GENERAL

Common Queries About Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling 2025

Ajit Kumar Dubey • 5 Mins read • 29 May 25

Common Queries About Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will conduct the counselling process of vacant seats for all professional courses like MBBS, BDS or PG medical and dental programmes in the state, which would be conducted in a transparent manner to ensure merit-based seat allotment. The Karnataka NEET counselling 2025 and PGCET counselling processes conducted stray vacancy and mop-up rounds to fill vacant seats.

In this blog, we have answered the common queries and even included the FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) prospects need to follow for the Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling 2025.

Understanding Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling

Karnataka stray vacancy counselling, also known as mop-up or stray vacancy round, is held to fill the vacant seats, which are left after the completion of the regular round of NEET (for MBBS/BDS) or PGCET (for M.Tech/MBA/MCA) counselling. It can be in any of the seats, which could be under state quota, management quota or NRI quota in private colleges.

It is primarily conducted online, with registration, choice selection, document verification, and seat allocation based on NEET or PGCET scores, reservation criteria, and preferences. Candidates should check the official KEA website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) for updates on schedules and seat allocations.

Why Do Seats Remain Vacant?

Seats may remain vacant due to candidates not accepting allotted seats, opting for higher preferences in subsequent rounds, or failing to meet eligibility criteria. For instance, in previous years, a significant percentage of NRI/management quota seats went unfilled due to high fees, ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹60 lakh annually for medical courses. These seats are often returned to colleges, which may then fill them under different criteria, sometimes at reduced costs.

Important Features of the 2025 Counselling Process

Stray Vacancy Round: For NEET PG 2024, KEA had announced the Round 2 schedule for the vacancies, for which registrations were open till March 4, 2025. Only NEET PG/MDS-qualified candidates with a minimum of 50 per cent (40 per cent for SC/ST/OBC/PH) marks are eligible.
Document Verification: Candidates must upload documents in PDF format for verification, ensuring all required certificates, like marks cards and reservation documents, are valid.
Choice Filling: Candidates must prioritize their course and college preferences carefully, as choices filled in the first round are final for subsequent rounds.
Seat Allotment: Based on NEET/PGCET scores, state merit rank, and availability, seats are allotted, with candidates choosing to accept, upgrade, or reject the allocation.

Conclusion

The vacant seats counselling for 2025 in Karnataka serves as an important chance for candidates to obtain professional course admissions. Aspirants who study the process while remaining current and preparing their documents well can effectively move through the system. The official KEA website remains the most reliable source for information on dates and important details.

FAQs About Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling 2025

What is Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling?
It’s a process to fill unallocated seats after regular counselling rounds for courses like MBBS, BDS, and PG programs. Conducted by KEA, it includes stray vacancy and mop-up rounds.
Who is eligible for stray vacancy rounds?
NEET PG/MDS or PGCET-qualified candidates who meet the cutoff (50th percentile for general, 40th for reserved categories) and are on the KEA merit list can participate.
How do I register for Karnataka NEET 2025 counselling?
Sign up at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, fill out the application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit your preferences. Ensure eligibility based on NEET scores and state criteria.
What is the mop-up round?
A mop-up round fills the seats left after regular rounds. Candidates must register afresh and fill new choices for available seats.
Why are NRI/management quota seats often vacant?
High fees (₹25-60 lakh annually for medical courses) deter candidates, leaving these seats unfilled, which colleges may later allocate independently.
What documents are required for verification?
Include the application form, NEET/PGCET scorecard, marks cards, reservation certificates, and income certificate (post-January 1, 2025, for fee waivers).
Can I change my choices after the first round?
No, choices filled in the first round are final for all subsequent rounds, including stray vacancy rounds.
What happens if I miss document verification?
Failure to verify documents disqualifies candidates from participating in the counselling process.
How is seat allotment done?
Seats are allotted based on NEET/PGCET ranks, choices filled, reservation criteria, and seat availability in the matrix.
What are the options after seat allotment?
Candidates can accept the seat, accept but participate in further rounds, reject and participate in further rounds, or reject and exit counselling.
How many seats are available in Karnataka NEET 2025?
Medical and dental institutions currently have approximately 10,995 MBBS and 3,445 BDS positions available.
What is the role of the seat matrix?
The seat matrix, published by KEA, details course-wise, college-wise, and category-wise seat availability for transparent allocation.
Can GATE-qualified candidates skip PGCET?
Yes, GATE-qualified candidates need not take PGCET but must register for counselling and meet eligibility criteria.
What happens to unallocated seats?
Unfilled seats after mop-up rounds revert to colleges, which may fill them under management/NRI quotas with different criteria.
Where can I check the counselling schedule?
Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for the latest updates on registration, choice filling, and seat allotment schedules.