The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has expanded access to the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round, allowing eligible candidates who have not secured medical or dental seats to participate in the next stage of counselling. The decision provides another opportunity for aspiring doctors and dentists as the state works to fill vacancies left after earlier allotment rounds.

KEA has also extended the deadlines for fee payment and choice filling, giving candidates additional time to complete the required steps. The move follows requests from applicants who were seeking another chance to secure admission.

Revised deadlines to remember:

• Fee payment: Eligible candidates can pay the prescribed medical course fee deposit by 11 am on 19th October 2026
• Choice filling: Fresh college and course preferences must be submitted by 1 pm on 19th October 2026
• Official portal: Candidates should check the KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for the latest instructions

Applicants must enter fresh preferences for this round. Choices submitted during previous counselling rounds will not be considered for stray vacancy allotment. Candidates should review the available seat matrix, rank their preferred colleges carefully and save the confirmation after submitting their choices.

The expanded participation window makes accurate communication and timely counselling support especially important for institutions and applicants. EducationToday highlights how such admission decisions can influence students’ transition into professional courses, while reinforcing the need to follow official eligibility and payment requirements.

TopEducationNews readers should note that participation does not guarantee a seat. Allotment will depend on eligibility, NEET rank, submitted preferences, and available vacancies. Candidates who receive an allotment must follow the reporting instructions and deadlines issued by KEA. Failure to report within the prescribed period may result in cancellation of the allotted seat and loss of the applicable deposit.

The revised schedule gives eligible candidates a limited window to act. Applicants should verify their status, complete each required step promptly, and rely on official KEA notices for any further changes.