Remaining PG Medical Seats Filled Through KEA NEET PG Stray Vacancy Round
Published 1 Aug 20264 min read
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially concluded the stray vacancy round for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2026 medical seats. This final phase of the counseling process was organized to fill the vacancies remaining in government and private medical colleges across Karnataka. As of March 15, 2026, the seat allotment results have been finalized, allowing eligible doctors to secure their specialized postgraduate positions for the current academic year. Candidates can now verify their status through the official KEA website to proceed with the final admission formalities.
The stray vacancy round serves as the last opportunity for students who were not allotted seats in the previous rounds of counseling. KEA managed this process to ensure that no specialized medical seat remains unutilized, especially in critical clinical and non-clinical departments. The authority strictly followed the merit list and eligibility criteria defined by the National Medical Commission (NMC). This final allocation helps stabilize the student strength in medical institutions across the state before the official commencement of the new academic session.
Reporting Requirements and Document Submission
Candidates who have been successfully allotted seats in this final round must follow specific reporting guidelines to confirm their admission. Failure to report within the designated timeframe may lead to the cancellation of the allotted seat.
- Students must download their allotment letter and the bank challan for fee payment from the KEA portal.
- The original documents, including the NEET PG 2026 scorecard, MBBS degree certificate, and registration with the Medical Council, must be submitted at the college.
- Compulsory rural service bonds and other state-specific affidavits must be signed by the candidates at the time of reporting.
- Candidates are required to undergo a physical medical fitness examination at the allotted institution as per standard norms.
- Payment of the prescribed tuition fee must be completed through the online system or designated bank branches before the reporting deadline.
- Institutions have been instructed to update the joining status of each student on the KEA portal immediately to maintain an accurate database.
Guidelines for Unfilled Vacancies and Future Steps
The stray vacancy round is designed to be a transparent and fair process. KEA ensures that the allotment is based on the choices submitted by the candidates during the option entry phase.
- Only those candidates who were not holding any seat in previous rounds were allowed to participate in this vacancy round.
- The seat allotment is final, and no requests for upgrades or changes in the branch of study will be entertained by the authority.
- Any seats remaining vacant after this round will be handled according to the instructions issued by the Department of Medical Education.
- Successful candidates are advised to keep multiple copies of their admission orders for future reference during their residency programs.
- The counseling for dental seats (NEET MDS) followed a similar pattern to ensure all postgraduate dental vacancies were also addressed.
- Medical colleges will conduct orientation programs for the newly joined residents to familiarize them with hospital protocols and duties.
NEET PG 2026 Stray Vacancy Timeline
The following table provides a clear view of the final steps in the Karnataka PG medical admission process.
| Admission Milestone | Status / Timeline (2026) |
| Seat Allotment Result | Declared |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | March 18 |
| Final Date for College Reporting | March 20 |
| Academic Session Start | April 2026 |
| Nodal Agency | KEA |
Conclusion
The completion of the KEA NEET PG stray vacancy round marks the end of a long and competitive counseling season for medical graduates. This phase has successfully matched hundreds of doctors with available PG medical seats in various specialties. As the reporting deadline of March 20 approaches, candidates must act quickly to complete their documentation and fee payments. The administrative focus now shifts toward the start of the academic year and the integration of new residents into the healthcare system. For any additional queries regarding the joining process, students should contact the helpdesk at the Karnataka Examinations Authority.
