NEET UG 2026 Karnataka Counselling: KEA Registration, Private MBBS Fees & College List
NEET UG 2026 results are out, and Karnataka stands as one of the most attractive destinations for medical aspirants. With the highest number of MBBS seats in India (15,395), Karnataka offers a wide range of options – from prestigious government medical colleges like BMCRI to top-tier private institutions like St. John's and Kasturba. The state's counselling process is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about NEET UG 2026 Karnataka counselling – KEA registration process, state quota eligibility, private MBBS fees, complete college list, expected cutoffs, seat matrix, and a step‑by‑step counselling walkthrough. Whether you are a Karnataka domicile candidate or an out‑of‑state aspirant, this blog is your one‑stop reference. 🚀
📌 Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Courses Covered | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BNYS, BPTh, BOTh, BASLP |
| Admission Basis | NEET UG 2026 Score (All India Rank) |
| Mode of Counselling | Online Centralised Counselling |
| State Quota Seats (Govt.) | 85% Seats (filled by KEA) |
| Private Quota Seats | 50% State Quota + 50% Management/NRI Quota |
| All India Quota (MBBS/BDS) | 15% Seats (conducted by MCC) |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
🏛️ Karnataka MBBS Seat Matrix 2026 – Total Seats & Distribution
Karnataka offers the highest number of MBBS seats in India – 15,395 – for the 2026‑27 session. This makes it a highly competitive yet opportunity‑rich state for medical admissions.
Total MBBS Seats
Government Seats
Private Seats
Medical Colleges
Seat Increase (2025 vs 2026): Karnataka added 1,300 new MBBS seats this year – taking the total from 14,095 to 15,395. This includes seats in both government and private institutions.
Quota Distribution:
- 85% State Quota (Government Colleges) – filled by KEA (domicile required).
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ) – filled by MCC.
- Private Colleges: 50% State Quota (KEA) + 50% Management/NRI Quota.
Important: Karnataka is a "closed state" – you must have a valid Karnataka domicile to be eligible for the 85% state quota seats in government colleges. However, private colleges have a 50% state quota open to Karnataka domicile candidates.
🏥 Karnataka Government Medical Colleges – Complete List with Seat Intake
Karnataka has a strong network of government medical colleges, with Bengaluru Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI) leading the list. Below are the major government medical colleges in the state:
| College Name | Location | Seat Intake |
|---|---|---|
| BMCRI, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | 250 |
| Mysore Medical College & Research Institute | Mysore | 200 |
| Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences | Shimoga | 150 |
| Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences | Gulbarga | 150 |
| Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences | Belagavi | 150 |
| Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences | Koppal | 100 |
| Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences | Bidar | 100 |
| Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences | Hassan | 100 |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences | Mandya | 100 |
| Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences | Raichur | 100 |
| Yadgiri Institute of Medical Sciences | Yadgiri | 100 |
| Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences | Chamarajanagar | 100 |
| Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences | Kodagu | 100 |
| Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences | Karwar | 100 |
| Chikkaballapur Institute of Medical Sciences | Chikkaballapur | 100 |
🏛️ Top Private MBBS Colleges in Karnataka – State Quota & Fees
Karnataka is home to some of India's most prestigious private medical colleges. These institutions offer excellent infrastructure, clinical exposure, and faculty. Below is a list of top private medical colleges along with their state quota fees (approximate):
| College Name | Location | State Quota Fee (Annual) | Management Quota Fee (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's Medical College | Bengaluru | ₹8.5 Lakh | ₹18 Lakh |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | Manipal | ₹12 Lakh | ₹22 Lakh |
| Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore | Mangalore | ₹12 Lakh | ₹22 Lakh |
| M.S. Ramaiah Medical College | Bengaluru | ₹8 Lakh | ₹16 Lakh |
| JSS Medical College | Mysore | ₹9 Lakh | ₹18 Lakh |
| KIMS, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | ₹8 Lakh | ₹16 Lakh |
| B.M.S. Institute of Medical Sciences | Bengaluru | ₹7.5 Lakh | ₹15 Lakh |
| Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences | Mandya | ₹7 Lakh | ₹14 Lakh |
| SDM College of Medical Sciences | Dharwad | ₹7 Lakh | ₹14 Lakh |
| JJM Medical College | Davanagere | ₹6.5 Lakh | ₹13 Lakh |
| MVJ Medical College | Bengaluru | ₹6 Lakh | ₹12 Lakh |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College | Bengaluru | ₹5 Lakh | ₹10 Lakh |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences | Bengaluru | ₹7.5 Lakh | ₹15 Lakh |
| Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College | Kolar | ₹6.5 Lakh | ₹13 Lakh |
| Rajarajeswari Medical College | Bengaluru | ₹7 Lakh | ₹14 Lakh |
Note: Fees for state quota seats in private colleges are fixed by the KEA based on government orders. Management/NRI quota fees are significantly higher and vary by institution.
💰 Private MBBS Fees in Karnataka – Complete Breakdown
Karnataka's private medical colleges have a two‑tier fee structure – State Quota (KEA‑allotted) and Management/NRI Quota. Here's a comparative overview:
| Quota Type | Annual Fees Range | Total Course Cost (5.5 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| State Quota (KEA) | ₹5 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh | ₹27.5 Lakh – ₹66 Lakh |
| Management Quota | ₹10 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh | ₹55 Lakh – ₹1.37 Crore |
| NRI Quota | ₹15 Lakh – ₹35 Lakh | ₹82.5 Lakh – ₹1.92 Crore |
Key Observation: State quota seats in private colleges are significantly more affordable – up to 50-60% cheaper than management quota seats. This is why securing a state quota seat through KEA counselling is highly advantageous.
📊 NEET 2026 Karnataka Expected Cutoff – Category Wise
Given the large number of seats and the state's popularity, Karnataka's cutoffs are competitive but offer more opportunities than many other states. Below is the expected cutoff range (marks) for government colleges in Karnataka:
| Category | Expected Cutoff Range (Marks) |
|---|---|
| General (GM) | 560 – 630 |
| General (GM) – PH | 480 – 550 |
| OBC / Category-1 | 420 – 570 |
| SC | 240 – 520 |
| ST | 220 – 490 |
| 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 380 – 550 |
Interpretation: The higher end of the range applies to top colleges like BMCRI, Mysore Medical College, while the lower end is for less competitive government colleges (e.g., Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Karwar). Use your score to shortlist colleges accordingly.
✅ Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
To participate in Karnataka state quota counselling, candidates must meet these criteria:
- NEET Qualification: Must have qualified NEET UG 2026.
- Academic Qualification: 10+2 (PCB + English) with minimum 50% (General) / 40% (SC/ST/OBC).
- Age Limit: Must be at least 17 years old as of 31 December 2026.
- Domicile (for State Quota): Must have a valid Karnataka domicile (for 85% state quota in government colleges).
- For Private State Quota: Karnataka domicile candidates are eligible for 50% state quota seats in private colleges.
📝 Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 – Step‑by‑Step KEA Registration Process
The entire counselling process is managed by KEA through its online portal. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit Official Website: Go to kea.kar.nic.in.
- New Registration: Click on "NEET UG 2026 Counselling" and enter your NEET Roll Number, DOB, Mobile, and Email.
- Fill Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and NEET details. Select your category and quota preferences.
- Upload Documents: Scanned copies of NEET scorecard, photo, signature, domicile certificate, category certificate, and other required documents.
- Pay Application Fee: ₹1,500 (General) / ₹750 (Reserved) – online payment.
- Document Verification: Complete online verification as per the KEA notification. Some categories may require physical verification.
- Choice Filling & Locking: Select your preferred colleges and courses based on your rank, fees, and location, then lock your choices before the deadline.
- Seat Allotment: Check the round‑wise allotment results on the KEA portal.
- Reporting: If allotted a seat, report to the allotted college with original documents and pay the admission fee within the specified time.
- Participate in Subsequent Rounds: If not satisfied with the first round, participate in Round 2, Mop‑Up, and Stray rounds for better options.
📅 Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 – Expected Schedule
Due to the re‑NEET on 21 June, the counselling timeline may be pushed back. Here is the expected schedule:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration | Mid‑July 2026 |
| Karnataka State Merit List | August 2026 |
| KEA Registration Start | August – September 2026 |
| Round 1 Choice Filling & Allotment | August – September 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling | September – October 2026 |
| Mop‑Up / Stray Vacancy Round | October – November 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | November 2026 |
Note: These are tentative dates. Always check kea.kar.nic.in for official announcements.
📋 Documents Required for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026
Keep these documents ready for verification:
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card & Scorecard
- Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12 Marksheet & Passing Certificate
- Karnataka Domicile Certificate (for state quota)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Category‑1/2A/2B/3A/3B) – if applicable
- Income Certificate (for EWS / fee concession)
- Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence)
- Passport‑size Photographs (white background – 4‑6 copies)
- Allotment Letter & Fee Payment Receipt
💡 Smart Counselling Tips for Karnataka Aspirants
- Register for both AIQ (MCC) and State Quota (KEA) – maximise your chances.
- Strategic choice filling – include Dream, Realistic, and Safe categories.
- Prioritise government colleges – extremely low fees and excellent education.
- Study past cutoffs – expect a moderate increase in 2026.
- Prepare documents in advance – keep originals and self‑attested copies ready.
- Check the official KEA portal daily – never miss an update at kea.kar.nic.in.
- Consider state quota in private colleges – it offers a good balance of affordability and quality.