Karnataka UGNEET 2026: 335 MBBS seats still vacant after stray round, report by Oct 25
By TUF News Desk · Published 24 October 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
335 medical seats in Karnataka are still empty after the stray vacancy round. The Karnataka Examinations Authority has published the vacancy statement for UGNEET 2026, and it lists 335 seats across 25 entries in medical colleges in the state, according to Medical Dialogues.
The statement is college-wise. For each entry it gives the course code, the institution, the seat category, the fee and the number of seats left. A candidate weighing one of these seats can see the exact fee attached to it before making any move, rather than finding out after allotment.
The seats behind the second stray round
These are the leftovers of the first stray round, whose final medical and dental allotment lists KEA released on October 22. The second stray vacancy round draws on this pool, and its option entry window closed at 1 PM today, October 24, as Jagran Josh reported. KEA will announce that round’s allotment on its portal afterwards.
That order matters for anyone tracking the numbers. The 335 figure is a snapshot of what stayed unfilled after the first stray round, not a fresh set of seats created for round two. Candidates who entered options today were choosing from this list.
What allottees still have to do
For candidates who did get a seat in the first stray round, the clock has nearly run out. The fee payment window ran from October 22 to October 24, and the seat confirmation slip had to be downloaded before 4 PM today. Both deadlines are now past, so anyone who missed them should check their status on the KEA portal at once rather than waiting for a reminder.
One deadline is still open. Allottees must report in person to their allotted medical or dental college before 6 PM tomorrow, October 25. Medical Dialogues reports that KEA has asked candidates to carry all original documents along with two sets of photocopies, and a mobile phone capable of receiving an OTP. Collegedunia notes there is no provision to extend the admission date, so the reporting cutoff is final.
The admission documents checklist is worth running through tonight. A missing certificate at the college counter tomorrow is the kind of problem that cannot be fixed before 6 PM.
Where to check the official list
All of this sits on the KEA portal. The vacancy statement, the allotment lists and the post-allotment notice are published under the UGNEET 2026 section at the official KEA website. Treat any allotment claim circulating on social media as unverified until the same list appears there.
For students still deciding between state and national counselling routes, the central vs state vs private university guide explains how the quotas differ. The immediate task, though, is simpler: if you hold a stray-round seat, report by 6 PM tomorrow with your documents in order.
Frequently asked questions
How many MBBS seats are still vacant in Karnataka after the UGNEET stray round?
KEA’s vacancy statement lists 335 medical seats still open across 25 entries in medical colleges in Karnataka, with the course, institution, category and fee shown for each entry.
When must stray-round allottees report to their colleges?
By 6 PM on October 25, 2026, with original documents, two sets of photocopies and a mobile phone that can receive an OTP.
What was the last date for stray-round fee payment?
October 24, 2026. The seat confirmation slip also had to be downloaded before 4 PM on October 24.
Where is the official KEA UGNEET portal?
At cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, under the UGNEET 2026 section, where KEA posts allotment lists, vacancy statements and notices.
Frequently asked questions
How many MBBS seats are still vacant in Karnataka after the UGNEET stray round?
KEA's vacancy statement lists 335 medical seats still open across 25 entries in medical colleges in Karnataka, with the course, institution, category and fee shown for each entry.
When must stray-round allottees report to their colleges?
By 6 PM on October 25, 2026, with original documents, two sets of photocopies and a mobile phone that can receive an OTP.
What was the last date for stray-round fee payment?
October 24, 2026. The seat confirmation slip also had to be downloaded before 4 PM on October 24.
Where is the official KEA UGNEET portal?
At cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, under the UGNEET 2026 section, where KEA posts allotment lists, vacancy statements and notices.
Sources: Medical Dialogues, Collegedunia, JagranJosh