Karnataka NEET UG Round 2 Option Entry has officially commenced on the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) official admission portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Following the conclusion of Round 1 admissions and the release of the updated vacant seat matrix on September 7, 2026, eligible medical aspirants can now modify, delete, re-order, or add new course-college combinations for undergraduate medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) state quota and private management quota seats across Karnataka for the 2026-27 academic year.
The second round of Karnataka state counselling is pivotal for candidates who exercised Choice 2 (holding Round 1 seat and seeking upgrade) or Choice 3 (relinquishing Round 1 seat and participating in Round 2), as well as candidates who were un-allotted in the first round. Candidates seeking expert counselling tools, category-wise predictions, and cutoff analyses can explore our Medical Admissions Category and check admission probabilities using the All India College Predictor Hub before submitting their final choices.
Karnataka NEET UG Round 2 Option Entry: Official KEA Schedule and Key Timings
The Karnataka Examinations Authority has provided a strict, time-bound schedule for the second round of counselling. Candidates must note that option entry closes promptly at 2:00 PM on September 9, 2026.
| Event / Counselling Activity | Official Date and Timing | Official Portal / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of Round 2 Vacant Seat Matrix (MBBS/BDS) | September 7, 2026 | Official PDF at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Provision to Modify / Delete / Add / Re-order Options (Option Entry Window) | September 7, 2026 (2:00 PM) to September 9, 2026 (2:00 PM) | KEA Candidate Login Portal |
| Processing of Seat Allotment Data | September 9, 2026 (Evening) to September 10, 2026 | KEA Central Server Algorithm |
| Publication of Provisional Seat Allotment Result (Round 2) | September 10, 2026 (Late Evening) | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Grievance Submission / Verification on Provisional Allotment | September 11, 2026 (Up to 12:00 Noon) | Online Candidate Grievance Window |
| Publication of Final Seat Allotment Result (Round 2) | September 11, 2026 (Evening) | KEA Official Download Link |
| Payment of Admission / Tuition Fees and Downloading of Admission Order | September 12, 2026 to September 15, 2026 | Online Payment Gateway / Bank Challan |
| Physical Reporting and Document Submission at Allotted Medical/Dental College | September 13, 2026 to September 16, 2026 (5:30 PM) | Respective Allotted Institutions in Karnataka |
| Announcement of Round 3 / Mop-Up Round Schedule | To be notified in due course | Official Web Portal Notification |
Eligibility Rules for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 2 Option Entry
KEA operates under specific post-allotment choice rules established in the Karnataka UG Information Bulletin. Candidates must clearly understand their eligibility status before logging into the option entry system:
- Choice 2 Candidates from Round 1: Candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 1, paid the prescribed tuition fees, held their seat, and opted to participate in Round 2 for higher options are eligible. In Round 2, if a higher choice is allotted, their Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled. If no higher option is allotted, their Round 1 seat remains guaranteed.
- Choice 3 Candidates from Round 1: Candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 1, rejected that seat completely without fee payment, and opted to enter Round 2 are eligible to enter new preferences. They have no claim over their Round 1 seat.
- Un-Allotted Candidates from Round 1: Candidates who registered and verified documents in Round 1 but did not secure any allotment are fully eligible to modify, add, and re-order their options.
- Ineligible Candidates:
- Candidates who selected Choice 1 in Round 1, paid fees, reported to the allotted college, and collected their admission order.
- Candidates who selected Choice 4 in Round 1 (opted out of Karnataka state counselling).
- New applicants (There is no fresh registration permitted in Round 2 under KEA guidelines).
- Candidates already joined in Round 2 of All India Quota (MCC).
Understanding Seat Categories in Karnataka Medical Counselling
Karnataka features a multifaceted seat categorization system across government, private, and minority medical colleges. Candidates must configure their option list based on fee structures and category codes:
- Government Seats (G Quota): 100% seats in Government Medical Colleges and 40% government quota seats in Private Medical Colleges. Reserved exclusively for Karnataka domicile candidates with low, subsidized tuition fees (~Rs. 64,350 in Govt Colleges and ~Rs. 1,41,446 to Rs. 1,53,000 in Private Colleges per year).
- Private Seats (P Quota – Open / Subsidized): Available in Private Un-aided Medical Colleges (approximately 40% to 45% of total intake). Open to all eligible candidates across India based purely on NEET UG merit (~Rs. 10,92,602 to Rs. 12,00,000 per year).
- Other Seats (O Quota): 5% of seats in Private Medical Colleges open to all Indian candidates with higher annual institutional fees (~Rs. 18,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000 per year).
- NRI / Institutional Management Seats (Q Quota): 15% to 20% NRI and Management seats in Private Medical Colleges (ranging from Rs. 25,00,000 to Rs. 45,00,000 per annum).
Comprehensive Institutional Breakdown: Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka
Karnataka administers 23 state government medical colleges providing world-class tertiary clinical training. Here is the comprehensive breakdown of seats and locations available for option entry:
| Government Medical College | District / Location | Total Intake | 85% State Quota Seats | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) | Bengaluru Urban | 250 | 212 | 1955 |
| Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI) | Mysuru | 150 | 127 | 1924 |
| Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Hubballi, Dharwad | 200 | 170 | 1957 |
| Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) | Ballari | 200 | 170 | 1961 |
| Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) | Belagavi | 150 | 127 | 2006 |
| Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) | Shivamogga | 150 | 127 | 2006 |
| Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) | Hassan | 150 | 127 | 2006 |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) | Mandya | 150 | 127 | 2006 |
| Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) | Raichur | 150 | 127 | 2007 |
| Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS) | Bidar | 150 | 127 | 2007 |
| Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) | Kalaburagi | 150 | 127 | 2015 |
| Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Koppal | 150 | 127 | 2015 |
| Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) | Gadag | 150 | 127 | 2015 |
| Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) | Chamarajanagar | 150 | 127 | 2016 |
| Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS) | Uttara Kannada, Karwar | 150 | 127 | 2016 |
| Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Madikeri, Kodagu | 150 | 127 | 2016 |
| Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Institute | Bengaluru Urban | 150 | 127 | 2019 |
| Chikkaballapura Institute of Medical Sciences | Chikkaballapura | 100 | 85 | 2021 |
| Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences | Haveri | 150 | 127 | 2022 |
| Yadgir Institute of Medical Sciences | Yadgir | 150 | 127 | 2022 |
| Chikkamagaluru Institute of Medical Sciences | Chikkamagaluru | 150 | 127 | 2022 |
Comprehensive Institutional Breakdown: Top Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka
Karnataka is internationally renowned for its prestigious private medical colleges that draw top rankers nationwide under open and state quota categories:
| Private Medical College | Location | Total Seats | Govt Quota (G) Seats | Private Quota (P) Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John’s Medical College | Bengaluru | 150 | 40 | 110 (Minority & Open) |
| M.S. Ramaiah Medical College | Bengaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Bengaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| Father Muller Medical College | Mangaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| JJM Medical College | Davangere | 250 | 100 | 100 |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences | Bengaluru | 250 | 100 | 100 |
| BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences | Bengaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College | Bengaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| AJ Institute of Medical Sciences | Mangaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| SDM College of Medical Sciences | Dharwad | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| S. Nijalingappa Medical College | Bagalkot | 250 | 100 | 100 |
| Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College (MRMC) | Kalaburagi | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences | Shivamogga | 200 | 80 | 80 |
| East Point College of Medical Sciences | Bengaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
| Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences | Mangaluru | 150 | 60 | 60 |
For in-depth institutional infrastructure reviews, patient bed capacity, and alumni network ratings, visit our Explore Colleges Directory or schedule an expert guidance appointment via Book a Free Admission Counselling Session.
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete Karnataka NEET Round 2 Option Entry
To avoid procedural errors during the active window (September 7 to September 9, 2:00 PM), follow this comprehensive walkthrough:
Step 1: Access KEA UGNEET 2026 Portal
Open your browser and navigate to the official KEA website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea). Click on the “UGNEET-2026 Second Round Option Entry” link.
Step 2: Candidate Login and Security Verification
Enter your KEA CET / NEET Application Number and the displayed captcha code. Authenticate your login with your registered password and the One-Time Password (OTP) received on your registered mobile number.
Step 3: Analyze Vacancy Position in Round 2 Seat Matrix
Examine the newly added vacant seats resulting from Round 1 non-joining, virtual vacancies created by Choice 2 upgrades, and unfilled quota conversions across colleges.
Step 4: Re-ordering, Adding, and Deleting Choices
Your saved choices from Round 1 will be displayed on the screen. You can:
- Modify Priority: Change preference serial numbers to push newly prioritized colleges higher.
- Add Options: Add college and course combinations that you missed in Round 1.
- Delete Unwanted Options: Remove college choices where fee structures or geographical locations are not acceptable to you.
Step 5: Regular Saving of Option List
Click on the “Save and Continue” button frequently to avoid system timeout. Review your finalized list carefully to ensure that no high-fee private or NRI management seat is mistakenly placed above a government quota choice.
Step 6: Submit and Print Final Option Work Sheet
Click on “Submit” to record your final sequence. Download and print the Option Work Sheet containing the timestamp and transaction reference for your records.
Expected Cutoff Trends for Karnataka NEET UG Round 2
Because many candidates holding top government seats in Karnataka also participate in MCC AIQ Round 2, significant seat movements occur across established and peripheral medical institutions:
| Medical College Name | Quota Category | Round 1 Closing NEET Rank (Approx) | Round 2 Projected Closing NEET Rank | Expected Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMCRI Bengaluru | Govt Quota (GM) | 3,400 – 4,200 | 3,800 – 4,600 | 668 – 674 |
| MMCRI Mysuru | Govt Quota (GM) | 9,500 – 10,800 | 10,200 – 11,500 | 646 – 652 |
| KIMS Hubballi | Govt Quota (GM) | 15,200 – 16,800 | 16,000 – 17,900 | 630 – 638 |
| St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 11,500 – 13,200 | 12,500 – 14,800 | 638 – 645 |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 22,000 – 25,500 | 24,500 – 28,000 | 610 – 620 |
| KIMS Bengaluru | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 28,500 – 32,000 | 31,000 – 35,500 | 595 – 605 |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 35,000 – 39,500 | 38,000 – 44,000 | 575 – 588 |
| Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 32,000 – 36,000 | 35,000 – 40,500 | 582 – 594 |
| JJM Medical College, Davangere | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 42,000 – 48,000 | 46,000 – 54,000 | 555 – 570 |
| SDM Medical College, Dharwad | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 36,000 – 41,000 | 39,000 – 45,500 | 570 – 584 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru | Private Open Quota (OPN) | 48,000 – 55,000 | 52,000 – 62,000 | 545 – 560 |
| Government Dental College, Bengaluru | Govt Quota (GM) | 38,000 – 44,000 | 43,000 – 51,000 | 560 – 572 |
Official 2026-27 Fee Structure for Medical and Dental Colleges in Karnataka
The Government of Karnataka and KEA have officially notified the 2026-27 annual fee structure for medical and dental institutions across all seat quotas as detailed below:
| Seat Quota Type | Official Annual Tuition Fee (2026-27) | University / Misc / Exam Fees (Annual) | Approx Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges (G Quota – BMCRI, MMCRI, KIMS, etc.) | Rs. 59,850 – Rs. 64,350 | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 74,350 – Rs. 79,350 |
| ESIC Medical Colleges (Rajajinagar Bengaluru, Kalaburagi) | Rs. 1,00,000 – Rs. 1,09,350 | Rs. 15,00,000 | Rs. 1,24,350 – Rs. 1,29,350 |
| Government Quota Seats in Private Medical Colleges (G Quota) | Rs. 1,41,446 – Rs. 1,53,000 | Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 1,76,446 – Rs. 2,03,000 |
| Private Open Subsidized Seats in Private Colleges (P Quota) | Rs. 10,92,602 – Rs. 12,00,000 | Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 1,00,000 | Rs. 11,52,602 – Rs. 13,00,000 |
| Other Institutional Seats (O Quota) | Rs. 18,00,000 – Rs. 25,00,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 – Rs. 1,50,000 | Rs. 19,00,000 – Rs. 26,50,000 |
| NRI / Management Quota Seats (Q Quota) | Rs. 25,00,000 – Rs. 45,00,000 | Rs. 1,50,000 – Rs. 2,50,000 | Rs. 26,50,000 – Rs. 47,50,000 |
| Government Dental Colleges (BDS G Quota) | Rs. 45,000 – Rs. 55,000 | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 55,000 – Rs. 70,000 |
| Private Dental Colleges (BDS P Quota) | Rs. 3,50,000 – Rs. 4,50,000 | Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 60,000 | Rs. 3,90,000 – Rs. 5,10,000 |
*Note: Candidates must budget separately for hostel accommodation, mess charges, and refundable security deposits, which typically range from Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 per year depending on the institution and room type.
Karnataka Medical Mandatory Compulsory Rural Service Bond
As per the Karnataka Compulsory Service by Candidates Completed Medical Courses Act, all MBBS graduates admitted under government quota seats (G Quota) in government and private institutions must complete 1 year of compulsory rural service in government hospitals or healthcare centers. Failure to comply with the compulsory bond service attracts a financial penalty of Rs. 15,00,000 to Rs. 30,00,000 as mandated by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Karnataka.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Karnataka NEET Round 2 Option Entry
Q1: What is the official website for Karnataka NEET Round 2 Option Entry?
Answer: The official portal for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 counselling is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, managed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
Q2: What are the start and end dates for Karnataka NEET Round 2 option entry?
Answer: The option entry window opened on September 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM and closes on September 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Q3: Can candidates register afresh in Karnataka NEET Round 2?
Answer: No, KEA does not allow fresh registrations for Round 2. Only candidates who successfully registered and verified documents prior to Round 1 are eligible to participate.
Q4: Who is eligible to enter choices in Round 2 of Karnataka NEET?
Answer: Candidates who selected Choice 2 or Choice 3 in Round 1, as well as candidates who were un-allotted in Round 1, are fully eligible to enter and modify choices.
Q5: What happens to my Round 1 seat if I am upgraded in Round 2?
Answer: If a higher preference seat is allotted in Round 2, your Round 1 allotted seat is automatically cancelled and offered to the next candidate in line. You must report to the newly allotted college.
Q6: What happens if I am not allotted any upgraded seat in Round 2 after choosing Choice 2?
Answer: If no higher choice is allotted in Round 2, your Round 1 allotted seat remains 100% secure and retained under your name.
Q7: What is the official 2026-27 annual fee for government and private medical colleges in Karnataka?
Answer: For the 2026-27 academic session, the annual tuition fee for Government Medical Colleges is ~Rs. 64,350 per year, Govt Quota in Private Colleges is ~Rs. 1,41,446 to Rs. 1,53,000, and Private Subsidized (P Quota) is ~Rs. 10,92,602 to Rs. 12,00,000 per year.
Q8: When will the Karnataka NEET Round 2 seat allotment result be published?
Answer: The provisional seat allotment result is scheduled for release on September 10, 2026, followed by the final allotment on September 11, 2026.
Q9: Is there a compulsory rural service bond for MBBS students in Karnataka?
Answer: Yes, government quota MBBS graduates in Karnataka must complete 1 year of compulsory rural service post-internship, subject to state health department postings.
Q10: Can non-Karnataka students participate in Karnataka NEET Round 2 Option Entry?
Answer: Yes, non-Karnataka candidates who registered and verified documents under the Open Quota (OPN/Private) can participate in Round 2 option entry for private medical college seats.
Q11: What documents are required when reporting to the allotted college after Round 2?
Answer: Candidates require their KEA Verification Slip, NEET Scorecard, Class 10/12 Marksheets, Domicile/Caste Certificate (if applicable), Admission Order, Fee Receipt, and Rural Service Bond.
Q12: How can candidates calculate their chance of upgrade in Karnataka Round 2?
Answer: Candidates can evaluate their state rank against the Round 2 vacant seat matrix using the All India College Predictor Hub.