Karnataka NEET UG 2026: Stray Round Deadline Extended to October 19, Check New 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 pay the required caution deposit and submit fresh college preferences. The revised schedule allows candidates to pay the caution deposit until October 19, 2026, at 11 AM and enter their options until 1 PM on the same day.

The extension applies to the online stray vacancy counselling process for undergraduate medical and dental admissions. However, the current vacancy information indicates that 664 MBBS seats are available, with no dental seats listed in the earlier stray-round seat matrix. Candidates should check the latest seat matrix and official KEA notices before selecting their preferences.

Candidates can access the official KEA website for the latest Karnataka UGNEET 2026 stray vacancy round instructions, payment links and option-entry facility.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Revised Dates

Candidates participating in the Karnataka NEET UG stray vacancy counselling 2026 should follow the revised deadlines carefully. The caution deposit and option-entry windows close at different times on October 19.

The important dates and counselling details are summarised below.

Candidates should note that the extension of the caution deposit and option-entry deadlines does not automatically confirm an extension of every registration activity. Newly registered candidates should check the portal for verification requirements and ensure they complete all mandatory steps.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Seat Matrix

The earlier published seat matrix listed 664 vacant MBBS seats across Karnataka. The vacancies included government, private, NRI and management quota categories. No dental seats were listed in that matrix.

The reported distribution in the earlier seat information is provided below.

These figures relate to the previously reported seat matrix and should be checked against the latest official KEA vacancy list. Candidates should confirm the applicable fee for their selected seat category before making a payment.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Caution Deposit

Candidates must pay the prescribed caution deposit according to the type of medical seat they wish to select. The deposit category determines which seat options they can exercise under the counselling rules.

The reported caution deposit amounts are listed below for reference.

Candidates should verify the amount and payment instructions on the official KEA portal before paying. They should also read the refund, forfeiture and non-reporting conditions in the official notification, as failure to follow the admission rules can have financial and eligibility consequences.

How to Enter Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Options

Candidates must submit fresh options for the Karnataka UGNEET 2026 stray vacancy round. Preferences submitted during previous counselling rounds will not be considered for this round, so candidates should prepare and submit their choices again.

The option-entry process can be completed by following these steps:

1. Visit the official KEA website.
2. Open the UGNEET 2026 stray vacancy round section.
3. Log in using the required candidate credentials.
4. Complete any outstanding registration or verification requirements.
5. Pay the applicable caution deposit and download the verification slip, where required.
6. Open the fresh option-entry link.
7. Select preferred colleges and courses according to the seat category for which the deposit was paid.
8. Arrange the choices in order of priority and review them carefully.
9. Submit the options before October 19, 2026, at 1 PM and retain the confirmation for reference.

Candidates should not wait until the final minutes to complete payment or option entry. They should also monitor the KEA portal for updates to the vacancy list and further allotment instructions.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Round Deadline FAQs