KCET 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment: KEA Issues Notice on Fresh Option Entry, Seat Cancellation

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) today, 1 September 2026, issued a significant update for candidates participating in the Under Graduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET) 2026 counselling process, clarifying that candidates who missed the initial option entry deadline will receive another opportunity after the mock seat allotment result is announced. KEA also announced the cancellation of the pre-round seat allotment for UGCET 2026 admissions, a decision made due to the postponement of the NEET UG 2026 admission process and feedback from students and parents regarding confusion over pre-round seats.

This move by KEA aims to provide greater flexibility and clarity to thousands of students seeking admission to various undergraduate courses across Karnataka. The cancellation of the pre-round allotment and the provision for fresh option entry directly impact the counselling schedule, ensuring that candidates have ample opportunity to make informed decisions for their college and course preferences.

KCET 2026 Counselling: Pre-Round Allotment Cancelled

The Karnataka Examinations Authority has confirmed that it will not conduct the proposed pre-round seat allotment for UGCET 2026 admissions. This decision, officially notified on 19 June 2026, was primarily driven by the postponement of the NEET UG 2026 admission process and concerns raised by students and parents regarding the pre-round seats. Initially, KEA had planned a pre-round seat allotment to assist candidates in making informed choices.

That’s why, the first off round of seat allotment for UGCET 2026 will now commence directly as per the published counselling schedule. This adjustment streamlines the process, moving straight into the main allotment rounds without the preliminary stage that was previously anticipated.

KCET 2026 Option Entry Reopened for Missed Deadlines

Candidates who were unable to enter their college and course preferences before the initial deadline will now receive another opportunity to do so. H. Prasanna, IAS, Executive Director of KEA, stated that “candidates who have not yet submitted their preferences will be able to do so after the publication of the mock seat allotment result.”

This fresh window for option entry will open after the first round of mock seat allotment. During this period, candidates can enter new options, modify previously submitted options, or submit options if they had not entered any earlier. The last date for recording preferences (option entry) had previously concluded, making this new opportunity crucial for many applicants.

KCET 2026 3rd Round Results and Process

The KCET 3rd Round Results 2026, also known as the Second Extended Round seat allotment, are expected to be released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority in late September 2026. This round is conducted after the completion of the first and second rounds to fill any remaining vacant seats.

Seats included in the 3rd Round typically comprise those left vacant after Round 1 and Round 2, seats cancelled by students, those released due to non-payment of fees, and converted category seats. After the 3rd Round result, students must select an option: either ‘Accept & Freeze’ their allotted seat or ‘Exit’ the counselling process.

KCET 2026 Expected Counselling Schedule

How to Check KCET 3rd Round Results 2026

Candidates can check their KCET 3rd Round Results 2026 by following these steps once the results are published:

1. Go to the official website of the Karnataka Examinations Authority, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Locate and click on the link for ‘KCET 3rd Round Results 2026’.
3. Log in using your CET number and password.
4. View your allotted college and course details on the screen.
5. Download and print the allotment letter for future reference.

Documents Required After KCET 3rd Round Allotment

Candidates who secure a seat in the KCET 3rd Round Allotment will need to present a specific set of documents for verification and admission. These include:

• KCET Admit Card
• KCET Rank Card
• Class 10 marksheet
• Class 12 marksheet and pass certificate
• Study certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Income certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer Certificate (TC)
• Migration Certificate
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Aadhaar card

The UGCET & UGNEET 2026 – 2nd Round Mock Seat Allotment Result Link was made available on 17 August 2026, indicating the progression of the counselling process. The KEA’s official portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, remains the primary source for all updates regarding the KCET 2026 counselling and seat allotment process.

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.

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