Kea NEET UG Counselling 2026: Dates, Registration & Seat Allotment
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) orchestrates the Karnataka KEA NEET UG Counselling 2026, the comprehensive seat allotment process for MBBS and BDS courses within the state. This crucial procedure allocates seats to eligible candidates who meet the minimum age of 17 years, as stipulated by NEET UG 2026 admission rules, based on their NEET scores. KEA manages 100% of Government Seats in state medical and dental colleges, alongside significant Government Quota seats in private institutions, including 40% in KPCF medical and 35% in KPCF dental colleges.
Counselling Dates & Key Events Timeline
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the state’s NEET UG counselling, which is entirely online. Registration for medical counselling is expected to commence in August 2026, following the NEET UG 2026 result declaration on 15 July 2026. This section outlines key dates for the process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Notification Release | 8th March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Online Application Period | 8th February to 8th March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Admit Card Release | 14th June 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Re-Examination Date | 21st June 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration | 15th July 2026 |
| Karnataka Medical Counselling Registration Begins | August 2026 |
| Document Verification and Security Deposit | August 2026 |
| Publication of Karnataka Medical Merit List | August 2026 |
| Online Choice Filling and Locking | August 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | September 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment Result | September 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round Counselling | October 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round and Final Admissions | October 2026 |
The table above provides a comprehensive timeline for the Karnataka medical admission process, from the initial exam notification to the final admission rounds. Aspiring candidates should note the upcoming registration period in August 2026 and subsequent allotment results.
Step-by-Step Registration & Application Process
This section outlines the detailed, step-by-step registration and application process for the upcoming counselling. You will learn how to complete your online application, upload necessary documents, and make the required fee payment.
- Step 1: Online Registration: Visit the official portal, fill personal, academic, and eligibility details, then submit.
- Step 2: Upload Documents: Upload your photograph, signature, and other relevant documents as a single PDF.
- Step 3: Preview Uploaded Images: Carefully preview uploaded photograph and signature; re-upload if unsatisfactory.
- Step 4: Final Submission: Review details, declare, and submit. Save your application number and password.
- Step 5: Application Fee Payment: Pay fees via internet banking, debit, or credit card. Save the payment slip.
- Step 6: Download Application: Download and save your submitted application form and fee receipt.
After completing these crucial steps, you must also pay the applicable registration fee. The official counselling website is https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/indexnew.
| Candidate Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| General/2A/2B/3A/3B | ₹2,500 |
| SC/ST/Cat-I/PWD | ₹500 |
| NRI/OCI/PIO/Foreign Nationals | ₹5,500 |
Your registration fee varies significantly based on your candidate category, so ensure you select the correct one during application.
Eligibility Criteria & Domicile Rules
To participate in the counselling, you must meet specific eligibility and domicile criteria set by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. These rules ensure that only qualified candidates proceed for admission based on their NEET UG 2026 score, academic background, and domicile status.
| Eligibility Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizens can apply. NRI/OCI/PIO/foreign national candidates may apply under applicable quota seats as per KEA rules. |
| Re NEET Qualification | Candidate must qualify for Re NEET UG 2026 with the required percentile. |
| Academic Qualification | The candidate should have passed Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. |
| Minimum Age | The candidate should be 17 years of age as per the Re NEET UG 2026 admission rules. |
| Karnataka Domicile | Required for state quota/government seats as per KEA eligibility clauses. |
| Non-Karnataka Candidates | May be eligible for private, management, or NRI quota seats, subject to KEA rules. |
| Category Reservation | SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD and other category benefits will be given only after valid certificate verification. |
This table outlines the fundamental requirements, from nationality and academic qualifications to age and domicile, that you must satisfy to be considered for admission through the counselling process.
- Counselling Body: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the counselling.
- Admission Basis: Admission relies on NEET UG 2026 score, eligibility, domicile, and document verification.
- Karnataka Domicile: You must have studied 7+ consecutive years in Karnataka, or your parent must be a domicile.
- Non-Karnataka Eligibility: Non-domicile candidates qualify only for private, management, or NRI quota seats.
- Document Verification: This crucial step ensures only verified candidates proceed to option entry and seat allotment.
Seat Matrix, Fees & Reservation Categories (G, P, N, Q)
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the centralized counselling for all medical and dental seats in the state. This process covers Government, Private, Management, and NRI quota seats, ensuring a comprehensive allocation system for aspiring candidates.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| G | Government Seats (Govt Colleges + Govt Quota in Private Colleges) |
| P | Private Seats (Management / Private Quota) |
| N | NRI Quota Seats |
| Q | Other / Miscellaneous Seats |
This table outlines the primary seat categories available through the counselling process, distinguishing between government, private, NRI, and other miscellaneous quotas.
- Government (G) Seats: Government Medical & Dental Colleges reserve 100% of seats, offering the lowest fees.
- NRI (N) Seats: Private Colleges (KPCF, KRLMPCA, AMPCK) allocate 15% of total seats.
- NRI (N) Eligibility: This category is for NRI, OCI, PIO, and Foreign Nationals, with higher fees.
- Other (Q) Seats: Private Colleges reserve 5% of total seats for eligible NEET-qualified candidates.
Karnataka has 24 government medical colleges, offering a total of 4250 MBBS seats. Additionally, over 32 private medical colleges provide 5995 MBBS seats.
| College Type | Medical % | Dental % |
|---|---|---|
| Private Non-Minority (KPCF) | 40% | 35% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 25% | 25% |
This table details the percentage of Government Quota seats available in different types of private colleges for medical and dental programs.
| Type | Seats | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| GMP | 50% of Private Seats | Karnataka Candidates Only |
| OPN | 50% of Private Seats | All India Candidates |
You can see how Private (P) Quota seats in KPCF colleges distribute equally between Karnataka and All India candidates.
| Type | Seats | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Minority | 66% of Private Quota | Respective religious / linguistic minority candidates |
| GMP | 50% of 34% of Private Quota | Karnataka Candidates |
| OPN | 50% of 34% of Private Quota | All India Candidates |
This table illustrates the specific distribution of Private (P) Quota seats within KRLMPCA & AMPCK colleges, highlighting minority reservations and eligibility.
| Sr. No. | College Name | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore | 250 |
| 2 | Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi | 200 |
| 3 | Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar | 200 |
| 4 | Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 5 | Chikkaballapura Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 6 | Chikkamagaluru Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 7 | Chitradurga Medical College & Research Institute | 150 |
| 8 | ESIC Medical College, Bangalore | 150 |
| 9 | ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga | 150 |
| 10 | Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 11 | Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences | 200 |
| 12 | Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences | 200 |
| 13 | Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 14 | Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi | 200 |
| 15 | Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 16 | Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 17 | Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 18 | Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 19 | Mysore Medical College & Research Institute | 250 |
| 20 | Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences | 200 |
| 21 | Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| 22 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, Bangalore | 200 |
| 23 | Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary | 250 |
| 24 | Yadgiri Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Total Seats | 4250 |
This comprehensive list details the government medical colleges in Karnataka and their respective MBBS seat allocations for 2026.
| Sr. No. | College Name | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellur | 250 |
| 2 | A J Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Mangalore | 250 |
Required Documents for Verification
Document verification is a mandatory step for all candidates participating in the counselling. This crucial process ensures your eligibility to proceed with option entry and seat allotment. This section outlines the verification process, schedule, and the essential documents you must provide.
- Importance: Only verified candidates can proceed to option entry and seat allotment.
- Process: Complete document verification after online registration as per KEA schedule.
- Schedule: Verification is expected in July/August 2026.
- Mode: You must attend the session at your designated center.
To successfully complete verification, you must present the following original documents and their photocopies at your designated center:
| Document Required |
|---|
| NEET UG Confirmation Page |
| NEET UG Admit Card |
| NEET UG Rank Card |
| Class 10th Mark Sheet And Certificate |
| Class 12th Mark Sheet And Certificate |
| Identity Proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, Etc.) |
| Caste/Category Certificate (If Applicable) |
| Domicile Certificate |
| Passport-Size Photographs |
Ensure you gather all these documents well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues during the verification process.
During the online registration phase, you were required to upload specific documents with precise size and format specifications:
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Recent Color Photograph With A White Background | 20kb-50kb |
| Signature On White Paper With Blue/Black Ink | 10kb-20kb |
| Other Relevant Documents (E.G., Category Certificates, Qualification Certificates) | Single PDF File (Size Not Exceeding 500 KB) |
These upload requirements were critical for your initial application to be successfully processed.
Round 1 Seat Allotment Result & Cutoff Trends
The schedule for counselling is yet to be announced, with official notifications expected after NEET UG 2026 results are declared following the 21 June 2026 re-exam. This section provides expected Karnataka MBBS cutoff ranks for Round 1, based on previous year’s trends.
| College Name | Opening Rank (Expected) | Closing Rank (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore | 22 | 1,299 |
| Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College, Bangalore | 1,344 | 3,487 |
| Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore | 584 | 3,558 |
| Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore | 1,338 | 4,053 |
| Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Medical College, Bangalore | 3,915 | 6,404 |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore | 3,584 | 6,905 |
| JSS Medical College, Mysore | 6,207 | 7,669 |
| Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli | 2,878 | 8,343 |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya | 6,040 | 11,478 |
| Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore | 1,429 | 11,641 |
| Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore | 3,673 | 13,394 |
| Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary | 2,118 | 15,845 |
| Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan | 5,949 | 16,221 |
| Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belgaum | 1,549 | 16,260 |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore | 9,855 | 16,640 |
| Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga | 8,198 | 16,967 |
| Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi | 514 | 17,229 |
| ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga | 12,604 | 18,637 |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore | 16,544 | 20,155 |
| Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Chamarajanagar | 5,919 | 23,743 |
| SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur | 11,698 | 24,206 |
| JJM Medical College, Davangere | 1,577 | 24,255 |
| Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag | 17,557 | 27,154 |
| Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur | 10,094 | 27,935 |
| Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar | 14,402 | 28,765 |
| AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore | 17,973 | 29,055 |
| Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences, Koppal | 19,016 | 29,397 |
| Chikkaballapura Institute of Medical Sciences, Chikkaballapur | 17,051 | 29,432 |
| PES University Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore | 20,076 | 30,688 |
| Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore | 13,094 | 31,037 |
These expected ranks for MBBS admissions in Karnataka’s General Category reflect trends from 2025 data, offering you insight into potential college placements. Factors like seat availability and candidate scores will influence the final cutoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the NEET UG 2026 application period take place?
The NEET UG 2026 online application period was from 8 February 2026 to 8 March 2026.
When is the Karnataka Medical Counselling Registration expected to begin for 2026?
Registration for Karnataka medical counselling is expected to commence in August 2026, following the NEET UG 2026 result declaration on 15 July 2026.
What is the minimum age requirement for candidates applying for KEA NEET UG Counselling 2026?
Candidates must meet the minimum age of 17 years, as stipulated by NEET UG 2026 admission rules, to be eligible.
What is the registration fee for General category candidates for the KEA NEET UG Counselling 2026?
The registration fee for General/2A/2B/3A/3B category candidates is ₹2,500.
Which types of seats does KEA manage in state medical and dental colleges?
KEA manages 100% of Government Seats in state medical and dental colleges, along with significant Government Quota seats in private institutions, including 40% in KPCF medical and 35% in KPCF dental colleges.
