Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026: Complete Guide to Registration, Eligibility, CAP Process & Seat Allotment

Qualifying NEET UG 2026 is only the first step toward securing an MBBS or BDS seat in Kerala. To participate in the state quota admission process, eligible candidates must complete the Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.

Admissions to MBBS and BDS under the Kerala State quota are carried out through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). Candidates are allotted seats based on their NEET UG 2026 rank, eligibility, reservation category, preferences filled during option registration, and seat availability. The admission process is governed by the KEAM 2026 Prospectus issued by the Government of Kerala.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026, including registration, important dates, eligibility, counselling process, seat allotment, reservation policy, and application fee.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Highlights

The table below highlights the key details of Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026, giving you a quick overview of the admission process, counselling authority, important rounds, and other essential information.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Important Dates

Candidates seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, and other Medical & Medical Allied courses through Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 must complete the application process within the prescribed timeline.

Who Conducts Kerala NEET UG Counselling?

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, is the authority responsible for conducting Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 for admission to state quota medical and dental seats.

CEE Kerala prepares the state merit list using the NEET UG 2026 scores and conducts admissions through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). The counselling covers admissions to:

• MBBS

• BDS

The counselling process is conducted entirely online, allowing candidates to register, upload documents, fill college preferences, participate in allotment rounds, and download allotment letters through the candidate portal.

Candidates can participate in both MCC counselling and Kerala State Counselling, provided they satisfy the eligibility criteria for each. 

Kerala State Counselling

• Conducted by CEE Kerala

• Covers Kerala State Quota seats

• Includes Government, Self-Financing, NRI and eligible Minority quota seats under CEE

• Based on Kerala eligibility rules

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Registration Process

Only candidates who successfully register and fulfil the eligibility conditions will be considered for seat allotment. Applications are accepted only through the online portal, and candidates should submit a single application for all eligible courses.

Step 1: Online Registration

Visit the CEE Kerala portal and register using a valid email ID and mobile number. After registration, an application number will be generated, which should be preserved for future login and counselling activities.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Log in to the candidate portal and enter personal details, academic qualifications, NEET UG information, nativity details, reservation claims, and the medical courses for which you wish to be considered. Ensure that all information is accurate before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment gateway available on the portal. The application is processed only after successful fee payment.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload the required documents in the prescribed format, including photograph, signature, proof of age, nativity certificate, reservation certificates, income certificate (where applicable), and other supporting documents as specified in the prospectus. Candidates should regularly check the candidate portal for any defect memos and rectify them within the stipulated time.

Step 5: Final Submission

After verifying all entered details, submit the application. Once submitted, download and keep a copy of the Application Acknowledgement Page for future reference. CEE does not require candidates to send printed copies of the application or documents by post unless specifically notified.

Once registration is completed and the application is accepted, candidates become eligible to participate in the merit list preparation, option registration, and subsequent CAP counselling rounds.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Admission to MBBS and BDS courses is based on the NEET UG 2026 rank, but candidates must also fulfil the state-specific eligibility requirements related to nationality, nativity, academic qualification, age, and reservation, wherever applicable.

Nationality

Only Indian Citizens are eligible for admission under Kerala NEET UG Counselling. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible in accordance with the applicable Government of India and National Medical Commission regulations.

Nativity

Candidates are classified into the following categories:

• Keralite

• Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I)

• Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II)

Admission eligibility, reservation benefits, and fee concessions vary depending on the nativity category. Candidates claiming Keralite or Non-Keralite status must upload the prescribed nativity certificates during the application process.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have:

• Passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination.

• Studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects.

• Qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum percentile prescribed by the National Medical Commission.
  

Admissions to MBBS and BDS courses are granted strictly on the basis of the NEET UG 2026 merit list.

Age Limit

Candidates should have completed 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026. The upper age limit, if any, shall be governed by the prevailing regulations of the National Medical Commission.

Reservation Eligibility

Candidates claiming reservation under SC, ST, SEBC, EWS, PwD, Minority, NRI, or any Special Reservation category must upload valid supporting certificates in the prescribed format while submitting the application. Failure to produce valid documents within the stipulated time may result in rejection of the reservation claim.

Documents Required for Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026

Candidates must upload the required documents during the online application process. Original documents will also be verified at the time of admission.

The commonly required documents include:

• NEET UG 2026 Scorecard

• NEET UG 2026 Admit Card

• Class 10 Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth)

• Class 12 Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate

• Recent Passport-size Photograph

• Candidate's Signature

• Valid Photo Identity Proof

• Nativity Certificate (if applicable)

• Community/Caste Certificate (SC/ST/SEBC)

• Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for eligible SEBC candidates)

• EWS Certificate (if applicable)

• Income Certificate (where applicable)

• PwD Certificate or UDID Card (if applicable)

• Minority Certificate (where applicable)

• NRI Sponsorship Documents (for NRI quota)

• Any other certificate claimed under Special Reservation categories

Candidates should upload only clear and valid documents in the prescribed format. If any defects are found in the uploaded documents, CEE Kerala will issue a defect memo through the Candidate Portal, which must be rectified within the specified deadline.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2025 Merit List

CEE Kerala prepares the Kerala State Merit List for Medical and Medical Allied courses.

The merit list is prepared based on:

• NEET UG 2026 rank

• Eligibility conditions prescribed by CEE Kerala

• Verified application details

• Valid reservation claims

• Nativity status

Only candidates included in the Kerala Merit List are eligible to participate in the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP).

CEE Kerala publishes the merit list through the official candidate portal before the commencement of option registration. You can find the 2025 merit list here: Kerala NEET UG 2025 Merit List PDF

Kerala NEET UG Counselling Seat Matrix 2025

The table below shows the Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2025 seat matrix for private medical colleges in Round 1.

MBBS Course

Kerala NEET UG Reservation Policy 2026

Kerala follows the reservation policy notified by the Government of Kerala for admissions under the State Quota. Reservation benefits are available only to eligible candidates who produce valid certificates within the prescribed time.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling Choice Filling Process

After the Kerala State Merit List is published, eligible candidates must participate in the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) by submitting their online options. During this stage, candidates can select and arrange colleges and courses in the order of their preference.

The option registration process is conducted entirely online through the CEE Kerala candidate portal. Candidates are advised to carefully prioritize their choices, as seat allotment is based on the options submitted, NEET UG rank, reservation category, eligibility, and seat availability. Online option confirmation is mandatory for participation in each phase of allotment unless otherwise notified by CEE Kerala.

Steps to Fill Choices

1. Log in to the CEE Kerala Candidate Portal.

2. Access the online option registration page.

3. Select the preferred medical and dental colleges.

4. Arrange the colleges in the desired order of preference.

5. Save and review the choices before the deadline.

6. Confirm the options to participate in the respective counselling round.

There is no limit on the number of eligible colleges or courses a candidate may choose. However, candidates should list their genuine preferences because allotment is made according to the highest available option based on merit and seat availability.

Seat Allotment Process

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala conducts seat allotment through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). The allotment process is fully online and is carried out separately for each counselling round.

Seat allotment is determined by:

• NEET UG 2026 Rank

• Kerala State Merit List

• Nativity and eligibility

• Reservation category

• Options submitted by the candidate

• Availability of seats

After each allotment round, candidates can download their Allotment Memo from the candidate portal.

Candidates allotted a seat must:

• Download the allotment memo.

• Pay the prescribed admission fee, if applicable.

• Report to the allotted college within the specified deadline.

• Complete document verification.

• Complete the admission formalities.

Failure to report within the stipulated period may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat as per the counselling rules. The allotment process and reporting schedule are notified separately for every counselling round.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling Rounds

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 is expected to be conducted in multiple rounds through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP), depending on seat availability.

Round 1

Round 1 is open to all eligible candidates included in the Kerala State Merit List who have completed registration and submitted their online options.

Round 2

Candidates who wish to upgrade their allotted seat or who did not receive a seat in Round 1 can participate in Round 2, subject to the counselling rules notified by CEE Kerala.

Mop-Up Round

The Mop-Up Round is conducted to fill seats that remain vacant after the completion of the first two rounds. Fresh option registration or option confirmation may be required as per the official notification.

Stray Vacancy Round

If seats remain vacant after the Mop-Up Round, eligible colleges may conduct the Stray Vacancy Round in accordance with the guidelines issued by CEE Kerala and the competent authorities.

Candidates should regularly check the CEE Kerala website, as the eligibility conditions and participation rules may vary for each counselling round.

Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for KEAM 2026 is payable online at the time of submitting the application. The fee varies depending on the candidate's category.