Kea NEET PG Counselling 2026: Registration, Rounds & Seat Allotment Result
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the KEA NEET PG Counselling 2026, which is the centralized online process for allocating postgraduate medical seats. This counselling determines admission based on candidates’ NEET PG ranks. Aspiring candidates must first register as new users on the KEA web portal. The seat distribution ensures 50% for the State Quota and 50% for the All India Quota, with distinct eligibility rules for government personnel who have served three years or more in rural areas.
Important Dates and Schedule
The official schedule for the Karnataka NEET PG medical and dental admissions in 2026 will be released after the NEET PG results are declared. This section provides an expected timeline for the counselling process, guiding you through the anticipated stages from result declaration to the final admission rounds.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| NEET PG Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling Registration Start | July 2026 |
| Document Verification | July 2026 |
| Merit List Release | July 2026 |
| Round 1 Choice Filling | August 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | August 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling | September 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round | October 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | November 2026 |
This timeline details the anticipated progression of the Karnataka NEET PG counselling, with the NEET PG results having been declared in June 2026 and counselling registration expected to commence in July 2026.
Eligibility Criteria and Quotas
This section details the eligibility criteria and quota distribution for the 2026 NEET PG counselling in Karnataka, outlining the requirements for various seat categories. You will find information on academic qualifications, domicile rules, and specific conditions for different quotas, ensuring you understand the requirements.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name for Counselling | NEET PG 2026 |
| Exam Conducted By | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Courses Offered | MD, MS, PG Diploma |
| Counselling Mode | Online (Registration, Choice Filling, Allotment, Document Verification) |
| Conducting Body (State Quota) | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Conducting Body (All India Quota) | Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) – MCC |
| Total PG Seats (MD/MS + PG Diploma) | 4,800+ |
| Total PG Colleges | 55+ |
| Overall Seat Distribution | 50% State Quota & 50% All India Quota |
| Karnataka State Type for Counselling | Open State (open to all states for certain quotas) |
| Management Quota Availability | Widely available in 38+ private colleges |
| Non-domicile Access to Management Quota | Yes |
| Nationality | Indian Citizens, OCI, PIO, NRI, and eligible Foreign Nationals can apply under applicable categories. |
| Age Limit for Admission | No upper age limit |
| NEET PG Qualification | Candidate must qualify the NEET PG examination with the prescribed cutoff percentile. |
| Minimum NEET PG Qualifying Percentile (General/EWS) | 50th |
| Minimum NEET PG Qualifying Percentile (OBC/SC/ST) | 40th |
| Minimum NEET PG Qualifying Percentile (PwD) | 45th |
| MBBS Degree Requirement | Must possess an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognized medical college in India. |
| Medical Registration | Must have permanent or provisional registration with NMC or a State Medical Council. |
| Internship Completion | Compulsory rotatory internship must be completed by the cutoff date specified for the admission year. |
| Eligibility for State Quota | Requires a domicile certificate issued by the Government of Karnataka (Study Certificate 10th/11th/12th from Karnataka or parent’s/guardian’s work/study record in Karnataka). |
| Eligibility for Government Quota | Generally available for candidates who have studied MBBS in Karnataka or satisfy Karnataka eligibility clauses prescribed by KEA. |
| Eligibility for Private Quota | NEET PG qualified candidates from Karnataka and, in many categories, candidates from other states can participate as per KEA rules. |
| Eligibility for Management Quota | Open to eligible NEET PG qualified candidates across India, subject to counselling regulations. |
| Eligibility for NRI Quota | Available for NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals, and eligible NRI-sponsored candidates fulfilling KEA requirements. |
| Eligibility for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) | Must qualify FMGE, complete internship, and obtain required medical registration before counselling. |
| Eligibility for Government Personnel | Distinct rules apply to candidates who have served as government personnel for 3 years or more in rural areas. |
| General Annual Government PG Fees Range | ₹50,000–₹1L |
| General Annual Management Quota Fees Range | ₹15L–₹28L |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the counselling process, general eligibility requirements, and specific criteria for various quotas, including fee ranges, for postgraduate medical admissions in Karnataka.
How to Register: Step-by-Step
To register for the 2026 NEET PG counselling conducted by KEA, candidates followed a six-step online process on the KEA web portal. This guide outlines each stage, from initial access to document submission, ensuring you understand the complete registration journey. Registration for Round 3 concluded in January 2026.
- Step 1: Access the KEA web portal to register as a new user for counselling.
- Step 2: Enter your NEET PG roll number, application number, DOB, and the displayed captcha.
- Step 3: Furnish personal, academic, and reservation details, plus contact information for OTP verification.
- Step 4: Upload your photograph and signature as required by the system.
- Step 5: Receive a system-generated ID and password; store these safely for future access.
- Step 6: Upload all required documents, such as ID proof, registration, and NEET PG certificates.
Candidates should note that online registration for Round 3 of the counselling process concluded earlier this year.
| Round | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| Round 3 | 18 January 2026 (11:00 AM) to 26 January 2026 (Before 11:00 AM) |
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Essential Documents for Verification
To confirm eligibility for the 2026 NEET PG counselling, candidates underwent physical document verification and deposition at KEA, Bengaluru. It was crucial for all applicants to carry their original documents for this process, which ensured compliance with the requirements for the exam.
- NEET PG Scorecard: Specifically the PG 2026 scorecard for Round 3 verification.
- NEET PG Admit Card: The official admit card for the examination.
- MBBS Degree Certificate: Proof of completion of your medical degree.
- All MBBS Marks Cards: Comprehensive records of your academic performance.
- Internship Completion Certificate: Official documentation of your completed internship.
- Medical Council Registration: Your permanent or provisional registration.
Beyond these core academic and professional documents, applicants also needed to present personal identification and specific academic records. The Round 3 verification process took place in late January 2026.
| Document/Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ID Proof | Aadhaar, PAN Card, or Passport |
| 10th Marks Card | Proof of secondary education completion |
| 12th Marks Card | Proof of higher secondary education completion |
| Domicile Certificate (State Quota) | Issued by the Government of Karnataka |
| Study Certificate (Domicile Proof) | 10th/11th/12th passed from Karnataka OR parent’s/guardian’s work/study record in Karnataka |
| Round 3 Verification Dates | 27–29 January 2026 |
| Round 3 Verification Time | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
This table outlines additional required documents and the specific schedule for the third round of verification, ensuring all candidates met the necessary criteria.
Counselling Rounds: Allotment and Mop-Up Process
The 2026 NEET PG counselling process in Karnataka involves a structured series of four distinct rounds, designed to allocate postgraduate medical seats efficiently. This section details each round, from the initial allotment to the final stray vacancy process, outlining the requirements and consequences.
| Round/Process | Description/Purpose | Key Actions/Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Total Counselling Rounds | The entire counselling process comprises four distinct rounds. | Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up round, and Stray Vacancy round. |
| Allotment Process (General) | A centralised online process determines seat allocation. | Based on NEET PG scores, the state’s reservation and quota system, and your preferences. Covers 50% of state quota seats in government colleges and all private/deemed college seats. |
| Round 1 | Initial seat allocation round. | You have Freeze, Float, and Slide options. You can leave the counselling at any time without any fine. |
| Round 2 | Second phase of seat allocation. | You must either accept your choices or withdraw and forfeit your security deposit as a penalty. |
| Mop-up Round | Conducted for admission to private/deemed colleges for deserving students. | Fills remaining postgraduate seats in government, private, and deemed universities in Karnataka. You must register again and attend. Fresh choice filling is mandatory; previous choices are not considered. Provisional and final allotment results will be released on separate dates. |
| Mop-up Round Post-Allotment | Actions required after Mop-up Round seat allocation. | Fee payment, admission order download, and physical reporting to the allotted college are compulsory and mandatory. You will have to take admission at the given college or lose your deposit. |
| Stray Vacancy Round | Final round for remaining seats. | All remaining college seats will be announced; no other seats will be added. There will be no opportunity for upgrades; you will have to accept your present choice. |
| Extended Rounds | Potential additional rounds. | NMC guidelines may initiate extended rounds if vacant seats still remain. |
This table clearly outlines the progression of the counselling process, detailing the specific actions and implications for candidates at each stage, from initial choices to final admissions.
State Quota vs All India Quota Counselling
Understanding the differences between State Quota and All India Quota (AIQ) is crucial for candidates participating in the 2026 NEET PG counselling in Karnataka. This section outlines key distinctions in conducting bodies, seat distribution, domicile requirements, and service bonds, helping you navigate the process.
- Conducting Body (State Quota): Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
- Conducting Body (All India Quota): Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) – MCC
- Seat Distribution (State Quota): 50% of seats
- Seat Distribution (All India Quota): 50% of seats
- Domicile Requirement (State Quota): Karnataka domicile certificate, or study/parent’s work record in Karnataka.
- Domicile Requirement (All India Quota): No specific Karnataka domicile requirement; open to eligible NEET PG qualified candidates across India.
As you can see, the conducting bodies and domicile rules differ significantly between the two quotas. While both allocate 50% of seats, your eligibility depends heavily on your domicile status. Additionally, candidates should be aware of specific service bond requirements.
| Aspect | State Quota | All India Quota (AIQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Bond | 1 Year Compulsory Rural Service | — |
The service bond requirement is a key difference, with State Quota candidates facing a compulsory rural service year. This distinction is important for your long-term career planning.
Cutoff Trends and Seat Matrix Analysis
Karnataka offers approximately 7,400 postgraduate medical seats in 2026, with over 1,850 in government colleges. This section details the eligibility criteria for the exam and presents past cutoff trends for various categories, providing insights for your counselling strategy.
| Course | Category | CR 2025 | CR 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANAESTHESIOLOGY | 1G | 29445 | 27142 |
| DERMATOLOGY | 1G | — | 6030 |
| ENT | 1G | 42482 | 31857 |
| GENERAL MEDICINE | 1G | 5938 | 4117 |
| GENERAL SURGERY | 1G | 32690 | 20336 |
| OBG | 1G | 14726 | 13925 |
| OPHTHALMOLOGY | 1G | 35580 | 27130 |
| ORTHOPAEDICS | 1G | 33690 | 31283 |
| PAEDIATRICS | 1G | 19673 | 8527 |
| PATHOLOGY | 1G | 85836 | 46318 |
| PSYCHIATRY | 1G | 38829 | 37958 |
| RADIO DIAGNOSIS | 1G | 4681 | 1233 |
| SPM | 1G | 61671 | 43956 |
| ANAESTHESIOLOGY | 2AG | 32596 | 25744 |
| DERMATOLOGY | 2AG | 8782 | 5086 |
| ENT | 2AG | 27809 | 29983 |
| GENERAL MEDICINE | 2AG | 7937 | 5002 |
| GENERAL SURGERY | 2AG | 21821 | 15755 |
| OBG | 2AG | 16584 | 14839 |
| OPHTHALMOLOGY | 2AG | 35374 | 28022 |
| ORTHOPAEDICS | 2AG | 23146 | 16702 |
| PAEDIATRICS | 2AG | 9586 | 11398 |
| PATHOLOGY | 2AG | 118084 | 58252 |
| PSYCHIATRY | 2AG | 41684 | 24299 |
| RADIATION ONCOLOGY | 2AG | 36941 | — |
| RADIO DIAGNOSIS | 2AG | 6301 | 1071 |
| SPM | 2AG | 128001 | 91608 |
| TBRD | 2AG | 19452 | 17984 |
| ANAESTHESIOLOGY | 2BG | 29583 | 17413 |
| DERMATOLOGY | 2BG | 11362 | 9864 |
The cutoff ranks for Karnataka Government Medical Colleges show variability across courses and categories between 2024 and 2025, indicating dynamic competition for postgraduate medical seats.
- General/EWS Category Cutoff: Minimum 50th percentile in the exam.
- General PwD Category Cutoff: Minimum 45th percentile in the exam.
- SC/ST/OBC Category Cutoff: Minimum 40th percentile in the exam.
- Total Seats (Expected): 7,400 for Karnataka NEET PG 2026.
- Government Colleges Seats (Expected): Over 1,850.
- Private or Deemed Colleges Seats (Expected): Over 5,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the counselling registration for KEA NEET PG 2026 begin?
Counselling registration for KEA NEET PG 2026 was expected to commence in July 2026, following the NEET PG results which were declared in June 2026.
What is the seat distribution for the KEA NEET PG Counselling 2026?
The seat distribution for KEA NEET PG Counselling 2026 ensures 50% for the State Quota and 50% for the All India Quota.
Who conducts the KEA NEET PG Counselling 2026?
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the KEA NEET PG Counselling 2026 for the State Quota, while the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) – MCC conducts it for the All India Quota.
What is the minimum NEET PG qualifying percentile for General/EWS candidates in 2026?
The minimum NEET PG qualifying percentile for General/EWS candidates in 2026 is the 50th percentile.
Are candidates from other states eligible for the Management Quota in Karnataka?
Yes, eligible NEET PG qualified candidates across India can apply for the Management Quota, subject to counselling regulations.
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