The Karnataka NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round has received a fresh deadline update. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), which runs UGNEET-2026 counselling for MBBS and BDS seats in the state, has extended the cut-off for the final stage of the process so that eligible candidates get more time to complete their steps. As of October 16, 2026, the choice filling window remains open and now runs up to October 19, with revised cut-off times for the caution deposit and option entry.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Stray Vacancy Round: What Has Changed

According to the latest update on KEA's announcement dated October 15, 2026, the caution deposit deadline for the stray vacancy round has been extended to October 19 at 11:00 AM. Fresh option entry is reported to stay available until 1:00 PM on the same day. The earlier schedule had fixed the close of option entry at 9:00 AM on October 19, so the revision effectively adds a few extra hours on the last day.

Key Dates and Revised Deadlines

EventDate and Time
KEA stray vacancy notification and vacant medical seat listOctober 8, 2026
Fresh registration and fee deposit windowOctober 13 to October 16, 2026
Fresh option entry beginsOctober 16, 2026, 11:00 AM
Original option entry closeOctober 19, 2026, 9:00 AM
Revised caution deposit deadlineOctober 19, 2026, 11:00 AM
Revised option entry cut-off (as reported)October 19, 2026, 1:00 PM
Seat allotment resultTo be announced by KEA

Background: Why the Stray Vacancy Round Matters

A stray vacancy round is held after the regular counselling rounds are over. By then, many seats have been vacated because candidates did not report, chose to withdraw or surrendered their allotment. KEA published the list of vacant medical seats after Round 3 on October 8 and then opened this round so that those seats do not stay empty.

The round also gives a second chance to NEET-qualified candidates who were not part of earlier rounds. Those who had not registered with KEA, or had not completed registration, were allowed to register freshly between October 13 and October 16, provided they met the conditions set in the notification.

Who Can Participate and Key Conditions

  • Candidates must be NEET-qualified and registered with KEA, or complete fresh registration in the stated window
  • Participants need to pay the prescribed caution deposit or medical course fee deposit, as applicable to the seat category they want
  • Options entered in earlier rounds will not be considered, so choices must be entered again
  • Candidates who already hold an allotted medical seat through KEA are reported to be ineligible for the medical stray round
  • The amount deposited decides which seat categories appear during option entry

How to Fill Options in the Karnataka Stray Vacancy Round

The process runs through KEA's online portals. Button names may differ slightly on the live site, but the sequence below follows the standard steps described for this round.

  1. Open the official KEA website and go to the UGNEET 2026 stray vacancy section.
  2. Complete fresh registration if you are a new candidate and it is permitted under the current notice.
  3. Download the verification slip generated after registration.
  4. Pay the caution deposit or fee deposit that matches the seat category you are targeting, before the 11:00 AM cut-off on October 19.
  5. Log in to the option entry portal with your credentials.
  6. Enter your college and course choices in strict order of preference.
  7. Lock or save the choices and keep a copy of the final option list before the 1:00 PM cut-off.

Related Resources

Official References