The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadline for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) Round 3 option entry. Students now have until October 15 to complete their choices for medical seats in Karnataka. This extension follows the addition of 200 new medical seats across four state colleges, impacting thousands of aspiring medical students.
Understanding NEET UG Counselling and Option Entry
NEET UG serves as the single entrance examination for admission to MBBS and BDS courses across India. Following qualification, candidates participate in a structured counselling process. This process involves multiple rounds where students select their preferred colleges and courses, a step known as “option entry.” The KEA conducts and manages this state-level counselling for medical and dental admissions within Karnataka.
During option entry, eligible candidates access the official KEA website to rank their desired colleges and courses. The system then allocates seats based on merit, student preferences, and overall seat availability. Round 3 option entry provides a critical final chance for many students to secure a medical seat in their chosen institution.
Deadline Extension and New Medical Seats
The initial deadline for Karnataka NEET UG 2025 Round 3 option entry was October 13 . The KEA extended this by two days to allow students more time to adjust their preferences. This decision aligns with recent actions by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), which permitted candidates to modify choices for the All India Quota (AIQ) counselling.
The Department of Medical Education has confirmed the addition of 200 new MBBS seats in Karnataka. These seats are distributed equally among four specific institutions, each receiving 50 new seats. This expansion aims to increase opportunities for medical education in the state.
Colleges with New MBBS Seats
| College Name | City/Region | New Seats Added |
|---|---|---|
| Subbaiah Institute of Medical Science | Shimoga | 50 |
| BGS Medical College and Hospital | Bangalore North | 50 |
| Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Hospital | Tumkur | 50 |
| AJ Institute of Medical Sciences | Mangalore | 50 |
The updated Karnataka NEET UG 2025 seat matrix will be published on the KEA website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Students must regularly check the portal for the latest information on seat availability.
KEA Advisory on Option Entry
KEA has issued specific guidance for all candidates participating in Round 3. The authority advises students to enter options for all colleges of their interest, even if the availability of seats is not currently reflected in the published seat matrix. This proactive approach ensures candidates are considered for all potential allotments.
According to the official notice, seats that may become cancelled or newly available during the allotment process will also be considered for distribution. Therefore, entering a comprehensive list of preferred colleges maximizes a student’s chances of securing a seat, even those not initially displayed.
Guidance for Previously Allotted Candidates
Candidates who have already secured and joined medical colleges through earlier counselling rounds are also eligible to participate in the allotment process for these newly added 50 seats per college. This special window for option entry runs from October 15 at 11:00 AM to October 16 at 8:00 AM .
KEA cautions these candidates: if a seat is allotted in any of the four newly expanded colleges, they will automatically forfeit their previously secured seat. This decision is irreversible. The authority strongly recommends that students consult with their parents or guardians before entering options for these specific new seats.
All eligible candidates must complete their option entry by the revised deadline of October 15 . Students can access the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for option entry and further updates regarding the seat matrix and counselling schedule.