Kerala NEET Counselling

What is Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is the centralised seat allotment process for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, and BVSc admissions in Kerala. The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala conducts this process on behalf of the Government of Kerala. Thousands of NEET-qualified candidates from Kerala participate in this counselling each year to secure a seat in a medical or dental college in the state.

CEE Kerala manages the 85% state quota seats in all government medical colleges. It also manages the government, management, NRI, and minority quota seats in private self-financing colleges. The remaining 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges are managed separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) at the national level through mcc.nic.in.

The counselling is conducted through a Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). All eligible candidates use a single online portal for registration, certificate verification, choice filling, and seat allotment across multiple rounds. The entire process is rank-based.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Important Dates

The NEET UG 2026 re-exam was held on June 21, 2026. The result is now expected by mid-to-late July 2026. Once the result is declared, CEE Kerala will release the official counselling schedule on cee.kerala.gov.in.

Event	Expected Date
NEET UG 2026 re-exam	June 21, 2026
Provisional answer key	June 24–26, 2026
NEET UG 2026 result	July 20–25, 2026
Kerala counselling registration	August 2026
Round 1 seat allotment	August–September 2026

The provisional answer key is expected on June 24–26, 2026 on neet.nta.nic.in. Candidates can raise objections within the window before the final key is published. In 2025, the objection window lasted 3–4 days after the provisional key.

NTA typically declares the NEET result 40–45 days after the exam. Since the re-exam was on June 21, candidates should monitor neet.nta.nic.in from the third week of July 2026 onwards.

CEE Kerala is expected to open registration in August 2026, shortly after the NEET result. In 2025, registration opened within 2–3 weeks of the result declaration. The 2026 window is expected to follow a similar gap.

Eligibility Criteria for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Candidates must qualify in NEET UG 2026 to participate in Kerala NEET Counselling. The candidate must also meet the eligibility conditions set by CEE Kerala and the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Eligibility details for the counselling are announced by CEE Kerala along with the official information brochure. Candidates are advised to check the brochure on cee.kerala.gov.in for the complete list of requirements.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Matrix

The counselling covers approximately 5,400+ MBBS seats across 36 medical colleges in Kerala. This includes around 14 government and over 20 private institutions.

• Total MBBS seats: 5,400+
• Total medical colleges: 36
• Government colleges: around 14
• Private institutions: over 20

Seats are allotted through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) managed by CEE Kerala. Over 5,400 MBBS seats across 36 colleges will be allotted in Round 1.

How to Register for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Registration for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 will open on the official CEE Kerala website. Candidates must complete the online registration form within the given window.

The registration process includes filling in personal details, academic information, and NEET UG 2026 roll number. Candidates must also upload the required documents and pay the registration fee.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Round-wise Process

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

Round 1 seat allotment is expected in August–September 2026. Subsequent rounds may be conducted depending on the number of vacant seats after each round.

Certificate Verification for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Certificate verification is a mandatory step in Kerala NEET Counselling. Candidates must get their documents verified by the designated authorities before they can proceed to choice filling.

Verification can be done online or at a facilitation centre, as specified by CEE Kerala. Candidates must carry all original documents and photocopies for the verification process.

Choice Filling for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

After certificate verification, candidates must fill in their preferred colleges and courses. Choices must be entered in order of preference.

Candidates can select multiple colleges and courses. The choices filled will be used for seat allotment in the CAP rounds.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Allotment Result

Seat allotment is done based on the NEET rank, choices filled, and seat availability. The allotment result is published on the CEE Kerala website.

Candidates who are allotted a seat must accept the seat and report to the allotted college within the given deadline. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the allotted seat.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Expected Cutoff

The cutoff for Kerala NEET Counselling is determined by factors such as the number of candidates, seat availability, and the difficulty level of the NEET UG exam. The cutoff varies by category and college.

Expected cutoffs are not officially announced by CEE Kerala. Candidates can refer to previous year cutoffs for an estimate, but the actual cutoff will depend on the 2026 exam and counselling data.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Reservation and Quota System

Kerala NEET Counselling follows the reservation policy of the Government of Kerala. Seats are reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and other eligible categories.

The 85% state quota seats are filled through Kerala NEET Counselling. The 15% AIQ seats are filled by MCC through a separate process.

Documents Required for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Candidates must keep the following documents ready for registration and certificate verification:

• NEET UG 2026 admit card
• NEET UG 2026 result or scorecard
• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
• Transfer certificate (TC)
• Conduct certificate
• Community certificate (if applicable)
• Non-creamy layer certificate (if applicable)
• Income certificate (if applicable)
• ID proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport)
• Passport-size photographs

The exact list of documents is provided in the official information brochure by CEE Kerala. Candidates must carry both originals and photocopies for verification.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Fee Structure

The fee structure for Kerala NEET Counselling includes a registration fee and a seat acceptance fee. The fees vary by category and are announced by CEE Kerala in the official notification.

Fee details for the 2026 counselling are expected to be released along with the registration schedule. Candidates must pay the fees online through the CEE Kerala portal.

Top Medical Colleges in Kerala 2026

Kerala has around 14 government medical colleges and over 20 private medical colleges. These institutions offer MBBS seats through the CAP process.

The list of participating colleges is published by CEE Kerala before the start of counselling. Candidates can refer to the official list to make their choices during choice filling.

Kerala vs All India Quota: Key Differences

Kerala NEET Counselling manages the 85% state

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Overview

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. It is an online Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) for admission to medical courses based on NEET UG 2026 score and rank.

Kerala has one of the largest medical education infrastructures in South India. Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are among the most sought-after colleges in the country. The 2026 counselling cycle is running later than usual because of the NEET UG 2026 re-exam held on June 21, 2026.

Particulars	Details
Conducting Body	Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala
Courses Offered	MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, BVSc and allied courses
Total Medical Colleges (Approx.)	36 (14 Government + 22+ Private)
Total MBBS Seats (Approx.)	More than 5,400
Total BDS Seats (Approx.)	More than 2,000
State Quota	85% of government seats (managed by CEE Kerala)
All India Quota	15% of government seats (managed by MCC)
Eligibility Basis	NEET UG 2026 score and rank
Counselling Mode	Online — Centralised Allotment Process (CAP)
Official Website	cee.kerala.gov.in

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Important Dates

The official Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 schedule has not been released yet. CEE Kerala will publish the counselling calendar on cee.kerala.gov.in after the NEET UG 2026 result is declared.

The dates below are expected timelines based on the 2025 counselling pattern, adjusted for the June 21, 2026 re-exam date. All dates are tentative. Candidates must confirm all dates from cee.kerala.gov.in.

Event	Expected Date (2026)	Status
NEET UG 2026 Provisional Answer Key	June 24–26, 2026	Upcoming
NEET UG 2026 Final Answer Key	First week of July 2026	Upcoming
NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration	July 20–25, 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
CEE Kerala Counselling Notification and Prospectus	August 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Online Registration and Fee Payment	August 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Document Upload and Certificate Verification	August 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Provisional Merit List / Rank List	August 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Round 1 — Trial Allotment	Late August 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Round 1 — Choice Filling and Locking	Late August 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Round 1 — Seat Allotment Result	Late August or Early September 2026	Upcoming
Round 2 — Seat Allotment Result	September 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Mop-Up / Stray Vacancy Round	September–October 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
Special Stray Vacancy Round (If applicable)	December 2026 (Expected)	Upcoming
NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam	June 21, 2026	(Over)

Source: CEE Kerala Official Website. Expected dates derived from the 2025 counselling calendar, shifted to account for the June 21, 2026 re-exam date.

Eligibility Criteria for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

To register for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026, you must meet all the criteria set by CEE Kerala. Check each condition carefully before applying — not meeting even one requirement can lead to rejection at the verification stage.

NEET UG 2026 Minimum Qualifying Percentile

You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum qualifying percentile for your category. Appearing for the exam alone does not qualify you — you must cross the percentile threshold set by NTA.

Category	Minimum Qualifying Percentile
General / EWS	50th Percentile
OBC / SC / ST	40th Percentile
General / EWS — PwD	45th Percentile
OBC / SC / ST — PwD	40th Percentile

Nativity Categories in Kerala Counselling

Kerala counselling has three nativity categories that determine which seats and reservations you can access.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Kerala NEET counselling eligibility depends on your nativity category and academic qualifications. The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala classifies candidates into three nativity groups.

Nativity Categories

• Keralite: You are a person of Kerala origin or your parents are Kerala residents. Keralite candidates can access all state quota seats and reservation benefits.
• Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I): Candidates with some connection to Kerala — such as studying Class 11 and 12 in Kerala schools, or having a parent in All India or state services posted in Kerala. NK-I candidates can apply for state merit seats but do not get community-based reservation benefits.
• Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II): Candidates with limited Kerala connection. Mostly restricted to private and self-financing college seats with no reservation access.

Reservation benefits like SC, ST, SEBC, and EWS apply only to Keralite candidates. Non-Keralite candidates cannot claim these reservations even if they hold valid certificates from other states.

Academic Eligibility

• You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as main subjects, plus English
• Minimum PCB aggregate: 50% for General/EWS, 40% for SC/ST, 45% for General/EWS-PwD
• Class 12 appearing candidates can apply provisionally, subject to final result

Age Requirement

• Minimum age: 17 years on or before December 31, 2026
• No upper age limit as per the Supreme Court order (applicable from 2024 onwards)
• No restriction on the number of attempts for NEET UG

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Matrix

The Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 seat matrix will be published by CEE Kerala with the official prospectus. Until then, the figures below — based on the 2025 seat matrix — give you a reference for what to expect. The overall seat count is unlikely to change significantly.

MBBS and BDS Seat Distribution in Kerala

Course / College Type	Number of Colleges (Approx.)	Approx. Total Seats
MBBS — Government Colleges	14	1,855
MBBS — Private / Self-Financing Colleges	22+	3,550+
Total MBBS Seats	36+	5,400+
BDS — Dental Colleges	Multiple	2,000+

Quota-wise Seat Distribution

Quota	Proportion	Managed By
State Quota — Government Colleges	85% of government seats	CEE Kerala
All India Quota — Government Colleges	15% of government seats	MCC (mcc.nic.in)
Government Quota — Private Colleges	~50% of private seats	CEE Kerala
Management Quota — Private Colleges	~35% of private seats	CEE Kerala
NRI Quota — Private Colleges	~15% of private seats	CEE Kerala (Separate merit list)

Minority institutions (Christian, Muslim minority colleges) follow separate seat distribution rules as per their agreements with the government. AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS) and BVSc seats are also part of the CEE Kerala process and are covered in the same seat matrix.

How to Register for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Once CEE Kerala releases the notification, you can register on cee.kerala.gov.in. The registration is fully online. Here is the step-by-step process based on the previous year's procedure.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to cee.kerala.gov.in and find the NEET UG Medical/Dental Counselling 2026 link once the notification is released.

Step 2: Create Your Login

• Click on "New Candidate Registration" on the portal
• Enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number and date of birth
• Set a password for your account and note it down securely
• A verification OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Enter your personal details — name, address, contact information
• Enter your NEET UG 2026 score, rank, and roll number
• Select your nativity category (Keralite, NK-I, or NK-II)
• Select your community code from the Kerala reservation list

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Upload a recent passport-size photograph as per the size and format specifications
• Upload your signature
• Upload NEET UG 2026 scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, community certificate, and nativity proof

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

• Pay the counselling registration fee and caution deposit online
• Payment modes: debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI
• Save the payment receipt — you will need it throughout the process

Step 6: Submit and Save Confirmation

Review all details carefully before submitting. After submission, download the application acknowledgment. This confirms your registration is complete.

Do not wait until the last day to register. The CEE Kerala portal typically experiences heavy traffic near the deadline. Technical issues on the last day will not be accepted as a reason for late submission.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Round-wise Process

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is conducted in multiple rounds. Each round has its own schedule for choice filling and seat allotment.

Trial Allotment (Practice Round)

• CEE Kerala publishes a trial or practice allotment before Round 1 begins.
• This is not a real allotment. It helps you see where you might be placed based on your current choices.
• You can revise your college preferences after reviewing the trial allotment result before the final locking deadline.

Round 1 — First Allotment

• Open to all registered and certificate-verified candidates.
• Allotment is based on NEET rank, community code, nativity category, and choice preference order.
• Candidates who accept Round 1 allotment must pay the seat acceptance fee and report to the college.
• Candidates seeking a better option can choose to upgrade and participate in Round 2.

Round 2 — Second Allotment

• Open to candidates who upgraded from Round 1 and to fresh eligible candidates not allotted in Round 1.
• Seats vacated after Round 1 are pooled back with remaining seats for fresh allotment.
• After Round 2, candidates who accept must pay the fee and report to the allotted college.

Mop-Up Round

• Held after Round 2 to fill any remaining vacant seats, mostly in private colleges.
• Very few government college seats, if any, remain for the mop-up round.

Special Stray Vacancy Round

• CEE Kerala sometimes conducts a Special Stray Round at the end of the year, typically in December, for any private college seats still vacant after the main rounds.
• In 2025, a Special Stray Round was held with registration from December 20–23, 2025 and final allotment on December 24, 2025.
• This round is not held every year. It depends entirely on seat availability.

Round	Expected Month (2026)	Seats Available
Trial Allotment (Practice)	Late August 2026	Not an actual allotment — for guidance only
Round 1	Late August–September 2026	All government and private quota seats
Round 2	September–October 2026	Seats vacated after Round 1 + remaining seats
Mop-Up Round	September–October 2026	Remaining vacant seats (mainly private colleges)
Special Stray Round (If held)	December 2026	Final stray vacancy seats in private colleges

If you accept an allotment and then cancel after joining, your caution deposit may be forfeited. Read the official CEE Kerala prospectus rules carefully before confirming or withdrawing from any round.

Certificate Verification for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Certificate verification is a mandatory step before the merit list is published. Only candidates whose documents are verified are included in the rank list and are eligible for seat allotment in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026.

Online Verification Process

CEE Kerala conducts online document verification in most years. You upload your documents on the portal and the authorities check them digitally. If any document is found invalid, incomplete, or mismatched with your application data, your registration is rejected before the merit list is prepared.

Physical Verification — When Called

• In some cases, CEE Kerala may call candidates for physical verification at a designated centre.
• You must carry all original documents along with self-attested copies.
• Absence from physical verification, even with a reason, can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Common Reasons for Verification Rejection

• Name mismatch between application and Class 10 or NEET scorecard.
• Community certificate not issued by a Kerala government authority.
• EWS certificate from a previous financial year (must be valid for 2025–26).
• Nativity certificate that does not clearly establish Kerala domicile.
• Uploaded documents not legible or below the required resolution.

Submitting fake or altered documents leads to permanent disqualification and legal action. Candidature can be cancelled at any stage — including after joining a college — if document fraud is discovered later.

Choice Filling for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Choice filling is the most critical step in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026. Your seat allotment depends entirely on your NEET rank, your category, and the order in which you enter your college preferences. A wrong priority order can cost you a better seat even if your rank qualifies for it.

How to Fill Choices

• Log in to your account on cee.kerala.gov.in and go to the Option Registration (Choice Filling) section.
• Browse through all available colleges and courses in the official seat matrix.
• Add college and course combinations to your preference list in your priority order.
• You can modify your choices as many times as you want before the deadline.
• Once the window closes, your choices are locked and no changes are possible.

Tips for Better Allotment

List more choices than you think you need. A longer preference list increases your chances of getting a seat in a college you prefer. Keep your choices realistic based on your NEET rank and previous year cutoffs.

Choice Filling Tips for Kerala NEET Counselling

Adding more genuine options improves your chances of getting the best available seat for your rank. Always place your most preferred college at the top of the list.

• Do not skip colleges you think are out of reach — the allotment algorithm may place you there if higher-ranked candidates chose differently
• Check previous-year closing ranks for each college and category before finalising your list
• Include both government and private college options if you are open to self-financing colleges
• Review the trial allotment result before locking your final choices

How the Allotment Algorithm Works

The CEE Kerala algorithm checks your NEET rank, community code, nativity category, and your option order. It assigns you the highest-priority option from your list where a seat in your category is available at your rank.

If your first choice is not available, it moves to your second, and so on down your list. Lock your choices before the deadline. The portal does not automatically lock your choices — if you forget to lock them, they will NOT be considered for seat allotment.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Allotment Result

After the choice filling window closes, CEE Kerala processes all applications and publishes the seat allotment result on its official website. The result is available on the candidate login portal.

How to Check the Allotment Result

• Go to cee.kerala.gov.in and log in to your account
• Click on "Allotment Result" under your dashboard
• Download and save your allotment letter — it contains the name of your allotted college, course, reporting deadline, and fee details

Options Available After Allotment

Option	What It Means
Accept and Join	You confirm the allotted seat, pay the acceptance fee, and report to the college. You will not participate in future rounds.
Accept and Upgrade	You provisionally hold the allotted seat and also participate in the next round hoping for a better option. If Round 2 gives you a better college, your Round 1 allotment is cancelled automatically.
Reject Allotment	You reject the seat. Your caution deposit may be forfeited depending on the round and the cancellation rules in the prospectus.
No Response	If you do not respond by the reporting deadline, your allotment lapses and your eligibility for that round is cancelled.

Reporting to the Allotted College

After accepting the allotment, you must report to the college within the deadline printed in your allotment letter. Carry all original documents along with self-attested copies.

The college verifies your documents and confirms your admission. Seats are released back to the pool if a candidate fails to report on time.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Expected Cutoff

The Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 cutoff will be published after the seat allotment rounds are completed. The cutoff is the closing marks or rank at which the last seat in a college and category is filled.

Since the NEET UG 2026 result is not yet out, the figures below are based on 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling data as a reference.

Expected Closing Marks for Government MBBS — State Quota (Previous Year Reference)

Category	Indicative Closing Marks (Govt MBBS, State Quota)
General / Unreserved (State Merit)	Around 610–625 marks
EWS / SEBC / OBC	Around 590–620 marks
SC	Around 485–520 marks
ST	Around 420–480 marks

Expected Closing Ranks for Top Government Colleges — General Category

College	Approx. NEET Score (General)	Approx. Closing Rank (State Quota)
Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram	685–700+	300–500
Government Medical College, Kozhikode	675–690	500–800
Government Medical College, Ernakulam	665–680	600–1,000
Government Medical College, Thrissur	660–675	800–1,200
Government Medical College, Kottayam	655–670	900–1,400
Government Medical College, Manjeri	650–665	1,000–1,600
Government Medical College, Palakkad	645–660	1,200–1,800

These are approximate reference figures from the 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling. Actual 2026 cutoffs will depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty and total qualified candidates. Official cutoffs will be released by CEE Kerala after counselling rounds.

Cutoff for Private College Government Quota Seats

For the government quota seats in private self-financing medical colleges in Kerala, the typical cutoff in the General category is between 500–600 NEET marks. Management and NRI quota seats in private colleges have lower cutoffs because the competition for those seats is significantly lower.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Reservation and Quota System

Kerala uses a detailed community-based reservation system for state quota seats. These seats are divided into more than 28 community categories. This system is more specific than the SC/ST/OBC/General categories used in most other states.

All India Quota — 15% of Government College Seats

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) manages these 15% seats. Candidates from all states can apply for them. Reservation within the All India Quota (AIQ) follows central government rules:

• OBC (NCL): 27% of AIQ seats
• SC: 15% of AIQ seats
• ST: 7.5% of AIQ seats
• EWS: 10% of AIQ seats
• General (UR): Remaining seats

State Quota — Community Code System

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala uses a community code system for state quota seats. You must select the correct code during registration. Some major community codes used in Kerala NEET Counselling are:

Community Code	Community
SM	State Merit — Open / General Category
EZ	Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava and related communities
MU	Muslim (including Mappila and related communities)
LA	Latin Catholic and Anglo-Indian
DV	Dheevara, Mukkuva, and related maritime communities
VK	Viswakarma and related artisan communities
BH	Other Hindu Backward communities (OBH)
SC	Scheduled Castes
ST	Scheduled Tribes
EW	Economically Weaker Section (EWS) — Forward Communities

NRI Quota in Private Self-Financing Colleges

• 15% of private college seats are reserved for NRI candidates, allotted by CEE Kerala through a separate NRI merit list
• NRI candidates must provide a valid NRI certificate issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate
• NRI quota fees are significantly higher — typically Rs. 21 lakh or more per year depending on the college
• Kerala domicile candidates are not eligible for the NRI quota

PwD Horizontal Reservation

5% of seats in each category are horizontally reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability. A government hospital certificate certifying at least 40% disability is required to claim this in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026.

Community certificates for Kerala state quota reservation must be issued by a competent Kerala government authority. Certificates issued by other state governments are not accepted. This rule is strictly enforced during verification.

Documents Required for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

You must upload the following documents during online registration. You will also need the originals at the time of reporting to your allotted college. Missing or invalid documents can lead to rejection of your candidature at any stage.

Document	Purpose	Required For
NEET UG 2026 Scorecard / Rank Letter	Proof of NEET score and rank	All candidates
NEET UG 2026 Admit Card	Proof of exam registration	All candidates
Class 10 Certificate and Marksheet	Date of birth proof and educational qualification	All candidates
Class 12 Certificate and Marksheet	PCB marks and educational qualification	All candidates
Transfer Certificate (TC)	From the last school or college attended	All candidates
Nativity / Domicile Certificate	Proof of Kerala domicile for state quota	State quota (Keralite / NK-I) applicants
Community / Caste Certificate	For community-code reservation seats (issued by Kerala authority)	Reserved category candidates
Non-Creamy Layer Certificate	For SEBC / OBC candidates	SEBC applicants
EWS Certificate	For Economically Weaker Section reservation	EWS candidates (valid for 2025–26)
Income Certificate	For fee concession and certain special reservations	As required by category
PwD Certificate	For PwD horizontal reservation seats	PwD candidates
NRI Certificate / Passport	Proof of NRI status for NRI quota	NRI quota applicants only
Passport-size Photographs	Application and admission process	All candidates (8 recent photos)
Aadhaar Card / Valid Photo ID	Identity verification	All candidates

Candidates without original documents at the time of college reporting will NOT be allowed to join, even if their allotment is confirmed. Do not rely on photocopies alone at any stage.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Fee Structure

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Fees

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 has two fee layers. The first is the registration and option fees paid to CEE Kerala. The second is the tuition fee paid to the allotted college. The exact 2026 fee structure will be confirmed in the official CEE Kerala notification.

CEE Kerala Registration and Caution Deposit

The figures below are based on the 2025 fee structure. The registration fee is non-refundable. The caution deposit is refundable.

Category	Registration Fee (Non-refundable)	Caution Deposit (Refundable)
General / OBC / EWS	Rs. 625	Rs. 500
SC	Rs. 250	Rs. 200
ST	No fee	No deposit

An additional option registration fee of approximately Rs. 5,000 is charged during the choice filling stage. This is a separate payment from the initial registration fee. It is based on the 2025 cycle fee structure.

Tuition Fees by College Type

Tuition fees depend on the type of college and the quota. Government colleges charge the lowest fees. Private college fees are higher.

College Type / Quota	Approximate Annual Tuition Fee
Government Medical College — MBBS	Very low — fixed by state government (typically Rs. 10,000–Rs. 50,000/year)
Private College — Government Quota MBBS	Around Rs. 6.5 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh per year
Private College — Management Quota MBBS	Around Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh per year
Private College — NRI Quota MBBS	Around Rs. 21 lakh per year and above

Fees for private colleges are fixed by the Kerala Fee Regulatory Committee. They can change every year. Always verify the exact fee from the official prospectus or the college before taking admission.

When Is the Caution Deposit Refunded?

• The deposit is refunded if you are not allotted any seat across all rounds.
• It is refunded if you withdraw before the specified deadline in the prospectus.
• If you join a college and then withdraw, the deposit is typically forfeited.

Top Medical Colleges in Kerala 2026

Kerala has several medical colleges. Most are affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS). Government colleges have the lowest fees and the highest cutoffs. Private colleges offer medical education at higher fees.

Top Government Medical Colleges in Kerala

College Name	Location	Approx. MBBS Seats
Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram	Thiruvananthapuram	250
Government Medical College, Kozhikode	Kozhikode	250
Government Medical College, Ernakulam	Ernakulam	150
Government Medical College, Thrissur	Thrissur	150
Government Medical College, Kottayam	Kottayam	150
Government Medical College, Alappuzha	Alappuzha	150
Government Medical College, Manjeri	Malappuram	150
Government Medical College, Palakkad	Palakkad	150
Government Medical College, Kollam	Kollam	150
Government Medical College, Kasaragod	Kasaragod	100

Top Private Medical Colleges in Kerala

College Name	Location	Approx. Annual Fee (Govt. Quota)
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences	Ernakulam	Rs. 18–20 lakh/year
Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute	Thrissur	Rs. 12–15 lakh/year
Pushpagiri Medical College	Tiruvalla	Rs. 12–14 lakh/year
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College	Kolenchery	Rs. 10–13 lakh/year
Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)	Thiruvananthapuram	Rs. 14–16 lakh/year
Malabar Medical College	Kozhikode	Rs. 10–12 lakh/year
Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation	Thiruvananthapuram	Rs. 12–15 lakh/year

Private college fees are approximate based on 2025 data. They are subject to revision by the Kerala Fee Regulatory Committee. Verify the exact fee from the official 2026 seat matrix or directly with the college before taking admission.

Kerala vs All India Quota: Key Differences

A Kerala candidate who has qualified NEET UG 2026 can participate in both Kerala state quota counselling and All India Quota counselling. The All India Quota counselling is run by MCC. Many candidates do both. Here is a clear comparison of the two processes.

Kerala State Quota vs All India Quota (AIQ) for NEET Counselling

Kerala NEET counselling runs through two separate processes: the Kerala State Quota and the All India Quota (AIQ). Each has its own conducting body, portal, and rules.

Point	Kerala State Quota	All India Quota (AIQ)
Conducting Body	CEE Kerala	MCC (Medical Counselling Committee)
Portal	cee.kerala.gov.in	mcc.nic.in
Seat Share in Govt Colleges	85%	15%
Private Colleges	Yes — all quota types	No — only government medical college AIQ seats
Nativity Requirement	Yes — must be Keralite for reservation benefits	No — open to candidates from all states
Reservation System	Kerala community codes (28+ categories)	Central rules — SC/ST/OBC/EWS
Government College Fees	Very low (state-regulated)	Same as state quota (same colleges, same fee)
Registration	Must register separately on CEE Kerala portal	Must register separately on MCC portal

You must register separately for each counselling process. Qualifying NEET does not auto-register you for either. If you are a Kerala candidate, doing both gives you the best chance — the state quota gives you reservation benefits and access to private college seats, while the AIQ opens government seats nationally.

NRI candidates are not eligible for the 85% state quota seats. They can apply only for the NRI quota in private colleges through CEE Kerala, or for AIQ seats through MCC if they hold Indian citizenship.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2025: Previous Year Highlights

The 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling cycle is the most relevant reference for understanding what to expect in 2026. However, 2026 timelines are shifted later than 2025 due to the NEET re-exam on June 21, 2026.

Key Data from Kerala NEET Counselling 2025

Parameter	2025 Data
NEET UG 2025 Exam Date	May 4, 2025
NEET UG 2025 Result Declaration	June 2025
CEE Kerala Counselling Notification	February 2025 (Earlier cycle due to earlier NEET)
Registration Open Date	February 20, 2025
Re-opened Registration Window	June 18–23, 2025
Round 1 Allotment Published	Late August 2025
Round 2 Allotment Published	September 2025
Special Stray Round Registration	December 20–23, 2025
Final Allotment (Special Stray Round)	December 24, 2025
Total MBBS Seats Available	More than 5,400
Number of Rounds Conducted	4 rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Special Stray)

What Changes in 2026

The biggest change in 2026 is the delayed NEET cycle. The original NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026 was cancelled following a confirmed question paper leak, and the re-exam was held on June 21, 2026 — roughly 7 weeks later than the typical May date. This pushes the entire Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 calendar by approximately 6–8 weeks compared to 2025.

In 2025, CEE Kerala opened registration in February itself, well ahead of the NEET exam. In 2026, registration is expected only after the NEET result — likely in August 2026. The Special Stray Round, if held, would shift accordingly to late 2026 or early 2027.

The reservation structure, community code system, CAP process, fee structure, and number of rounds are expected to remain the same as in 2025.

Source: CEE Kerala — 2025 Counselling Archive

FAQs on Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

When will Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 start?

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to start in August 2026. The NEET UG 2026 re-exam was held on June 21, 2026, and the result is expected by mid-to-late July 2026. CEE Kerala will release the official counselling notification on cee.kerala.gov.in after the NEET result is declared. The 2026 process is running later than usual because the original May exam was cancelled.

Who conducts Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 for the 85% state quota seats is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) at cee.kerala.gov.in. The remaining 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges are handled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) through mcc.nic.in.

What is the eligibility for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?

You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum qualifying percentile (50th for General/EWS, 40th for SC/ST/OBC). You must also have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST). For state quota seats, you must be a Keralite or qualifying Non-Keralite (NK-I or NK-II). You must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026.

How many rounds are there in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?

The number of rounds in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to remain the same as in 2025. In 2025, four rounds were conducted: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Special Stray.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Expected Rounds

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to include a trial allotment, Round 1, Round 2, a Mop-Up Round, and possibly a Special Stray Vacancy Round in December 2026 if seats remain vacant. In 2025, four rounds were held, with the final allotment in December 2025. The exact number of rounds for 2026 will be confirmed in the official prospectus.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Registration Fee

Based on the 2025 structure, the registration fee is Rs. 625 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, Rs. 250 for SC, and nil for ST candidates. A refundable caution deposit of Rs. 500 (General) and Rs. 200 (SC) is also charged.

An additional option registration fee of approximately Rs. 5,000 is paid during choice filling. CEE Kerala will confirm the exact 2026 fees in the official notification.

Documents Required for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

You need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card, Class 10 and 12 certificates and marksheets, transfer certificate, nativity/domicile certificate, community certificate (issued by a Kerala authority), EWS/non-creamy layer certificate if applicable, PwD certificate if applicable, passport-size photographs, and an Aadhaar card or valid photo ID.

Original documents are mandatory at the time of college reporting.

Expected Cutoff for Kerala Government MBBS Colleges 2026

Based on 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling data, the General category closing marks for government MBBS state quota seats ranged from around 610–625. Closing ranks for top colleges like GMC Thiruvananthapuram were in the range of 300–500.

The actual 2026 cutoff will depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty and marks distribution, and will be published by CEE Kerala after the counselling rounds are completed.

Who Can Apply for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

For the 85% state quota seats in government colleges, only Keralite and qualifying Non-Keralite candidates are eligible. Candidates from other states can apply for the 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges through MCC counselling.

NRI candidates can apply for the NRI quota in private colleges through CEE Kerala’s NRI counselling process.

Community Code System in Kerala NEET Counselling

Kerala uses a unique community code system with more than 28 categories for distributing state quota seats. Key codes include SM (State Merit/General), EZ (Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava), MU (Muslim), LA (Latin Catholic), DV (Dheevara), VK (Viswakarma), SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and EW (EWS).

You must select the correct code during registration. Community certificates must be issued by a Kerala government authority — other state certificates are not accepted.

Why Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Is Delayed

The original NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026 was cancelled after a confirmed question paper leak. The re-exam was held on June 21, 2026 — about 7 weeks later than the typical May exam.

Since Kerala NEET Counselling can only begin after the NEET result, the entire 2026 counselling calendar has shifted by 6–8 weeks compared to 2025, with registration now expected in August 2026 instead of the earlier February start seen in 2025.

MBBS Seats Available Through Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Kerala has more than 5,400 MBBS seats across around 36 medical colleges — approximately 1,855 seats in 14 government colleges and around 3,550+ seats in private self-financing colleges. Of the government seats, 85% go to the state quota (CEE Kerala) and 15% to the All India Quota (MCC).

Private college seats are split across government quota, management quota, and NRI quota.

How to Prepare for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Now

With the NEET re-exam over on June 21, 2026, you should check the provisional answer key (expected June 24–26) to estimate your marks. Start collecting all documents — community certificate, nativity certificate, EWS certificate — now, as these take time from government offices.

Research Kerala college cutoffs and build your preferred college priority list. Bookmark cee.kerala.gov.in and check it daily once the NEET result is declared in late July 2026. Register for CEE Kerala counselling as soon as the window opens — do not wait for the deadline.

Important Dates for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Event	Expected Date
NEET UG 2026 original exam	May 3, 2026 (cancelled)
NEET UG 2026 re-exam	June 21, 2026
Provisional answer key	June 24–26, 2026 (expected)
NEET result	Late July 2026
Counselling registration	August 2026 (expected)
Special Stray Vacancy Round	December 2026 (if seats remain)

Disclaimer

The information provided above is based on official notifications and historical data from CEE Kerala and NTA. Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 dates, seat matrix, fees, and cutoffs are subject to change based on official announcements.

Since the NEET UG 2026 result has not been declared as of June 22, 2026, all counselling timelines and cutoff figures are estimated based on previous-year trends. Candidates should regularly check cee.kerala.gov.in for the most current and official information. MyKollege is not responsible for any discrepancies between this article and official notifications.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Start Date

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to start in August 2026. The NEET UG 2026 re-exam was held on June 21, 2026, and the result is expected by mid-to-late July 2026.

CEE Kerala will release the official counselling notification on cee.kerala.gov.in after the NEET result is declared. The 2026 process is running later than usual because the original May exam was cancelled.

Who Conducts Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 for the 85% state quota seats is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) at cee.kerala.gov.in.

The remaining 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges are handled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) through mcc.nic.in.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum qualifying percentile. The minimum percentile is 50th for General/EWS and 40th for SC/ST/OBC.

You must also have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 50% in PCB. The PCB requirement is 40% for SC/ST candidates.

For state quota seats, you must be a Keralite or a qualifying Non-Keralite (NK-I or NK-II). You must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026.

Nativity Categories

Kerala uses a three-part nativity system for state quota eligibility. This system directly gates both seat access and reservation eligibility.

• Keralite – Candidates with Kerala domicile or long-term residence.
• NK-I – Non-Keralite category I, for specific qualifying conditions.
• NK-II – Non-Keralite category II, for other qualifying conditions.

Number of Counselling Rounds

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to have a trial allotment, Round 1, Round 2, and a Mop-Up Round. A Special Stray Vacancy Round may be held in December 2026 if seats remain vacant.

In 2025, four rounds were held, with the final allotment in December 2025. The exact number of rounds for 2026 will be confirmed in the official prospectus.

Registration Fee

Based on the 2025 structure, the registration fee varies by category. A refundable caution deposit and an option registration fee are also charged.

Fee Component	General/OBC/EWS	SC	ST
Registration fee	Rs. 625	Rs. 250	Nil
Caution deposit (refundable)	Rs. 500	Rs. 200	Not specified

An additional option registration fee of approximately Rs. 5,000 is paid during choice filling. CEE Kerala will confirm the exact 2026 fees in the official notification.

Required Documents

You need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card, Class 10 and 12 certificates and marksheets, and a transfer certificate.

• Nativity or domicile certificate
• Community certificate issued by a Kerala authority
• EWS or non-creamy layer certificate, if applicable
• PwD certificate, if applicable
• Passport-size photographs
• Aadhaar card or valid photo ID

Original documents are mandatory at the time of college reporting.

Expected Cutoff for Government MBBS Colleges

Based on 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling data, the General category closing marks for government MBBS state quota seats ranged from around 610 to 625. Closing ranks for top colleges like GMC Thiruvananthapuram were in the range of 300 to 500.

The actual 2026 cutoff will depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty and marks distribution. These 2026 figures are previous year reference only, not predictions. CEE Kerala will publish the actual cutoff after the counselling rounds are completed.

Eligibility for Candidates from Other States

For the 85% state quota seats in government colleges, only Keralite and qualifying Non-Keralite candidates are eligible. Candidates from other states can apply for the 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges through MCC counselling.

NRI candidates can apply for the NRI quota in private colleges through CEE Kerala's NRI counselling process.

Community Code System

Kerala uses a unique community code system with more than 28 categories for distributing state quota seats. You must select the correct code during registration.

Code	Category
SM	State Merit / General
EZ	Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava
MU	Muslim
LA	Latin Catholic
DV	Dheevara
VK	Viswakarma
SC	Scheduled Caste
ST	Scheduled Tribe
EW	EWS

Community certificates must be issued by a Kerala government authority. Certificates from other states are not accepted.

Reason for Delay in 2026 Counselling

The original NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026 was cancelled after a confirmed question paper leak. The re-exam was held on June 21, 2026, about 7 weeks later than the typical May exam.

Since Kerala NEET Counselling can only begin after the NEET result is declared, the entire schedule has shifted later. The result is expected by mid-to-late July 2026, with counselling starting in August 2026.

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Overview

Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is the state-level admission process for MBBS and BDS seats in the state. It is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.

The counselling is based on the NEET 2026 score. The process is expected to begin in August 2026.

Important Dates for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

The counselling schedule has shifted by 6-8 weeks compared to 2025. This is because the NEET exam was held later this year.

Event	Expected Date (2026)
NEET Re-exam	June 21, 2026
Provisional Answer Key	June 24-26, 2026
NEET Result	Late July 2026
Kerala Counselling Registration	August 2026

In 2025, the registration started in February. The entire 2026 calendar has shifted accordingly.

MBBS Seat Distribution in Kerala

Kerala has more than 5,400 MBBS seats across around 36 medical colleges. This includes seats in government and private colleges.

• Government colleges: Approximately 1,855 seats in 14 colleges.
• Private self-financing colleges: Around 3,550+ seats.

Government seats are divided into two quotas. 85% of seats go to the state quota, which is managed by CEE Kerala. The remaining 15% go to the All India Quota (AIQ), which is managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

Private college seats are split across three categories: government quota, management quota, and NRI quota.

How to Prepare for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026

You should start preparing now, even before the result is declared. The NEET re-exam is over, so you can estimate your score.

Check the provisional answer key, expected between June 24 and 26, to calculate your approximate marks. This will help you plan your options.

Start collecting all required documents immediately. This includes your community certificate, nativity certificate, and EWS certificate. These take time to obtain from government offices.

Research the cutoff scores for different Kerala colleges. Build a priority list of colleges you prefer, in order of choice.

Bookmark the official website, cee.kerala.gov.in. Check it daily once the NEET result is declared in late July 2026.

Register for CEE Kerala counselling as soon as the window opens. Do not wait for the deadline to register.

• You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum qualifying percentile for your category. Appearing for the exam alone is not enough.
• General/EWS candidates need the 50th percentile, OBC/SC/ST candidates need the 40th percentile, and General/EWS-PwD candidates need the 45th percentile. OBC/SC/ST-PwD candidates need the 40th percentile.
• You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as main subjects, plus English.
• The minimum PCB aggregate is 50% for General/EWS, 40% for SC/ST, and 45% for General/EWS-PwD candidates.
• Class 12 appearing candidates can apply provisionally, subject to their final result.
• You must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of NEET UG attempts.

1. Visit the official portal at cee.kerala.gov.in and find the NEET UG Medical/Dental Counselling 2026 link once the notification is released.
2. Click on "New Candidate Registration" on the portal.
3. Enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number and date of birth.
4. Set a password for your account and note it down securely.
5. A verification OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
6. Fill the application form with your personal details — name, address, and contact information.
7. Enter your NEET UG 2026 score, rank, and roll number.
8. Select your nativity category (Keralite, NK-I, or NK-II).
9. Select your community code from the Kerala reservation list.
10. Upload a recent passport-size photograph as per the size and format specifications.
11. Upload your signature.
12. Upload your NEET UG 2026 scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, community certificate, and nativity proof.
13. Pay the registration fee.

The Kerala NEET Counselling process is based on the NEET UG 2026 score and rank. The counselling itself does not have a separate exam pattern with sections or a marking scheme.

Your admission depends entirely on your NEET UG 2026 performance. The counselling uses your NEET score to determine your eligibility for seat allotment in medical colleges across Kerala.

• There is no additional written test or interview for Kerala NEET Counselling.
• Your NEET UG 2026 scorecard and rank letter are the primary documents for the process.
• Seat allotment is based on your NEET rank, category, and college preferences.

• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology are the main subjects required in Class 12, along with English.
• Minimum PCB aggregate: 50% for General/EWS, 40% for SC/ST, and 45% for General/EWS-PwD candidates.
• Class 12 appearing candidates can apply provisionally, subject to their final result.

The Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 cutoff will be published after the seat allotment rounds are completed. The cutoff is the closing marks or rank at which the last seat in a college and category is filled. Since the NEET UG 2026 result is not yet out, the figures below are based on 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling data as a reference.

Expected Closing Marks for Government MBBS — State Quota (Previous Year Reference):

• General / Unreserved (State Merit): Around 610–625 marks
• EWS / SEBC / OBC: Around 590–620 marks
• SC: Around 485–520 marks
• ST: Around 420–480 marks

Expected Closing Ranks for Top Government Colleges — General Category:

• Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram: Approx. NEET Score 685–700+, Approx. Closing Rank 300–500
• Government Medical College, Kozhikode: Approx. NEET Score 675–690, Approx. Closing Rank 500–800
• Government Medical College, Ernakulam: Approx. NEET Score 665–680, Approx. Closing Rank 600–1,000
• Government Medical College, Thrissur: Approx. NEET Score 660–675, Approx. Closing Rank 800–1,200
• Government Medical College, Kottayam: Approx. NEET Score 655–670, Approx. Closing Rank 900–1,400
• Government Medical College, Manjeri: Approx. NEET Score 650–665, Approx. Closing Rank 1,000–1,600
• Government Medical College, Palakkad: Approx. NEET Score 645–660, Approx. Closing Rank 1,200–1,800

These are approximate reference figures from the 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling. Actual 2026 cutoffs will depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty and total qualified candidates. Official cutoffs will be released by CEE Kerala after counselling rounds.

For the government quota seats in private self-financing medical colleges in Kerala, the typical cutoff in the General category is between 500–600 NEET marks. Management and NRI quota seats in private colleges have lower cutoffs because the competition for those seats is significantly lower.

The NEET UG 2026 result is expected to be declared by NTA between July 20–25, 2026. You can check it on the official NTA website, neet.nta.nic.in, from the third week of July 2026 onwards.

After the result is out, CEE Kerala will release the official counselling schedule on cee.kerala.gov.in. The counselling registration is expected to open in August 2026.

To check your result, visit neet.nta.nic.in and log in with your credentials. Keep your application number and date of birth ready.