| Updated On - Aug 14, 2026
Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 option entry opens on August 15 at cee.kerala.gov.in. Registered candidates can lock college and course choices for MBBS BDS and allied programmes before Round 1 seat allotment.
The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala has opened option entry. The Round 1 window for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 counselling begins August 15, 2026. Candidates can list their college and course choices at cee.kerala.gov.in.
The option entry decides Round 1 seat allotment for state medical admissions. Only candidates who submitted NEET UG 2026 scores by August 11 may participate. The Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) covers government and self-financing colleges across Kerala.
The CAP fills seats using merit rank and candidate preferences. The order of choices is critical for a favourable allotment outcome. Candidates must rank preferences carefully before the option entry window closes.
Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Key Dates
The CEE Kerala schedule for Round 1 and Round 2 is summarised below. Candidates must track each deadline on the official portal.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Option Entry Begins | August 15, 2026 |
| Round 1 Option Entry Closes | August 22, 2026 |
| Last Date to Join Round 1 Allotted Seat | August 28, 2026 |
| Round 1 Document Verification | August 29, 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling Begins | August 31, 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling Ends | September 8, 2026 |
| Last Date to Join Round 2 Seat | September 14, 2026 |
| Round 2 Document Verification | September 15, 2026 |
Courses Covered Under the Kerala NEET UG 2026 Allotment
The CAP allots seats for medical and allied undergraduate programmes in Kerala. Candidates can lock preferences across the following streams.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
- Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
- Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)
- Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc and AH)
How to Fill Options for Kerala NEET UG 2026 Round 1?
Registered candidates must complete option entry within the eight-day window. The steps to submit choices are listed below.
- Visit the official portal at cee.kerala.gov.in.
- Click on the KEAM 2026 Candidate Portal link.
- Log in using the application number and password.
- Open the Option Registration section on the dashboard.
- Select the preferred colleges and courses from the list.
- Arrange the choices in order of priority.
- Save the options and confirm the final list.
- Download a copy of the submitted preferences for records.
Who Can Participate in Round 1 Option Entry?
The option entry facility is open only to shortlisted candidates. Applicants must meet the conditions listed below.
- Registered for Kerala NEET UG 2026 counselling before the July 27 deadline.
- Submitted the NEET UG 2026 score on the CEE portal.
- Completed profile defect rectification by the August 13 cut-off.
- Featured in the Kerala NEET UG 2026 state merit list.
Kerala allots seats across 36 medical colleges under the CAP. The state runs one of South India's largest medical admission processes. The order of preferences directly shapes college and course allotment.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Log in to the KEAM 2026 Candidate Portal at cee.kerala.gov.in.
- Review the official seat matrix and college list carefully.
- Draft a ranked list of preferred colleges and courses offline first.
- Enter and save options within the August 15 to August 22 window.
- Lock the final choices before the window closes.
- Keep original certificates and fee proofs ready for allotment.
Round 1 seat allotment will follow after option entry closes on August 22. Track the CEE Kerala portal for the allotment result and joining instructions.
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