KEA UGCET-UGNEET 2026: Round 1 Choice Selection Process Begins; Check Important Deadlines
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially opened the choice selection portal for candidates who have secured seats in the round 1 final seat allotment for medical and dental undergraduate programs. Aspiring students can now log in to the official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ to exercise their preferences.
This critical phase in the KEA UGCET-UGNEET 2026 counselling process commenced on August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Candidates are required to select one of four available options that best aligns with their admission intentions.
Essential Timeline for Candidates
The KEA has emphasized the importance of adhering to the strictly defined schedule to ensure a smooth admission process. All participating institutions have been directed to treat weekends and gazetted holidays as working days to maintain the pace of the counselling timeline.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Choice Selection Window: August 28, 4:00 PM to September 2, 11:59 PM.
- Fee Payment (Choice 1): August 29 to September 3.
- Reporting to Allotted Colleges: Must be completed by September 4, 6:00 PM.
Understanding the Four Choices
Candidates must evaluate their options carefully before final submission, as these choices dictate their standing in subsequent rounds of the counselling process:
- Choice 1: For candidates satisfied with their current allotment and who wish to proceed with the admission.
- Choice 2: For those who accept the current seat but wish to remain in the fray for potential seat upgradation in the next round.
- Choice 3: For candidates who reject the current allotment but intend to participate in the upcoming round of counselling.
- Choice 4: For candidates who wish to withdraw from the KEA counselling process entirely.
How to Submit Your Choice
To complete the selection process, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the official KEA website.
- Locate and click on the ‘Admission/UGCET’ link on the homepage.
- Enter your credentials, including your CET number and date of birth.
- Choose your preferred option (1, 2, 3, or 4) from the menu.
- Submit the selection and download the confirmation slip or payment challan if applicable.
- Retain a printout of the confirmation for your personal records and future reporting requirements.
Candidates are strongly advised to complete this process well before the September 2 deadline. Failure to act within the specified timeframe may result in the forfeiture of the allotted seat.
