The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has issued a notification regarding fresh option registration for the Stray Vacancy Allotment for MBBS and BDS courses for the 2026–27 academic session. The notification, dated October 17, 2026, provides an opportunity to eligible candidates to participate in the process to fill vacant seats in government and self-financing medical and dental colleges across the state.

Candidates included in the Kerala State Medical Rank List published by CEE can register their fresh options through the official website, cee.kerala.gov.in, until October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The stray vacancy round will cover vacancies remaining after the third phase of allotment, along with probable vacancies that may arise during the process. Candidates are advised to select only those courses and colleges where they are willing to take admission if allotted a seat.

KEAM MBBS/BDS Stray Vacancy 2026: Important Dates

Who Is Eligible for Kerala MBBS/BDS Stray Vacancy Allotment?

Candidates included in the Kerala State Medical Rank List may register options, subject to the eligibility conditions specified by CEE. However, certain candidates are not permitted to participate in the stray vacancy allotment.

The following candidates are ineligible:

• Candidates who continue to hold admitted status through Phase I, Phase II or Phase III allotments.

• Candidates who were allotted a seat in the third phase of allotment.

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

• Candidates included in the list of admitted candidates shared by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) after the third All India Quota (AIQ) counselling round.

• Candidates allotted a seat through the AIQ stray vacancy allotment, as per the list shared by MCC.

Registration of options does not guarantee eligibility for allotment. Candidates should verify their status and review the official notification before participating.

Kerala KEAM Stray Vacancy 2026: Registration Fee

Candidates must pay the applicable registration fee online to CEE before registering their options. The fee depends on the type of colleges and courses selected and the candidate's eligible category.

Eligible candidates receiving fee concessions under the specified government orders, as well as candidates from Sree Chitra Home, Juvenile Home and Nirbhaya Home, can pay the reduced fee. However, candidates selecting Minority/NRI quota seats in self-financing colleges are not eligible for this concession.

Candidates who previously paid a fee to CEE for MBBS/BDS admissions and vacated their seats within the permitted period may not need to pay the full registration fee again if their earlier payment exceeds the applicable amount. If the earlier payment is lower, they must pay the balance. Fees paid for courses other than MBBS/BDS will not be considered towards this registration fee.

The applicable fee will be determined using the details entered in the Candidate Portal. Candidates should check their information carefully because the registration fee, once paid, cannot be changed.

Registration Fee Refund Rules

CEE has specified different refund conditions depending on the type of seat allotted and whether the candidate completes admission.

• Government medical and dental colleges: The registration fee of candidates allotted seats will be adjusted towards the tuition fee of the allotted course.

• Candidates without an allotment: The registration fee will be refunded.

• Private self-financing medical and dental colleges: The registration fee will be refunded after the admission closing date, provided the candidate has taken admission.

• Candidates who fail to join or leave after admission: The registration fee will be forfeited as a penalty, in accordance with the notification and applicable prospectus provisions.

Candidates should carefully review the fee and refund rules before submitting options.

How to Register Fresh Options for KEAM 2026 Stray Vacancy Allotment

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to register their options:

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

2. Open the Candidate Portal and locate the Stray Vacancy Option Registration menu on the homepage.

3. Check the details entered in the registration page and confirm the applicable registration fee.

4. Pay the registration fee online.

5. Register options for the government and/or self-financing colleges and courses where admission would be acceptable.

6. Complete the process before October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Candidates should ensure that their options reflect their genuine preferences. A seat allotted through the stray vacancy round cannot be changed later.

Penalty for Unnecessary Options and Failure to Join

CEE has warned candidates against submitting options for courses or colleges they do not intend to join. Candidates who receive an allotment but fail to take admission, causing the allotted seat to lapse, may face significant penalties.

The penalties apply irrespective of annual family income, nativity or reservation status. In addition, the candidate's candidature may be cancelled, and the candidate may be debarred from entrance examinations and/or allotments conducted by CEE for a period of up to two years. Unpaid penalties may be recovered under the Revenue Recovery Act.

Candidates who receive a seat must join within the prescribed deadline and complete the required fee payment and admission formalities.

Where to Check Kerala KEAM 2026 Counselling Updates

Candidates can access the complete notification, option registration facility, allotment results and related government orders through the official website of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala.

Official Website: https://www.cee.kerala.gov.in

Helpline Numbers: 0471-2332120, 0471-2338487

Candidates should regularly check the official portal for allotment results, joining instructions and any further updates.

For Counselling & Admission Guidance, Call or WhatsApp: 9340961481

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