KEA Invites Applications for NEET PG Stray Vacancy Round; 831 Seats Available

The medical admission landscape in South India is witnessing a final surge of activity for the current academic session. As of March 5, 2026, the Karnataka Medical Selection process has entered its most critical phase with the announcement of the stray vacancy round. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is now inviting fresh applications from eligible candidates to fill the remaining seats in various medical colleges across the state. This KEA Offline Counseling session is the last opportunity for doctors who have qualified for NEET PG but have not yet secured a seat. Currently, there are 817 postgraduate medical seats and 14 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats available for grabs. The Bengaluru Health Enrollment cycle for this year has been extensive, and this final round aims to ensure that no specialized medical seat goes to waste. Candidates who wish to participate must register their interest on the official KEA website. This Karnataka Medical Selection round is specifically for those who were not allotted seats in previous counseling phases. The KEA Offline Counseling will be conducted in a transparent manner at the KEA headquarters. Applicants must be ready to report immediately as part of the Bengaluru Health Enrollment final push.

The Karnataka Medical Selection stray vacancy round is open to candidates who are already registered with KEA but have not been allotted any seat in the earlier rounds. During this KEA Offline Counseling, candidates must bring all their original documents for spot verification. The Bengaluru Health Enrollment data shows that these 831 seats are spread across various government and private medical institutions in Karnataka. It is important to note that the Karnataka Medical Selection for stray vacancies often involves a mop-up of clinical and non-clinical branches. Candidates can check the specific seat matrix and college-wise availability on the official Medical Counseling Committee portal for broader context. The KEA Offline Counseling schedule is very tight, requiring students to make quick decisions on the spot. This Bengaluru Health Enrollment activity is a significant move to boost the number of specialist doctors in the state.

Critical Steps for Karnataka Medical Selection

To participate in the Karnataka Medical Selection stray vacancy round, candidates must follow the local government's strict protocol. For the KEA Offline Counseling, please keep these points in mind for the Bengaluru Health Enrollment:

• Check the "Stay Vacancy Seat Matrix" published on the KEA Admission Portal for the Karnataka Medical Selection.
• Ensure you carry your original NEET PG 2026 scorecard and your MBBS degree for the KEA Offline Counseling verification.
• Provide a "No-Allotment Certificate" if required to prove you are not holding a seat elsewhere during the Bengaluru Health Enrollment.
• Prepare the demand drafts for the prescribed tuition fees to be submitted during the Karnataka Medical Selection spot allotment.
• Register your presence at the KEA office in Bengaluru at the exact time mentioned in the KEA Offline Counseling schedule.
• Review the National Medical Commission guidelines regarding stray vacancy rules for the Bengaluru Health Enrollment.
• Only candidates who have qualified as per the revised NEET PG cut-off are eligible for the Karnataka Medical Selection.
• Check the Karnataka Medical Council registration status as it is a mandatory part of the KEA Offline Counseling.
• Maintain a list of backup colleges in case your first choice is filled during the Bengaluru Health Enrollment process.
• Confirm that your contact details on the Karnataka Medical Selection portal are active for receiving the final allotment SMS.

Operational Timeline and Seat Availability Table

The Karnataka Medical Selection follows a rapid timeline to meet the national deadline for closing medical admissions. The table below provides the seat count for the KEA Offline Counseling and the Bengaluru Health Enrollment as of March 5, 2026.

• Round Type: Stray Vacancy (Offline) at KEA, Bengaluru.
• Eligibility: NEET PG 2026 qualified candidates with no current allotments.
• Document Check: Physical verification of originals is mandatory.
• Fee Payment: Spot payment required for seat confirmation.
• Official Link: All notices are at KEA Home.

Professional Guidelines for Bengaluru Health Enrollment

Navigating the Karnataka Medical Selection stray round requires focus and financial readiness. When attending the KEA Offline Counseling, follow these rules for the Bengaluru Health Enrollment:

• Do not miss the reporting time; the Karnataka Medical Selection proceeds strictly by merit rank.
• Verify the "Draft Payment" details on the Karnataka State Government education page before reaching the KEA Offline Counseling.
• Participation in the Bengaluru Health Enrollment stray round implies you are ready to join the college immediately.
• Use the official KEA helpdesk for any queries regarding the Karnataka Medical Selection document list.
• Resignation from a seat allotted in this KEA Offline Counseling round may lead to heavy penalties as per Bengaluru Health Enrollment laws.
• Bring a set of attested photocopies of all your documents to the Karnataka Medical Selection venue.
• The KEA Offline Counseling is the final stage; no further rounds will be conducted for the 2026-27 session.

Conclusion

The announcement of the stray vacancy round by the Karnataka Medical Selection committee on March 5, 2026, provides a golden chance for 831 doctors. With 817 PG medical and 14 DNB seats up for grabs, the KEA Offline Counseling is set to be a high-stakes event in Bengaluru. This Bengaluru Health Enrollment phase ensures that every possible seat is filled with a deserving candidate before the academic session fully matures. By following the official links and utilizing the seat matrix table, candidates can approach the counseling with confidence. It is highly recommended to reach the KEA office with all financial and academic documents ready. This Karnataka Medical Selection round is a testament to the state's commitment to maximizing medical education opportunities. We wish all the participating doctors the best of luck in securing their desired specialty during the KEA Offline Counseling. Your journey as a medical specialist in Karnataka starts with this final Bengaluru Health Enrollment step.

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