Karnataka NEET MDS Counselling 2026 Round 1 Option Entry Closes Today; Check Steps to Submit Choices

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will close the National Eligibility Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) 2026 Round 1 option entry window today, September 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Eligible candidates must submit their college and course preferences on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in before the deadline lapses.

The option entry window opened on September 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Candidates were given a short window of under three days to enter their choices. The Round 1 seat allotment result will be published on September 10, 2026, on the same portal.

KEA has advised candidates to enter their choices carefully in order of preference. The system considers the sequence of options while running the allotment engine. A well-ordered choice list improves the chance of a preferred seat.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Round 1 Key Dates

How to Submit Option Entry for Karnataka NEET MDS 2026?

Candidates must complete the option entry on the dedicated KEA portal. The process is short but must be finished before 2:00 PM today. Follow the steps below to submit choices correctly.

1. Visit the official option entry portal at keaonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Log in using the CET number and password created during registration.
3. View the list of available dental colleges and course seats.
4. Add preferred college and course combinations to the option list.
5. Reorder the choices in strict order of preference.
6. Save the option list and take a printout for personal record.

Who Can Participate in Round 1 Option Entry?

Only candidates who cleared NEET MDS 2026 and completed KEA registration can enter options. Names must also feature in the verified Round 1 merit list published by KEA. Candidates whose documents were rejected during verification cannot proceed.

KEA has directed participating dental colleges to treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days. This decision reflects the tight counselling timeline set by the authority.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Open the KEA option entry portal well before 2:00 PM.
2. Keep the CET number, password and merit rank handy.
3. Prepare a ranked list of colleges and specialisations offline first.
4. Enter and reorder the options carefully in the portal.
5. Save the final option list and download the acknowledgement.
6. Wait for the Round 1 seat allotment result on September 10, 2026.

Also Read: 

• Top Colleges in India Accepting NEET MDS Based on 2026 Ranking 
• MCC NEET MDS Round 1 Final Seat Allotment 2026 Out; Check Reporting Window and Direct Link
• Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Seat Matrix Out; Check Last Date to Enter Options
• MP NEET MDS 2026 Round 1 Cutoff Released; Check Reporting Deadline