Karnataka Vacant Seats Counselling: Important Documents & Process

Hope you have qualified the NEET UG exam and appeared for counselling. If you’re willing to secure a seat in an MBBS/BDS college in Karnataka through vacant seat counselling, it can be your last chance to get admission in an MBBS/ BDS college.
Don’t stress, you’re not alone. Once regular rounds are over, vacant seats will be offered during the Mop-up or Stray Vacancy Rounds, giving candidates another chance at admission.
In this blog, we break down the process, required documents, and tips you need to grab your medical seat in the final rounds of Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2025.
What is Vacant Seats Counselling in Karnataka?
Vacant seats counselling of the Karnataka NEET UG counselling process is the last stage, which is conducted for seats that remain unfilled after Round 2 or Mop-Up due to withdrawals, non-reporting, or non-payment of fees.
Conducted By:
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Who Can Apply?
- Candidates who have not been allotted any medical seat in previous rounds.
- Candidates who have not been allotted a seat in earlier rounds.
- Candidates who registered but haven’t gotten a seat yet.
Read More: Karnataka Counselling: How to Apply for Vacant Seats
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in vacant seat counselling, students need to fulfill necessary requirements:
Requirement | Details |
NEET UG 2025 Qualification | Mandatory |
Registration with KEA | Required |
Document Verification | Must be completed (offline/online as per KEA) |
No Seat Allotted Earlier | Candidates with no previous allotment or a cancelled seat can apply |
Fee Payment | Must pay the security deposit & counselling fee |
Karnataka Vacant Seat Counselling Process – Step-by-Step
Here’s how the stray vacancy or vacant seat round works:
Step 1. Release of notification & vacancy list
- KEA will release the list of vacant seats on its official website.
- Notification includes college name, course, category, and seat type (govt/private/NRI).
Step 2. Registration/Re-registration
- Candidates who are new can register online.
- Already registered candidates need to reconfirm their participation.
Step 3. Document Verification (if not done earlier)
- KEA may call selected candidates for offline verification if their documents weren't verified at earlier stage.
Step 4. Choice Filling / College Reporting
- Direct college reporting is required in most of the stray vacancy rounds.
- Seats are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis or an offline counselling basis.
- Students have to do documentation and pay fees immediately to confirm the seat.
List of Important Documents Required
Students must carry the following original documents in hard copy (along with photocopies) during reporting or document verification:
- NEET UG 2025 Scorecard
- KEA Application Printout
- NEET UG Admit Card
- SSLC / 10th Marksheet
- 12th / PUC Marksheet
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Study Certificate (for local quota)
- Caste & Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Fee Payment Receipt
- Eligibility Certificate (if applicable)
Note - Keep 2–3 sets of photocopies of each document.
Fee Structure for Vacant Seat Admissions
Vacant seat Fees may vary depending on the college type and quota:
College Type | Quota Type | Annual Fee (Approx.) |
Government Medical College | Government Quota | ₹59,850 – ₹1,00,000 |
Private Medical College | Government Quota | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Private Quota | ₹6,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | |
NRI Quota | ₹20,00,000 – ₹30,00,000+ |
Note: Fees must be paid on the spot or within the given time to confirm your seat.
Things to Keep in Mind
- It is a time process; once a student accepts a seat in the stray round, they cannot withdraw or upgrade.
- No refund policy is there if you don’t join after allotment.
- Students must prepare all documents in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Seats are allotted offline on availability and rank basis — so arrive early.
Where to Check Official Updates?
Stay updated with the KEA official website:
https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Bookmark the site and check regularly for regular updates of:
- Vacancy Lists
- Reporting Dates
- Fee Payment Instructions
- Final Admission Guidelines
Need Help?
If you’re still confused about document format, eligibility, or the reporting location, you should consider reaching out to experienced MBBS abroad consultants or medical admission guidance teams. Select your university provides guidance and they are experienced in consulting students, so you can book your first session for free.
You can also reach out to the KEA helpline or visit your nearest helpline center.
Conclusion
Vacant seat counselling in Karnataka will be your last shot at MBBS/BDS admission through NEET UG 2025. You should keep your documents ready, stay alert to updates, and report on time. Every year, many students grab their dream seat in this round — make sure you’re one of them.
Don’t miss the deadline. One right move can secure your future as a doctor.