Karnataka MBBS Registration 2026

Admission to the MBBS course is one of the most competitive and sought-after academic journeys in India. Every year, thousands of students appear for the NEET-UG exam with dreams of becoming doctors. If you are planning to pursue MBBS in Karnataka in 2026, understanding the registration process, counselling steps, eligibility criteria and key dates is essential for success. In this extensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about Karnataka MBBS Registration 2026, from NEET qualification to final admission.

What Is MBBS Registration in Karnataka?

MBBS registration in Karnataka 2026 refers to the process by which eligible candidates apply to the state counselling authority — the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) — for admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS courses in the state. It includes online registration, document verification, choice filling, seat allotment and reporting to the allotted college.

The registration step is mandatory for all eligible candidates who want to take part in state quota counselling for MBBS seats in Karnataka.

Why Is Karnataka MBBS Registration Important?

Registration is the first formal step that confirms your candidature for Karnataka MBBS counselling. Without completing this step, you cannot:

• Participate in the state counselling rounds
• Fill your choice/preference of medical colleges
• Get seat allotment under the 85% State Quota seats
• Report to the allotted college

Registration also enables the authority to verify your documents and eligibility before allowing you to enter the counselling stages.

Who Conducts the Karnataka MBBS Registration?

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is the nodal body responsible for the registration and counselling process for MBBS, BDS and other professional courses based on NEET-UG results. The counselling process includes multiple stages such as:

• Online registration and fee payment
• Document verification
• State merit list publication
• Choice filling and locking
• Seat allotment rounds
• Reporting to the college

KEA conducts these stages in accordance with the state’s admission policy and reservation norms.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Registration in Karnataka 2026

Before registering, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. The basic requirements are:

1. NEET-UG Qualification

Candidates must have qualified NEET-UG 2026 conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and secured at least the minimum cut-off marks as prescribed by NTA for the respective category.

2. Educational Qualification

Candidates should have passed 10+2 / PUC from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as compulsory subjects.

3. Domicile and Reservation Rules

• Candidates who are Karnataka domiciles are eligible for admission under the 85% State Quota seats in government and private medical colleges.
• Non-Karnataka candidates can apply under 15% All India Quota through MCC counselling or in Karnataka private college seats (management/open category), subject to eligibility norms.

Step-by-Step MBBS Registration Process in Karnataka 2026

Step 1: NEET 2026 Registration and Exam

Before applying in Karnataka, you must first register for NEET-UG 2026 on the NTA website, complete the form correctly, and appear for the exam. Once the results are declared, you become eligible for MBBS/BDS counselling, including state-level counselling processes.

Step 2: Karnataka State Counselling Registration

After qualifying NEET UG 2026, candidates should register for Karnataka MBBS counselling on the KEA portal. This includes:

• Visiting the official KEA website (kea.kar.nic.in)
• Clicking on the MBBS/BDS registration link
• Entering personal and NEET details
• Creating a profile with a valid mobile number and email ID

The registration window usually opens a few weeks after the NEET result declaration — typically in July 2026 — and candidates should register within the stipulated dates to avoid missing counselling.

Step 3: Application Fee Payment

After entering the necessary details, candidates are required to pay the counselling registration fee. The fee amount may vary based on category, but typically includes:

• Registration fee
• Counselling processing fee (if applicable)

The fee can be paid online through net banking, credit/debit cards or other online payment modes accepted by the KEA portal.

Step 4: Document Upload / Verification

Once payment is done, candidates must upload scanned copies of specified documents for verification. These documents are used to validate identity, educational qualifications, eligible category status and domicile criteria.

Commonly required documents include:

• NEET UG Admit card and Rank card
• 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Domicile certificate
• Category/caste certificate (if applicable)
• Study certificate (may be required for certain categories)
• Passport size photograph and signature

Documents should be in the required format and size as prescribed in the instructions.

Step 5: State Merit List Publication

Based on the NEET UG score and eligibility verification, KEA publishes a state merit list of candidates eligible for counselling. Only candidates on this list can proceed to choice filling.

Step 6: Choice Filling and Locking

After the merit list is published, candidates can fill their preferred choices of medical colleges and MBBS seats in the online portal. Choices must be filled carefully as seat allotment depends on:

• NEET rank
• Category reservation
• College preference
• Number of seats available

Once filled, choices must be locked before the deadline. Unlocked choices will be locked automatically but candidates are advised to lock manually.

Step 7: Seat Allotment Rounds

KEA conducts multiple rounds of seat allotment:

1. Round 1 Allotment
2. Round 2 Allotment
3. Mop-Up Rounds / Stray Vacancy Rounds

Allotment results are published on the KEA portal, and candidates must download the allotment letter.

Step 8: Reporting to Allotted College

After seat allotment, candidates should report to the allotted college within the specified time, complete necessary formalities, pay fees and confirm the admission.

Karnataka MBBS Registration Timeline 2026 (Tentative)

Below is the expected timeline based on recent trends and notifications:

Fees Involved in Karnataka MBBS Registration and Counselling

There are two major fee components involved:

1. NEET UG Registration Fee

Candidates pay this to register for the NEET exam on the NTA portal. The fee varies by category.

2. State Counselling/Registration Fee

Candidates pay a fee when registering for Karnataka MBBS counselling on the KEA portal. The fee amount is usually nominal and specific to the state quota process.

Please note that additional fees may apply for:

• Option entry
• Security deposit (if applicable)
• College admission and tuition fees

Seat Quota and Reservation

Karnataka MBBS seats are distributed under different quotas:

1. State Quota (85%)

Reserved for candidates with Karnataka domicile for government and certain private colleges.

2. All India Quota (15%)

Seats filled through MCC counselling across India. Candidates aiming for these seats must participate in MCC’s NEET counselling.

3. NRI / Management / Other Quota

A limited number of seats in private colleges may be allocated based on other criteria and may require additional fees.

Tips for Successful Registration and Counselling

• Start Early

Begin the registration process as soon as the NEET results are declared.

• Keep Documents Ready

Ensure all documents are scanned in the correct format to avoid delays during verification.

• Follow Official Websites

Always refer to the official KEA site (kea.kar.nic.in) for updates.

• Check Dates Carefully

Missing key deadlines can result in losing counselling opportunities.

• Choose Preferences Wisely

Analyze seat matrices and previous cut-offs before locking choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete Registration

Submitting incomplete registration without payment will disqualify the application.

• Wrong Document Uploads

Uploading incorrect or blurry documents can lead to rejection in document verification.

• Ignoring Domicile Rules

If claiming Karnataka quota, ensure you fulfill domicile criteria.

• Locking Choices Late

Always lock preferences before the deadline; else the system might auto-lock choices not in your best interest.

Special Notes for Non-Karnataka Candidates

Non-domicile candidates can still apply for MBBS seats in Karnataka:

• Through the All India Quota via MCC counselling.
• On private college seats under management/open quota.
• Note that eligibility for state quota seats requires domicile or study criteria.

Some students report confusion around KCET eligibility when applying to Karnataka MBBS seats, especially related to study certificates and domicile clauses — it is crucial to check the eligibility conditions for non-domiciles before registering.

Conclusion

Karnataka MBBS registration 2026 is a pivotal step in pursuing medical education in the state. With proper preparation, timely action and careful attention to details like eligibility, document verification, choice filling and counselling dates, you can significantly improve your chances of getting a medical seat.

Remember, competition for MBBS seats is intense. Staying updated with official notifications from KEA and NTA, preparing accurately for NEET, and following a systematic registration process will keep you ahead in the admission journey.

If you need additional information on top MBBS in Karnataka, expected cut-offs by category or counselling strategies, just let me know and I can include that in the next part of this guide.