KEA Counselling 2026: Complete Guide for MBBS/BDS in Karnataka
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts counselling for MBBS and BDS admissions in Karnataka state medical colleges based on NEET scores. If you are a Karnataka domicile candidate or seeking admission under Karnataka state quota, this KEA counselling 2026 guide covers everything you need.
What Is KEA Counselling?
KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) is the state-level body responsible for conducting counselling for professional courses in Karnataka, including MBBS and BDS. KEA counselling is for candidates who have qualified NEET UG and belong to Karnataka.
Who Is Eligible for KEA Counselling 2026?
- Candidates with Karnataka domicile
- Candidates who studied in Karnataka for 10+ years (as per rules)
- Children of Karnataka origin working outside the state
- Candidates who meet the minimum NEET cutoff for their category
KEA Counselling 2026: Expected Schedule
Event | Expected Dates |
|---|---|
KEA notification release | June 2026 |
Online registration | July 2026 |
Document verification | July-August 2026 |
Option entry (choice filling) | August 2026 |
Round 1 allotment | August 2026 |
Round 2 allotment | September 2026 |
Mop-up round | September 2026 |
Stray vacancy round | October 2026 |
How to Register for KEA Counselling 2026
Step 1: Visit the official KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in
Step 2: Click on the UG NEET counselling link
Step 3: Register with your NEET roll number and personal details
Step 4: Pay the registration fee:
- General/OBC: ₹750
- SC/ST/Cat-1: ₹500
Step 5: Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, certificates)
Step 6: Submit the application and take a printout
Documents Required for KEA Counselling
- NEET 2026 admit card and scorecard
- SSLC/10th marks card (for date of birth)
- 12th/PUC marks card
- Karnataka domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Income certificate for fee concession
- Study certificate (10 years in Karnataka)
KEA Choice Filling Strategy 2026
When filling choices in KEA counselling:
- **List all eligible colleges first** — include government and private
- **Prioritize by preference** — not by cutoff predictions
- **Use the college predictor** to understand realistic options
- **Keep backup options** — include lower-preference colleges
- **Freeze before the deadline** — incomplete choice filling leads to no allotment
KEA Seat Allotment 2026: How It Works
KEA uses a merit-based computerised seat allotment system. Seats are allocated based on:
- NEET rank
- Category (General/OBC/SC/ST)
- College and course preferences
- Seat availability in each category
Check Karnataka state counselling for more state-specific details.
KEA Counselling Fees Structure
Category | Tuition Fee (Govt College) | Tuition Fee (Private College) |
|---|---|---|
General | ₹10,000-₹40,000/year | ₹8-15 lakh/year |
OBC | ₹10,000-₹40,000/year | ₹8-15 lakh/year |
SC/ST | Nil to ₹5,000/year | ₹3-8 lakh/year |
NRI Quota | — | ₹15-40 lakh/year |
KEA Cutoff 2026: Expected Range
Based on previous year trends, here are expected KEA counselling cutoffs:
Category | Govt College Rank Range | Private College Rank Range |
|---|---|---|
General | 500-5,000 | 5,000-30,000 |
OBC | 1,000-15,000 | 15,000-50,000 |
SC | 5,000-50,000 | 50,000-1,00,000 |
ST | 10,000-80,000 | 80,000-1,50,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Expert Guidance?
KEA counselling 2026 is your gateway to MBBS and BDS seats in Karnataka's top medical colleges. Start preparing your documents early, understand the choice filling strategy, and stay updated on KEA notifications to secure your dream seat. For personalised KEA counselling guidance, .