Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Round 3 dates have been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The authority will open the Karnataka NEET Round 3 option entry window on September 25, 2026, at 11 AM.
Candidates who are eligible to participate in KEA UGNEET Round 3 counselling will be able to enter and lock their choices through the official KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in.
KEA has also published the criteria for candidates who are eligible and not eligible for Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 counselling. Candidates should check their status carefully before participating in the option-entry process.
KEA has announced the Karnataka NEET Round 3 Counselling 2026 schedule for admission to MBBS and BDS seats in the state.
The Karnataka NEET Round 3 option entry window will open on September 25 at 11 AM. Candidates who meet the eligibility conditions will be able to participate in choice filling and locking through the KEA counselling portal.
The authority has also issued separate criteria for candidates who can and cannot participate in the third round of Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026.
Candidates are advised to check the latest information on the official KEA website before entering their choices.
| Particular | Details |
| Counselling | Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority |
| Round | Round 3 |
| Option Entry Starts | September 25, 2026 |
| Option Entry Time | 11 AM |
| Courses | MBBS and BDS |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
| Caution Money Deadline | September 28, 2026 |
The Karnataka NEET Round 3 option entry process will begin on September 25 at 11 AM.
Eligible candidates can use the KEA portal to submit their preferred colleges and courses. Candidates should arrange their choices based on their admission preferences and carefully review the options before locking them.
The choice-filling process is an important part of KEA UGNEET Round 3, as the submitted preferences are considered during the seat allotment process.
Candidates should make sure that their choices are correctly entered and locked within the prescribed schedule.
KEA has specified who can participate in the third round of Karnataka NEET counselling.
According to the criteria provided in the latest update, the following candidates are eligible:
Candidates who were not allotted any medical seat in Round 1 or Round 2.
Candidates who cancelled their medical or dental seat after paying the applicable penalty.
Candidates who have already reported to a medical or dental college and want to participate for upgradation, subject to the applicable directions, including recent High Court orders.
Candidates should check the official KEA eligibility list before proceeding with option entry.
KEA has also listed candidates who cannot participate in the third round.
The following candidates are mentioned as ineligible:
Candidates who were allotted a medical or dental seat in Round 1 or Round 2 but did not exercise a choice.
Candidates who were allotted a medical or dental seat in Round 1 or Round 2 and selected Choice-4.
Therefore, candidates who received a seat in an earlier round should first check their previous-round choice status before assuming that they can participate in Round 3.
Candidates participating in Karnataka NEET Round 3 Counselling 2026 should also take note of the caution money requirement.
As per the latest schedule provided in the reference update, KEA has mandated payment of the Karnataka NEET caution money before September 28, 2026.
Candidates should complete the payment within the prescribed deadline and retain the transaction details for future reference.
Candidates eligible for Karnataka NEET Round 3 option entry 2026 can follow these general steps:
Visit the official KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in.
Open the Karnataka NEET UG counselling section.
Log in using the required candidate credentials.
Check the Round 3 option-entry facility.
Enter the preferred MBBS and BDS colleges and courses.
Arrange the choices in the required order.
Review the selected options carefully.
Lock the choices before the deadline.
Save or download the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates should follow the instructions displayed on the KEA portal while completing the process.
Before participating in KEA UGNEET Round 3, candidates should check:
Whether their name appears in the eligible list.
Whether they meet the Round 3 participation criteria.
Their previous-round allotment status.
Choice exercised in the earlier round, wherever applicable.
Caution money payment requirements.
Option-entry opening and closing dates.
College and course preferences.
Final choice-locking status.
This will help avoid mistakes during the final stages of choice submission.
The Karnataka NEET counselling process is conducted for admission to MBBS and BDS seats through the state counselling process.
For Round 3, eligible candidates can participate in the option-entry process and submit their preferred colleges and courses. Seat allotment will depend on the applicable counselling rules, candidate eligibility, rank, choices and availability of seats.
Candidates should rely on the allotment result and official KEA instructions rather than assuming that a particular college or course will be allotted based only on previous-round trends.
The important dates available in the latest update are:
| Event | Date/Time |
| Karnataka NEET Round 3 Option Entry | September 25, 2026 |
| Option Entry Starts | 11 AM |
| Caution Money Deadline | September 28, 2026 |
Candidates should check kea.kar.nic.in for any subsequent changes to the schedule.
Candidates participating in Round 3 should keep these points in mind:
Check the KEA eligibility criteria before starting option entry.
Do not assume eligibility based only on participation in an earlier round.
Enter college and course choices carefully.
Review the complete preference list before locking it.
Complete the required caution money payment within the deadline.
Keep payment and option-entry confirmations safely.
Regularly check the official KEA website for further allotment and reporting instructions.
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