Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 will be conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to MBBS and BDS courses in government and private medical colleges across Karnataka. Candidates who qualify for NEET UG 2026 will be eligible to participate in the counselling process for 85% of state quota seats, while 15% of seats are filled under the All-India Quota (AIQ).
This article provides complete details, including an overview, important dates, eligibility, merit list, cutoff, counselling process, and top medical colleges in Karnataka.
Overview of Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET UG 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Courses Offered | MBBS & BDS |
| Counselling Mode | Online |
| NEET UG Exam Date | 3 May 2026 (Expected) |
| Counselling Start Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
| Total MBBS Seats in Karnataka | 10,000+ (Approx.) |
| Reservation | As per Karnataka Government norms |
Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Important Dates
Tentative Counselling Schedule
| Event | Expected Date: 2026 |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Exam | 3 May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | July 2026 |
| Document Verification | July 2026 |
| Merit List Release | August 2026 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | August 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | August 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling | September 2026 |
| Mop-up Round | October 2026 |
Official dates will be updated once KEA releases the notification.
Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka NEET UG 2026
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology & English.
- Minimum marks required:
- General: 50%
- OBC/SC/ST: 40%
- PwD: 45%
Age Criteria
- Minimum 17 years as of 31 December 2026.
- No upper age limit as per NMC guidelines.
Domicile Requirements
- Karnataka domicile candidates are eligible for 85% of the state quota.
- Non-domicile candidates are eligible for management/NRI quota seats.
Karnataka NEET UG Merit List 2026
The Karnataka NEET UG Merit List 2026 will be prepared by KEA based on:
- NEET UG 2026 All India Rank
- Category
- Reservation criteria
- Domicile status
Types of Merit List
- State Merit List
- Category-wise Merit List
- Mop-up Round Merit List
Only candidates listed in the merit list will be eligible for choice filling and seat allotment.
Karnataka NEET UG Cutoff 2026 (Expected)
| Category | Expected NEET Score |
|---|---|
| General | 620+ |
| OBC | 590+ |
| SC | 480+ |
| ST | 450+ |
The cutoff varies depending on seat availability, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of applicants.
Karnataka NEET UG Counselling Process 2026
Step 1: Online Registration
Candidates must register on the KEA portal using their NEET roll number and personal details.
Step 2: Document Verification
Upload and verify required documents online or at designated centers.
Step 3: Publication of Merit List
KEA releases state merit list.
Step 4: Choice Filling & Locking
Candidates select preferred colleges and lock choices before the deadline.
Step 5: Seat Allotment
Seat allotment is based on NEET rank, category, and availability.
Step 6: Reporting to Allotted College
Selected candidates must report within the given time frame.
Documents Required for Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
- NEET Scorecard
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheet
- Transfer Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport-size Photographs
Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru
- Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru
- Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi
- Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari
- Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya
Top Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
- St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru
- JSS Medical College, Mysuru
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who conducts Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026?
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the counselling.
Q2. When will Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 start?
Counseling is expected to begin in July 2026.
Q3. How many rounds are conducted?
Generally, Round 1, Round 2, and the mop-up round are conducted.
Q4. Is domicile compulsory?
Yes, domicile is mandatory for 85% of state quota seats.
Q5. What is the expected cutoff for MBBS in Karnataka government colleges?
For the general category, 600+ is considered competitive.
Q6. Can non-Karnataka students apply?
Yes, under management or the NRI quota.
Q7. What is the counselling mode?
The counselling process is conducted online by KEA.
Q8. Is NEET qualification mandatory?
Yes, qualifying for NEET UG 2026 is compulsory.
Conclusion
Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 is a crucial process for students aspiring to secure MBBS and BDS seats in Karnataka medical colleges. With a large number of government and private institutions, the state offers excellent opportunities. Candidates must carefully check eligibility, prepare required documents, and stay updated with official announcements from KEA.
https://www.bharatadmission.org/up-neet-ug-counselling-206/