Karnataka NEET Counselling Overview 2026

What is Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026?

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is the state-level admission process for MBBS and BDS seats in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts this counselling based on NEET UG scores.

The counselling covers 85% state quota seats in government, government-aided, and private medical and dental colleges. The remaining 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in Karnataka government colleges are filled separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). Students can participate in both KEA and MCC counselling at the same time.

Seats under Karnataka NEET Counselling fall into these categories:

• Government / CET Seats: Seats in government medical colleges allotted on merit and category reservation, primarily for Karnataka domicile candidates.
• Management Quota (GMP): Around 35% of private college seats managed by the college management, open to all-India candidates.
• NRI Quota: Up to 15% of seats in private colleges reserved for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates.
• Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) Region Quota: Additional seats for students from Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir, and Ballari districts in colleges located in that region.

KEA also conducts counselling for AYUSH courses: BAMS (Ayurveda), BHMS (Homeopathy), BUMS (Unani), and BNYS (Naturopathy). MBBS and BDS remain the most sought-after programmes.

More than 1 lakh Karnataka students appear in NEET UG every year. Competition is high, especially for government colleges like BMCRI Bangalore and MMCRI Mysuru, which have the highest cutoffs in the state.

The official website for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. All registration, document upload, choice filling, and allotment links will be published on this portal.

Key Highlights

Here is a quick summary of all key details for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026:

Particular	Details
Conducting Authority	Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Courses Covered	MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BNYS
Total MBBS Seats	9,133
Total BDS Seats	2,619
State Quota	85%
Registration Mode	Online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
NEET UG 2026 Exam Date	June 21, 2026
Expected Result Date	Late July 2026

Important Dates

NEET UG 2026 was conducted on June 21, 2026. Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 will begin after the NEET UG 2026 result is declared.

Event	Expected Date
NEET UG 2026 Exam	June 21, 2026
NEET UG 2026 Provisional Answer Key	Early July 2026
NEET UG 2026 Result	July 25 to July 31, 2026
KEA Registration	August–September 2026
Round 1 Seat Allotment	October 2026

In 2025, NEET was held on May 4 and the result came on June 14, 2025. Based on that timeline, the 2026 result should arrive around 4 to 5 weeks after the June 21 exam.

The NTA is expected to release the NEET UG 2026 provisional answer key within 2 to 3 weeks of the exam. In 2025, the answer key was released on June 7, 2025, about 5 weeks before the result.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must qualify NEET UG 2026 to participate in Karnataka NEET Counselling. The detailed eligibility criteria are set by KEA and follow state reservation rules.

Karnataka domicile candidates are given priority for government quota seats. Candidates from other states can apply for management and NRI quota seats in private colleges.

How to Register

Registration for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 will open on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in after the NEET score release. Candidates must register online to participate in the counselling process.

The registration window is expected to open in August–September 2026. Candidates must complete registration, upload documents, and fill choices before the deadline.

Documents Required

Candidates need the following documents for Karnataka NEET Counselling:

• NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
• NEET UG 2026 Score Card
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
• Karnataka domicile certificate (if applicable)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
• Identity proof
• Passport-size photographs

Seat Matrix

Karnataka has 9,133 MBBS seats and 2,619 BDS seats across government and private colleges under KEA counselling. These seats are distributed across government, government-aided, and private institutions.

The seat distribution includes government quota, management quota, NRI quota, and Hyderabad-Karnataka region quota seats.

Round-wise Counselling Process

Karnataka NEET Counselling is conducted in multiple rounds. Round 1 seat allotment is expected in October 2026.

The process includes registration, document verification, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to the allotted college. Candidates who are not satisfied with their allotment can participate in subsequent rounds.

Choice Filling and Seat Allotment

After registration, candidates must fill their preferred colleges and courses in order of priority. KEA will allot seats based on NEET rank, category, and availability.

Seat allotment results will be published on the official KEA website. Candidates must accept the allotted seat and report to the college within the given timeframe.

Expected Cutoff

Cutoff marks for Karnataka NEET Counselling depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability. Government colleges like BMCRI Bangalore and MMCRI Mysuru have the highest cutoffs in the state.

Cutoffs vary by category and college. Private colleges generally have lower cutoffs than government colleges.

Cutoff 2025: Government and Private Colleges

Karnataka NEET Counselling Cutoff 2025 data provides a reference for expected cutoffs in 2026. Government colleges had higher cutoffs compared to private colleges across all categories.

The exact cutoff for 2026 will be available after the counselling process begins.

Top Government Medical Colleges

Karnataka has several government medical colleges that participate in KEA counselling. These colleges have the highest demand and cutoffs.

• Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Bangalore
• Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), Mysuru
• Other government medical colleges across the state

Top Private Medical Colleges

Private medical colleges in Karnataka accept NEET scores through KEA counselling. These colleges offer seats under government quota, management quota, and NRI quota.

Management quota seats in private colleges are open to all-India candidates. NRI quota seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indian candidates.

Next Steps After NEET UG 2026 Exam

NEET UG 2026 exam has been conducted today across India. Candidates should now wait for the provisional answer key, expected in early July 2026.

After

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Overview

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The counselling is based on the NEET UG 2026 exam.

The NEET UG 2026 exam was conducted on June 21, 2026. The result is expected in the last week of July 2026.

Particulars	Details
Counselling Name	Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026
Conducting Body	Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Exam Basis	NEET UG 2026
Counselling Mode	Online (Registration and Choice Filling) + Offline (Document Verification)
Courses Covered	MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BNYS
Total MBBS Seats (Karnataka)	9,133 (Government + Private)
Total BDS Seats (Karnataka)	2,619
State Quota Seats (KEA)	85% of government college seats + 100% of private college state quota seats
All India Quota Seats	15% of government college seats (managed by MCC separately)
Counselling Rounds	Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, Stray Vacancy Round (if needed)
Counselling Start (Expected)	August–September 2026
Official Website	cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 official dates are yet to be announced by KEA. The above timeline is based on previous year trends and will be updated once KEA releases the official notification.

Important Dates for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

KEA has not yet released the official Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 schedule. The dates below are expected based on the 2025 schedule and confirmed research.

KEA typically releases the notification 4 to 6 weeks after the NEET UG result. All official dates will be published on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Event	Expected Date 2026	2025 Date (Reference)
NEET UG 2026 Answer Key Release	Early July 2026	June 7, 2025
NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration	Last week of July 2026	June 14, 2025
Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Notification	August 2026	August 2025
Online Registration and Document Upload	August–September 2026	August–September 2025
Document Verification at HLC	September 2026	September 2025
Round 1: Choice Filling	September–October 2026	October 2025
Round 1: Seat Allotment Result	October 2026	October 2025
Round 1: Reporting and Fee Payment at College	October–November 2026	October–November 2025
Round 2: Choice Filling	November 2026	November 2025
Round 2: Seat Allotment Result	November 2026	November 2025
Mop-Up Round	November–December 2026	December 2025
NEET UG 2026 Exam	June 21, 2026 (Conducted)	May 4, 2025

Source: KEA Official Website — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

To take part in Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026, you must meet KEA's eligibility conditions. These cover domicile requirements, academic qualifications, age, and NEET qualifying scores.

Domicile and Nativity Requirement

Karnataka NEET Counselling covers state quota seats. Candidates are divided into categories based on their nativity:

• Kannadiga Candidates: Students who have studied in Karnataka for at least 7 years (Class 1 to 12 or a continuous stretch covering those years) and hold a Karnataka domicile certificate. These students are eligible for government college CET seats under General Merit (GM) and reserved category quotas.
• Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) Region Candidates: Students from the six HK districts — Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir, and Ballari — get additional reservation for seats in HK region colleges. They must produce a nativity and study certificate from HK districts.
• Children of Karnataka State Government Employees: Eligible for CET category seats even if the student studied outside Karnataka, provided the parent is a serving Karnataka state government employee at the time of application.
• Non-Karnataka Candidates: Students from other states are NOT eligible for government college CET seats. They can apply only for Management Quota (GMP) and NRI Quota seats in private colleges through KEA counselling.

Academic Qualification

Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

To register for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026, you must first meet the eligibility conditions set by KEA. These conditions cover educational qualifications, age, and NEET UG 2026 qualifying percentile.

Educational Qualification

• You must have passed Class 12 (10+2 or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology as compulsory subjects, along with English.
• Minimum PCB marks: 50% for General / OBC, 40% for SC / ST, and 45% for PwD (General) candidates.
• Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 and awaiting results are provisionally eligible, but admission is confirmed only after the qualifying mark criteria is met and results are produced.

Age Requirement

• You must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026.
• There is currently no upper age limit for MBBS and BDS admission as per the Supreme Court ruling. Check the latest NTA and KEA notifications for any updates to this rule.

NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Percentile

You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with at least the minimum qualifying percentile. Crossing the qualifying cutoff makes you eligible to register for counselling — it does not guarantee MBBS admission, which needs a much higher score.

Category	Qualifying Percentile	Approx. Score Range (2025 reference)
General (Unreserved)	50th Percentile	720 – 138
OBC / SC / ST	40th Percentile	137 – 107
PwD — General	45th Percentile	137 – 122
PwD — OBC / SC / ST	40th Percentile	121 – 107

Note: The qualifying percentile for NEET UG 2026 will be officially confirmed in the result notification. Scores above are based on the 2025 qualifying cutoff and are indicative only.

How to Register for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 registration will be done online on the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The process has multiple steps and you must complete all of them within the deadline. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Online Registration

• Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea when KEA opens the Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 registration link.
• Enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number, date of birth, and mobile number to create an account.
• Set a login ID and password — keep these safe for all future logins.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Enter personal details: name, date of birth, address, mobile number, email ID.
• Enter your Class 10 and Class 12 details: board name, year of passing, total marks.
• Enter NEET UG 2026 score, roll number, and rank as shown on your official scorecard.
• Select your category: GM (General Merit), SC, ST, OBC-2A, OBC-2B, OBC-3A, OBC-3B, Category-1, EWS, or PwD.
• Indicate your domicile and nativity status: Kannadiga, HK region, or non-Karnataka.

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of all required documents (listed in Section 6) in the KEA-specified file format and size.
• Documents with poor clarity or wrong format will be rejected — scan clearly in colour and check each file before uploading.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee

Pay the registration fee online through net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card. Based on 2025 fee data (2026 fee to be confirmed in official notification):

Category	Registration Fee (Approx., based on 2025)
General / OBC	Rs. 650 – Rs. 750
SC / ST / Category-1	Rs. 500

Step 5: Document Verification at Help Line Centre (HLC)

• After online registration, you must attend document verification at a KEA-designated Help Line Centre (HLC) in your district.
• Carry original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies.
• Document verification is mandatory — without HLC verification, you cannot participate in choice filling or seat allotment.
• KEA releases the HLC list and verification schedule with the official counselling notification.

Step 6: Choice Filling

• After document verification, log in to the KEA portal and fill your college and course preferences.
• You can add up to 100+ college-course combinations as choices, in order of preference.
• Lock your choices before the deadline — you cannot change them after locking.

Step 7: Seat Allotment and Reporting

• KEA releases the allotment result based on your NEET rank, category, and choices.
• If you get a seat, report to the allotted college within the KEA-specified date, pay the seat confirmation fee, and submit original documents for final admission.

Documents Required for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

Gather all the documents below before Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 registration opens. KEA verifies originals at the Help Line Centre — missing or invalid documents lead to rejection of your application.

Documents Required for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

Keep the following documents ready before you begin the registration process. You will need to upload scanned copies and carry the originals for verification at the time of reporting.

• NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
• NEET UG 2026 Scorecard / Rank Card (once declared by NTA)
• Class 10 Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate (proof of date of birth and educational qualification)
• Class 12 Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate
• Transfer Certificate (TC) from the last school or college attended
• Karnataka Domicile / Nativity Certificate issued by the Revenue Department (Tehsildar or above)
• Study and Conduct Certificate or school records proving 7 years of study in Karnataka schools (for Kannadiga category)
• Caste / Community Certificate — for SC, ST, OBC-2A, OBC-2B, OBC-3A, OBC-3B, and Category-1 candidates, issued by Karnataka government authority
• Income Certificate — required for income-based reservation categories and fee concessions
• Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) Region Certificate — if claiming HK quota, issued by the district authority
• PwD (Disability) Certificate — if applicable, issued by a District Medical Board
• Aadhaar Card (for identity verification and eKYC)
• Recent Passport Size Photographs (white background, taken within the last 3 months)
• Parent’s Service Certificate — only for children of Karnataka state government employees posted outside Karnataka

All caste, income, domicile, and HK region certificates must be issued by Karnataka government-authorised authorities. Certificates issued by other state governments will not be accepted for state quota seats.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Matrix

Karnataka has one of the highest numbers of MBBS and BDS seats among all Indian states. KEA controls the state quota portion of these seats. Here is the seat breakdown for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026, based on 2025 data:

Karnataka MBBS Seat Distribution (Based on 2025 Data)

College Category	Number of Colleges	MBBS Seats (Approx.)	Counselling Authority
Government Medical Colleges	17+	3,100+	KEA (85%) + MCC (15%)
Private Medical Colleges (State Quota)	35+	6,000+	KEA (CET Quota + GMP + NRI)
Deemed Universities	8+	Separate process	MCC / University-level
Total (Govt + Private under KEA)	52+	9,133	KEA (State Quota)

Karnataka BDS Seat Distribution (Based on 2025 Data)

College Category	BDS Seats (Approx.)
Government Dental Colleges	150+
Private Dental Colleges (State Quota)	2,450+
Total BDS Seats (Karnataka)	2,619

KEA releases the exact seat matrix — category-wise and college-wise — along with the 2026 Karnataka NEET Counselling notification. Deemed university seats (Kasturba Medical College Manipal/Mangalore, Amrita Institute, etc.) are NOT part of KEA counselling and are filled through MCC or university-level admission processes.

Source: KEA Karnataka — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Round-wise Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Process

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is held in multiple rounds. Each round has its own schedule for choice filling, allotment, and reporting. Here is what you need to know about each round:

Round 1 (Main Round)

• Round 1 is the primary round where the majority of seats are filled.
• All eligible registered and document-verified candidates can participate in Round 1 choice filling.
• Seat allotment is based on NEET UG 2026 rank, category, and your filled choice order.
• If you get a seat in Round 1 and want to keep it, pay the seat confirmation fee and report to the allotted college within the specified dates.
• If you accept a Round 1 seat but want to try for an upgrade in Round 2, you must indicate this during reporting — your Round 1 seat is held while you float for Round 2.

Round 2 (Upgrade Round)

• Round 2 allows candidates who got a Round 1 seat to apply for a better college or course (upgrade).
• Candidates who did not get any seat in Round 1 can also participate in Round 2.
• If you get a better allotment in Round 2, your Round 1 seat is automatically cancelled.
• If you do not get an upgrade in Round 2, you retain your Round 1 seat.
• Candidates who reported to a college in Round 1 without opting to float are generally not eligible for Round 2.

Mop-Up Round

Mop-Up Round in Karnataka NEET Counselling

KEA conducts a Mop-Up round after Round 2 to fill seats that remain vacant. Only candidates who did not secure a seat in Round 1 or Round 2 are eligible for the Mop-Up round.

• Candidates who have already joined a college after Round 1 or Round 2 are NOT eligible for the Mop-Up round.
• The Mop-Up round is the last major chance to secure a seat through Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026.

Stray Vacancy Round

If any seats remain vacant after the Mop-Up round, KEA may hold a Stray Vacancy round. This round happens at the college level under KEA supervision.

• Available seats and participating candidates are very limited in this round.

Once you join a college and complete admission formalities in any round, you are not eligible for subsequent rounds. You can only re-enter the process if you formally withdraw within the KEA-specified withdrawal window before the deadline.

Choice Filling and Seat Allotment in Karnataka NEET Counselling

Choice filling is the most important step in Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026. The seat you get depends entirely on your NEET rank, category, and the order of your choices.

How Choice Filling Works

KEA opens an online choice filling window on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in after document verification is complete. You can add college-course combinations in your preferred order — typically up to 100+ choices.

• KEA’s automated algorithm tries to give you the highest-ranked choice you are eligible for, based on your NEET rank and category.
• The more choices you add, the higher your chance of getting a seat. Do not leave the list short.

Tips for Filling Choices in Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

• Put your absolute top preference — best college, best course — as Choice 1.
• Include a balanced mix of government colleges (low fees, strong clinical training) and private colleges (more seats, slightly lower cutoffs).
• Use the 2025 cutoff data in Section 11 to identify which colleges are within reach and which are ambitious targets.
• Do not list only top colleges. Include colleges where your score is well above the previous year’s closing to ensure you get a seat even in the worst case.
• You cannot change your choices after locking — double-check everything carefully before you click lock.

How Seat Allotment Works

KEA uses a merit-based automated allotment algorithm. The algorithm processes all registered candidates, filling each candidate’s highest available choice based on NEET rank and category seat availability.

• Allotment results are published on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in with the allotted college and course.

Reporting After Seat Allotment

If you get a seat, you must report to the allotted college within the KEA-specified deadline. Pay the seat confirmation fee at the college. Government college fees are much lower than private college fees.

• Submit original documents at the college for final verification and admission.
• Missing the reporting deadline means your allotted seat is automatically cancelled and released to the next round.

Withdrawing from an Allotted Seat

If you do not want the allotted seat, you must formally withdraw within KEA’s withdrawal window — simply not reporting is not enough and may lead to penalties. Always follow the official withdrawal procedure and check KEA’s specific withdrawal rules for 2026 when they are released.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026: Expected Cutoff

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 cutoff marks will depend on the NEET UG 2026 difficulty level, the number of qualified candidates, total available seats, and category-wise seat distribution. Since the NEET UG 2026 exam was held today on June 21, 2026, and the result is not yet out, confirmed 2026 cutoffs are not available.

Based on 2025 and 2024 trends, here is what you can expect:

• Government Colleges — General Merit (GM): The closing score for top government colleges like BMCRI Bangalore is typically around 595–620 in Round 1. Smaller or newer government colleges close lower, around 530–570 for GM.
• Government Colleges — OBC-2A: OBC-2A cutoff is generally 15–20 marks below the GM cutoff for the same college and round.
• Government Colleges — SC: SC category cutoff for government colleges is typically 510–540 for top colleges like BMCRI and 460–500 for other government colleges.
• Government Colleges — ST: ST cutoff is usually in the 400–460 range for government colleges, varying by college and round.
• Private Colleges (CET / State Quota, GM): Top private colleges like JSS Mysuru, MS Ramaiah Bangalore, and KIMS Bangalore typically close around 540–578 in GM. Smaller private colleges may accept scores from 460–520 in later rounds.
• BDS Colleges: BDS cutoffs are significantly lower than MBBS. Government dental college cutoffs for GM are usually around 420–470, and private dental colleges accept lower scores in later rounds.

The Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 actual cutoffs will only be confirmed after all counselling rounds conclude. The ranges above are indicative estimates based on 2025 data and should not be treated as official cutoffs.

Karnataka NEET Counselling Cutoff 2025: Government and Private Colleges

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2025 Cutoff Scores

The Karnataka NEET Counselling 2025 cutoff data is the reference point for planning the 2026 counselling strategy. The approximate closing NEET scores for top government and private medical colleges from Round 1 are listed below.

Government College Cutoff — Karnataka NEET Counselling 2025 (Round 1, Approx.)

College	GM (General Merit)	OBC-2A	SC	ST
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI)	600	583	530	Varies by round
Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI)	586–600	568–583	516–530	428–448
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi	575–590	558–574	506–520	414–432
Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari	565–580	548–564	496–512	402–420
Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences (SHIMS)	558–573	540–556	488–504	394–412
Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS)	552–567	534–550	482–498	388–405
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS)	548–562	530–546	478–493	382–398
Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS)	538–554	520–536	469–485	373–390
Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS)	530–546	513–528	462–477	366–383
Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences	524–540	507–522	456–471	360–376

The scores above are approximate references based on 2025 KEA Karnataka counselling data trends. Actual closing scores vary by round, category seat availability, and each year's NEET difficulty. Verify from official KEA allotment lists once released.

Private Medical College Cutoff — Karnataka NEET Counselling 2025 (Round 1, GM Category, Approx.)

College	GM Score (Approx.)	Location
JSS Medical College	550–578	Mysuru
MS Ramaiah Medical College	545–572	Bangalore
Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)	534–560	Bangalore
St. John's Medical College	528–555	Bangalore
Father Muller Medical College	518–545	Mangalore
SS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre	512–540	Davangere
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre	505–532	Bangalore
RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital	488–516	Bangalore

Private college CET quota cutoffs above are for state quota seats only. Management Quota (GMP) cutoffs are set separately by colleges and are not part of KEA's published allotment data. Deemed university seats like Kasturba Medical College (Manipal, Mangalore) and Amrita have separate admission processes through MCC / MAHE and are not included here.

Source: KEA Karnataka Allotment Data

Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka

Karnataka has 17+ government medical colleges offering MBBS seats under KEA counselling. These colleges have the lowest fees — around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 per year — and strong clinical training infrastructure attached to large district and teaching hospitals. Here are the top government MBBS colleges in Karnataka for 2026.

Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka for MBBS

Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) is the most competitive government medical college in Karnataka. It has the highest cutoff in the state and is attached to Victoria Hospital, one of the largest government hospitals in South India.

Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI) and Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) are the next most sought-after government colleges. These colleges offer strong clinical exposure and research infrastructure.

College	Location	MBBS Seats (Approx.)	Attached Hospital
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI)	Bangalore	250	Victoria Hospital, Bowring Hospital
Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI)	Mysuru	250	K.R. Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)	Hubballi	200	KIMS Hospital
Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS)	Ballari	150	Vijayanagara Institute Hospital
Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS)	Hassan	150	HIMS Hospital
Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences (SHIMS)	Shivamogga	100	McGann Hospital
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS)	Mandya	100	MIMS Hospital
Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS)	Raichur	100	RIMS Hospital
Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS)	Gadag	100	GIMS Hospital
Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences	Koppal	100	Koppal General Hospital
Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS)	Bidar	100	Bidar District Hospital
Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS)	Madikeri	100	Kodagu District Hospital
Government Medical College, Karwar	Karwar	100	Karwar District Hospital

Top Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka Accepting NEET Score

Karnataka has 35+ private medical colleges with seats under KEA counselling (CET / state quota). These colleges have higher fees than government colleges but offer more seats and are more accessible in terms of cutoff.

College	Location	Total MBBS Seats	Annual Fee — CET Quota (Approx.)
JSS Medical College	Mysuru	150	Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 80,000
MS Ramaiah Medical College	Bangalore	150	Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 85,000
Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)	Bangalore	150	Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 80,000
St. John’s Medical College	Bangalore	100	Rs. 75,000 – Rs. 1,00,000
Father Muller Medical College	Mangalore	100	Rs. 55,000 – Rs. 75,000
SS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre	Davangere	150	Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 80,000
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre	Bangalore	100	Rs. 55,000 – Rs. 75,000
RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital	Bangalore	150	Rs. 55,000 – Rs. 70,000
Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre	Bangalore	100	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 70,000
PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research	Kuppam	150	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 65,000

Kasturba Medical College Manipal and Kasturba Medical College Mangalore are deemed universities. Their seats are NOT part of KEA counselling and follow a separate MCC or MAHE admission process.

Fees shown above are approximate for CET quota seats. Management quota (GMP) fees in private colleges are significantly higher — typically Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh per year.

What to Do After NEET UG 2026 Exam: Next Steps for Karnataka Students

NEET UG 2026 was held today, June 21, 2026. If you appeared for the exam, here is a clear action plan to prepare for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 in the coming months.

Immediate Steps — June to July 2026

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026: Key Steps and Timeline

Before NEET UG 2026 Result — Early July 2026

• Match your answers with the unofficial key: Coaching institutes such as Allen, Aakash, and Resonance release unofficial NEET answer keys on the exam day. Use these keys to estimate your score while waiting for the official key from NTA.
• Wait for the NTA provisional answer key: NTA is expected to release the official NEET UG 2026 provisional answer key in early July 2026. Use it to calculate your score with more accuracy.
• Raise objections if required: If you find errors in the answer key, submit objections through the NTA portal within the 2 to 3 day objection window. A fee is charged for each objection raised.
• Estimate your expected NEET rank: After you have a reliable score estimate, check NEET marks vs rank data from 2024 and 2025 to predict your likely rank range for 2026. This helps you shortlist colleges.
• Research Karnataka colleges: Use your estimated rank to shortlist government and private college options in Karnataka. The 2025 cutoff table in Section 11 is your best guide at this stage.

After NEET UG 2026 Result — Late July 2026 Onwards

• Download your NEET UG 2026 scorecard: The official scorecard from neet.nta.nic.in is required for all counselling processes. Download and save multiple copies immediately after the result is declared.
• Register for MCC AIQ counselling: If your rank is competitive for government medical colleges, register for MCC All India Quota counselling at mcc.nic.in. The 15% AIQ seats in Karnataka government colleges are filled through MCC, not KEA. Register for both counsellings at the same time.
• Prepare your documents well in advance: Collect, verify, and organise all documents listed in Section 6 before KEA opens registration. Ensure that caste, income, and domicile certificates are valid and not expired at the time of HLC verification.
• Monitor the KEA portal: Check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in regularly for the Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 notification. KEA usually releases it 4 to 6 weeks after the NEET result.

During Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 — August to November 2026

• Register on the KEA portal on the first day: Complete registration as soon as it opens. Last-minute registrations risk missing HLC document verification appointments at your preferred centre.
• Attend document verification at your HLC on time: Book your slot at the nearest Help Line Centre and attend on time. Without HLC verification, you cannot fill choices or get a seat.
• Fill choices strategically: Use the 2025 cutoff data as your guide. Add 80 to 100 choices covering both aspirational targets and safe options. Always list your top preference as Choice 1.
• Report to the allotted college without delay: Once you get a seat, report to the allotted college within the KEA deadline. Pay the seat confirmation fee and submit your original documents on the same day if possible.

You can participate in Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 and MCC AIQ counselling at the same time. Registering for one does not affect your eligibility for the other. If you get a seat through MCC AIQ and accept it, you will need to withdraw from KEA counselling — or vice versa — as per the rules.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026: FAQs

When will Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 start?

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to start in August–September 2026, after the NEET UG 2026 result is declared. The result is expected in the last week of July 2026. KEA will release the official notification and schedule on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in once the NEET scores are published by NTA.

Who conducts Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026?

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). KEA manages 85% state quota MBBS and BDS seats in government, government-aided, and private medical and dental colleges in Karnataka. The official website is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

What is the eligibility for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026?

To be eligible for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026, you must have qualified NEET UG 2026 (50th percentile for General, 40th for SC/ST), passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, and be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. For government college CET seats, you must hold Karnataka domicile and have studied in Karnataka for at least 7 years. Non-Karnataka candidates can apply only for management quota and NRI quota seats in private colleges.

How many MBBS seats are there in Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026?

Karnataka has around 9,133 MBBS seats across government and private medical colleges under KEA counselling, along with 2,619 BDS seats. This includes 3,100+ seats in 17+ government colleges and 6,000+ seats in 35+ private colleges. KEA releases the exact seat matrix, category-wise and college-wise, along with the official 2026 counselling notification.

What is the NEET cutoff for government medical colleges in Karnataka?

The NEET cutoff for government medical colleges in Karnataka depends on the category, college, and seat type. The cutoff is expressed as the last rank or score at which a seat was allotted in the previous year's counselling. The 2025 cutoff table in Section 11 provides the detailed category-wise and college-wise cutoff data for reference.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Cutoffs

Based on 2025 data, the closing NEET score for BMCRI Bangalore in the General Merit (GM) category was around 600. This was the top government college cutoff.

• OBC-2A category closed around 583.
• SC category closed around 530.
• Other government colleges had GM cutoffs in the 524–590 range.

KEA will publish the Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 cutoffs after each counselling round.

Who Can Apply

Non-Karnataka students can apply for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026, but only for specific seats. They are eligible for Management Quota (GMP) and NRI Quota seats in private medical colleges.

Non-Karnataka students are not eligible for government college CET seats or private college state quota seats. These seats are reserved for Karnataka domicile holders. Non-Karnataka students must register on the KEA portal and fill choices limited to GMP and NRI quota seats only.

Counselling Rounds

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 typically has four rounds. Each round has separate choice filling, allotment, and reporting phases on the KEA portal.

• Round 1: Main allotment.
• Round 2: Upgrade round for candidates who want a better seat.
• Mop-Up round: For remaining vacant seats.
• Stray Vacancy round: If seats are still left after Mop-Up.

Required Documents

You need several documents for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026. All certificates must be valid and issued by authorised Karnataka government offices.

• NEET UG 2026 scorecard.
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates.
• Karnataka domicile or nativity certificate.
• Study certificate proving 7 years of study in Karnataka (for Kannadiga category).
• Caste certificate if applicable (issued by Karnataka government authority).
• Income certificate.
• Aadhaar card.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Disability certificate from the District Medical Board (for PwD candidates).

KEA vs MCC Counselling

KEA counselling fills 85% state quota seats in Karnataka medical colleges. These seats are primarily for Karnataka domicile candidates.

MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) fills 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in Karnataka government medical colleges. These seats are open to all-India candidates based on NEET rank.

Karnataka students who qualify for AIQ should register for both KEA and MCC counselling separately. Participating in both at the same time is allowed and recommended if your rank is competitive.

MBBS Fees

The annual tuition fee for MBBS in Karnataka government medical colleges is around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 per year. Private college fees under CET quota are around Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per year.

Management quota (GMP) fees in private colleges are much higher. They typically range from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh per year depending on the college.

Private College Cutoffs

For top private medical colleges in Karnataka under the CET (state) quota, you generally need a NEET score of around 545–578 for the General Merit category in Round 1. These colleges include JSS Mysuru, MS Ramaiah Bangalore, and KIMS Bangalore.

Smaller private colleges closed lower, around 488–520, especially in later rounds. These figures are based on 2025 data. The 2026 cutoffs will be confirmed once the Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 rounds are completed. Management quota seats have separate, college-set cutoffs.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is based on official KEA guidelines and previous year data available as of June 21, 2026. Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 official dates, seat matrix, and cutoffs are yet to be announced by KEA.

All dates and cutoff figures are indicative estimates based on 2025 trends and will be updated once KEA releases the official notification. Candidates are advised to check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea regularly for authoritative and updated information.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026: Expected Start Date

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to start in August-September 2026. This will happen after the NEET UG 2026 result is declared.

The result is expected in the last week of July 2026. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will release the official notification and schedule on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in once the National Testing Agency (NTA) publishes the NEET scores.

Conducting Authority

KEA conducts Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026. KEA manages the 85% state quota MBBS and BDS seats in government, government-aided, and private medical and dental colleges in Karnataka.

The official website is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026, you must have qualified NEET UG 2026. The required percentile is 50th for General category and 40th for SC/ST.

You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.

For government college CET seats, you must hold Karnataka domicile. You must have studied in Karnataka for at least 7 years.

Non-Karnataka candidates can apply only for management quota and NRI quota seats in private colleges.

Available MBBS and BDS Seats

Karnataka has around 9,133 MBBS seats across government and private medical colleges under KEA counselling. There are also 2,619 BDS seats.

• 3,100+ seats in 17+ government colleges
• 6,000+ seats in 35+ private colleges

KEA releases the exact seat matrix, category-wise and college-wise, along with the official 2026 counselling notification.

NEET Cutoff for Government Medical Colleges

Based on 2025 data, the closing NEET score for BMCRI Bangalore in the General Merit (GM) category was around 600. BMCRI is the top government college.

Category	Closing NEET Score (2025)
General Merit (GM)	Around 600
OBC-2A	Around 583
SC	Around 530

Other government colleges have lower cutoffs in the 524-590 range for GM. The Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 cutoffs will be published by KEA after each counselling round.

Application for Non-Karnataka Students

Non-Karnataka students can apply for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026. They are eligible only for Management Quota (GMP) and NRI Quota seats in private medical colleges.

They are not eligible for government college CET seats or private college state quota seats. These seats are reserved for Karnataka domicile holders.

Non-Karnataka students must register on the KEA portal. They must fill choices limited to GMP and NRI quota seats only.

Counselling Rounds

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 typically has four rounds. Each round has separate choice filling, allotment, and reporting phases on the KEA portal.

• Round 1: Main allotment
• Round 2: Upgrade round for candidates who want a better seat
• Mop-Up round: For remaining vacant seats
• Stray Vacancy round: If seats are still left after Mop-Up

Required Documents

You need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard for the counselling process. You also need Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates.

• Karnataka domicile or nativity certificate
• Study certificate proving 7 years of study in Karnataka (for Kannadiga category)
• Caste certificate if applicable (issued by Karnataka government authority)
• Income certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Passport-size photographs

PwD candidates need a disability certificate from the District Medical Board. All certificates must be valid and issued by authorised Karnataka government offices.

KEA Counselling vs MCC Counselling

KEA counselling fills 85% state quota seats in Karnataka medical colleges. These seats are primarily for Karnataka domicile candidates.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) fills 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in Karnataka government medical colleges. These seats are open to all-India candidates based on NEET rank.

Karnataka students who qualify for AIQ should register for both KEA and MCC counselling separately. Participating in both at the same time is allowed and recommended if your rank is competitive.

MBBS Fees in Karnataka

The annual tuition fee for MBBS in Karnataka government medical colleges is around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 per year.

College Type	Annual Fee Range
Government colleges	Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 25,000
Private colleges (CET quota)	Rs. 55,000 - Rs. 1,00,000
Private colleges (GMP quota)	Rs. 10 lakh - Rs. 25 lakh

Management quota (GMP) fees in private colleges are much higher. The fee depends on the college.

NEET Score Needed for Private Colleges

For top private medical colleges in Karnataka under the CET (state) quota, you generally need a NEET score of around 545-578 for the General Merit category in Round 1. Examples include JSS Mysuru, MS Ramaiah Bangalore, and KIMS Bangalore.

Smaller private colleges closed lower, around 488-520, especially in later rounds. These figures are based on 2025 data. The 2026 cutoffs will be confirmed once the counselling process begins.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 Overview

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 rounds are completed. The counselling is conducted for admission to MBBS and BDS courses in the state.

The process is managed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates must qualify in the NEET exam to participate.

Who Can Apply

Candidates must have qualified in NEET 2026. They must also meet the eligibility criteria set by KEA.

Applicants must be Indian citizens. They must fulfil the domicile or local quota requirements of Karnataka.

Counselling Process

The counselling is held in multiple rounds. Each round includes registration, choice filling, and seat allotment.

After seat allotment, candidates must report to the allotted college. Document verification is a mandatory step.

Seat Categories

Seats are divided into different categories. These include government quota, private quota, and management quota.

Management quota seats have separate cutoffs. These cutoffs are set by the individual colleges.

Key Points

• All rounds of Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 are completed.
• Management quota seats follow college-set cutoffs.
• KEA handles the central counselling process.
• NEET qualification is mandatory for all candidates.