Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Seat Resignation Window Opens: Check Closing Dates, How to Surrender Seat & More

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has opened the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 seat resignation window today, August 25, 2026 at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This crucial facility allows candidates allotted state quota MBBS and BDS seats in Round 1 to surrender their seats if they no longer wish to retain them.

The resignation window will remain active until August 26, 2026, providing a limited timeframe for eligible candidates to act. This process is integral to the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 counselling, ensuring that surrendered seats are returned to the KEA seat pool for consideration in the upcoming Round 2 allotment.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Resignation: Who Can Resign?

The seat resignation facility is specifically for candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 1 and had opted for Choice 1 or Choice 2 during their option entry. Candidates who selected Choice 3 during the option entry process are not required to take any action, as they will automatically be considered for Round 2 without needing to resign their current allotment.

Those who successfully resign their Round 1 seats will remain eligible to participate in the Round 2 option entry, allowing them another opportunity to secure an MBBS or BDS seat. However, the KEA has indicated that a penalty may be applicable for certain categories of candidates, in accordance with its established rules.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026: Important Dates for Counselling

The KEA has followed a structured timeline for the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 counselling process. Here is the full schedule for Round 1:

How to Surrender Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Seat

Candidates wishing to surrender their Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 allotted seat must follow the online procedure outlined by the KEA. You can’t ignore to complete this process within the stipulated timeframe to ensure eligibility for subsequent rounds and to avoid potential penalties.

1. Go to the official KEA portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Locate and click on the link for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Seat Resignation.
3. Log in using your credentials, such as application number and password.
4. Follow the instructions to initiate the seat surrender process.
5. Confirm your resignation and download the acknowledgment for future reference.

What Happens After Closing of Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Seat Resignation Window

Once the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 seat resignation window closes on August 26, KEA will process the surrendered seats and make them available for subsequent counselling, subject to the applicable rules. Candidates who successfully resign their seats can participate in Round 2 option entry, while the resigned seats may be considered for allotment to eligible candidates in the next round. Candidates should therefore complete the resignation process within the notified deadline and retain the acknowledgment for future reference. The exact Round 2 schedule and seat matrix should be checked on the official KEA portal once released.

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 →