Bengaluru, 1 October 2026: Candidates in Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 need to remember two different deadlines. The last date to pay the Round 3 caution deposit is today, 1 October 2026. Fresh option entry, however, stays open until 2 October 2026, 10:00 AM. The revised schedule applies to MBBS and BDS admissions conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

Please do not mix up the two dates. The extension for entering college preferences does not extend the payment deadline to 2 October. Candidates who need to pay the deposit must do it first.

Why were the deadlines revised?

KEA extended the caution deposit deadline because of a nationwide bank strike. Payment was earlier supposed to close on 28 September 2026. The extra time lets eligible candidates complete their payment and prepare their preferences before option entry closes.

Caution deposit: how much do you need to pay?

The amount depends on the type of seat you want to select:

• Medical G seats: ₹1 lakh
• Medical P seats: ₹12 lakh
• Medical N/Q seats: ₹25 lakh
• Dental seats (all types): ₹1 lakh

The deposit decides which seat options you can enter. It is not the full course fee. Any balance fee must be paid after allotment.

Candidates who have already reported to a medical or dental college do not need to pay the caution deposit.

Who can take part?

Eligible candidates include those who did not get a medical seat in the first two rounds, and those who cancelled their medical or dental seat after paying the prescribed penalty. Under the revised rules, Round 1 Choice-4 candidates and those who used the QUIT option before the Round 2 final result can also take part. Candidates who have already reported can ask for upgradation under the applicable rules.

However, candidates who got a seat in either of the earlier rounds but did not exercise the required post-allotment choice are not eligible.

Fresh choices and upgradation rules

Every candidate must enter fresh options for Round 3. Preferences given in Round 1 or Round 2 will not be carried forward.

If you already hold a seat, choose with extra care. If you get a new seat, your earlier seat is cancelled automatically and you must take admission in the new college. You cannot go back to your previous seat. If you are not allotted a new seat, your existing seat stays confirmed.

So, if you are trying for an upgrade, compare every option with your current college. Even one unwanted preference can lead to an allotment that you will have to accept in the end.

List only those colleges and courses that you really want to join, and check the fee structure first. Seats that become available through cancellations or later additions may also be considered during allotment.

What should candidates do today?

Log in to the official KEA admission portal, confirm your eligibility and check the deposit required for you. After paying, verify the payment status and keep the receipt. Then enter your college preferences in the right order, save them, and confirm that they were submitted successfully before 10:00 AM on 2 October 2026.

For families taking such an important admission decision, doing these steps early leaves time to review fees and preferences without a last-minute rush. For the next allotment and reporting dates, follow only the updated notices from KEA.