MBBS in Kerala 2026
Kerala, known for its high literacy rate and quality education system, offers excellent opportunities for aspiring medical students. Both government and private medical colleges provide top-quality MBBS programs with experienced faculty, advanced infrastructure, and practical clinical exposure.
Overview of Kerala
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southwestern coast of India |
| Capital | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Largest City | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Official Language | Malayalam |
| Area | 38,863 sq. km |
| Population | 35 million |
| Major Rivers | Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba, Chaliyar |
| Climate | Tropical monsoon |
| Famous for | Backwaters, Ayurveda, spices, temples, hill stations, Kathakali |
Private Medical Colleges & Fees
| College Name | Year Established | Management Quota Fee (₹) | NRI Quota Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Azhar Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital | 2014 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Amala Institute of Medical Sciences | 2002 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences | 2008 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Believers Church Medical College Hospital | 2016 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Dr. Moopen’s Medical College | 2013 | 8,86,779 | 21,65,750 |
| MES Medical College | 2004 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Sree Gokulam Medical College Trust & Research Foundation | 2005 | 7,71,595 | 21,65,750 |
| Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute | 2002 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| KMCT Medical College | 2008 | 8,07,324 | 21,65,750 |
| Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College | 2001 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Mount Zion Medical College | 2014 | 8,09,939 | 21,65,750 |
| Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | 2002 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences | 2009 | 8,49,961 | 21,65,750 |
| Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College | 2001 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| SUT Academy of Medical Sciences | 2006 | 7,76,504 | 21,65,750 |
| Travancore Medical College | 2009 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Malabar Medical College Hospital & Research Centre | 2010 | 8,16,038 | 21,65,750 |
| Karuna Medical College | 2006 | 7,87,780 | 21,65,750 |
| Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi | 1998 | 25,00,000 | 50,000 USD |
Government Medical Colleges & Fees
| College Name | Establishment Year | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram | 1951 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Kozhikode | 1957 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Kottayam | 1962 | 31,570 |
| Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha | 1963 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Thrissur | 1981 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Kannur | 1995 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Ernakulam | 1999 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Manjeri | 2013 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Kollam | 2013 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Palakkad | 2014 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Idukki | 2014 | 31,570 |
| Government Medical College, Konni | 2016 | 31,570 |
Admission Process (NEET-Based)
- Appear for NEET-UG (for MBBS) or NEET-PG (for postgraduate courses)
- Kerala CEE and MCC conduct centralized counseling for seat allotment
- Choice filling & seat allocation based on merit, reservation & availability
- Payment of fees and completion of documentation for admission confirmation
Fee Structure & Scholarships
MBBS tuition fees in private medical colleges vary from INR 7,00,000 – 9,00,000 per year (management seats) and INR 20,00,000 – 25,00,000 for NRI seats. Merit scholarships, state government scholarships, and educational loans are available for deserving students.
Campus Life
Kerala offers vibrant campus life, blending academic excellence with cultural diversity. Colleges have modern labs, libraries, hospitals, hostels, and extracurricular activities like inter-medical festivals, sports, arts, and student-run organizations. The serene natural environment of Kerala ensures a stress-free and enjoyable learning experience.
Important NEET UG Dates 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | February 7, 2025 |
| Application End Date | March 9, 2025 |
| Exam Date | May 4, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions – MBBS in Kerala
The MBBS program in Kerala spans 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic study and a one-year mandatory internship. The curriculum is designed according to the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical rotations. During the internship, students are exposed to various specialties, ensuring hands-on experience before becoming licensed medical practitioners.
To pursue MBBS in Kerala, candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. General category students require a minimum of 50% in the qualifying exam, while SC/ST/OBC need 40%, and PwD 45%. Additionally, candidates must qualify NEET-UG and, for state quota seats, fulfill Kerala domicile requirements. Both government and private colleges follow these criteria for admission.
Admission to MBBS colleges in Kerala is based on NEET-UG scores. Candidates participate in centralized counseling conducted by Kerala’s Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) and the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats. Students fill their preferred colleges during choice filling, and seats are allotted based on merit, reservation criteria, and availability. After seat allotment, students must complete fee payment and document verification to confirm admission.
In government colleges, MBBS tuition fees in Kerala are highly affordable, usually around ₹31,570 per year. Private medical colleges charge higher fees ranging from ₹7,00,000 to ₹9,00,000 annually for management quota seats, while NRI quota fees are between ₹20,00,000 and ₹25,00,000 per year. Many colleges also provide merit-based scholarships, and students can avail educational loans from nationalized banks to support their studies.
Kerala offers a mix of prestigious government and private medical colleges. Top government colleges include Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut Medical College, and Kottayam Medical College. Leading private institutions include Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar Medical College, and Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences. These colleges are affiliated with Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) and recognized by the National Medical Commission, ensuring high-quality medical education with strong clinical exposure.
Yes, MBBS students in Kerala can avail various scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are offered by colleges to reward high-performing students. The Kerala state government also provides financial assistance to economically weaker sections. Additionally, students can apply for educational loans from nationalized banks to cover tuition and living expenses. These scholarships and financial aids help reduce the financial burden and allow students to focus on their academic and clinical training.
Campus life for MBBS students in Kerala is vibrant and enriching. Students have access to well-equipped libraries, modern laboratories, and affiliated hospitals for practical exposure. Colleges organize sports, cultural fests, and inter-medical competitions that promote teamwork and overall development. Hostels provide comfortable living with internet access and hygienic facilities. The state’s serene environment with backwaters, greenery, and coastal beauty creates a stress-free atmosphere for learning and personal growth.
Students must submit NEET-UG admit card, scorecard, class 10 and 12 certificates, and proof of identity such as Aadhar or Passport. Additionally, 8 passport-size photographs, caste or PwD certificates (if applicable), and provisional allotment letters from counseling are required. Private colleges may have additional documentation like sponsorship or NRI-related certificates. Proper submission of these documents is necessary to confirm seat allocation and complete the admission process.
NEET cutoffs for Kerala MBBS colleges vary between government and private institutions. Government colleges generally require higher scores due to limited seats and competitive merit, often above 550 for general category students. Private colleges may have slightly lower cutoffs. The exact cutoff is determined each year based on NEET-UG results, seat availability, and category. Students must meet or exceed the state and college-specific cutoffs to be eligible for counseling and admission.
Yes, NRI students can pursue MBBS in Kerala through NRI quota seats in private medical colleges. These seats typically have higher fees and require submission of relevant NRI documents during counseling. NRI candidates must also qualify NEET-UG and follow the centralized admission process. Kerala’s private institutions like Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Al-Azhar Medical College have dedicated NRI seats, ensuring international students receive quality medical education with practical clinical training.
