The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the provisional seat matrix for Round 3 of NEET UG Counselling 2026, along with an important corrigendum dated September 25, 2026. According to the reported Round 3 vacancy list, there are 552 MBBS seats and 423 BDS seats up for grabs this round. The option entry, or choice-filling, window is open right now and will stay open till September 29, 2026.
The same corrigendum brings two changes candidates shouldn’t miss: the caution deposit deadline has been pushed to October 1, 2026, and a few Round 3 participation rules have been revised.
Round 3 at a glance
- Provisional seat matrix and corrigendum released: September 25, 2026
- MBBS seats in the reported Round 3 list: 552
- BDS seats in the reported Round 3 list: 423
- Option entry window: September 25 to 29, 2026
- Revised caution deposit deadline: October 1, 2026
Why this corrigendum actually matters
It’s easy to skip over a corrigendum, but in counselling, it can quietly affect whether you’re even eligible. This time, KEA has done two things. First, it’s given candidates a bit of breathing room — till October 1 — to pay the caution deposit, a step that’s usually tied to whether you can take part in the round at all. Second, it has revised some of the Round 3 participation rules, which could change who can join this round and under what conditions.
If you were allotted a seat in an earlier round, or skipped an earlier stage, it’s worth reading the corrigendum on the official KEA website before you assume you’re eligible this time. Going by an old circular could end up costing you.
What “provisional” really means here
That word “provisional” matters. The 552 MBBS and 423 BDS figures are based on the vacancy position as it stands today. The final matrix, released closer to or during allotment, could look different, since seats keep shifting as candidates surrender seats, get upgraded, or make other adjustments between rounds. So, treat today’s numbers as a sign of how much opportunity is out there, not a fixed final count — and keep checking KEA’s updated lists.
What you should do right now
The option entry window closes on September 29, so you have a short but manageable amount of time. Here’s a simple plan to follow:
- Read the corrigendum first, and confirm you’re eligible under the revised rules.
- Pay the caution deposit well before October 1 — don’t treat the extension as extra free time.
- List your options in the order you genuinely prefer, with your top choice of college and course placed highest.
- Fill in a reasonable number of options rather than just two or three, since seat availability in Round 3 can change.
- Save and review your entries before the last day, and try to avoid the usual last-hour rush on the portal.