The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has announced the process for candidates opting for choice-2 following the first round of Karnataka NEET UG counselling 2025. This registration is open for students seeking admission to medical, dental, and homeopathy courses who want to explore better options in the second round of counselling.
As per the official Karnataka NEET UG 2025 counselling schedule, candidates can register their choices by August 16, 2025, on the official portal. KEA has clarified that choice-1 is meant for candidates who are satisfied with the seat allotted to them in the first round and do not wish to participate in subsequent rounds. On the other hand, choice-2 is for aspirants aiming for better seats in the second round.
KEA highlighted that around 1,400 candidates have already secured medical seats under the All India Quota (AIQ). Since these candidates are admitted through the AIQ, it opens up more opportunities for state quota candidates. KEA advised students to discuss their options with their parents before making a decision regarding choice-2 registration.
For candidates who have opted for choice-1, the following steps are mandatory: payment of the course fee by August 18, 2025, downloading the seat guarantee card, and reporting to the allotted college by August 19, 2025.
Revised Rules for Choice-2 Candidates
This year, KEA has revised the rules slightly for candidates opting for choice-2. Previously, students registering choice-2 had to pay the full course fee even if they wished to explore better seats in the second round. Now, candidates allotted a medical seat with a course fee exceeding Rs 12 lakh and opting for choice-2 will pay only Rs 12,001,17 as an advance fee. Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Category-1 candidates are required to pay a caution deposit of Rs 2,000,00. The remaining fee must be paid after the declaration of round 2 counselling results.
Candidates who secure a medical seat in the ‘G’ category (government college) or submit choice-2 for dental or homeopathy courses must pay the applicable course fee. For aspirants who secure medical seats through AIQ or any other state counselling, the KEA seat can be cancelled before the round 2 results are declared. In such cases, the advance fee will be transferred to the college where the seat is allotted, and the caution deposit will be refunded to SC, ST, and Category-1 candidates.
However, if a candidate does not get a medical seat elsewhere but wishes to cancel the KEA-allotted seat, the advance fee will be forfeited, including the caution deposit for SC, ST, and Category-1 candidates.
With the revised rules, KEA aims to provide flexibility for students seeking better seats while ensuring transparency in the counselling process. Candidates are advised to carefully evaluate their options and adhere to deadlines to avoid losing their allotment or advance fees, for more details CLICK HERE
