The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has opened Round 2 option entry for Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 on the official portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates who did not receive a seat in Round 1, along with eligible Round 1 allottees who opted to continue, can now log in and submit, modify or reorder their college and course preferences for MBBS and BDS admission under the state quota.

Latest Update: Round 2 Option Entry Live

Round 2 option entry follows the conclusion of Round 1, where the final seat allotment result was released and candidates were required to report to their allotted college and complete admission formalities by September 4, 2026. Candidates should note that options already entered in Round 1 typically carry forward into Round 2 unless a candidate is specifically required to re-enter them, so it is important to check the current option status on the login dashboard before proceeding.

Background: Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026

KEA conducts Karnataka NEET UG Counselling for admission to MBBS and BDS courses under the 85 percent state quota in government colleges and 100 percent seats in private colleges, based on NEET UG rank, state merit, choices filled, reservation criteria and seat availability. The remaining 15 percent All India Quota seats in government colleges are counselled separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). Round 1 of this year's counselling began with registration and option entry, followed by a mock allotment, a provisional seat allotment result on August 23, 2026, a grievance window until August 24, and the final seat allotment result, after which candidates reported to their colleges by September 4, 2026. Karnataka NEET UG Counselling typically runs across four to five rounds, including Round 1, Round 2, mop-up round, and a stray vacancy round.

Understanding the Choice System: What Choice 4 Means

After each round of seat allotment, KEA requires candidates to select from four choices to indicate how they wish to proceed. Choice 1 is for candidates accepting their allotted seat and joining the college. Choice 2 is for candidates satisfied with their allotted seat but still willing to participate in the next round for a possible better option. Choice 3 is for candidates not satisfied with their allotted seat who wish to continue in the next round of counselling. Choice 4 is for candidates who are not satisfied with their allotted seat and are also not willing to participate further in Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026, effectively exiting the process.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 2: Key Highlights

  • Round 2 option entry is now open on the official KEA portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  • Eligible candidates include those unallotted in Round 1 and Round 1 allottees who chose Choice 2 or Choice 3.
  • The Round 2 seat matrix for medical and dental colleges has been published for reference before choice selection.
  • Candidates can add, delete or reorder their preferences within the option entry window.
  • Choice 4 candidates from Round 1 have exited the counselling process and will not appear in Round 2.

How to Submit Round 2 Option Entry

  1. Visit the official KEA counselling portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  2. Click on the UG NEET 2026 counselling / Round 2 option entry link.
  3. Log in using your registration number and password.
  4. Review the Round 2 seat matrix for medical and dental colleges before selecting choices.
  5. Add, delete or reorder your college and course preferences as per priority, saving after every change.
  6. Submit the final list of options and download the confirmation page for your records.
Candidates should carefully verify the seat matrix before submitting choices, since course and college availability can change between rounds, and should never close the option entry window without confirming their final submission.— General advisory based on KEA counselling instructions

Related Resources

Official References