Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the UGNEET 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round for vacant MBBS and BDS seats. Fresh registration for candidates who have not registered earlier is open from November 2 to 4, 2026.
KEA Special Stray Round 2026 Schedule
| Activity | Date / time |
|---|---|
| Fresh registration (not previously registered) | November 2–4, 2026 |
| Caution deposit payment | November 4–6, 2026 |
| Fresh option entry (after advance fee payment) | November 6–9, 2026 |
| Seat allotment result | November 11, 2026, after 1:00 PM |
| Balance fee payment and college reporting | November 12–13, 2026, before 6:00 PM |
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Caution Deposit and Eligibility
KEA requires a caution deposit of ₹25,00,000 for medical (MBBS) seats or ₹1,00,000 for dental (BDS) seats before option entry. The deposit is adjusted against course fees if a seat is allotted. The notice warns that the ₹25 lakh medical deposit is forfeited if an allotted candidate fails to join, cancels admission or does not report.
For medical allotment, only candidates not previously allotted a medical seat through KEA are eligible. Candidates holding a dental seat may compete for medical seats subject to the caution deposit. Candidates already allotted a KEA medical seat, or who selected and reported for seats in the first three AIQ/deemed/other-board rounds, or were allotted seats in MCC Round 4 or the Special Stray Round, are ineligible under the stated rules.
How to Register and Check Allotment
- Visit KEA’s official portal and open UGNEET 2026.
- Check the Special Stray Vacancy notice, vacant seats and college fees.
- If not registered earlier and without a verification slip, complete fresh registration by November 4.
- Pay the applicable caution deposit during November 4–6 and enter options November 6–9.
- Check the allotment after 1 PM on November 11; if allotted, complete fee payment and reporting by November 13 before 6 PM.
