Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, for MBBS and BDS admissions across government and private medical colleges in the state. The NEET UG 2026 re-exam was held on June 21, 2026, and the result is now expected by mid-to-late July 2026. Once the result is declared, CEE Kerala will release the official counselling schedule on cee.kerala.gov.in. The counselling covers approximately 5,400+ MBBS seats across 36 medical colleges in Kerala, including around 14 government and over 20 private institutions.
- NEET UG 2026 Answer Key: The provisional answer key is expected on June 24–26, 2026 on neet.nta.nic.in. Candidates can raise objections within the window before the final key is published. In 2025, the objection window lasted 3–4 days after the provisional key.
- NEET UG 2026 Result: Expected by July 20–25, 2026. NTA typically declares the result 40–45 days after the exam. Since the re-exam was on June 21, candidates should monitor neet.nta.nic.in from the third week of July 2026 onwards.
- Kerala Counselling Registration: CEE Kerala is expected to open registration in August 2026, shortly after the NEET result. In 2025, registration opened within 2–3 weeks of the result declaration. The 2026 window is expected to follow a similar gap.
- Round 1 Seat Allotment: Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Round 1 allotment is expected in August–September 2026. Over 5,400 MBBS seats across 36 colleges will be allotted through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) managed by CEE Kerala.
What is Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is the centralised seat allotment process for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, and BVSc admissions in Kerala. The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala conducts this process on behalf of the Government of Kerala. Every year, thousands of NEET-qualified candidates from Kerala participate in this counselling to secure a seat in one of the state’s medical or dental colleges.
CEE Kerala manages the 85% state quota seats in all government medical colleges and the government, management, NRI, and minority quota seats in private self-financing colleges. The remaining 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges are managed separately by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) at the national level through mcc.nic.in.
The counselling takes place through a Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). All eligible candidates go through a single online portal for registration, certificate verification, choice filling, and seat allotment across multiple rounds. The entire process is rank-based and transparent.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, BVSc and allied courses |
| Total Medical Colleges (Approx.) | 36 (14 Government + 22+ Private) |
| Total MBBS Seats (Approx.) | More than 5,400 |
| Total BDS Seats (Approx.) | More than 2,000 |
| State Quota | 85% of government seats (managed by CEE Kerala) |
| All India Quota | 15% of government seats (managed by MCC) |
| Eligibility Basis | NEET UG 2026 score and rank |
| Counselling Mode | Online — Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) |
| Official Website | cee.kerala.gov.in |
Kerala has one of the largest medical education infrastructures in South India. With government colleges like Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode among the most sought-after in the country, competition for Kerala state quota seats is extremely intense. The 2026 counselling cycle is running later than usual because of the NEET UG 2026 re-exam held on June 21, 2026.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Important Dates
The official Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 schedule has not been released yet. CEE Kerala will publish the counselling calendar on cee.kerala.gov.in after the NEET UG 2026 result is declared. The dates below are expected timelines based on the 2025 counselling pattern, adjusted for the June 21, 2026 re-exam date.
All dates below are tentative. The NEET re-exam was completed on June 21, 2026. The full counselling timeline depends on the official result declaration. Candidates must confirm all dates from cee.kerala.gov.in.
| Event | Expected Date (2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Provisional Answer Key | June 24–26, 2026 | Upcoming |
| NEET UG 2026 Final Answer Key | First week of July 2026 | Upcoming |
| NEET UG 2026 Result Declaration | July 20–25, 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| CEE Kerala Counselling Notification and Prospectus | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Online Registration and Fee Payment | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Document Upload and Certificate Verification | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Provisional Merit List / Rank List | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Round 1 — Trial Allotment | Late August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Round 1 — Choice Filling and Locking | Late August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Round 1 — Seat Allotment Result | Late August or Early September 2026 | Upcoming |
| Round 2 — Seat Allotment Result | September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Mop-Up / Stray Vacancy Round | September–October 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Special Stray Vacancy Round (If applicable) | December 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam | June 21, 2026 | (Over) |
Source: CEE Kerala Official Website — Expected dates derived from the 2025 counselling calendar, shifted to account for the June 21, 2026 re-exam date
Eligibility Criteria for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026
To register for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026, you must meet all the criteria set by CEE Kerala. Check each condition carefully before applying — not meeting even one requirement can lead to rejection at the verification stage.
NEET UG 2026 Minimum Qualifying Percentile
You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum qualifying percentile for your category. Appearing for the exam alone does not qualify you — you must cross the percentile threshold set by NTA.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th Percentile |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th Percentile |
| General / EWS — PwD | 45th Percentile |
| OBC / SC / ST — PwD | 40th Percentile |
Nativity Categories in Kerala Counselling
Kerala counselling has three nativity categories that determine which seats and reservations you can access.
- Keralite: You are a person of Kerala origin or your parents are Kerala residents. Keralite candidates can access all state quota seats and reservation benefits.
- Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I): Candidates with some connection to Kerala — such as studying Class 11 and 12 in Kerala schools, or having a parent in All India or state services posted in Kerala. NK-I candidates can apply for state merit seats but do not get community-based reservation benefits.
- Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II): Candidates with limited Kerala connection. Mostly restricted to private and self-financing college seats with no reservation access.
Reservation benefits like SC, ST, SEBC, and EWS apply only to Keralite candidates. Non-Keralite candidates cannot claim these reservations even if they hold valid certificates from other states.
Academic Eligibility
- You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as main subjects, plus English
- Minimum PCB aggregate: 50% for General/EWS, 40% for SC/ST, 45% for General/EWS-PwD
- Class 12 appearing candidates can apply provisionally, subject to final result
Age Requirement
- Minimum age: 17 years on or before December 31, 2026
- No upper age limit as per the Supreme Court order (applicable from 2024 onwards)
- No restriction on the number of attempts for NEET UG
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Matrix
The Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 seat matrix will be published by CEE Kerala with the official prospectus. Until then, the figures below — based on the 2025 seat matrix — give you a reference for what to expect. The overall seat count is unlikely to change significantly.
MBBS and BDS Seat Distribution in Kerala
| Course / College Type | Number of Colleges (Approx.) | Approx. Total Seats |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS — Government Colleges | 14 | 1,855 |
| MBBS — Private / Self-Financing Colleges | 22+ | 3,550+ |
| Total MBBS Seats | 36+ | 5,400+ |
| BDS — Dental Colleges | Multiple | 2,000+ |
Quota-wise Seat Distribution
| Quota | Proportion | Managed By |
|---|---|---|
| State Quota — Government Colleges | 85% of government seats | CEE Kerala |
| All India Quota — Government Colleges | 15% of government seats | MCC (mcc.nic.in) |
| Government Quota — Private Colleges | ~50% of private seats | CEE Kerala |
| Management Quota — Private Colleges | ~35% of private seats | CEE Kerala |
| NRI Quota — Private Colleges | ~15% of private seats | CEE Kerala (Separate merit list) |
Note: Minority institutions (Christian, Muslim minority colleges) follow separate seat distribution rules as per their agreements with the government. AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS) and BVSc seats are also part of the CEE Kerala process and are covered in the same seat matrix.
How to Register for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026
Once CEE Kerala releases the notification, you can register on cee.kerala.gov.in. The registration is fully online. Here is the step-by-step process based on the previous year’s procedure.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to cee.kerala.gov.in and find the NEET UG Medical/Dental Counselling 2026 link once the notification is released.
Step 2: Create Your Login
- Click on "New Candidate Registration" on the portal
- Enter your NEET UG 2026 roll number and date of birth
- Set a password for your account and note it down securely
- A verification OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
- Enter your personal details — name, address, contact information
- Enter your NEET UG 2026 score, rank, and roll number
- Select your nativity category (Keralite, NK-I, or NK-II)
- Select your community code from the Kerala reservation list
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph as per the size and format specifications
- Upload your signature
- Upload NEET UG 2026 scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, community certificate, and nativity proof
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
- Pay the counselling registration fee and caution deposit online
- Payment modes: debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI
- Save the payment receipt — you will need it throughout the process
Step 6: Submit and Save Confirmation
Review all details carefully before submitting. After submission, download the application acknowledgment. This confirms your registration is complete.
Do not wait until the last day to register. The CEE Kerala portal typically experiences heavy traffic near the deadline. Technical issues on the last day will not be accepted as a reason for late submission.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Round-wise Process
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is conducted in multiple rounds. Each round has its own schedule for choice filling and seat allotment. Knowing how each round works helps you plan your strategy.
Trial Allotment (Practice Round)
- CEE Kerala publishes a trial or practice allotment before Round 1 begins
- This is not a real allotment — it helps you see where you might be placed based on your current choices
- You can revise your college preferences after reviewing the trial allotment result before the final locking deadline
Round 1 — First Allotment
- Open to all registered and certificate-verified candidates
- Allotment is based on NEET rank, community code, nativity category, and choice preference order
- Candidates who accept Round 1 allotment must pay the seat acceptance fee and report to the college
- Candidates seeking a better option can choose to upgrade and participate in Round 2
Round 2 — Second Allotment
- Open to candidates who upgraded from Round 1 and to fresh eligible candidates not allotted in Round 1
- Seats vacated after Round 1 are pooled back with remaining seats for fresh allotment
- After Round 2, candidates who accept must pay the fee and report to the allotted college
Mop-Up Round
- Held after Round 2 to fill any remaining vacant seats — mostly in private colleges
- Very few government college seats, if any, remain for the mop-up round
Special Stray Vacancy Round
- CEE Kerala sometimes conducts a Special Stray Round at the end of the year — typically in December — for any private college seats still vacant after the main rounds
- In 2025, a Special Stray Round was held with registration from December 20–23, 2025 and final allotment on December 24, 2025
- This round is not held every year — it depends entirely on seat availability
| Round | Expected Month (2026) | Seats Available |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Allotment (Practice) | Late August 2026 | Not an actual allotment — for guidance only |
| Round 1 | Late August–September 2026 | All government and private quota seats |
| Round 2 | September–October 2026 | Seats vacated after Round 1 + remaining seats |
| Mop-Up Round | September–October 2026 | Remaining vacant seats (mainly private colleges) |
| Special Stray Round (If held) | December 2026 | Final stray vacancy seats in private colleges |
If you accept an allotment and then cancel after joining, your caution deposit may be forfeited. Read the official CEE Kerala prospectus rules carefully before confirming or withdrawing from any round.
Certificate Verification for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026
Certificate verification is a mandatory step before the merit list is published. Only candidates whose documents are verified are included in the rank list and are eligible for seat allotment in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026.
Online Verification Process
CEE Kerala conducts online document verification in most years. You upload your documents on the portal and the authorities check them digitally. If any document is found invalid, incomplete, or mismatched with your application data, your registration is rejected before the merit list is prepared.
Physical Verification — When Called
- In some cases, CEE Kerala may call candidates for physical verification at a designated centre
- You must carry all original documents along with self-attested copies
- Absence from physical verification, even with a reason, can lead to cancellation of candidature
Common Reasons for Verification Rejection
- Name mismatch between application and Class 10 or NEET scorecard
- Community certificate not issued by a Kerala government authority
- EWS certificate from a previous financial year (must be valid for 2025–26)
- Nativity certificate that does not clearly establish Kerala domicile
- Uploaded documents not legible or below the required resolution
Submitting fake or altered documents leads to permanent disqualification and legal action. Candidature can be cancelled at any stage — including after joining a college — if document fraud is discovered later.
Choice Filling for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026
Choice filling is the most critical step in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026. Your seat allotment depends entirely on your NEET rank, your category, and the order in which you enter your college preferences. A wrong priority order can cost you a better seat even if your rank qualifies for it.
How to Fill Choices
- Log in to your account on cee.kerala.gov.in and go to the Option Registration (Choice Filling) section
- Browse through all available colleges and courses in the official seat matrix
- Add college and course combinations to your preference list in your priority order
- You can modify your choices as many times as you want before the deadline
- Once the window closes, your choices are locked and no changes are possible
Tips for Better Allotment
- Add as many genuine options as possible — more options improve your chances of getting the best available seat for your rank
- Always place your most preferred college at the top of the list
- Do not skip colleges you think are out of reach — the allotment algorithm may place you there if higher-ranked candidates chose differently
- Check previous-year closing ranks for each college and category before finalising your list
- Include both government and private college options if you are open to self-financing colleges
- Review the trial allotment result before locking your final choices
How the Allotment Algorithm Works
The CEE Kerala algorithm checks your NEET rank, community code, nativity category, and your option order. It assigns you the highest-priority option from your list where a seat in your category is available at your rank. If your first choice is not available, it moves to your second, and so on down your list.
Lock your choices before the deadline. The portal does not automatically lock your choices — if you forget to lock them, they will NOT be considered for seat allotment.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Seat Allotment Result
After the choice filling window closes, CEE Kerala processes all applications and publishes the seat allotment result on its official website. The result is available on the candidate login portal.
How to Check the Allotment Result
- Go to cee.kerala.gov.in and log in to your account
- Click on "Allotment Result" under your dashboard
- Download and save your allotment letter — it contains the name of your allotted college, course, reporting deadline, and fee details
Options Available After Allotment
| Option | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Accept and Join | You confirm the allotted seat, pay the acceptance fee, and report to the college. You will not participate in future rounds. |
| Accept and Upgrade | You provisionally hold the allotted seat and also participate in the next round hoping for a better option. If Round 2 gives you a better college, your Round 1 allotment is cancelled automatically. |
| Reject Allotment | You reject the seat. Your caution deposit may be forfeited depending on the round and the cancellation rules in the prospectus. |
| No Response | If you do not respond by the reporting deadline, your allotment lapses and your eligibility for that round is cancelled. |
Reporting to the Allotted College
After accepting the allotment, you must report to the college within the deadline printed in your allotment letter. Carry all original documents along with self-attested copies. The college verifies your documents and confirms your admission. Seats are released back to the pool if a candidate fails to report on time.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 Expected Cutoff
The Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 cutoff will be published after the seat allotment rounds are completed. The cutoff is the closing marks or rank at which the last seat in a college and category is filled. Since the NEET UG 2026 result is not yet out, the figures below are based on 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling data as a reference.
Expected Closing Marks for Government MBBS — State Quota (Previous Year Reference)
| Category | Indicative Closing Marks (Govt MBBS, State Quota) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (State Merit) | Around 610–625 marks |
| EWS / SEBC / OBC | Around 590–620 marks |
| SC | Around 485–520 marks |
| ST | Around 420–480 marks |
Expected Closing Ranks for Top Government Colleges — General Category
| College | Approx. NEET Score (General) | Approx. Closing Rank (State Quota) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram | 685–700+ | 300–500 |
| Government Medical College, Kozhikode | 675–690 | 500–800 |
| Government Medical College, Ernakulam | 665–680 | 600–1,000 |
| Government Medical College, Thrissur | 660–675 | 800–1,200 |
| Government Medical College, Kottayam | 655–670 | 900–1,400 |
| Government Medical College, Manjeri | 650–665 | 1,000–1,600 |
| Government Medical College, Palakkad | 645–660 | 1,200–1,800 |
These are approximate reference figures from the 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling. Actual 2026 cutoffs will depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty and total qualified candidates. Official cutoffs will be released by CEE Kerala after counselling rounds.
Cutoff for Private College Government Quota Seats
For the government quota seats in private self-financing medical colleges in Kerala, the typical cutoff in the General category is between 500–600 NEET marks. Management and NRI quota seats in private colleges have lower cutoffs because the competition for those seats is significantly lower.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Reservation and Quota System
Kerala has one of the most detailed community-based reservation systems in India. State quota seats in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 are distributed across more than 28 community categories. This is far more granular than most other states that only use SC/ST/OBC/General categories.
All India Quota — 15% of Government College Seats
These 15% seats are managed by MCC and are open to candidates from all states. The reservation within AIQ follows central government rules:
- OBC (NCL): 27% of AIQ seats
- SC: 15% of AIQ seats
- ST: 7.5% of AIQ seats
- EWS: 10% of AIQ seats
- General (UR): Remaining seats
State Quota — Community Code System
CEE Kerala uses a community code system for distributing state quota seats. You must select the correct code during registration. Some of the major community codes used in Kerala NEET Counselling are:
| Community Code | Community |
|---|---|
| SM | State Merit — Open / General Category |
| EZ | Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava and related communities |
| MU | Muslim (including Mappila and related communities) |
| LA | Latin Catholic and Anglo-Indian |
| DV | Dheevara, Mukkuva, and related maritime communities |
| VK | Viswakarma and related artisan communities |
| BH | Other Hindu Backward communities (OBH) |
| SC | Scheduled Castes |
| ST | Scheduled Tribes |
| EW | Economically Weaker Section (EWS) — Forward Communities |
NRI Quota in Private Self-Financing Colleges
- 15% of private college seats are reserved for NRI candidates, allotted by CEE Kerala through a separate NRI merit list
- NRI candidates must provide a valid NRI certificate issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate
- NRI quota fees are significantly higher — typically Rs. 21 lakh or more per year depending on the college
- Kerala domicile candidates are not eligible for the NRI quota
PwD Horizontal Reservation
5% of seats in each category are horizontally reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability. A government hospital certificate certifying at least 40% disability is required to claim this in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026.
Community certificates for Kerala state quota reservation must be issued by a competent Kerala government authority. Certificates issued by other state governments are not accepted. This rule is strictly enforced during verification.
Documents Required for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026
You must upload the following documents during online registration. You will also need the originals at the time of reporting to your allotted college. Missing or invalid documents can lead to rejection of your candidature at any stage.
| Document | Purpose | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Scorecard / Rank Letter | Proof of NEET score and rank | All candidates |
| NEET UG 2026 Admit Card | Proof of exam registration | All candidates |
| Class 10 Certificate and Marksheet | Date of birth proof and educational qualification | All candidates |
| Class 12 Certificate and Marksheet | PCB marks and educational qualification | All candidates |
| Transfer Certificate (TC) | From the last school or college attended | All candidates |
| Nativity / Domicile Certificate | Proof of Kerala domicile for state quota | State quota (Keralite / NK-I) applicants |
| Community / Caste Certificate | For community-code reservation seats (issued by Kerala authority) | Reserved category candidates |
| Non-Creamy Layer Certificate | For SEBC / OBC candidates | SEBC applicants |
| EWS Certificate | For Economically Weaker Section reservation | EWS candidates (valid for 2025–26) |
| Income Certificate | For fee concession and certain special reservations | As required by category |
| PwD Certificate | For PwD horizontal reservation seats | PwD candidates |
| NRI Certificate / Passport | Proof of NRI status for NRI quota | NRI quota applicants only |
| Passport-size Photographs | Application and admission process | All candidates (8 recent photos) |
| Aadhaar Card / Valid Photo ID | Identity verification | All candidates |
Candidates without original documents at the time of college reporting will NOT be allowed to join, even if their allotment is confirmed. Do not rely on photocopies alone at any stage.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2026: Fee Structure
There are two layers of fees in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 — the counselling registration and option fees paid to CEE Kerala, and the tuition fees paid to the allotted college. The exact 2026 fee structure will be confirmed in the official CEE Kerala notification.
CEE Kerala Registration and Caution Deposit (Based on 2025 Structure)
| Category | Registration Fee (Non-refundable) | Caution Deposit (Refundable) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 625 | Rs. 500 |
| SC | Rs. 250 | Rs. 200 |
| ST | No fee | No deposit |
An additional option registration fee of approximately Rs. 5,000 is charged during the choice filling stage. This is a separate payment from the initial registration fee and is based on the 2025 cycle fee structure.
Tuition Fees by College Type
| College Type / Quota | Approximate Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Government Medical College — MBBS | Very low — fixed by state government (typically Rs. 10,000–Rs. 50,000/year) |
| Private College — Government Quota MBBS | Around Rs. 6.5 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh per year |
| Private College — Management Quota MBBS | Around Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh per year |
| Private College — NRI Quota MBBS | Around Rs. 21 lakh per year and above |
Fees for private colleges are fixed by the Kerala Fee Regulatory Committee and can change every year. Always verify the exact fee from the official prospectus or the college before taking admission.
When Is the Caution Deposit Refunded?
- The deposit is refunded if you are not allotted any seat across all rounds
- It is refunded if you withdraw before the specified deadline in the prospectus
- If you join a college and then withdraw, the deposit is typically forfeited
Top Medical Colleges in Kerala 2026
Kerala has some of the most respected medical colleges in India. Most are affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS). Government colleges have the lowest fees and the highest cutoffs. Private colleges offer quality medical education at higher fees.
Top Government Medical Colleges in Kerala
| College Name | Location | Approx. MBBS Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram | 250 |
| Government Medical College, Kozhikode | Kozhikode | 250 |
| Government Medical College, Ernakulam | Ernakulam | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Thrissur | Thrissur | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Kottayam | Kottayam | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Alappuzha | Alappuzha | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Manjeri | Malappuram | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Palakkad | Palakkad | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Kollam | Kollam | 150 |
| Government Medical College, Kasaragod | Kasaragod | 100 |
Top Private Medical Colleges in Kerala
| College Name | Location | Approx. Annual Fee (Govt. Quota) |
|---|---|---|
| Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences | Ernakulam | Rs. 18–20 lakh/year |
| Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute | Thrissur | Rs. 12–15 lakh/year |
| Pushpagiri Medical College | Tiruvalla | Rs. 12–14 lakh/year |
| Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College | Kolenchery | Rs. 10–13 lakh/year |
| Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Thiruvananthapuram | Rs. 14–16 lakh/year |
| Malabar Medical College | Kozhikode | Rs. 10–12 lakh/year |
| Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation | Thiruvananthapuram | Rs. 12–15 lakh/year |
Private college fees are approximate based on 2025 data and subject to revision by the Kerala Fee Regulatory Committee. Verify the exact fee from the official 2026 seat matrix or directly with the college before taking admission.
Kerala vs All India Quota: Key Differences
If you are a Kerala candidate who has qualified NEET UG 2026, you can participate in both the Kerala state quota counselling and the All India Quota counselling run by MCC. Many candidates do both. Here is a clear comparison of the two processes.
| Point | Kerala State Quota | All India Quota (AIQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | CEE Kerala | MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) |
| Portal | cee.kerala.gov.in | mcc.nic.in |
| Seat Share in Govt Colleges | 85% | 15% |
| Private Colleges | Yes — all quota types | No — only government medical college AIQ seats |
| Nativity Requirement | Yes — must be Keralite for reservation benefits | No — open to candidates from all states |
| Reservation System | Kerala community codes (28+ categories) | Central rules — SC/ST/OBC/EWS |
| Government College Fees | Very low (state-regulated) | Same as state quota (same colleges, same fee) |
| Registration | Must register separately on CEE Kerala portal | Must register separately on MCC portal |
You must register separately for each counselling process. Qualifying NEET does not auto-register you for either. If you are a Kerala candidate, doing both gives you the best chance — the state quota gives you reservation benefits and access to private college seats, while the AIQ opens government seats nationally.
NRI candidates are not eligible for the 85% state quota seats. They can apply only for the NRI quota in private colleges through CEE Kerala, or for AIQ seats through MCC if they hold Indian citizenship.
Kerala NEET Counselling 2025: Previous Year Highlights
The 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling cycle is the most relevant reference for understanding what to expect in 2026. However, 2026 timelines are shifted later than 2025 due to the NEET re-exam on June 21, 2026.
Key Data from Kerala NEET Counselling 2025
| Parameter | 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2025 Exam Date | May 4, 2025 |
| NEET UG 2025 Result Declaration | June 2025 |
| CEE Kerala Counselling Notification | February 2025 (Earlier cycle due to earlier NEET) |
| Registration Open Date | February 20, 2025 |
| Re-opened Registration Window | June 18–23, 2025 |
| Round 1 Allotment Published | Late August 2025 |
| Round 2 Allotment Published | September 2025 |
| Special Stray Round Registration | December 20–23, 2025 |
| Final Allotment (Special Stray Round) | December 24, 2025 |
| Total MBBS Seats Available | More than 5,400 |
| Number of Rounds Conducted | 4 rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Special Stray) |
What Changes in 2026
The biggest change in 2026 is the delayed NEET cycle. The original NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026 was cancelled following a confirmed question paper leak, and the re-exam was held on June 21, 2026 — roughly 7 weeks later than the typical May date. This pushes the entire Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 calendar by approximately 6–8 weeks compared to 2025.
In 2025, CEE Kerala opened registration in February itself, well ahead of the NEET exam. In 2026, registration is expected only after the NEET result — likely in August 2026. The Special Stray Round, if held, would shift accordingly to late 2026 or early 2027.
The reservation structure, community code system, CAP process, fee structure, and number of rounds are expected to remain the same as in 2025.
FAQs on Kerala NEET Counselling 2026
Ques. When will Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 start?
Ans. Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to start in August 2026. The NEET UG 2026 re-exam was held on June 21, 2026, and the result is expected by mid-to-late July 2026. CEE Kerala will release the official counselling notification on cee.kerala.gov.in after the NEET result is declared. The 2026 process is running later than usual because the original May exam was cancelled.
Ques. Who conducts Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 for the 85% state quota seats is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) at cee.kerala.gov.in. The remaining 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges are handled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) through mcc.nic.in.
Ques. What is the eligibility for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with the minimum qualifying percentile (50th for General/EWS, 40th for SC/ST/OBC). You must also have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST). For state quota seats, you must be a Keralite or qualifying Non-Keralite (NK-I or NK-II). You must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026.
Ques. How many rounds are there in Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 is expected to have a trial allotment, Round 1, Round 2, a Mop-Up Round, and potentially a Special Stray Vacancy Round in December 2026 if seats remain vacant. In 2025, four rounds were held, with the final allotment in December 2025. The exact number of rounds for 2026 will be confirmed in the official prospectus.
Ques. What is the Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 registration fee?
Ans. Based on the 2025 structure, the registration fee is Rs. 625 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, Rs. 250 for SC, and nil for ST candidates. A refundable caution deposit of Rs. 500 (General) and Rs. 200 (SC) is also charged. An additional option registration fee of approximately Rs. 5,000 is paid during choice filling. CEE Kerala will confirm the exact 2026 fees in the official notification.
Ques. What documents are required for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. You need your NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card, Class 10 and 12 certificates and marksheets, transfer certificate, nativity/domicile certificate, community certificate (issued by a Kerala authority), EWS/non-creamy layer certificate if applicable, PwD certificate if applicable, passport-size photographs, and an Aadhaar card or valid photo ID. Original documents are mandatory at the time of college reporting.
Ques. What is the expected cutoff for Kerala government MBBS colleges in 2026?
Ans. Based on 2025 Kerala NEET Counselling data, the General category closing marks for government MBBS state quota seats ranged from around 610–625. Closing ranks for top colleges like GMC Thiruvananthapuram were in the range of 300–500. The actual 2026 cutoff will depend on NEET UG 2026 difficulty and marks distribution, and will be published by CEE Kerala after the counselling rounds are completed.
Ques. Can candidates from other states apply for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. For the 85% state quota seats in government colleges, only Keralite and qualifying Non-Keralite candidates are eligible. Candidates from other states can apply for the 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges through MCC counselling. NRI candidates can apply for the NRI quota in private colleges through CEE Kerala’s NRI counselling process.
Ques. What is the community code system in Kerala NEET Counselling?
Ans. Kerala uses a unique community code system with more than 28 categories for distributing state quota seats. Key codes include SM (State Merit/General), EZ (Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava), MU (Muslim), LA (Latin Catholic), DV (Dheevara), VK (Viswakarma), SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and EW (EWS). You must select the correct code during registration. Community certificates must be issued by a Kerala government authority — other state certificates are not accepted.
Ques. Why is Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 delayed compared to 2025?
Ans. The original NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026 was cancelled after a confirmed question paper leak. The re-exam was held on June 21, 2026 — about 7 weeks later than the typical May exam. Since Kerala NEET Counselling can only begin after the NEET result, the entire 2026 counselling calendar has shifted by 6–8 weeks compared to 2025, with registration now expected in August 2026 instead of the earlier February start seen in 2025.
Ques. How many MBBS seats are available through Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. Kerala has more than 5,400 MBBS seats across around 36 medical colleges — approximately 1,855 seats in 14 government colleges and around 3,550+ seats in private self-financing colleges. Of the government seats, 85% go to the state quota (CEE Kerala) and 15% to the All India Quota (MCC). Private college seats are split across government quota, management quota, and NRI quota.
Ques. What should I do right now to prepare for Kerala NEET Counselling 2026?
Ans. With the NEET re-exam over on June 21, 2026, you should check the provisional answer key (expected June 24–26) to estimate your marks. Start collecting all documents — community certificate, nativity certificate, EWS certificate — now, as these take time from government offices. Research Kerala college cutoffs and build your preferred college priority list. Bookmark cee.kerala.gov.in and check it daily once the NEET result is declared in late July 2026. Register for CEE Kerala counselling as soon as the window opens — do not wait for the deadline.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on official notifications and historical data from CEE Kerala and NTA. Kerala NEET Counselling 2026 dates, seat matrix, fees, and cutoffs are subject to change based on official announcements. Since the NEET UG 2026 result has not been declared as of June 22, 2026, all counselling timelines and cutoff figures are estimated based on previous-year trends. Candidates should regularly check cee.kerala.gov.in for the most current and official information. Collegedunia is not responsible for any discrepancies between this article and official notifications.
`★ Insight ─────────────────────────────────────` Three key editorial decisions in this article worth noting: (1) The **dates table rotation rule** places the NEET re-exam (June 21, past) at the bottom, while all upcoming events appear first — this keeps actionable information at the top. (2) The **nativity triad** (Keralite / NK-I / NK-II) is a Kerala-specific eligibility dimension not present in most other state counsellings — it directly gates both seat access and reservation eligibility, making it more impactful than the standard domicile clause. (3) All 2026 cutoffs are framed as "previous year reference" rather than predictions — the SAFE DEFAULT per the skill’s event-verification rule, since the NEET result hasn’t been declared yet as of June 22, 2026. `─────────────────────────────────────────────────`
Comments
Found 2 Comments
GMC Thrissur releases the NEET cut-off for the respective categories of students. However, if you have secured a rank of 711 in NEET UG, your chances to get admission in this college is fair. I suggest you to check the cut-off of this college from GMC Thrissur Cut-off.
Yes, if you have not registered for the first round of counseling you are required to have a fresh registration in order to participate in the counseling.