Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026: Stray Round 2026 Registration Begins, Last Date

The Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 Stray Vacancy Round registration has opened through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates can register and submit their choices through the official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

• Registration Dates: The Stray Vacancy Round registration window is open from October 13 to October 16, 2026. Both fresh and existing applicants can participate, subject to KEA's eligibility requirements.
• Available Seats: A total of 664 unfilled MBBS seats are available across private medical colleges. No BDS seats are available in this round.
• Management Quota Seats: Of the available seats, 637 fall under the Others (OTH) management quota, with annual fees ranging from ₹25.09 lakh to ₹45 lakh.
• Srinivasa Institute of Medical Sciences: The remaining 27 MBBS seats are available at Srinivasa Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, with an annual fee of ₹22.25 lakh.
• Option Entry and Allotment: KEA will publish the option entry and seat allotment schedule on its official portal. Additional seats may be included if Round 3 allotments are forfeited.

Candidates should check the official KEA website for eligibility conditions, option entry deadlines, seat availability, fee details, and allotment updates.

What is Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027?

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027 is the official process by which MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH seats at Karnataka medical colleges are allotted to NEET UG qualified candidates. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), functioning under the Department of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Government of Karnataka, is the conducting authority for all state quota counselling.

KEA manages the 85% State Quota seats at government and private medical colleges across Karnataka. The remaining 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats are handled separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India. Karnataka-domicile candidates who want AIQ seats must register with MCC separately — not through KEA.

Karnataka is one of India’s largest states for medical education. With more than 9,133 MBBS seats across 64 medical colleges — including government, private unaided, minority, and deemed institutions — competition for state quota government college seats is intense. The counselling runs in four rounds, and the entire process from registration to final reporting typically spans three months.

Key Details About Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Important Dates

The Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027 official schedule has not been released yet by KEA. The 2027 dates will be announced after NEET UG 2027 results are declared by NTA. Based on the 2026 counselling schedule, the expected timeline for 2027 is listed below — all events are upcoming as of today.

All 2027 dates listed below are expected and tentative. KEA will publish the official 2027 schedule on its portal after NEET UG 2027 results are announced. Always confirm at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea before taking any action.

Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) — Official Portal

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Eligibility Criteria

To register for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027, you must meet two separate sets of conditions: the NEET UG qualifying criteria set by NTA, and the Karnataka state-specific eligibility requirements defined by KEA. Meeting only one of these is not enough.

NEET UG Qualifying Criteria

You must have qualified NEET UG 2027 with the minimum qualifying percentile. These thresholds are category-specific:

Qualifying NEET UG makes you eligible to register for counselling. It does not guarantee an MBBS seat — actual admission requires a much higher score.

Academic Requirements

• You must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects.
• You must have scored at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12. For SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates, the minimum is 40%.
• Students appearing for Class 12 in 2027 are provisionally eligible, provided they pass before the admission process is finalized.

Age Requirements

• You must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2027.
• There is no upper age limit for MBBS or BDS admissions, as per the Supreme Court ruling upheld in 2023.

State Quota Eligibility

For government quota MBBS seats at Karnataka government medical colleges, you must also satisfy the Karnataka domicile requirement through one of the officially recognized eligibility clauses (Clause A to Clause O) defined by KEA. Private college management quota seats are open to all NEET UG qualified candidates regardless of state domicile.

Karnataka Domicile Clauses: Who Can Apply for State Quota?

Karnataka has one of India’s most detailed state domicile eligibility frameworks for medical admissions. To apply for government quota MBBS seats at Karnataka government medical colleges, you must qualify under one of the KEA eligibility clauses — each with specific documentation requirements. Getting the right certificate well before counselling begins is critical.

Study-Based and Language-Based Clauses

Government Employee, Defence, and Other Clauses

You must carry the relevant clause certificate — signed and countersigned by the authorized officer — in original during document verification at the KEA Help Line Centre. Without a valid clause document, your eligibility for government quota seats will be rejected and you will only be considered for management or NRI quota seats at private colleges.

Non-Karnataka candidates who do not qualify under any of the clauses above cannot apply for government quota MBBS seats at Karnataka government medical colleges. They may register only for management quota and NRI quota seats at private medical colleges participating in KEA counselling.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Registration Process and Fees

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027 registration will be done entirely online on the KEA portal. The registration window is typically open for only 7–10 days — you must complete all steps within the deadline. Missing the registration window means you cannot participate in Round 1.

How to Register for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027

1. Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea after the official 2027 notification is released.
2. Click on the NEET UG 2027 counselling registration link.
3. Enter your NEET UG 2027 application number, date of birth, and other basic details to create your login.
4. Fill in your personal details, address, educational qualifications, and select your eligibility clause.
5. Upload the required documents based on your category and eligibility clause.
6. Pay the registration fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
7. Download and save your registration confirmation slip for your records.
8. Appear for document verification at the KEA Help Line Centre (HLC) assigned to your district on the scheduled date.

Registration and Option Entry Fees (Based on 2026 Structure)

The registration fee is non-refundable. In addition, you must pay a caution deposit before your option entry becomes active in each round. This caution deposit is separate from the registration fee and is paid per round through the KEA portal.

Candidates who cancel a confirmed MBBS seat after the Round 3 deadline may be liable to pay a penalty of up to ₹1,00,000. Think carefully before withdrawing from an allotted seat in the later rounds.

Document Verification at HLCs

After registering online, you must appear in person for document verification at your assigned KEA Help Line Centre (HLC). KEA assigns HLCs based on the district mentioned in your application. Document verification is mandatory for all candidates applying for government quota seats — allotment cannot happen without it.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Documents Required

You must bring all required documents in original along with self-attested photocopies to the HLC on your document verification date. Missing even one document can disqualify you from government quota seat allotment. Prepare your documents well in advance.

Documents Required for All Candidates

• Printed KEA online application form (downloaded from the KEA portal after registration)
• NEET UG 2027 Admit Card
• NEET UG 2027 Score Card / Result
• SSLC / Class 10 Marks Card (used as date of birth proof)
• 2nd PUC / Class 12 Marks Card
• Study Certificate proving 7 years of study in Karnataka (for Clause A), countersigned by the Block Education Officer (BEO) or Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI)
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card preferred)

Additional Documents Based on Category or Sub-Quota

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Participating Colleges and Seat Matrix

The KEA state quota counselling covers MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH seats across government, private unaided, minority, and deemed medical colleges. In 2026, over 9,133 MBBS seats were available across 64 colleges under KEA counselling. The 2027 seat matrix will be published by KEA on its portal before option entry opens for Round 1.

Karnataka MBBS Seat Distribution by College Type (2026 Reference)

Seat Types Under KEA Counselling

Within these 64 colleges, KEA manages several distinct seat quota types. Understanding which seat type you qualify for helps you fill options accurately:

• HK Seats (Hyderabad-Karnataka region quota): Around 987 seats for candidates from six backward districts — Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, and Ballari. At colleges within the HK region, up to 70% of seats may be reserved for HK-eligible candidates.
• RK Seats (Rest of Karnataka): Around 3,959 seats open to all eligible Karnataka-domicile candidates across the state.
• GMP Seats (Government Merit Private): Around 1,067 government merit seats at private medical colleges — filled on merit and category reservation, similar to government college seats.
• OPN / Management Seats: Around 819 open management quota seats at private colleges, open to all NEET qualifiers regardless of domicile.
• NRI Seats: Around 876 seats for NRI-sponsored candidates at private and deemed colleges.
• Minority Seats: Around 1,162 seats at linguistic and religious minority institutions.

Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka (State Quota)

KEA publishes the complete seat matrix — college-wise and category-wise — on its official website before option entry opens for each round. Always download the seat matrix and filter by your exact category code before filling options.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Reservation Policy

Karnataka follows a multi-layered reservation system that is distinct from the central reservation policy. There are two levels: vertical (base) reservations by caste and community, and horizontal sub-quota reservations by school type and region. Understanding your full category code — which combines both levels — is essential before filling options in KEA counselling.

Vertical (Base) Reservation Categories

Horizontal Sub-Quota Suffix System

Karnataka overlays a suffix code on each base category to create sub-quotas within every reservation group. This creates over 48 distinct seat types. Your suffix is determined by your school type and region:

• K-suffix (e.g., GMK, 2AK, SCK): For candidates who studied in Kannada-medium schools from Classes 1 to 10. Proof: Kannada medium study certificate countersigned by BEO.
• R-suffix (e.g., GMR, 2AR, SCR): For candidates who studied in rural area schools. Requires an NCL certificate. The rural sub-quota gives reserved candidates from rural backgrounds an additional advantage over urban peers in the same base category.
• H-suffix (e.g., GMH, 2AH, SCH): For candidates from the Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) region under Article 371(j) of the Constitution. Proof: Article 371(j) certificate.
• Combined suffixes (KH, RH, KRH): Available when you qualify under multiple sub-quota conditions simultaneously — e.g., KH means Kannada-medium schooling plus HK-region domicile.

For example, an SC category candidate who studied in a Kannada-medium school in the HK region would carry the code SCKH — eligible for SC base reservation plus K-suffix and H-suffix sub-quotas.

Other Horizontal Reservations (Within Each Category)

• Women reservation: 30% of seats within each category are reserved for women candidates.
• PwD reservation: 5% of total seats across all categories for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (minimum 40% disability).
• Defence, NCC, Sports: Small additional quotas at select colleges — check KEA’s official notification for the full list.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Seat Allotment

The Karnataka NEET Counselling seat allotment is done by the KEA system using a merit-and-preference-based algorithm. Your NEET UG 2027 rank within your category, combined with the order of preferences you entered, determines which seat you receive.

How the Seat Allotment Algorithm Works

• The KEA system processes all candidates in merit order — the highest-ranked candidate within a category gets their first available preference before lower-ranked candidates are processed.
• If your first-choice college-course-category seat has no vacancy, the system moves to your second choice, then your third, and so on.
• The system runs this matching for all candidates simultaneously and generates a single allotment result — no manual intervention is involved.
• A provisional allotment is released first. You can accept the seat by paying and reporting, or choose to participate in the next round for a better option.

What to Do After Allotment

1. Log in to the KEA portal and check your allotment result using your credentials.
2. Pay the institution fee online within the deadline. Missing the fee payment deadline means your seat is automatically cancelled — there is no grace period.
3. Download the allotment letter from the KEA portal and take a printout for your records.
4. Report to the allotted college with all original documents and the fee payment receipt by the college reporting deadline.
5. If you want to try for a better seat in the next round, choose the upgradation option — your current seat is held provisionally while you participate in the next round. If you get a better seat, you move to the new college; if not, your current seat is retained.

Cancelling a confirmed MBBS seat after the Round 3 deadline attracts a financial penalty of up to ₹1,00,000. The penalty is enforced strictly — weigh this carefully before choosing to withdraw in the later rounds.

Karnataka NEET Counselling 2027: Preparation Tips

If you are planning to appear in NEET UG 2027 and target a government MBBS seat in Karnataka, you can start preparing for the counselling process right now — well before the KEA notification is released. The document requirements, category certificates, and domicile proofs can take weeks to obtain from government offices. Starting early saves significant stress during the short registration window.

Before NEET UG 2027 — Do This Now

• Obtain your study certificate early: Clause A requires a study certificate countersigned by the BEO or DDPI proving 7 years of continuous study in Karnataka. After results are announced in June–July 2027, Help Line Centres are flooded with appointments. Get the study certificate signed before or immediately after the exam — not after results.
• Prepare category documents: If you belong to SC, ST, OBC, or any backward class, ensure your caste certificate is in the correct KEA-prescribed form (Form D, E, or F). For OBC candidates, the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate must be valid for the year of admission — an outdated NCL from a previous year is not accepted.
• Confirm your eligibility clause: If you qualify under Clauses E–O (defence, government employee, HK region, etc.) rather than Clause A, start collecting the relevant documents from the appropriate authority now. These can take considerable time to obtain.
• Know your exact category code: Confirm your full KEA category code — combining your base category (e.g., 2A, SC, GM) with any applicable suffix (K, R, H, KH, RH) — before the counselling begins. A wrong code during option entry leads to allotment errors that are difficult to correct.
• Bookmark the KEA website: Monitor cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea from May 2027 onwards for the official notification and registration link.

During Counselling

• Register on the first day: The registration window for each round is typically 7–10 days. Completing your application and paying the fee on Day 1 gives you time to correct any errors before the window closes.
• Go to the HLC early on your verification date: Bring originals and at least three sets of photocopies of every document. KEA officers reject candidates who arrive without originals — there is no second attempt at the same HLC session.
• Study previous-year closing ranks before option entry: Research KEA’s published round-wise allotment data from 2026 for your specific category and target colleges. This tells you what rank was needed to get into each college in your category — use it to calibrate your option list realistically.
• Enter every college you are willing to attend: Do not limit yourself to only top choices out of ambition. The algorithm always gives you the best available match — entering more options never hurts and only improves your chances.