Karnataka Opens Option Entry for Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Admissions

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on Friday (August 8) commenced the option entry process for admissions to medical, dental, and pharmacy courses. This marks a crucial phase for candidates seeking entry into undergraduate health science programmes across the state.

In an official release, H. Prasanna, Executive Director of KEA, said that candidates who had already entered options for UGCET courses such as engineering have, for the first time, been given the opportunity to add new options, modify existing ones, or delete previously entered options. This flexibility aims to assist students in adjusting their preferences based on updated information. Candidates can enter their options in order of preference until August 13.

The KEA has announced that the seat matrix and fee details for medical, dental, and pharmacy courses have been published on its official website. This information is crucial for candidates to make informed choices before the deadline.

Mr. Prasanna further informed that the first-round seat allotment for medical courses and the second-round seat allotment for engineering and other UGCET courses will be conducted simultaneously. The provisional seat allotment result will be announced on August 19 at 10 a.m. Candidates are advised to check the KEA website regularly for updates.

Since this is the first round of seat allotment for UG NEET courses, candidates will have four choices after allotment. However, for engineering, agricultural sciences, pharmacy, and other UGCET courses, after the second-round seat allotment, only Choice-1 and Choice-4 will be available. This step has been introduced to provide a fair opportunity to all students who have applied for various courses and colleges. Candidates will be allowed to participate in the third round of seat allotment subject to certain conditions, he clarified.

Mr. Prasanna also stated that candidates who had earlier opted for Choice-4 and exited the counselling process, as well as those who were allotted a seat in the first round but did not exercise any choice thereafter, can re-enter the counselling process by paying a fee of ₹750. This provision offers a second chance to those who may have missed earlier stages.

Regarding AYUSH courses, the KEA clarified that the seat matrix has not yet been received. Therefore, option entry has not been opened for these courses. Candidates waiting for AYUSH admissions are advised to monitor official communications from the KEA.

The option entry process is a critical step in the state's admission procedure. Candidates are urged to carefully review the seat matrix, fee structure, and preferences before finalising their choices. The KEA has made provisions to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for all aspirants in the competitive admission process.