NEET counselling must complete the pending steps within the revised timeline.

The Karnataka NEET UG stray round option entry 2026 began on October 16. Following the latest update, eligible candidates can pay the prescribed medical course fee by October 19, 2026, at 11 AM and submit their preferences for seat allotment by 1 PM. Candidates should check the latest instructions on the official KEA portal before submitting their choices.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Revised Dates

KEA has announced revised deadlines for candidates participating in the online stray vacancy round. The process is intended to fill seats remaining after the earlier rounds of Karnataka NEET UG counselling.

Candidates should note the following important dates for the stray vacancy round.

Candidates must complete the required steps before the revised deadlines. For the latest updates, visit the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website.

How to Complete Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Option Entry

Eligible candidates must submit their college and course preferences through the KEA counselling portal. Since the stray vacancy round has a separate option-entry process, candidates should not assume that choices submitted during earlier rounds will automatically carry forward.

Follow these steps to complete the Karnataka NEET UG stray round choice-filling process.

1. Visit the official KEA website.
2. Open the UGNEET 2026 counselling section.
3. Log in to the candidate portal using the required credentials.
4. Open the stray vacancy round option-entry link.
5. Check the latest available seat matrix and eligible college options.
6. Enter fresh college and course preferences in the order of priority.
7. Review the selected options and make any necessary changes before the deadline.
8. Submit the choices and save the confirmation for future reference.

Candidates should complete the prescribed fee payment by October 19 at 11 AM and submit their choices by 1 PM, as per the latest reported extension. They should also check the portal for any further changes to the schedule.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Counselling Fee and Caution Deposit

Candidates participating in the stray vacancy round may need to pay the prescribed medical course fee and applicable caution deposit, depending on their eligibility and counselling status. The amount and payment requirements should be verified through the current KEA notification and candidate login.

Applicants should not make payments based on older counselling schedules. They should confirm the applicable amount, payment method and refund or forfeiture conditions before proceeding. Candidates must also retain their payment receipts and verification documents until the admission process is complete.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round FAQs