Karnataka NEET 2026: KEA Releases Round 2 Seat Matrix, Option Entry Open at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) opened the option-entry window for the second round of state counselling for MBBS and BDS seats at 2:00 PM on September 7, 2026, on its official counselling portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This follows the release of the provisional seat matrix for medical and dental courses on August 7, 2026.

Eligible NEET UG 2026 candidates can now enter, modify, delete, and reorder their preferences for available medical and dental seats until 2:00 PM on September 9, 2026. This round of counselling is crucial for admissions to 85% State Quota seats in government and private medical and dental colleges across Karnataka for the 2026-27 academic session.

Karnataka NEET 2026 Round 2 Counselling: Key Dates

The KEA is conducting the Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 in alignment with the schedule issued by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), New Delhi. Candidates are advised to adhere to the specified deadlines to ensure their participation in the seat allotment process.

Karnataka NEET 2026: Seat Matrix Overview

The provisional seat matrix, published by the KEA on August 7, 2026, details the available MBBS and BDS seats, along with their respective fee structures for the current academic year. This release specifically covers medical and dental seats; AYUSH seats are not included in this provisional seat matrix. Karnataka has quite a few medical and dental seats, both in government and private institutions, catering to a large pool of NEET UG candidates.

For the 2026 academic year, Karnataka offers a total of 5,422 Government MBBS Seats and 13,639 Private MBBS Seats. In the dental stream, there are 185 Government BDS Seats and 3,220 Private BDS Seats. These figures highlight the extensive opportunities available for aspiring medical and dental professionals through the state quota counselling.

How to Enter Options for Karnataka NEET 2026 Round 2

Candidates participating in the Karnataka NEET Round 2 Counselling 2026 must carefully submit their preferences through the online option-entry window. The KEA has provided a clear process for this crucial step to ensure a smooth experience for all eligible applicants.

1. Go to the official KEA counselling portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘Admissions’ tab and then select ‘NEET UG 2026’.
3. Click on the link for ‘Karnataka NEET Round 2 Option Entry’.
4. Log in using your credentials (application number and password).
5. Enter, modify, delete, or reorder your preferred colleges and courses based on the provisional seat matrix.
6. Save and lock your options before the deadline of September 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

Eligibility for Karnataka NEET Round 2 Counselling 2026

The second round of counselling is open to several categories of candidates. This includes those who were allotted Choice 2 or Choice 3 in the first round of counselling, candidates who did not receive any seat allotment in Round 1, and certain UGCET candidates who opted for Choice 4 after the UGCET Round 2 allotment. Candidates are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria on the KEA portal to confirm their participation status.

Karnataka NEET 2026: Background and Next Steps

The NEET 2026 Examination was conducted on June 21, 2026, with the results released on July 16, 2026, by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The KEA next commenced the state-level counselling process for the 85% State Quota seats. While the provisional seat allotment result for the broader state entrance process (including Engineering and Architecture) was expected after 10 AM on August 19, 2026, the medical and dental counselling follows its specific timeline.

Following the conclusion of the option-entry window on September 9, 2026, the KEA will proceed with the seat allotment process for Round 2. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official KEA website for updates on the provisional seat allotment results and subsequent steps, including document verification and admission procedures. Further rounds, including Round 3 and a Stray Round, are tentatively scheduled to follow, as per the MCC’s coordinated schedule.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

View all posts →