Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has declared the UGNEET 2026 Round 2 provisional seat allotment on September 11, 2026, triggering the next key stage of counselling—Choice-4 (Exit) window—for candidates who need to decide between seats allotted through Karnataka state counselling and the All-India Quota process.

As per the current schedule, the Choice-4 exit facility is active from September 11 (3:00 PM) to September 14 (5:00 PM). This option is primarily meant for candidates who have been allotted a seat in both MCC Round 2 and KEA Round 2 and wish to retain the MCC seat by exiting the Karnataka counselling process.

KEA’s provisional data indicates that 11,626 MBBS seats have been allotted against 12,010 total medical seats, leaving 384 seats vacant after the provisional round. Reports suggest that the remaining vacancies are largely in the management quota. In the dental stream, all 2,689 BDS seats have reportedly been allotted in Round 2.

What Choice-4 means

Choice-4 is not an upgradation request; it is a formal exit from KEA counselling. Once a candidate selects Choice-4, they will no longer be considered for further allotment or upgrades in Karnataka UGNEET counselling. The KEA-allotted seat is released back into the pool and can be allotted to another eligible candidate in the upcoming re-run.

This is particularly relevant for candidates holding an MCC Round 2 seat and aiming to finalise admission through MCC. Candidates who intend to take admission in their Karnataka seat should not select Choice-4 and must instead follow KEA’s next steps, including fee payment and reporting instructions, which are expected to be linked to the revised final outcome.

Why a re-run will happen

KEA has clarified that the Round 2 outcome is provisional, and the allotment will be re-run after the Choice-4 window closes. After exits are recorded, the authority will add the newly vacant seats back into the Round 2 allotment pool and run the allotment again based on already submitted options and merit. Candidates will not be allowed to modify choices during this re-run process.

What candidates should do now

Candidates are advised to log in to the KEA counselling portal, verify their Round 2 status, and take an informed decision before the deadline. Those choosing Choice-4 should save the confirmation page and separately follow MCC’s reporting timelines for the allotted All India seat. Missing the Choice-4 deadline may lead to complications if a candidate is holding seats in both processes.