Karnataka has gained recognition as one of India’s finest states for medical education. Known for its remarkable mix of government and private medical colleges, the state has attracted thousands of MBBS aspirants every year.

Therefore, if you’re among the NEET UG and NEET PG candidates seeking admission in Karnataka, you need to be familiar with the top medical colleges in Karnataka, along with the fee structure and the eligibility criteria.

Keep reading to know more!

How is Karnataka’s Medical Education System?

Karnataka has a robust network of 60+ medical colleges, second only to a few states in India, and contributes significantly to the nation’s healthcare workforce. They Include:

• Government Medical Colleges: Affordable colleges, offering extensive clinical exposure due to high patient flow in public hospitals.
• Private/Deemed Universities: Equipped with modern labs, simulation centres, research opportunities, and strong speciality departments.

All colleges are governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), ensuring that they maintain proper infrastructure, faculty standards, and academic quality.

What are the Best Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka?

Government medical colleges are highly competitive due to their low fees and high patient exposure. Listed below are the top government medical colleges in the state of Karnataka:

1. Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI), Bengaluru

A flagship government medical college in the state capital, BMCRI, combines a high patient load with long experience in teaching and research. BMCRI is a common first choice among Karnataka students for state-quota MBBS seats because of its clinical exposure and robust postgraduate programs.

2. Mysore Medical College & Research Institute (MMCRI), Mysuru

One of the oldest medical colleges in the state, MMCRI has a strong clinical tradition, well-established departments and excellent community medicine outreach in the surrounding districts.

3. Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi (Hubli)

KIMS Hubli is a major tertiary referral centre in North Karnataka. Government backing provides students with access to large public hospitals and a wide range of case material.

4. Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), Belagavi (Belgaum)

BIMS (Belgaum) serves a large northwest Karnataka population and offers a growing range of postgraduate courses. It is a government college whose infrastructure and clinical services are improving to attract students in the region.

5. J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere

JJM (also known as JJM Medical College) is a reputable government medical college with strong clinical departments and a history of consistently good exam results. Its pattern of affiliation and examination is in accordance with the norms of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

6. Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari (Bellary)

VIMS Ballari is a prominent government medical school serving the mining belt and its neighbouring districts. The college’s high patient volume offers significant hands-on training opportunities.

7. Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Kalaburagi (Gulbarga)

GIMS (Kalaburagi) is a state-run college of medicine in the northeastern plateau of Karnataka, which has increased seats and services in the past decade, enhancing healthcare services in the region, as well as training students.

8. Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Hassan

HIMS Hassan is a government medical college focusing on community health and regional needs. The college is growing its academic programs and postgraduate seats, making it an option for students from southern/central Karnataka.

9. ESIC Medical College — (ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga or Bengaluru, depending on campus)

Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) medical colleges in Karnataka (for example, ESIC Gulbarga and ESIC Bengaluru campuses) are government/central-supported institutions offering MBBS and postgraduate clinical training with modern facilities attached to ESIC hospitals. ESIC colleges often have competitive admissions for state and all-India quotas.

10. Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS)

BRIMS, a part of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, has steadily diversified and grown both academic and hospital facilities to support education and local healthcare.

It is a deemed/private university medical college that provides MBBS and postgraduate courses, state-of-the-art facilities, up-to-date teaching hospitals, and research opportunities.

Here’s a tabular representation to help you understand the key takeaways for each government college:

College Name	Location	Type	Features
Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI)	Bengaluru	Government	Flagship institution, high patient load, strong PG programs
Mysore Medical College & Research Institute (MMCRI)	Mysuru	Government	Oldest in Karnataka, strong clinical tradition, community outreach
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)	Hubballi	Government	Major referral centre, varied clinical exposure, government backing
Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS)	Belagavi	Government	Serves northwest Karnataka, improving infrastructure, and PG expansion
J.J.M. Medical College	Davangere	Government	Strong clinical departments, solid academic performance
Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS)	Ballari	Government	High patient inflow, key institute for the mining belt region
Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS)	Kalaburagi	Government	Expanding seats, improving regional healthcare delivery
Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS)	Hassan	Government	Focus on community health, growing PG programs
ESIC Medical College	Bengaluru / Gulbarga	Government (Central-supported)	Modern facilities, ESIC hospital training, and competitive admissions
Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS)	Bidar	Government	Affordable MBBS seats, vital healthcare for northern Karnataka

What are the Best Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka?

Private medical colleges include private universities, deemed institutions, and charitable institutions — many operate large, multispecialty teaching hospitals. Here are the top ones on the list:

1. Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal

It is a private/deemed university medical college that offers MBBS courses, postgraduate courses with the best facilities, modern teaching hospitals, and excellent research prospects.

KMC Manipal is characterised by international relations, large clinical experience, and an academic focus. The NEET scores, management and NRI quotas are used in the admissions.

2. St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru

It is a Christian minority college that provides MBBS and postgraduate degrees. The college focuses on community medicine, research, and ethical medical practice, and admission is based on NEET scores, with quotas available for state and management categories.

3. Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bengaluru 

This college offers MBBS and postgraduate degrees, along with excellent clinical exposure, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a research facility. The admissions are NEET-based, using state and management quotas.

4. A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences (AJIMS), Mangaluru

It is a private college offering MBBS and postgraduate courses with advanced clinical training, multispecialty hospital facilities, and research programs. Here, your NEET scores determine admission.

5. BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru 

It is a relatively new private institution offering MBBS programs with modern infrastructure, clinical training in a large teaching hospital, and research opportunities. Admission is based on the NEET, including management quota seats.

6. Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bengaluru 

It provides MBBS, postgraduate programs, and has well-equipped hospitals, practical clinical exposure, and research-based learning. Admissions are conducted through the NEET exam in both state and management quota categories.

7. Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Gulbarga

Located in Gulbarga, the college offers MBBS and postgraduate programs with extensive clinical exposure. The institution is characterised by its focus on rural healthcare and offers the students the chance to work in community health projects.

8. S. Nijalingappa Medical College and Research Centre, Bagalkot

This college is a modern institution with modern infrastructure and is located in Bagalkot. It offers postgraduate programs and an MBBS. The institution specialises in equipping qualified medical professionals with effective academic and hands-on training.

9. Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Hospital, Tumkur

This college is located in Tumkur and offers MBBS and postgraduate studies, with a strong focus on clinical training. The institution provides students with practical experience at the attached hospital, equipping them for a variety of medical careers.

10.  Father Muller Institute of Medical Education & Research, Mangaluru

This college is located in Mangaluru, and it has MBBS and postgraduate programs that have a high focus on research and clinical training. The institution is known for its ethical approach to medical education and commitment to producing competent healthcare professionals.

Here is a tabular representation to help you understand the key takeaways of these private medical colleges:

College Name	Location	Type	Features
Kasturba Medical College (KMC)	Manipal	Private/Deemed	World-class facilities, international collaborations, and strong academics
St. John’s Medical College	Bengaluru	Private (Christian Minority)	Community focus, ethical training, and strong research culture
Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)	Bengaluru	Private	Robust clinical exposure, modern labs, NEET-based admissions
A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences (AJIMS)	Mangaluru	Private	Advanced training, multispecialty hospital, strong research programs
BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences	Bengaluru	Private	Modern infrastructure, teaching hospital, NEET-based intake
Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre	Bengaluru	Private	Hands-on exposure, research focus, state & management quotas
Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College	Kalaburagi	Private	Hands-on exposure, research focus, state & management quotas
S. Nijalingappa Medical College & Research Centre	Bagalkot	Private	Emphasis on rural healthcare, strong community health initiatives
Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Hospital	Tumkur	Private	Modern facilities, rigorous academic and practical training
Father Muller Institute of Medical Education & Research	Mangaluru	Private (Christian Minority)	Strong clinical training, teaching hospital with hands-on exposure

What are the Admission Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka Medical Colleges?

Here are the eligibility criteria based on which admission will be granted to the mentioned medical colleges:

1. Entrance Exam Requirement: Admission to MBBS/BDS courses in Karnataka is based on the NEET UG examination. This exam is mandatory for candidates seeking admission to medical and dental colleges in the state.
   
2. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as subjects.

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is required. For candidates belonging to the SC/ST/OBC categories of Karnataka, the minimum required marks are 40%.

3. Age Criteria: The candidate must be at least 17 years old as of December 31st of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the Karnataka NEET UG.
   
4. Domicile/Nativity Criteria: A candidate will be treated as a domicile of Karnataka if any of the following apply:

• The candidate has secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 (for Karnataka domicile students).
• Either parent has studied in Karnataka for a minimum of 7 years.
  

5. Appearing Candidates: Students who are appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2025 are also eligible to apply, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions.

What is the Fee Structure for Karnataka Medical Colleges?

Here is an estimate of the fee structure for government and private colleges in Karnataka:

1. Government Colleges

• Annual fee ranges from ₹65,780 to ₹80,400
• Affordable, making them highly competitive.

2. Private Colleges

• Annual fees range from ₹1 lakh to ₹45 lakh.
• Deemed universities may charge more for NRI/management quota seats.
  

What Factors to Consider When Ranking Karnataka Medical Colleges?

When selecting a medical college in Karnataka, aspirants should carefully evaluate the factors. These provide a realistic picture of the quality of medical education and help in making informed decisions during the admission choice-filling process. Here are the main factors:

• Tuition fees, hostel fees, and other charges
• Establishment year of the college
• Number of MBBS seats available
• Availability and range of Postgraduate (PG) courses
• Patient inflow in attached teaching hospitals
• Hospital facilities – total beds, super-speciality departments, etc.
• Compulsory rural service duration and bond penalty
• Internal quota for PG seats
• Stipend offered during internship/clinical rotations
• Geographic location of the college

FAQs about Top Medical Colleges in Karnataka

1. Is NEET mandatory for admission to Karnataka medical colleges?
Yes, NEET UG is compulsory for MBBS admissions in both government and private institutions.

2. Are Karnataka medical colleges good for PG preparation?
Yes, Karnataka is considered a hub for NEET PG coaching and clinical training.

3. How many rounds of counselling are conducted for NEET in Karnataka?
Karnataka NEET Counselling 2025 generally takes place in three rounds:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Mop-Up Round

If seats remain unfilled after these, a stray vacancy round is also held.

4. Do I need to register separately for Karnataka NEET counselling and MCC counselling?

Yes. Candidates seeking admission to MBBS seats in Karnataka must register on the KEA official website. Additionally, registration for UGCET 2025 is required to participate in KEA’s NEET UG counselling process.

Conclusion

Karnataka’s medical colleges form a perfect blend of affordable government institutions and world-class private universities. Government colleges, such as BMCRI Bengaluru, provide unmatched clinical exposure at a minimal cost, while private ones, like KMC Manipal, offer modern infrastructure, international opportunities, and a strong research culture.

For medical students aiming to pursue MBBS, understanding fees, the admission process, and career prospects is key to making the right choice. For added support, DocTutorials can be your study partner. We offer animated video lectures, Qbanks, previous year question papers (PYQs), and live doubt-clearing sessions, ensuring you’re ahead in your medical journey. 

Join DocTutorials today and explore our medical courses to excel in your medical career!