Karnataka PGCET 2026 Extended Round Announced; Fresh Option Entry from October 31 to November 4
Published 30 Oct 20264 min read
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced an extended counselling round for MBA, MCA, and MTech admissions through Karnataka PGCET 2026. Candidates must submit fresh preferences during option entry from 2 PM on October 31 to 2 PM on November 4, 2026. Earlier choices will not carry forward. The provisional allotment result is scheduled after 1 PM on November 5, 2026.
The extended round offers a final opportunity to candidates who received no earlier allotment, those seeking an upgrade from their current seat, and those who cancelled their seats after paying the prescribed penalty. Unallotted seats and vacancies arising from non-reporting will be included in this round.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Option entry opens | 2 PM, October 31, 2026 |
| Option entry closes | 2 PM, November 4, 2026 |
| Provisional allotment result | After 1 PM, November 5, 2026 |
| Deadline for non-reporting candidates from October 13–15 allotment | 6 PM, October 31, 2026 |
Who Can Participate in the Extended Round
The extended round covers three categories of candidates:
Unallotted candidates: Those who did not receive a seat in any earlier round.
Upgrade-seekers: Candidates who have already reported to their allotted college and want to improve their college or course through the extended round.
Seat cancellers: Candidates who cancelled their seats after paying the prescribed penalty.
Unallotted seats and vacancies created by candidates who failed to report will be available in this round.
Important: All eligible candidates must submit fresh options. Choices entered in earlier rounds will not be carried forward.
October 31, 6 PM Deadline for Non-Reporting Candidates
Candidates who were allotted seats during the October 13–15 allotment but did not pay fees or report to their allotted college are not automatically eligible for the extended round. They have two options, both requiring action by 6 PM on October 31, 2026:
- Option A — Pay and report: Pay the prescribed fees and report to the allotted college to become eligible for an upgrade in the extended round.
- Option B — Cancel with penalty: Cancel the seat online by paying a ₹10,000 penalty.
For candidates who have already paid course fees and then cancel, the balance amount will be refunded after deducting the ₹10,000 penalty. [VERIFY] — confirm refund processing timeline with KEA.
How to Enter Fresh Options
Candidates should arrange their college and course preferences in priority order before the option-entry window opens. The option entry must be completed through KEA's official counselling portal. [VERIFY] — direct option entry link available on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in; confirm the exact URL before the window opens.
Recommended steps:
- Log in to the KEA PGCET counselling portal using your credentials.
- Review the available seats and participating institutions. [VERIFY] — the seat matrix for the extended round should be published on the KEA portal.
- Enter fresh options in order of preference. Arrange the most preferred college and course first.
- Save and lock your options before 2 PM on November 4, 2026.
- Take a printout or screenshot of your submitted options for reference.
What Happens After Option Entry
The provisional allotment result will be announced after 1 PM on November 5, 2026. Candidates allotted seats in the extended round must then complete fee payment and reporting formalities within the deadlines specified in the allotment result. [VERIFY] — reporting deadline for extended round allotment to be announced by KEA.
Candidates who receive an upgrade must report to the newly allotted college. Accepting an upgrade typically forfeits the earlier allotted seat. [VERIFY] — confirm upgrade rules in the official KEA notification.
What Candidates Should Do Now
- Check your eligibility. Confirm whether you fall under the unallotted, upgrade-seeking, or cancelling category.
- Non-reporting candidates from October 13–15 allotment: Decide by 6 PM on October 31, 2026, whether to pay and report or cancel with the ₹10,000 penalty.
- Prepare your preference list. Shortlist colleges and courses in priority order before option entry opens.
- Keep documents ready. Have your PGCET rank card, degree certificates, ID proof, and fee payment receipts accessible.
- Monitor the KEA portal. Seat matrix, option entry link, and allotment results will be published on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
- Retain acknowledgements. Keep screenshots and receipts of your option entry, fee payment, and cancellation (if applicable) for future reference.