The Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB courses offered by Government, Private, and Deemed Medical Colleges across the state. It is regarded as one of the most important state counselling processes in India due to its open eligibility policy and the large number of seats available for candidates from across the country. Unlike many states with strict domicile requirements, Karnataka provides admission opportunities under multiple quota categories, making it a preferred destination for NEET PG aspirants.
A major advantage of the Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process is its multi-tier fee structure, which includes Government Quota, Private Quota, NRI Quota, and Other Quota (Q) seats. The Other Quota (Q) follows a fee structure similar to the NRI Quota, but these seats are open to all eligible candidates, irrespective of nationality. This creates an additional opportunity for students who may not secure admission under lower-fee quota categories.
The counselling process is conducted entirely in online mode and includes stages such as registration, document verification, merit list publication, option entry (choice filling), seat allotment, and reporting. With one of the largest postgraduate medical seat pools in the country, Karnataka offers excellent admission opportunities. However, competition for highly sought-after clinical branches such as Radiodiagnosis, Dermatology, and General Medicine remains intense, especially under the Government Quota.
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Overview
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Eligibility Criteria
To participate in Karnataka NEET PG Counselling:
- Must qualify NEET PG 2026
- Must have completed MBBS from NMC-recognized college
- Internship completion before cutoff date
- Must be registered with National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Quota wise Eligibility
The Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process includes multiple seat categories such as Government Quota, Private Quota, NRI Quota, and Institutional (Q) Quota, each having its own eligibility criteria, fee structure, and seat distribution. Understanding these quota categories is essential for making informed choice-filling decisions and maximizing the chances of securing a postgraduate medical seat in Karnataka.
Also Check Karnataka NEET PG Cut-off for Govt & Private College
NEET PG Qualifying Cut-off
The NEET PG qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile required to become eligible for counselling and admission into MD/MS courses. As per standard criteria, candidates must secure at least the 50th percentile for General category, 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC, and 45th percentile for PwD candidates to qualify the exam.
| Category | Expected 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (General) | -- | 275 | 291 |
| SC/ST/OBC | -- | 235 | 257 |
| Unreserved – PH | -- | 255 | 274 |
| SC/ST/OBC – PH | -- | 235 | 257 |
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Clause wise Eligibility
The Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process follows a clause-based eligibility system, under which candidates are classified into different categories (Clause A to Clause Z) based on factors such as domicile status, place of education, and parental background. These clauses play a significant role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for various seat categories, particularly Government Quota seats.
Understanding the applicable eligibility clause is essential, as it directly influences seat eligibility, applicable fee structure, and overall admission opportunities. Before completing registration and choice filling, candidates should carefully identify the clause under which they are eligible to ensure they participate in the appropriate quota during the Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process.
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2026 Seat Types
The Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process follows a well-defined seat classification system, under which postgraduate medical seats are categorized into Government (G), Private (P), NRI (N), and Other (Q) Quotas. Each quota has its own eligibility criteria, fee structure, and seat allocation across Government Medical Colleges, Private Medical Colleges, and Universities.
Understanding this seat classification is essential, as it directly influences admission opportunities, choice-filling strategy, and financial planning. While Government Quota seats offer comparatively lower tuition fees but involve intense competition, Private and NRI Quota seats provide additional admission opportunities at higher fee levels. A unique feature of Karnataka is the Other (Q) Quota, which follows a fee structure similar to the NRI Quota but is open to all eligible candidates, making it an important option for aspirants seeking admission despite having comparatively higher NEET PG ranks.
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling Process
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts NEET PG counselling for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in Government, Private, and Deemed medical colleges across Karnataka. The entire registration process is conducted online only, and no offline application is accepted.
Only candidates who have qualified NEET PG with the minimum prescribed cutoff are eligible to participate in the counselling process. Candidates must complete the registration carefully, as the information provided will be used throughout counselling and seat allotment
Step 1: Karnataka NEET PG Online Registration
| Step | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit Website | Register on KEA website using NEET PG Roll Number |
| Step 2 | Auto-Fetch Details | Name, DOB, and NEET score fetched from NBE database |
| Step 3 | Mobile Verification | OTP verification on registered mobile number |
| Step 4 | Fill Details | Enter eligibility clause, category, PwD status, qualification details |
| Step 5 | Upload Documents | Upload photo, left thumb impression, and signature |
| Step 6 | Fee Payment | Pay registration fee as per category |
| Step 7 | Final Submission | Submit form and take printout for verification |
After completion of all the process the candidates are required to take a final print out of the online application form for further process at the time of document verification / online seat allotment.
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2026 Registration Fee
Step 2: Document Verification
Document verification is one of the most crucial steps in the Karnataka NEET PG counselling process. Only those candidates who successfully complete this stage are allowed to participate in choice filling and seat allotment. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts offline document verification at its designated centre in Bangalore.
Candidates who have claimed eligibility under Clause b, c, d, e, f, g, or z must mandatorily appear for verification with all original documents.The verification is conducted through slot booking, and candidates must report on the assigned date and time.
At the time of verification, candidates are required to carry all original documents along with two sets of xerox copies. KEA verifies each certificate carefully, and this process may take time depending on the number of documents and claims made by the candidate.
• Clause ‘a’ and ‘y’ candidates usually do NOT require physical verification
• BUT if they claim:
– NRI quota
– Religious minority
👉 Then verification becomes compulsory
• Candidates who don’t attend verification must:
– Download claim slip from KEA website
– Participate based on declared eligibility
• After seat allotment:
– Deposit original documents at KEA
👉 Failure to submit = Seat Cancellation
⚠️ Important Points You MUST Know
• Carry original documents + 2 xerox sets (very important)
• Slot booking is compulsory before visiting KEA
• Verification is offline only at KEA Bangalore
• No verification = No counselling participation
• Do NOT bring laminated documents (they will not be accepted)
• Verification may take time → plan your travel accordingly
• Missing documents = Loss of eligibility
📍 Verification Centre
- Location: KEA Office, 18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- Mode: Offline only
🚨 Don’t Lose Your PG Seat Due to Wrong Counselling
Most students make mistakes in choice filling — not rank.
✔ Closing Ranks (AIQ + State)
✔ Fee Structure (Govt & Private)
✔ Service Bond & Stipend
✔ Branch-wise Strategy
👇 Don’t risk your rank — make the right decision
Get Complete PG Counselling Guide 📖 See What’s Inside This E-BookDocument Required for Karnataka NEET PG Document Verification
Before attending document verification, candidates should ensure that all the required documents are complete and readily available. This is one of the most important stages of the counselling process, as the absence of even a single mandatory document may result in disqualification from the verification process. KEA follows a strict document verification procedure, and no relaxation is provided at the verification centre. Candidates must carry all original documents along with the required photocopies to ensure a smooth verification process. Preparing the documents well in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays and last-minute complications.
Candidates are advised to bring all original certificates along with multiple sets of self-attested photocopies, as document verification is conducted rigorously. Certain documents, such as the Internship Completion Certificate and the prescribed Undertaking (Annexure 7), are essential for confirming eligibility and completing the admission formalities.
To make the process easier, we have compiled a complete checklist of mandatory documents in a clear and organized format below, helping you avoid confusion and ensuring a hassle-free document verification experience.
• Income Certificate (for reservation benefits)
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate (latest government format)
• EWS Certificate (as per norms)
• PWD Certificate (issued by NMC-recognized medical board)
• Hyderabad-Karnataka (371J) Eligibility Certificate
• In-Service Certificate (for in-service candidates)
• NRI / OCI / PIO Proof + Sponsor Documents
• Transfer Certificate (TC) from last college
• RGUHS Eligibility Certificate (if studied outside Karnataka)
• Passport-size Photographs (multiple copies)
Step 3: Publication of Document Verified list
Once the verification is completed successfully, KEA will publish the list of eligible candidates, and only those candidates will be allowed to proceed further in the counselling process. It is important to understand that qualifying NEET PG alone is not enough — eligibility is confirmed only after document verification.
Step 4: Karnataka NEET PG Option Entry & Preference Rules
The priority of options entered by the candidate during the first round of counselling will remain the same for all subsequent rounds of seat allotment. Candidates are not allowed to enter fresh options in later rounds, and the previously filled choices will be considered for further allotments.
Candidates can view their entered options by logging into the option entry portal using their credentials. However, they are allowed to delete or rearrange the order of preferences after each round of seat allotment based on their choice and strategy.
Step 4: Karnataka NEET PG Seat Allotment Rules
The seat allotment process in Karnataka is fully computerized and is carried out strictly on the basis of the candidate’s NEET PG merit rank and the choices filled during option entry. The allotment process begins with the candidate holding Rank 1 and then proceeds sequentially through the merit list.
For the candidate with the highest rank, the system first checks the first preferred choice. If a seat is available under that preference, it is allotted. For each subsequent candidate, the system follows the same approach by checking the highest available preference. If the first choice is unavailable, it automatically moves to the next preferred option until a vacant seat is found.
Once a suitable seat is allotted, the system stops evaluating the remaining preferences for that candidate and proceeds to the next eligible candidate in the merit list. This ensures that every allotment is made strictly according to merit and candidate preferences.
The computerized system continues this rank-wise allotment process until all eligible candidates have been considered or all available seats are filled. Each complete cycle of evaluating choices and allocating seats across the merit list is referred to as an iteration.
Step 4: Karnataka Post Allotment Procedures
After the publication of the Round 1 final seat allotment list, candidates must log in to the official counselling portal and select one of the four available choices within the given timeline.
It is mandatory to exercise one of these options; otherwise, if a candidate fails to select any choice or does not follow the prescribed procedure, the allotted seat will be automatically cancelled without any further notice. Additionally, such candidates will not be eligible to participate in subsequent counselling rounds
👉 Failure to select any option after seat allotment will lead to cancellation of the seat and disqualification from further rounds.
Karnataka PG Medical Counselling Round 2, Mop-Up & Stray Vacancy – Counselling Rules
Second Round of Counselling
The second round of counselling is conducted for vacant, surrendered, and newly added seats after Round 1.
Candidates eligible to participate include:
- Those who selected Option 2 or Option 3 in Round 1
- Candidates who were not allotted any seat in Round 1
- Candidates who have completed document verification
However, the following candidates are not eligible:
- Those who selected Option 1 (freeze) in Round 1
- Candidates who failed to submit documents or pay fees
👉 If a seat is allotted in Round 2, candidates must compulsorily report and pay the fee. Failure to do so may lead to strict action, including penalties for seat blocking.
Mop-Up Round (Third Round)
The Mop-Up round is conducted if seats remain vacant after Round 2.
- Only candidates without any clinical seat allotment in previous rounds are eligible
- Candidates holding pre/para-clinical seats can upgrade to clinical seats
- Such candidates must not report/join the previously allotted college before Mop-Up
- Fresh choice filling is mandatory; previous options will not be considered
Stray Vacancy Round
This round is conducted only if seats remain vacant after the Mop-Up round.
- Seat allotment is done strictly based on merit and availability
- No fresh registration is allowed
- Candidates must report within the given timeline, failing which the seat may be cancelled
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling – Seat Cancellation & Forfeiture Rules
Karnataka NEET PG counselling, conducted by KEA, follows a strict seat cancellation and forfeiture policy to ensure discipline in the admission process and to prevent unnecessary blocking of seats. Once a seat is allotted, candidates are expected to follow the counselling rules carefully, as withdrawal or non-reporting can lead to serious financial penalties and restrictions in future rounds.
These rules are designed to maintain fairness in counselling and to ensure that available seats are efficiently utilized without being wasted due to last-minute cancellations.
Other Important Rules
- All fees paid at the time of admission are forfeited upon cancellation.
- Non-in-service candidates who cancel after the last date of admission are barred for 3 years from taking any PG Medical or Dental seat (including management quota).
- No rejoining is allowed once a candidate cancels or surrenders the seat.
- In-service candidates leaving the course midway must refund all expenses incurred by the Government (salary, stipend, tuition, and allowances) with interest.
- Every candidate must submit a bond agreement at the time of admission binding them to pay applicable penalties in case of withdrawal or non-completion of the course.
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who conducts Karnataka NEET PG counselling?
Karnataka NEET PG counselling is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB courses.
2. Is Karnataka NEET PG counselling open for all India candidates?
Yes, Karnataka is an open state, and many seats in private and deemed colleges are available to candidates from across India, depending on the quota.
3. What is the “Other (Q) quota” in Karnataka?
The Q quota consists of seats with fees similar to NRI quota but is open to all candidates, making it a key option for higher-rank aspirants.
4. What are the options available after Round 1 seat allotment?
Candidates must choose one of the options (like freeze, upgrade, etc.).
Failing to select any option may lead to seat cancellation and disqualification from further rounds.
5.Can I participate in Round 2 if I got a seat in Round 1?
Yes, if you selected Option 2 or Option 3 (upgrade options), you can participate in Round 2.
If you selected Option 1 (freeze), you cannot participate further.
Is fresh choice filling required in each round?
In Karnataka NEET PG counselling, previously entered options are usually carried forward to the next round. Only reorder their choices before the next round allotment.
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling ProcessKarnataka NEET PG Counselling Process
