The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is the nodal agency designated to conduct the centralized online counselling for admission to Medical and Dental courses in the State.
Centralized Process: KEA conducts the process for all seats in Government colleges and Government, Private, NRI, and Others seats in Private and Minority Medical and Dental colleges.
NEET-UG 2026: Eligibility and ranking are strictly based on the performance of candidates in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Scope: The counselling process typically includes Round 1, Round 2, the Mop-up Round (Round 3), and a Stray Vacancy Round.
Karnataka has complex eligibility clauses (A to O) based on residency and educational background.
Karnataka Candidates (State Quota):
Clause A: Candidate should have studied and passed in one or more Government or Government recognized educational institutions in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven academic years between 1st standard and 12th standard.
Clause B: Candidate should have studied and passed 11th and 12th standard in Karnataka and either of the parents should have studied in Karnataka for seven years.
Management Quota: Open to all India candidates who are NEET-UG 2026 qualified.
NRI/Others Category: Candidates from other states and even foreign nationals/NRIs are eligible for seats in private colleges under these specific quotas.
Academic Requirement: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects and English as one of the languages, obtaining not less than 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC of Karnataka).
NRI candidates must provide specific evidence to claim seats under the NRI quota in private colleges.
Sponsorship: An NRI can sponsor a candidate if they are a first-degree relative (parent, real brother/sister) or if the candidate is a ward of the NRI.
Candidate’s passport or parent’s NRI status certificate.
Notarized affidavit of the sponsor declaring they will sponsor the entire course fee.
Embassy certificate or valid Visa/Passport of the sponsor.
Equivalency Certificate: From the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) if the qualifying exam was passed outside India.
Candidates must produce the following original documents during the verification process:
NEET Records: NEET-UG 2026 Admit Card and Score Card.
Academic Records: SSLC / 10th Standard Marks Card and 2nd PUC / 12th Standard Marks Card.
Residency Documents: Study Certificate(s) for the required period, countersigned by the BEO / DDPI.
Identification: Copy of the online application form and a valid Photo ID proof.
Category Specific: Caste / Income certificate for reservation (SC/ST/Category-I/2A/2B/3A/3B), Domicile certificate, and Rural/Kannada Medium study certificates if applicable.
The process is primarily online and follows a structured sequence:
Online Registration: Candidates must enter their details and pay the registration fee on the KEA website.
Document Verification: Candidates must attend physical document verification (or online as notified) to receive a Verification Slip and Secret Key.
Choice Filling (Option Entry): Using the Secret Key, candidates log in to enter their preferences for colleges and courses in order of priority.
Mock Allotment: KEA conducts a mock round to show candidates their probable allotment based on current choices, allowing for modifications.
Actual Allotment: Final seats are allotted based on merit, category, and locked options.
Choice Exercise: After allotment, candidates must choose one of four options (Accept and Freeze, Accept and Upgrade, Reject and Upgrade, or Reject and Quit).
Fee Payment & Admission: Allotted candidates pay the prescribed fee and report to the college with the admission order
