KEA Announces Key Dates and Procedures for KCET and NEET UG Counseling

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially commenced the second phase of counselling for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) and NEET UG today, September 8, 2024. This phase is crucial for students aspiring to secure seats in various undergraduate courses, including MBBS, BDS, engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy. The process involves several steps, including document verification, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to the allotted colleges.

The KCET is a pivotal examination for students seeking admission to professional courses in Karnataka. Every year, thousands of students appear for this exam, and the counselling process that follows is critical for determining their future educational paths. The NEET UG counselling is specifically for medical aspirants, allowing them to secure seats in medical and dental colleges based on their NEET scores.

Key Dates and Procedures

1. Seat Matrix Display and Modification of Preferences

The first significant update is the display of the seat matrix for KCET round 2 counselling, which will be available on the KEA official website after 11 AM today. Candidates will have the opportunity to modify their preferences for the courses and colleges from 2 PM on September 8 until September 11, 2024. This modification period is essential for students to reassess their choices based on the available seats.

2. Payment of Caution Deposits

Candidates applying for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses must complete a caution deposit payment of ₹1 lakh or ₹50,000 for SC/ST candidates. This payment is mandatory and must be made between September 9 and September 11, 2024. The caution deposit serves as a commitment from the candidates towards their admission process.

3. Document Verification Process

One of the critical steps in the counselling process is document verification. Candidates must present several documents at designated verification centres. The required documents include:

• KCET application form
• KCET admit card
• Payment proof for the KCET application fee
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
• 7 years of study certificate, countersigned by the concerned BEO or DDPI
• Recent passport-sized photographs (two copies)
• Income certificate
• Rural study certificate
• Caste certificate
• Kannada medium certificate (for candidates who studied in Kannada medium from Class 1 to 10)
• Parent’s study or domicile certificate (for candidates claiming eligibility for government seats)
• Identity card issued by the relevant authorities for Jammu & Kashmir migrants

After verification, candidates will receive a unique ID and password, which they will use for the next steps in the counselling process.

4. Choice Filling and Locking

Once the documents are verified, candidates must log in using their KCET number to fill in their preferred courses and colleges in order of preference. This step is crucial as it determines the seats they may be allotted based on their choices and merit. Candidates can modify their choices during the filling period, but no changes will be accepted once the choices are locked.

5. Seat Allotment Process

After the choice-filling period concludes, the authorities will announce the mock seat allotment results. This gives candidates an idea of their chances of admission based on their merit and preferences. The final seat allotment will take place in multiple rounds, including a second extended round and a special round, if necessary. Candidates selected for admission must report to their allotted institutes to confirm their seats. This involves presenting their documents, the allotment letter, and paying the required counselling fees.

Important Updates for NEET UG Counseling

In addition to the KCET updates, there have been recent developments regarding the NEET UG counselling process. The KEA has extended the choice entry date for Round 1 of the NEET UG counselling, allowing candidates more time to confirm their admissions. The revised schedule includes:

• Exercising choices by allotted candidates: September 5, 2024, up to 11 AM
• Payment of fees by selected candidates: September 5, 2024, up to 4 PM
• Submission of original documents: September 5, 2024, up to 4 PM
• Downloading of admission orders: September 6, 2024, up to 2 PM
• Reporting at allotted colleges: September 6, 2024, up to 5:30 PM

These extensions are designed to ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to secure their desired seats.

Conclusion

The commencement of the second phase of KCET and NEET UG counselling marks a significant step for students in Karnataka. With the opportunity to modify preferences and the structured process of document verification and seat allotment, candidates are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to the timelines set by the KEA. For the latest updates and detailed procedures, candidates should regularly check the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This counselling phase is not just a procedural formality; it is a gateway to the future for thousands of aspiring professionals. By following the outlined steps and ensuring timely submissions, candidates can enhance their chances of securing a place in their chosen fields of study.