Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 2 Option Entry Begins; Check Seat Matrix, Caution Deposit and Allotment Dates

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has started the Round 2 option entry process for NEET MDS 2026 counselling.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has started the Round 2 option entry process for NEET MDS 2026 counselling. Eligible candidates can now review the available seats and modify, rearrange or delete their college and course preferences through the official KEA counselling portal. The Round 2 process began on September 19, 2026, following the release of the Round 2 counselling schedule and seat matrix. Candidates who are required to pay the prescribed caution deposit must complete the payment within the notified timeline to remain eligible for the second round. The official KEA portal for Karnataka NEET MDS counselling is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgden2026. Current reports on the KEA schedule state that the option modification window will remain open until 10 AM on September 23, 2026. The provisional Round 2 allotment is scheduled for September 23 after 4 PM, while the final allotment is scheduled for September 24 after 10 AM.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 2: What Is Happening Now?

Candidates participating in Karnataka NEET MDS Round 2 can use the option-entry window to review their existing preferences and make changes based on the seats available in the Round 2 matrix. The Round 2 seat matrix was released as part of the counselling schedule. Candidates should check the availability of their preferred college and MDS specialisation before rearranging their options. KEA will subsequently process the allotment based on the applicable counselling rules, available seats and candidates' entered preferences.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 2 Important Dates

The above schedule has been reported based on the KEA Round 2 notification. Candidates should continue to check the official portal for any subsequent revision or notice.

Who Can Participate in Karnataka NEET MDS Round 2?

Round 2 participation is governed by the eligibility conditions specified by KEA. Candidates who were not allotted a seat in Round 1 and eligible candidates seeking further participation can take part according to the rules applicable to their Round 1 status. Candidates who have already secured a seat should carefully check the applicable choice conditions before making changes. In particular, candidates seeking an upgrade should review the Round 2 option-entry instructions before submitting fresh or modified preferences. The Round 2 process is based on the NEET MDS 2026 merit/rank, category, seat availability and preferences entered by candidates, along with the counselling rules notified by KEA.

Karnataka NEET MDS Round 2 Caution Deposit

A caution deposit is applicable to certain candidates participating in the second round. According to reports based on the KEA notification, Choice-3 candidates from Round 1 and candidates who had entered options but were not allotted a seat in Round 1 are required to pay a ₹1 lakh caution deposit for Round 2 participation. The reported caution deposit for SC/ST candidates is ₹50,000. Candidates should check the individual payment requirement displayed on the official KEA portal before making the payment. Candidates should retain the payment confirmation or receipt after completing the transaction.

How to Complete Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 2 Option Entry?

Candidates can follow these steps to access the Round 2 option-entry window:

1. Visit the official KEA website.
2. Open the NEET MDS 2026 counselling section.
3. Log in using the credentials required by KEA.
4. Check the Round 2 seat matrix and available courses.
5. Pay the applicable caution deposit, if required.
6. Open the option-entry or option-modification section.
7. Rearrange, modify or delete college and course preferences.
8. Review the complete preference list carefully.
9. Save the options before the deadline.
10. Keep a copy or screenshot of the final submitted preferences for future reference.
11. Candidates should not wait until the final hours to modify their choices because the window closes at the time specified by KEA.

Round 2 Seat Matrix: Why Candidates Should Check It

The Round 2 seat matrix provides information about seats available for the next stage of the Karnataka NEET MDS counselling process.

Candidates should compare the available seats with their preferred:

• Dental college
• MDS specialisation
• Seat category
• Applicable quota
• Choice preference

The availability shown in the seat matrix can change the options candidates decide to prioritise. Therefore, candidates should review the latest matrix before finalising their preferences.

Karnataka NEET MDS Round 2 Seat Allotment

After the option-entry window closes, KEA will process the Round 2 seat allotment. The provisional Round 2 allotment is scheduled for September 23, 2026, after 4 PM. Candidates can then check their allotment status through the official KEA portal. The final Round 2 allotment is scheduled for September 24, 2026, after 10 AM. Candidates allotted seats will subsequently have to complete the prescribed admission formalities, including fee payment and document submission, within the notified deadline.

What Happens After Round 2 Allotment?

Candidates who receive an allotment should carefully follow the instructions provided in the allotment notification.

The reported schedule provides for:

• Challan download from September 24 to September 26.
• Fee payment and original document submission from September 24 to September 28.
• Admission order download from September 24 to September 29.
• Candidates should also check their individual allotment status and the instructions issued by KEA before reporting to the allotted institution.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 1 Status

KEA completed the first round of Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 counselling before beginning the second round. Reporting for candidates under the applicable Round 1 admission choices concluded on September 18, 2026. The second round provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to participate based on the seats available after the first round and the counselling rules applicable to their candidate status.

Important Things to Remember During Round 2

Candidates should keep the following points in mind while completing the option-entry process:

1. Check the latest Round 2 seat matrix before modifying preferences.
2. Verify whether a caution deposit is applicable to your candidate category/status.
3. Arrange choices in the order in which you actually prefer the colleges and specialisations.
4. Review deleted and rearranged options before final submission.
5. Do not rely on an old screenshot or previous-round seat matrix.
6. Save the final submitted options and payment receipt.
7. Check the portal regularly for provisional and final allotment updates.
8. Follow the fee-payment and document-submission deadlines after allotment.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 2: Candidate Action Plan

Candidates can follow this checklist:

1. Visit the official KEA NEET MDS counselling portal.
2. Read the Round 2 notification and counselling instructions.
3. Download or review the Round 2 seat matrix.
4. Check whether the caution deposit applies to your candidate status.
5. Pay the applicable amount within the deadline.
6. Rearrange, modify or delete college and course choices.
7. Review the final preference order carefully.
8. Save the submitted options and payment details.
9. Check the provisional allotment on September 23 after 4 PM.
10. Check the final allotment on September 24 after 10 AM and complete the next admission formalities if allotted a seat.

Official Website

Candidates should use the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal for the latest Round 2 notification, seat matrix, option entry, allotment result and admission instructions.

• KEA NEET MDS 2026 portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgden2026

Because counselling schedules can be revised, candidates should rely on the latest notification displayed on the official KEA portal before taking any admission-related action.