Students aiming for MBBS in Karnataka now have a bit more time. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the option-entry time for the UGNEET 2026 Online Stray Vacancy Round to 1:00 PM on October 19, 2026.

KEA has also opened the round to candidates who do not currently hold a medical seat. In its notice dated October 15, 2026, KEA said it took this step after requests from such candidates.

What Students Need to Know

• Who can join now: Candidates who do not currently hold a medical seat.
• What they must pay: The Medical Course Fee Deposit, as notified on October 8, 2026.
• Fee deposit last date: 11:00 AM on October 19, 2026.
• Option entry last time: 1:00 PM on October 19, 2026.
• Notice number: ED/KEA/UGNEET/CR-11/2026 (SVR).

Why This Round Matters

KEA listed 664 MBBS seats that remained unfilled after Round 3. These seats go into the stray round along with seats freed by cancellations or forfeitures. KEA also said no dental seat remained unallotted after Round 3.

What To Do Now

• Pay the Medical Course Fee Deposit before 11:00 AM on October 19.
• Enter your college and course options before 1:00 PM on the same day.
• Enter fresh choices, since preferences from earlier rounds will not be considered.
• Add every college you would join, even one that shows no vacancy, because seats that open up later are also allotted in this round.
• Don’t wait for the last minute, since both deadlines fall on the same day.
• Keep checking the official KEA website for further notices