Introduction
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the counselling schedule for the second round of UGCET 2026 and the first round of UGNEET 2026 in a circular dated August 7, 2026. This schedule applies to admissions in various courses such as engineering, agriculture, veterinary, pharmacy, nursing, allied health sciences, as well as medical and dental courses under UGNEET. Candidates can view the seat matrix and enter or update their choices during the specified option entry period. The provisional seat allotment results for both rounds will be announced on August 19, 2026, after 10:00 AM.
Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Notification | Circular No. ED/KEA/ADMN/CR-04/2026 |
| Circular Date | August 7, 2026 |
| UGCET Counselling Round | Second Round |
| UGNEET Counselling Round | First Round |
| Seat Matrix Display | August 7, 2026 |
| Option Entry Begins | August 7, 2026, 7:00 PM |
| Option Entry Ends | August 13, 2026, 9:00 AM |
| First-Round Seat Surrender Deadline | August 13, 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Provisional Seat Allotment Result | August 19, 2026, after 10:00 AM |
| UGCET Courses Covered | Engineering, Architecture, Agricultural Science, Veterinary, Pharmacy, B.Sc Nursing, Yoga & Naturopathy, BPT, BPO, Allied Health Sciences |
| UGNEET Courses Covered | Medical and Dental (MBBS/BDS) |
| UGCET Choice Options | Choice-1 or Choice-4 |
| UGNEET Choice Options | Choice-1, Choice-2, Choice-3, Choice-4 |
| Verification Slip Requirement | Required before adding Pharmacy, Medical or Dental options |
| Seat Surrender Location | KEA Office, Bengaluru (in person) |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Particulars | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Display of seat matrix - Medical and Dental | 07-08-2026 |
| Display of seat matrix - Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, etc. (Choice-3, Choice-4, forfeited, cancelled, newly added seats, if any) | 07-08-2026 |
| Option entry by eligible candidates - Add / modify / delete / re-order options for Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary and related courses | From 7:00 PM on 07-08-2026 to 9:00 AM on 13-08-2026 |
| Option entry - can include Pharmacy, Medical, Dental options (after downloading the verification slip) | From 7:00 PM on 07-08-2026 to 9:00 AM on 13-08-2026 |
| Last time to surrender first-round allotted seat (Choice-1, Choice-2) in person at KEA, Bengaluru | On or before 11:00 AM on 13-08-2026 |
| Publication of provisional seat allotment result - Second round (UGCET courses) and First round (UGNEET courses) | 19-08-2026, after 10:00 AM |
KEA advises candidates to regularly check the official website for any updates to this schedule.
Option Entry / Choice Filling Process
During the option entry window from 7:00 PM on August 7 to 9:00 AM on August 13, 2026, eligible candidates can add, change, delete, or reorder their choices for Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, and related UGCET courses.
Pharmacy, Medical, and Dental options can also be included during this period, but only after candidates download the required verification slip.
Choice Rules Explained (Choice-1 to Choice-4)
For UGCET Courses (Second Round)
Candidates applying for UGCET courses such as Engineering, Architecture, Agricultural Science, Veterinary, Pharmacy, B.Sc Nursing, Yoga & Naturopathy, BPT, BPO, and Allied Health Sciences can select only Choice-1 or Choice-4 after the second round seat allotment results are out.
For UGNEET Courses (First Round)
Since this is the first round for UGNEET courses (Medical and Dental), candidates have the option to choose from all four choices: Choice-1, Choice-2, Choice-3, and Choice-4.
Surrendering a First-Round Allotted Seat (Choice-1, Choice-2)
If a candidate wants to surrender a seat allotted in the first round under Choice-1 or Choice-2, they must do so in person at the KEA office in Bengaluru by 11:00 AM on August 13, 2026. A penalty will be charged as per KEA rules for such seat surrenders.
Required Steps / Documents
The notification does not specify exact fee amounts, penalty charges, or the complete list of documents needed for surrendering a seat. Candidates should check with KEA directly for these details.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When is the UGCET 2026 second round seat matrix released?
A: The seat matrix for Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, and related courses was displayed on August 7, 2026. - Q: When does UGCET/UGNEET 2026 option entry start and end?
A: Option entry is open from 7:00 PM on August 7, 2026, until 9:00 AM on August 13, 2026. - Q: Can UGCET candidates choose Choice-2 or Choice-3 in the second round?
A: No, only Choice-1 or Choice-4 are allowed for UGCET courses in this round. - Q: How many choices are available for UGNEET (Medical/Dental) candidates?
A: All four choices (Choice-1 to Choice-4) are available since this is the first round for UGNEET courses. - Q: How can I surrender my first-round allotted seat?
A: Candidates must surrender their seat in person at the KEA office in Bengaluru by 11:00 AM on August 13, 2026. A penalty applies. - Q: When will the provisional seat allotment results be published?
A: Results for the UGCET second round and UGNEET first round will be published on August 19, 2026, after 10:00 AM.
