If you are waiting for a medical or dental seat in Karnataka, the KEA has just dropped a crucial update regarding the stray vacancy round. You now have a bit more breathing room to complete your caution deposit and finalize your registration.
What You Need to Know
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) officially pushed the caution deposit deadline for the UGNEET 2026 stray vacancy round to October 19, 2026. This is a final opportunity for students who have yet to secure a seat in any medical or dental college to get back into the game.
The clock is ticking, though. You need to complete your payments and finish your fresh option entry by 1:00 PM on October 19. If you miss this window, your candidature won’t be considered for this round.
Key Deadlines and Requirements
Keeping track of these specific times is vital if you want to avoid technical glitches or last-minute disqualifications:
- Caution Deposit Deadline: October 19, 2026, by 11:00 AM.
- Fresh Option Entry & Registration: Must be completed by 1:00 PM on October 19, 2026.
- Eligibility: Only candidates who have not yet secured a medical or dental seat are eligible to participate.
Make sure you review the eligibility conditions on the application page carefully. The system is strict about the payment of the caution deposit, and incomplete registrations will be automatically filtered out.
How to Apply
Head over to the application page to initiate your process. Log in with your credentials, ensure your documentation is ready, and process the caution deposit through the payment gateway.
Don’t wait until the final hour. Servers often become slow or unresponsive during peak traffic times on closing days. Getting your application in early saves you a lot of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply if I already have a seat in a private college?
No, the stray vacancy round is specifically for candidates who have not secured any medical or dental seats as of now.
What happens if I miss the 11 AM deadline for the caution deposit?
You will be unable to proceed with the registration and option entry, as the portal strictly enforces these time-bound requirements set by the KEA.
Is there any other way to pay the deposit besides the online portal?
All payments for this round must be processed through the designated online payment channels provided on the application page to ensure your seat is locked in correctly.