Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Counselling: KEA Releases Seat Allotment Notification

KUNAL SINGH | Updated on Sep 24, 2026 13:37 IST

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the notification for the 3rd Round Online Seat Allotment of UG Medical and Dental Courses, 2026. The notification is available from 23rd September, 2026. Along with the notification, the schedule and details regarding the process for the 3rd round seat allotment have been released.

After the release of the notification, the important next steps are payment of caution deposit and exercise of option. As per the notification, the window for payment of caution deposit will be between 24th to 28th September, 2026, between the working hours of the Banks. The option exercise process will be available between 25th to 29th September, 2026 between 11 AM to 11 AM.

Candidates are required to pay the caution deposit based on the type of seat they wish to exercise option for. KEA has released the notification regarding the caution deposit amount for Medical and Dental seats.

Based on the aforementioned information, interested and eligible candidates should go through the detailed instructions of Round 3, before making payment and exercising their options. Candidates who wish to upgrade their seat or have participated in earlier rounds should go through the instructions carefully.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 2026: Important Dates

The KEA notification provides the following schedule for the third round of online seat allotment:

Candidates should complete the applicable caution-deposit payment within the prescribed period before proceeding with the relevant option entry.

What Is the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Notification About?

The notification concerns the third round of online seat allotment for undergraduate medical and dental courses in Karnataka.

For candidates participating in this round, the two main stages are:

1. Payment of the applicable caution deposit
2. Online option entry during the notified window

The notification also contains instructions relating to candidates who receive an allotment and candidates who receive an upgraded seat during the third round.

Candidates who are participating in Round 3 should therefore read the applicable instructions carefully before making their choices.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 Caution Deposit

KEA has specified different caution-deposit amounts depending on the category of medical or dental seat for which a candidate wants to enter options.

Medical Seat Caution Deposit

For candidates interested in dental seats, the notification specifies a ₹1,00,000 caution deposit.

What Does the Caution Deposit Determine?

The caution-deposit amount is linked to the category of options that a candidate can enter.

KEA has specified the applicable option categories against the different deposit amounts. Candidates should therefore select the appropriate caution deposit according to the type of seat for which they intend to enter options.

Candidates should not assume that payment of one caution deposit automatically provides access to every category of seat. The options available are subject to the conditions specified by KEA.

When Can Candidates Enter Round 3 Options?

KEA has scheduled the Round 3 option-entry window from 11:00 AM on 25 September 2026 to 11:00 AM on 29 September 2026.

Eligible candidates who have completed the applicable caution-deposit requirement can enter their options during the notified period, subject to the conditions specified by KEA.

Candidates should carefully review their choices before submitting them.

What Should Candidates Check Before Entering Options?

Before participating in Round 3 option entry, candidates should carefully check:

• Whether they are eligible to participate in the third round.
• The category of seat for which they want to enter options.
• The applicable caution-deposit amount.
• Whether the caution deposit has been paid within the prescribed period.
• The options available under the applicable deposit category.
• The opening and closing time of the option-entry window.
• The instructions applicable to their existing seat, if they have already received an allotment.

It is advisable to review the entered options carefully before completing the submission.

What Happens If a Candidate Receives an Upgraded Seat?

The KEA notification contains specific instructions for candidates who receive an upgraded seat during the third round.

Candidates who receive an upgraded seat need to follow the instructions applicable to their new allotment. The notification also explains how an upgraded allotment affects the candidate's earlier seat under the Round 3 rules.

Therefore, candidates who already hold a seat should carefully read the applicable instructions before participating in the third round.

Candidates With an Earlier Seat Should Read the Round 3 Rules

Round 3 is not limited to candidates who are waiting for their first allotment. It can also involve candidates who have already participated in earlier rounds and are seeking an upgrade.

The KEA notification contains provisions concerning candidates with earlier allotments and candidates who receive an upgraded seat during the third round.

The effect of a new allotment can depend on the candidate's existing counselling status. Candidates should therefore follow the specific instructions applicable to their situation.

What If a Candidate Does Not Receive a Seat?

The Round 3 notification contains provisions relating to candidates who participate in the process and the treatment of the caution deposit in applicable circumstances.

Candidates should refer to the instructions issued by KEA for their individual counselling status and follow any subsequent directions issued by the authority.

Is the Caution Deposit the Admission Fee?

No. The amount specified by KEA for Round 3 is described as a caution deposit associated with the applicable option-entry process.

It should not be described as the complete MBBS or BDS tuition fee or admission fee. The notification separately refers to payment of the applicable balance amount after allotment, wherever required.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 2026: Quick Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 notification released?
The Karnataka Examinations Authority issued the notification for the 3rd Round Online Seat Allotment to UG Medical and Dental Courses – 2026 on 23 September 2026.

When does Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 option entry begin?
Round 3 option entry begins at 11:00 AM on 25 September 2026.

When does Round 3 option entry close?
The option-entry window closes at 11:00 AM on 29 September 2026.

When can candidates pay the caution deposit?
The caution-deposit payment window is from 24 September to 28 September 2026, during banking working hours.

How much is the Karnataka NEET UG Round 3 caution deposit?
For medical seats, KEA specifies ₹1 lakh for G seats, ₹12 lakh for P seats and ₹25 lakh for N/Q seats. A ₹1 lakh caution deposit is specified for candidates interested in dental seats.

Is the caution deposit the complete admission fee?
No. KEA describes the amount as a caution deposit associated with the applicable option-entry process. The notification separately refers to payment of the applicable balance amount after allotment, wherever required.

Should candidates with an earlier allotted seat participate in Round 3?
Candidates who already hold a seat should carefully read the KEA Round 3 instructions before entering options. The notification contains specific provisions for candidates seeking an upgrade and for candidates who receive an allotment during the third round.

Sources

This update is based on the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) notification dated 23 September 2026 for the 3rd Round Online Seat Allotment to UG Medical and Dental Courses – 2026. Candidates should refer to the official KEA portal for the latest schedule, instructions and subsequent updates.

Primary Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) – Official Notification