Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 3 option entry deadline extended to November 2

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadline for Round 3 option entry for Postgraduate Dental (MDS) admissions 2026 counselling. This extension aims to provide eligible NEET MDS 2026 aspirants with additional time to submit and confirm their college and course preferences for the final allotment round.

The revised schedule was officially published on the KEA’s official portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, on October 23, 2026. The extension specifically applies to candidates participating in Round 3 of the Karnataka state counselling for admission to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats.

Revised Schedule for Round 3 Counselling

KEA released a full, consolidated calendar detailing the updated timelines for option entry, seat allotment, result declaration, and reporting at the allotted institutes. The official notification, dated October 23, 2026, outlined the revised timetable for PG Dental (MDS) 2026 admissions, reopening the option entry window and after that pushing back allotment and reporting dates.

Candidates are required to log in using their NEET MDS 2026 credentials to view the complete schedule on the official portal. KEA has advised candidates to meticulously re-check their preferences before the new deadline, as no further requests for changes in options will be entertained once the window closes.

Eligibility and Participation in Round 3

Round 3 is designated as the mop-up stage of the Karnataka state MDS counselling. Eligible candidates include those who have registered with KEA for NEET MDS 2026 counselling and are listed in the Round 3 provisional merit list. This also extends to aspirants who did not secure an allotment in Round 1 or Round 2.

Also, candidates who were previously allotted a seat but did not report, or chose to participate again as permitted by KEA rules, are eligible. Fresh registrants under the reduced percentile category, where allowed by the revised notification, are also included. Candidates must save and lock their final choice list before the deadline and download a printed copy for their personal records.

Steps for Option Entry and Admission

Candidates are advised to follow a specific procedure to submit or revise their choices on the KEA official portal. This process ensures that their preferences are accurately recorded for the seat allotment.

1. Open the official KEA website for PG Dental counselling 2026, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Click on the Round 3 option entry link for MDS.
3. Log in with NEET MDS 2026 user ID and password.
4. Verify the available seat matrix.
5. Add preferred colleges and specialisations.
6. Re-arrange, add, or delete options as necessary.
7. Save and lock the final choice list before the deadline.
8. Download a printed copy of the locked options for personal record.

Following the fee payment from November 4 to 6, 2026, candidates must download their admission order and complete the admission process at the allotted college by submitting original documents within the same timeframe, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The final deadline for reporting at the allotted dental college is November 7, 2026, by 6:00 PM.

Further reading

• NEET MDS 2026 qualifying cutoff reduced by 20.576 percentile points
• NEET MDS 2026 stray vacancy round registration begins today; apply by 26 October
• NEET MDS admit card: release date and how to download Next step
• AIIMS INI CET November 2026 admit cards released: download now
• NEET UG 2026: Apply for private MBBS seats now; fees slashed up to 40% Applications open
• NEET MDS: complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

View all posts →