KCET Round 3 Seat Allotment 2026: Choice-4 Deadline, 5X Penalty

KCET Round 3 seat allotment 2026 has entered its final stage, with the Karnataka Examinations Authority allowing newly allotted candidates to exit through Choice-4. The deadline is September 5.

KEA has warned candidates about strict action for seat blocking. Eligible students who do not want their newly allotted seat must select Choice-4 by 5 PM today, while upgraded candidates cannot use this exit option.

KCET Round 3 Seat Allotment 2026: Key Highlights

The table below covers the important details of the final KCET counselling round, including the provisional allotment date, Choice-4 deadline and college reporting date.

KCET Choice-4 Exit Window Closes Today

KEA has introduced the Choice-4 exit option for candidates who have received a seat for the first time in KCET Round 3. Such candidates can use the option if they do not want to continue with the allotted seat.

The Choice-4 window will close at 5 PM on September 5, 2026. Candidates who want to exit the counselling process must actively select the option within the specified deadline.

Who Can Select Choice-4?

The Choice-4 facility is available only to candidates who have been newly allotted a seat in Round 3.

Candidates should note the following:

• Newly allotted candidates can choose Choice-4 to exit KCET counselling.
• The exit option must be selected before 5 PM on September 5.
• Candidates who participated in Round 2 and entered Round 3 for upgradation cannot select Choice-4.
• Upgraded candidates must proceed with their allotted seat as per KEA instructions.
• Candidates should not assume that simply ignoring the allotment will cancel the seat without consequences.

KCET Round 3: 5X Seat-Blocking Penalty

KEA has issued a strict warning against candidates who block seats after the final round of counselling. Failure to join an allotted college after the final allotment can attract serious consequences.

According to the reported KEA instructions, candidates who abandon their allotted seats in circumstances treated as seat blocking may face a penalty equivalent to five times the applicable government tuition fee. The action can also involve forfeiture of the seat and possible legal or counselling-related consequences.

Therefore, candidates who do not want a newly allotted Round 3 seat should use the available Choice-4 exit route instead of simply leaving the seat unused.

What Happens After KCET Choice-4 Deadline?

After the Choice-4 window closes, KEA will process the seats surrendered by eligible candidates. The authority will then carry out the required re-allotment process before publishing the final Round 3 seat allotment result.

The important next steps are:

• Choice-4 window closes at 5 PM on September 5.
• Seats surrendered through the exit process will be considered for further allocation.
• KEA will process the final Round 3 allotment.
• Candidates allotted seats must follow the admission and reporting instructions.
• Colleges are scheduled to start from September 13, 2026.

KCET Round 3 Seat Allotment 2026: What Candidates Should Do

Candidates should check their allotment status on the KEA portal and carefully determine whether they want to continue with the admission.

New allottees who do not want the seat: Select Choice-4 before the deadline.

Candidates seeking admission: Complete the required admission formalities and follow the reporting instructions.

Candidates who participated in Round 2 upgradation: Choice-4 is not available, so they should follow KEA's instructions regarding their final allotment.

KCET Round 3 Seat Allotment 2026 FAQs