The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the Round 2 option entry deadline for Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 from September 9 to September 10, 2026. Alongside the extension, KEA has added a new government medical college, Bagalkote Medical College and Research, Bagalkote, to the Round 2 seat matrix, giving candidates an additional option to consider before the window closes.

Latest Update: Deadline Extended and New College Added

The Round 2 option entry window originally opened at 2:00 PM on September 7, 2026, with the deadline initially set for September 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. KEA has now extended this deadline to 9:30 AM on September 10, 2026, giving eligible candidates additional time to add, edit, rearrange or delete their MBBS and BDS preferences. As part of the same update, Bagalkote Medical College and Research, described as a newly established government medical college, has been added to the seat matrix, which KEA had released on September 7, 2026.

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Background: Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2

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, choices filled, reservation criteria and seat availability. As per KEA's notice dated September 6, 2026, candidates selected in Round 1 under Choice-2 or Choice-3, along with candidates who were not allotted any seat in Round 1, may be considered for Round 2 seat allotment, subject to availability of options in their option-entry list. Round 2 follows the conclusion of Round 1 admissions and the release of the updated vacant seat matrix on September 7, 2026.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 2: Key Highlights

  • Round 2 option entry deadline extended from September 9 to September 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM.
  • New government medical college added: Bagalkote Medical College and Research, Bagalkote.
  • Candidates selected under Choice-2 or Choice-3 in Round 1, and those not allotted any seat, may participate in Round 2.
  • Candidates can add, edit, delete or reorder their MBBS and BDS preferences within the extended window.
  • KEA has not yet announced the Round 2 seat allotment result date.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 2 2026: Revised Schedule

EventDate
Updated vacant seat matrix releasedSeptember 7, 2026
Round 2 option entry window opensSeptember 7, 2026, 2:00 PM
Original option entry deadlineSeptember 9, 2026, 2:00 PM
Extended option entry deadlineSeptember 10, 2026, 9:30 AM
Round 2 seat allotment resultNot yet announced by KEA

How to Complete Round 2 Option Entry

  1. Visit the official KEA counselling portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  2. Log in using your registration number and password.
  3. Review the updated Round 2 seat matrix, including the newly added Bagalkote Medical College and Research.
  4. Add, edit, delete or reorder your MBBS and BDS preferences in order of actual priority.
  5. Save your changes after every update to avoid data loss.
  6. Submit your final options before 9:30 AM on September 10, 2026, and download the confirmation for your records.
Candidates should use this extension to carefully review the updated seat matrix rather than treat it as extra time to delay their decision, since option entry closes strictly at the new deadline.— General advisory based on KEA counselling instructions

Why Seat Matrix Additions Happen Mid-Round

Mid-round additions to the seat matrix are not unusual in Karnataka's NEET UG counselling process. Newly established medical colleges or institutes receiving late regulatory approval are sometimes added to the matrix once their intake capacity is confirmed by the relevant authorities, which can occur after a counselling round has already begun. When this happens, the counselling authority typically extends the option entry deadline to give candidates a fair opportunity to consider the newly available seats, as has happened in this update.

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