Karnataka UG Counselling 2026: Registration, Dates, Eligibility, Seat Matrix & Complete KEA Process

The counselling will be held by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on the basis of NEET UG 2026 scores. Candidates applying for admission under different seat categories need to complete online registration and upload the relevant documents and attend the counselling process. Karnataka is one of the very few states where eligible non-Karnataka candidates can also apply for certain private and management quota seats, making it a preferred counselling option for students across India.

In this article, you will find all the details about Karnataka UG Counselling 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, seat categories, registration process, required documents, fee structure, participating medical colleges, and official KEA contact details.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Highlights

Before applying for the counselling, candidates must know the following important points.

Latest Updates on Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026

Following the completion of registration, KEA will publish the verified candidate list and counselling schedule. Candidates whose documents are successfully verified will be eligible to participate in the option entry and seat allotment process.

Some of the important updates for Karnataka UG Counselling 2026 include:

• Online registration has commenced through the KEA portal.

• Document upload and verification are mandatory before participating in seat allotment.

• The Karnataka NEET UG merit list will be published after successful verification of candidate details.

• The detailed MBBS and BDS seat matrix will be released before the option entry window opens.

• Mock seat allotment will be conducted to help candidates understand their likely allotment based on their preferences.

• Candidates will have an opportunity to modify or reorder their choices before the final seat allotment.

• Seat allotment will be conducted in multiple rounds, including Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and additional rounds if seats remain vacant.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the KEA portal, as counselling schedules, notices, and revised instructions may be issued during the admission process.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Important Dates

Candidates must complete each stage of the counselling process within the prescribed timeline announced by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Missing any deadline may result in disqualification from the ongoing round of counselling. KEA has also opened a fresh registration window for candidates who did not register earlier through UGCET 2026.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority to participate in Karnataka UG Counselling 2026. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the seat category for which a candidate is applying.

NEET UG Qualification

Only candidates with a valid NEET UG 2026 score are eligible for admission to MBBS and BDS courses.

Educational Qualification

Applicants should have passed Class 12 or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognised board. 

Age Requirement

Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026, as per the NEET UG eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for Government Quota Seats

Admission to Government quota seats is available only to Indian citizens who satisfy at least one of the eligibility clauses notified by KEA under Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government Seats in Professional Educational Institutions Rules, 2006.

Candidates claiming Government quota seats must:

• Fulfil at least one of the prescribed KEA eligibility clauses.

• Produce the original supporting documents during document verification.

• Ensure that all certificates submitted are genuine and valid.

If any document or claim is found to be false or incorrect at any stage, the allotted seat is liable to be cancelled and the fee paid may be forfeited as per KEA rules.

Kalyana Karnataka Reservation (Article 371J)

Candidates claiming reservation under Article 371J (Kalyana Karnataka) must obtain the prescribed eligibility certificate from the concerned Assistant Commissioner and enter the RD Number while filling out the online application form.

Reservation and Income Certificates

Candidates claiming reservation or fee concessions must ensure that the required certificates are issued in the candidate's own name.

Candidates whose annual family income is less than ₹8 lakh should obtain a valid Income Certificate from the competent authority and provide the corresponding RD Number during registration to claim benefits such as fee exemption or eligibility under the Supernumerary Quota (SNQ), wherever applicable.

Non-Karnataka Candidates

Candidates from other states are generally not eligible for Government quota seats in Karnataka. However, they may apply for eligible private, management, NRI, and other applicable seat categories in accordance with the rules notified by KEA.

NRI Candidates

Candidates seeking admission under the NRI quota must submit all supporting documents prescribed by KEA to establish their eligibility during the counselling process.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling Seat Categories Explained

Karnataka offers multiple seat categories through its counselling process, allowing admissions under government, private (includes minority seats), NRI and other seats. Understanding these categories helps candidates make informed choices during option entry.

Government Quota Seats

These seats are available primarily for eligible Karnataka candidates who fulfil the domicile and eligibility conditions specified by KEA. Government quota seats generally have the lowest tuition fees and are offered in government as well as selected private medical colleges.

Private Quota Seats

Private quota seats are available in private medical colleges. Eligible candidates, including certain non-Karnataka applicants, may apply for these seats depending on the eligibility conditions prescribed by KEA. Minority seats come under Private Quota Seats:

• Minority Seats
  

Minority institutions reserve certain seats for candidates belonging to the respective minority community, subject to eligibility conditions and applicable regulations.

NRI Quota Seats

These seats are reserved for eligible NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals and NRI-sponsored candidates who can produce the necessary documents supporting their status. The fee structure for NRI quota seats is typically higher than other categories.

Other Seats

Private medical colleges offer other seats at a higher tuition fee compared to government quota seats. Candidates from across India are generally eligible to compete for these seats, subject to KEA's counselling rules.

Note: Choosing the correct seat category during registration is important, as it determines the range of colleges and seats available during counselling. Candidates should review the official KEA information bulletin carefully before submitting their application to ensure they apply under the appropriate category.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling Reservation Policy

The exact distribution of seats may vary depending on the institution and applicable regulations. Candidates should refer to the latest KEA Information Bulletin for category-wise reservation details before exercising their choices.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Registration Process

Candidates seeking admission through Karnataka UG Counselling 2026 must complete the online registration process on the official KEA portal. Only successfully registered candidates who complete document verification will be eligible for seat allotment.

Step 1: Visit the KEA Portal

Visit the official KEA counselling website and click on the UGNEET 2026 Registration link.

Step 2: Register Online

Enter the required details, including:

• NEET UG 2026 Roll Number

• NEET Application Number

• Candidate's Name

• Date of Birth

• Mobile Number

• Email ID

Generate login credentials for future use.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Provide the required information, including:

• Personal details

• Academic qualifications

• Communication address

• Category details

• Karnataka eligibility clause

• Reservation claim (if applicable)

Ensure all information matches the documents submitted.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of the prescribed documents in the specified format, including:

• NEET UG Scorecard

• Class 10 Certificate

• Class 12 Marks Card

• Photograph

• Signature

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

• Income Certificate (if applicable)

• Study Certificate

• Identity Proof

Candidates applying under NRI or special categories must upload the relevant supporting documents.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

Pay the applicable counselling registration fee through the online payment gateway using:

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Net Banking

• UPI
  

The application will be considered complete only after successful fee payment.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review all the entered details carefully before final submission. Once submitted, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Step 7: Document Verification

Document verification takes place at KEA (offline) for specified clauses. Only verified candidates can participate in option entry and seat allotment.

Documents Required for Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026

Candidates must keep both original documents and scanned copies ready during registration and admission. Failure to produce any mandatory document may lead to cancellation of candidature.

• NEET UG 2026 Scorecard

• NEET UG Admit Card

• Class 10 Marks Card / SSLC Certificate (Date of Birth Proof)

• Class 12 Marks Card / PUC Certificate

• Transfer Certificate

• Aadhaar Card or Valid Photo ID

• Passport-size Photographs

• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC), if applicable

• Income Certificate, if applicable

• Kannada Medium Certificate, if applicable

• PwD Certificate, if applicable

• NCC / Defence / Ex-Servicemen Certificate, if applicable

• NRI Sponsorship and Supporting Documents, if applicable
  

Karnataka MBBS Seat Matrix 2025

The official Karnataka MBBS Seat Matrix 2025 for Round 1 is available. Click here to download.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling Fees 2026

Candidates must pay the prescribed fee to participate in Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026. Check the latest KEA notification for the applicable fee based on your category and counselling stage.

Top Medical Colleges Through Karnataka NEET Counselling

Choosing the right medical college goes beyond just the cutoff. Explore some of the top colleges participating in Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 and compare their approved MBBS seat intake.

Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Helpline

Candidates facing issues during registration, document verification, option entry, or seat allotment can contact the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

• Counselling Authority: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
  

• Official Website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea 
  

• Helpdesk Address: Sampige Road, 18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 560012
  

• Email: keauthority-ka@nic.in
  

• Phone: 080-23460460
  

Candidates should regularly check the official KEA portal for notifications, counselling schedules, and other important announcements.