KEA makes second-round CET admission compulsory for Choice-1 candidates

A student allotted a CET seat in the second counselling round must now pay the fee and take admission by August 28 if they select Choice-1.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has made admission compulsory under that option, covering courses including engineering, architecture, nursing, pharmacy, agricultural science, veterinary science, physiotherapy and allied health sciences. Candidates who do not want their allotted seat can select Choice-4 and leave the counselling process.

KEA said students who complete admission after selecting Choice-1 can still seek an upgrade in the third allotment round. Those who do not select Choice-1 but want to take part in the third round must first cancel their second-round seat and pay a ₹5,000 penalty before registering again.

The change is intended to prevent seats being held through multiple rounds without students ultimately enrolling. KEA registered a case against three private colleges over alleged seat blocking in 2024-25. In 2025-26, it issued notices to 351 candidates who received government-quota seats in the final round but did not join colleges.

KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna said students who secure a better allotment in the third round will not have to pay college fees again; colleges have said hostel, skill and other fees paid to them would be refunded.