Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Choice Filling Begins, Check Schedule

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has made public the schedule for the first round of Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 for students aiming to get into MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical and dental courses in Karnataka. The first round of option entry has now begun, allowing those who qualify to choose and prioritize their preferred colleges and courses. According to the latest schedule, students can submit their choices for the first round from August 7 to August 13, 2026. The provisional seat allotment results for this round are expected on August 19, 2026. The counselling is for those who have passed the NEET UG 2026 exam and meet the eligibility conditions set by KEA. Students are encouraged to carefully choose their preferred colleges and courses because the choices they make during the counselling can have a big impact on where they get placed.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Round 1 Schedule

The important dates for the first round of Karnataka NEET UG counselling are as follows:

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Choice Filling Has Started

With the release of the first round schedule, KEA has started the option entry process for eligible students. Students can log in through the KEA counselling portal and select the colleges and courses they want to join. During this process, students can arrange their preferred options in order of importance. Since the seat allotment is based on merit, eligibility, reservation rules, available seats and the preferences students choose, they should think carefully about the order they list their options. The KEA has also released the seat matrix for the NEET UG 2026 counselling process, so students can review the available seats before they submit their preferences.

Who Is Eligible for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026?

Students who have completed all the required KEA registration and other necessary documents and are eligible for the Karnataka NEET UG counselling can take part in the first round option entry process. Students should make sure all their details, including NEET UG information, category and other relevant information are accurate in the KEA portal. KEA had earlier extended the deadline for certain NEET UG registration and linking activities until August 7, 2026, due to technical issues during the application process.

How to Fill Choices for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Round 1

Students can follow these steps to complete their first round option entry:

1. Visit the official KEA website.
2. Open the UGNEET 2026 counselling section.
3. Click on the candidate login or option-entry link.
4. Enter the login credentials.
5. Access the first round option-entry portal.
6. Check the list of available colleges and courses.
7. Select your preferred MBBS, BDS or other eligible courses.
8. Arrange the selected options in the order of your preference.
9. Review your complete choice list carefully.
10. Submit or lock your choices, if needed.
11. Save or download the submitted choice details for future reference.

Students should remember that just selecting colleges isn't enough. They must complete the final submission within the set timeline.

Karnataka NEET UG 2026 Seat Allotment Date

The provisional seat allotment result for the first round of Karnataka NEET UG 2026 is expected on August 19, 2026. Students can check their allotment status through the KEA counselling portal. The seat allotment depends on several factors such as the student's merit, eligibility, category, available seats and the preferences they entered during option entry. Students who get a seat should read the instructions issued by KEA after the allotment result. Further admission steps may include paying fees, confirming the allotted seat and providing documents as per the schedule.

What to Do Before Filling Choices

Before submitting their choices, students should check the Karnataka NEET 2026 seat matrix and create a realistic preference list.

Students should consider the following:

Preferred college

• Preferred course – MBBS or BDS
• Government or private institution
• Category and applicable reservations

Seat availability

• Previous admission trends, if any
• Distance and location of the college
• Fee structure and other charges
• Order of preference

Students must avoid randomly entering colleges. The order of preference should reflect the institutions and courses they are actually willing to accept.

What Happens After Round 1 in Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

After the first round of option entry is completed, KEA will process the seat allotment based on the counselling rules. The provisional allotment is expected on August 19. Students who are allotted seats must follow the instructions issued by KEA. Those who do not get their preferred seat should check the instructions for the next stage of counselling if applicable. Students should note that the Karnataka state counselling is separate from the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) process for All India Quota seats. MCC has started its own NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling process with its own schedule for choice-filling and seat allotment.

Courses Covered in Karnataka NEET Counselling

The Karnataka NEET UG counselling is used for admission to various undergraduate medical and allied courses based on NEET UG eligibility. These include MBBS and BDS, as well as other eligible AYUSH courses as notified by the counselling authority. Students should check the official seat matrix and counselling notification to find out which courses and institutions are available based on their eligibility and category.

Important Instructions for Karnataka NEET 2026 Candidates

Students taking part in Round 1 should keep the following in mind:

1. Complete your option entry before August 13, 2026.
2. Check the seat matrix before selecting colleges.
3. Arrange your choices according to real preferences.
4. Verify all entered information before final submission.
5. Keep a copy of the submitted choice list.
6. Keep checking the KEA portal for allotment and further instructions.
7. Do not rely on unofficial dates shared on social media.
8. Follow the official KEA schedule for fee payment and reporting after allotment.

Key Takeaway for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

The first round of Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 has begun, and eligible students can submit their college and course preferences until August 13, 2026. The first round provisional seat allotment result is scheduled for August 19, 2026. Students should complete their option entry carefully and within the deadline. After submitting their choices, they should regularly check the official KEA portal for the seat allotment result and any further admission instructions.