In a move to give MBBS aspirants and institutions more latitude before the mop-up phases, the KEA has opened up fresh ground for Round 2 counselling. The 150 new medical seats mean there is room to match preferences without the wait, including access to a new government medical campus.
What has changed for Round 2
An enhancement to the allotment of medical and dental seats for the second round of UGNEET-2026 was confirmed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. This puts 100 extra seats on the table at Government Medical College, Bagalkot and 50 at Farooquia Medical College.
With Government Medical College, Bagalkot being a new entrant, it is now an option for candidates in Round 2. KEA has left the window open for entry and modification so students can go back and set their priorities right before the cut-off.
Eligibility and consent steps
According to KEA, one must log in to the portal and put on record their consent to be part of this cycle. Those who do are free to rework their option entry in line with the current seat matrix.
For those in doubt as to eligibility, the conditions laid out by KEA are as follows:
– Any candidate with a Choice 2 or 3 from Round 1
– One who did not get a seat in the first round
Deadline and action points
There is a hard stop on the choice entry window on September 9. Students need to be in the system to confirm consent and see how their preferences stack up against the revised list, which now features Government Medical College, Bagalkot.
A good deal of thought should go into the option list; Round 2 can alter your admission path. Make sure to verify the order of options and stay on top of what KEA is putting out to prevent any hasty mistakes.
How KEA choices shape your admission
The four choice codes used by KEA have distinct implications for whether you keep a seat or move on. A misreading could result in an unwanted exit or a lost upgrade. In the context of Round 2, consider what each does:
– Choice 2: You hold your present seat but put in for an upgradation next time around.
– Choice 3: Let go of the current seat to enter the next round.
– Choice 1: Take the allotted seat and be done with further rounds.
– Choice 4: An outright withdrawal from the counselling process.
Your selection should be in keeping with your actual plan. The route to an upgrade is not the same for someone content with his current seat as for one prepared to re-compete for a better college.
Why the additions matter
The 150 new seats take some of the edge off popular combinations for students and may present a way to a college that is closer to home or fits the budget. It also means a brand-new government institution is in play, where outcomes can be determined without having to bide one’s time for later rounds.
The impact is felt by institutions as well. H. Prasanna, Executive Director of KEA, made the announcement of the expansion once the Medical Education Department gave the nod for admissions. Farooquia Medical College will be able to put in more students this year, while Government Medical College, Bagalkot can start its first UGNEET cohort through the normal course of events.
The Authority’s position is unambiguous: work within the timelines and re-order to suit the new availability. With option entry still live till the 9th of September, a measured refresh of priorities will be the deciding factor.
As UGNEET-2026 moves forward with its updated matrix for medical and dental, the ones to gain are those who adhere to the consent protocol and choose with their eyes open. Have the application dashboard at hand and be wary of any last-minute word from KEA rather than making quick changes.
