Karnataka NEET PG counselling is an essential channel for medical graduates seeking postgraduate admissions at top state-based medical institutions. Managed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), it offers MD/MS/PG Diploma seats in government and private institutions, as well as in deemed universities, under both state and management quotas.

Continue reading to understand the complete Karnataka NEET PG counselling process step by step!

What is Karnataka NEET PG Counselling?

Candidates who qualify for NEET PG can participate in Karnataka’s counselling process. The state is offering MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats through a centralised online process that uses NEET PG scores, the state’s reservation and quota system, and candidate preferences to allocate them among state, private, and deemed universities.

All MD/MS/PG Diploma seats in government, private, and deemed colleges are allotted through a centralised online process based on NEET PG scores. It will allocate seats based on the state’s reservation and quota system and candidate preferences. This process covers 50% of the state quota seats in government colleges and all private and deemed college seats.

The entire process of allocating seats in this online centralised system is divided into 4 rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up round, and Stray Vacancy round, all of which include reservations and consider resident candidates based on their reservation status.

Who is Eligible for Karnataka NEET PG Counselling?

A candidate eligible for the Karnataka NEET PG counselling has to provide the qualification certificate for NEET PG, hold a degree for MBBS from a medical college recognised by the NMC, complete a 1-year internship, and have a valid medical license to practice the same. If a candidate wishes to apply for state quota seats, they must provide proof of domicile in Karnataka; otherwise, being an Indian citizen aged 21 or above is sufficient. Government employees serving in rural areas will be subject to unique regulations.

The eligibility for counselling in Karnataka NEET PG relies on the candidate meeting the NEET PG requirements and the specific state requirements of Karnataka. For the 2026 admissions, these are as follows:

• NEET PG Qualification- Candidates have to at least meet the qualifying percentile required for the NEET PG cut-off. For General/EWS, the percentile is 50; for OBC/SC/ST, 40; and for PwD, 45.
• Educational Qualification: The candidate should hold an MBBS degree awarded by a medical college affiliated to the NMC.
• Internship completion: A candidate should have completed a 1-year CRRI by the final date provided for counselling.
• Medical registration: The applicant must provide either a provisional or permanent registration issued by KMC or an appropriate medical council.
• Domicile Requirement – Candidate should have a domicile certificate issued by the Government of Karnataka for the state quota seat allocation. This will include a Study Certificate (10th/11th/12th passed from Karnataka) or a parent’s/guardian’s record showing their work/study location in Karnataka. Non-domicile students can still apply for the general category, subject to specific rules.
• Nationality – Indian Citizen OCI/PIO citizens can also apply under certain quotas.
• Age Limit – There is no maximum age limit.

Distinct rules apply to candidates who have served as government personnel for 3 years or more in rural areas.

What is the Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Procedure?

Karnataka NEET PG counselling is conducted online on the KEA portal at every step, from candidate registration and payment of the counselling fee to choice filling and seat allotment based on students’ ranks and preferences for colleges. Candidates allotted seats under the government quota must follow strict reporting guidelines. Failure to report or withdrawal after allotment may attract penalties.

All candidates aspiring to be admitted through Karnataka NEET PG counselling must undergo the process listed below:

Stage 1: Online Registration (Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Registration)

Candidates aspiring to attend NEET PG Counselling 2026 through KEA can register as new users on the KEA web portal. Students need to enter the NEET PG roll number and application number along with the DOB and the captcha displayed. 

They must then furnish personal and academic details, along with the reservation category opted for, and their contact details, including email and mobile number, to which the OTP will be sent for verification. The candidate is asked to upload a photograph and a signature. The KEA system will generate an ID and a password, which will be stored safely for later access.

Additionally, the candidate needs to upload the following documents:

• ID Proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport)
• State Medical Council / MCI Registration
• NEET PG Admit Card
• NEET PG Scorecard
• MBBS Degree / Provisional Certificate
• Internship Completion Certificate

Stage 2: Payment of Counselling Fee

The candidate will have to pay their counselling fees online through the mode they choose, such as card, net banking, or UPI, once their registration is complete. There are differential fee structures based on the candidate’s category and the seats they choose. 

Stage 3: Choice Filling & Locking

The candidate has to make all available choices for their preferred colleges and courses, including the required quota details for each choice, and then enter them. The candidate must fill in at least 150 choices, rank them, and submit them before the deadline. 

Stage 4: Seat Allotment and Reporting

Merit list and seat allotment are released on the KEA portal based on the candidate’s ranking, preferences, and categories. They can now download the allotment letter and produce it before the assigned college or nodal centre. 

After verification of the original documents, they need to report for the admission procedure with their originals and admission fees within 3 to 5 days. 

Assessment Rounds in Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process

Karnataka NEET PG Counselling will comprise four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up, and Stray Vacancy rounds, until all seats are occupied. During Rounds 1 and 2, students have the flexibility to “Freeze”, “Float”, or “Slide” their choices, but once a student opts for one of these options, they will be levied a fine if they change it later. The NMC rules permit further rounds.

The Karnataka NEET PG counselling process uses multiple rounds to allocate the number of open positions.  

• Round 1: Students will receive their first college allotment based on their NEET PG score. Freeze, Float, and Slide options will be available to candidates, and they can leave at any time during counselling without any fine.
• Round 2: All candidates will be allowed to join a second college. Lists will be displayed later, and students will get the opportunity to upgrade to a better college. All candidates must either accept the choices in Round 2 or withdraw and forfeit their security deposit as a penalty.
• Mop-up Round: It is conducted for admission to private/deemed colleges for deserving students. All students must register again and attend. They will have to take admission at the given college or lose their deposit.
• Stray Vacancy Round: In this round, all remaining college seats will be announced. No other seats will be added, and there will be no opportunity for upgrades. Candidates will have to accept their present choice.

The NMC guidelines may initiate extended rounds in the event of remaining vacant seats.  

What are the Documents Required for Karnataka NEET PG Counselling?

Candidates should submit originals and two photocopies of the following documents: NEET PG admit card, rank card, MBBS degree and CRRI certificate, medical registration and Karnataka domicile/study certificate, caste/income certificate, PwD certificate, rural service certificate, photographs, and fee receipts. The candidate’s candidature will be terminated if the above documents are not submitted within the deadline.

Prepare originals and two photocopies for verification during Karnataka counselling NEET PG:

• NEET PG Admit Card and Scorecard.
• Aadhaar Card along with any other government-issued identification.
• MBBS Degree/Provisional Certificate.
• CRRI Completion Certificate.
• Medical Council Registration Certificate.
• Karnataka Domicile/Study Certificate (10th/12th marks cards for verification).
• Caste/Income Certificate (for Reservations).
• District Service Certificate (in-service candidates).
• PwD Certificate (from the specified authority).
• Four passport-style photographs.
• Bank challan/receipt of fee paid.

All failed submissions will result in the candidature being cancelled.

What are the Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Fee Details?

Fees for Karnataka NEET PG counselling 2026 are as follows:

Category	Registration Fee (Non-refundable)	Security Deposit (Refundable)
General/OBC/EWS	₹1,000	₹25,000
SC/ST/PwD	₹500	₹10,000
Deemed University Candidates	₹5,000	₹200,000

FAQs about Karnataka NEET PG Counselling

1. Who organises the Medical PG counselling in Karnataka?

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bangalore, organises the Karnataka NEET PG Counselling on behalf of the government. It conducts the registration, preparation of the merit list, choice filling, and seat allotment for state quota seats in all government, private, and deemed medical colleges.

2. Who is eligible to apply for Karnataka Medical PG counselling?

Candidates who qualify for NEET PG with the minimum percentile, complete their MBBS from an NMC-recognised college, and complete the one-year compulsory rotated internship as per schedule are eligible to apply for KEA counselling. Candidates with Karnataka Domicile or who have passed out of a Medical College in Karnataka, along with a valid Medical Council registration, are given priority for registration.

3. Can a candidate change details post KEA NEET PG Counselling registration?

KEA will allow corrections to registration details during the allotted time period after the provisional merit list is published. However, this will not be applicable after the deadline and choice locking period.

4. How can a candidate apply online for Karnataka NEET PG counselling registration?

Go to the KEA web portal, enter their NEET PG roll number, rank, and personal details, and upload documents. Complete payment and create an account with a strong password. Verification of registration details will be conducted, and candidates will have to participate in the choice filling and choice locking rounds.

5. Can non-Karnataka candidates apply for the NEET PG counselling in Karnataka?

Non-Karnataka candidates who pass the exam from other states will be allowed to appear if they have completed 10 years of continuous study in Karnataka. Management/NRI seats will be open to all without any domicile restrictions.

6. What is the difference between freeze, float, and slide choices in Karnataka NEET PG counselling?

The freeze option indicates that the applicant accepts the allotted seat and ends all participation in future rounds of counselling. The float option allows one to accept a seat while still being considered for the preferred seat in upcoming rounds of counselling. The slide option lets candidates upgrade only if the new college and course are within the same university.

7. Are there any special reservations for in-service doctors for KEA NEET PG counselling?

The state of Karnataka offers special seats for government candidates. Doctors who serve in the field through special sessions, with 5-10% of seats reserved for specific branches. Based on the minimum years of rural service eligibility criteria, the same will be utilised to determine eligibility. Separate Merit Lists will be compiled for these students as KEA will consider each merit list for determining eligibility and allotment.

8. What if a candidate fails to report after allotment in KEA NEET PG counselling?

If candidates fail to report by the reporting deadline, the allotted seat will be cancelled. All fees deposited and security amounts paid will be lost, and the applicant will be considered ineligible to attend any further rounds. Candidates will have to report to the colleges within three to five days of allotment, with original documents for verification, and confirmation via OTP.

9. Do all applicants have to submit a Study Certificate in KEA NEET PG counselling?

Candidates who opt to claim the state quota must submit the Karnataka Study Certificate; it certifies that the candidate has completed 10 years of education, including SSLC/Higher Secondary education. All government quota candidates without domicile status must acquire this certificate; the only exception is the management seats, which don’t consider it a criterion for eligibility.

10. What is the fee for Karnataka NEET PG counselling?

The counselling fees include non-refundable registration fees of ₹1,000 for General/OBC and ₹500 for SC/ST/Cat-1/PWD, and ₹5,000 for NRI/OCI/PIO/Foreign Nationals. 

Conclusion

Mastering Karnataka NEET PG counselling from the initial registration to seat allotment will help you acquire an MD/MS/Diploma seat in the best medical colleges of Karnataka. Keep track of all notifications from KEA and make sure you collect your documents accordingly.

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