Karnataka has decided to proceed with the Common Entrance Test (CET) counselling process in June without waiting for NEET-UG counselling, following delays caused by the cancellation and rescheduling of the national medical entrance examination.
Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar said the state government took the decision to avoid further uncertainty for engineering aspirants and colleges.
CET counselling to continue as planned
Usually, CET counselling is conducted alongside NEET counselling to allow students flexibility in choosing engineering or medical seats. However, with NEET-UG 2026 cancelled and the re-examination now scheduled for June 21, the academic admission calendar has been disrupted.
“We have decided to go ahead with CET counselling in June itself,” Sudhakar said.
The minister explained that around 200 engineering seats may become vacant later when students shift to medical courses after NEET counselling. These seats will reportedly be added during the second round of CET counselling.
Authorities have stated that all eligible students will be allowed to participate in the second counselling round to compete for the newly vacant seats.
Private colleges agree to revised process
Sudhakar said discussions had already been held with private colleges regarding the revised admission process.
According to the minister, colleges have agreed to refund fees collected from students if they later upgrade or shift seats during subsequent counselling rounds.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is yet to announce CET 2026 results. Officials said a re-test for the practical examination under the agriculturist quota is still pending before finalising the results.
The decision is expected to bring clarity for thousands of students awaiting engineering admissions across Karnataka