The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has announced the Special Stray Vacancy Filling Round for MBBS and BDS admissions under KEAM 2026. The round will fill vacancies that arose in government and self-financing medical and dental colleges after the Stray Vacancy Allotment.

Candidates included in the Kerala State Medical Rank List published by CEE can register fresh options through the official website, www.cee.kerala.gov.in. The online option registration facility opened on November 3, 2026, and will remain available until November 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Based on the options submitted by eligible candidates, the provisional allotment will be published on November 7, 2026.

KEAM 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round Schedule

CEE Kerala has announced the following tentative schedule for the special stray vacancy filling process:

Candidates must complete the admission process within the specified joining period after paying the applicable fees or balance fees mentioned in the allotment memo.

Eligibility for KEAM 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Allotment

Candidates included in the Kerala State Medical Rank List published by CEE can register fresh options, subject to the eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.

However, the following candidates are not eligible to participate:

• Candidates who are continuing in admitted status through previous CEE allotments, including Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Stray Phase.

• Candidates who were allotted seats in the third phase or stray phase allotment.

• Candidates who vacated their seats after October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Candidates included in the list of allotted or admitted candidates shared by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) after the Special Stray Round of All India Quota counselling.

Candidates who fall under the above ineligible categories will not be considered for the state special stray vacancy allotment, even if they register options.

KEAM 2026 Registration Fee Details

Candidates must pay the applicable registration fee to the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations before registering their options. The fee depends on the types of colleges and courses selected.

Candidates belonging to the SC, ST and OEC categories, along with other eligible groups covered under the government orders specified in the notification, must pay INR 10,000 as the registration fee.

However, candidates from these categories who select Minority or NRI seats in self-financing colleges must pay the applicable registration fee without the concession. They will also have to pay the fees specified in the allotment memo if allotted an NRI or Minority seat.

Registration Fee Rules and Refund Conditions

The registration fee paid by candidates will be adjusted or refunded according to the type of allotment and admission status.

• For candidates allotted seats in government colleges, the registration fee will be adjusted against the tuition fee.

• Candidates who do not receive an allotment will receive a refund of the registration fee.

• Candidates allotted seats in private self-financing colleges will receive a refund after the admission closing date, provided they have joined the allotted college.

• Candidates who fail to join within the prescribed period or quit after taking admission will forfeit the registration fee.

• Candidates admitted through previous CEE allotments who vacated their seats within the permitted date may not need to pay the registration fee again if their previously paid amount is equal to or higher than the applicable fee. If the amount is lower, they must pay the difference.

The applicable registration fee will be determined based on the details entered by candidates in the registration page of the Candidate Portal. Once paid, the registration fee cannot be changed. Candidates should therefore enter their details carefully.

Important Instructions for Option Registration

Candidates must register options only for colleges and courses where they are genuinely willing to take admission. They should consider all colleges and courses in which they are interested because probable vacancies arising during the allotment process may also be filled.

Unallotted category seats may be converted during this phase according to the existing prospectus conditions.

CEE Kerala has also clarified that a seat received through the Special Stray Vacancy Allotment cannot be changed under any circumstances. If vacancies remain after this round, they may be filled through a Second Phase Special Stray Vacancy Filling process using the options registered during the current phase.

Penalty for Unnecessary Options and Failure to Join

Candidates who submit unnecessary options and do not join after receiving an allotment may face strict penalties if their actions cause government or management seats to lapse.

The penalty amounts specified in the notification are:

The penalty applies irrespective of annual family income, nativity or reservation status. The candidate's candidature may also be cancelled, and they may be debarred from appearing in entrance examinations or participating in allotments conducted by CEE for a period of up to two years.

If the penalty is not paid, the amount may be recovered under the Revenue Recovery Act.

How to Register Options for KEAM 2026 Special Stray Round

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to register fresh options:

1. Visit the official CEE Kerala website at www.cee.kerala.gov.in.

2. Open the Candidate Portal.

3. Select the 'Option Registration' menu available on the homepage.

4. Enter the required details to determine the applicable registration fee.

5. Pay the registration fee.

6. Register options for the preferred MBBS and BDS colleges and courses.

7. Submit the options before November 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Candidates should retain the relevant registration and payment details for future reference.

Official Website and Helpline

Candidates can visit the official website of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala, for the detailed notification, allotment updates and government orders.

Official Website: www.cee.kerala.gov.in
Helpline Numbers: 0471-2332120, 0471-2338487
Email: ceekinfo.cee@kerala.gov.in

For Counselling & Admission Guidance, Call or WhatsApp: 9340961481

Candidates participating in KEAM 2026 MBBS and BDS counselling should carefully check their eligibility, registration fee and option choices before submitting the application. They should also complete admission within the prescribed joining period if allotted a seat.

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