Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026 is the premier centralized admission framework conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for 85% Government Quota seats in Government/Private Medical Colleges, and 100% Private (P), Management (Q), and NRI (N) Quota seats across top-tier medical and dental institutions in Karnataka. Governed on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, this official live tracker delivers real-time updates on option entry, verification slips, seat allotment lists, fee schedules, and reporting deadlines.
Latest status — verified on September 11, 2026: Round 2 option entry modification concluded on September 10, 2026 (9:30 AM). The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is set to declare the Round 2 Provisional Seat Allotment Result on September 11, 2026, on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026: Quick Facts Overview
Review the primary administrative guidelines, seat categories, and portal details for Karnataka undergraduate medical admissions:
| Parameter | Official Detail / Status |
|---|---|
| Counselling Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bangalore |
| Official Counselling Portal | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS |
| Seat Types | G (Government), P (Private – Open All India), Q (Management), N (NRI) |
| Document Verification Mode | Online / KEA Bangalore Physical Verification for Special Categories |
| Option Entry Mechanism | Secret Key & Verification Slip Based Option Locking |
| Current Lifecycle Stage | Round 2 Provisional Seat Allotment Result Active (September 11, 2026) |
| Last Verified Date | September 11, 2026 |
Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Official Circulars and Notification Log (Chronological Tracker)
The table below logs all official KEA notifications, circulars, and merit lists chronologically with exact dates:
| Release Date | Official Notification Subject | Status / Exact Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| August 10 – 17, 2026 | Round 1 Option Entry & Mock Allotment Result | Completed on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. |
| August 23, 2026 | Round 1 Real Seat Allotment Result Declaration | Completed; College-wise allotments published. |
| August 24 – 30, 2026 | Round 1 Choice Exercising (Choice 1/2/3/4) & Fee Challan Payment | Completed by candidates online. |
| September 04, 2026 | Round 1 Physical College Reporting Deadline | Completed (Closed on September 04, 2026, 5:30 PM) |
| September 06 – 10, 2026 | Round 2 Vacant Seat Matrix & Option Entry Reordering Window | Completed (Extended up to September 10, 2026, 9:30 AM) |
| September 11, 2026 | Declaration of Round 2 Provisional Seat Allotment Result | Active (Declared on September 11, 2026) |
| September 12 – 16, 2026 | Round 2 Choice Exercising, Fee Payment & Admission Order Download | Upcoming (Scheduled September 12 to September 16, 2026) |
Source: KEA Official Notification Archives
Master Schedule: Exact Round-by-Round Karnataka KEA Timeline
The table below outlines the full round-wise timeline for Karnataka MBBS/BDS admissions:
| Counselling Milestone | Round 1 (Exact Dates) | Round 2 (Official Schedule) | Round 3 / Mop-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Entry (Choice Filling) | August 10 – August 17, 2026 (Completed) | September 06 – September 10, 2026 (Completed) | To be announced |
| Seat Allotment Result Declaration | August 23, 2026 (Completed) | September 11, 2026 (Active) | To be announced |
| Choice Exercising (Choice 1/2/3/4) | August 24 – August 30, 2026 (Completed) | September 12 – September 15, 2026 | To be announced |
| Challan Fee Payment & College Reporting | Concluded September 04, 2026 (Completed) | September 12 – September 16, 2026 | To be announced |
Source: KEA Information Brochure Guidelines
Understanding Karnataka Seat Categories (G, P, Q, N Seats)
- ‘G’ Seats (Government Quota Seats): Available in Government Medical Colleges and 40% of seats in Private Medical Colleges. Subsidized fees (approx. ₹1.4 Lakhs/year in private colleges). Strictly reserved for Karnataka Domicile candidates (Clauses A to O).
- ‘P’ Seats (Private Open Quota Seats): Available in Private Medical Colleges (approx. ₹10.9 Lakhs to ₹11.5 Lakhs per year). Open to candidates from all Indian states based purely on NEET AIR rank.
- ‘Q’ Seats (Management Quota Seats): Institutional quota seats with fees typically ranging from ₹30 Lakhs to ₹45 Lakhs per annum. Open to All India candidates.
- ‘N’ Seats (NRI Quota Seats): Reserved for genuine NRI / NRI Ward candidates with fees in USD / INR equivalent.
KEA Choice Exercising Rules (Choices 1, 2, 3, 4 Explained)
- Choice 1: Satisfied with the allotted seat, willing to join, and will not participate in any subsequent rounds. Pay fees and collect Admission Order.
- Choice 2: Satisfied with the allotted seat, but wishes to participate in the next round for upgradation to a higher preference. Pay fees to hold the seat.
- Choice 3: Not satisfied with the allotted seat, surrenders the seat, but wishes to participate in the next round.
- Choice 4: Not satisfied with the allotted seat, quits counselling, and will not participate in subsequent rounds.
Step-by-Step Karnataka KEA NEET UG Counselling Process
- Online Registration: Register on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, upload documents, and pay the registration fee.
- Download Verification Slip: Download your Verification Slip containing your unique Secret Key and User ID.
- Online Option Entry: Log in using your Secret Key and add college choices in order of preference.
- Seat Allotment Result: Check Round 2 allotment on the KEA portal on September 11, 2026.
- Exercise Choice & Pay Fees: Select Choice 1 or Choice 2 between September 12 and September 15, 2026, and pay the prescribed tuition fee via KEA Challan / RTGS.
- Original Document Deposition & College Joining: Choice 1 candidates must deposit original documents at KEA Bangalore (or allotted college), obtain the Admission Order, and report to the college by September 16, 2026.
Mandatory Document Checklist for Reporting
- KEA Online Application Form Printout
- KEA NEET UG Verification Slip & Secret Key
- NEET UG Admit Card & Official Scorecard
- Provisional Seat Allotment Letter & KEA Admission Order
- Class 10 SSLC Marksheet & Passing Certificate (DOB Proof)
- Class 12 2nd PUC Marksheet & Passing Certificate
- 7 Years Study Certificate (for Karnataka Domicile Candidates)
- Caste / Income / Rural / Kannada Medium Certificate (if applicable)
- KEA Tuition Fee Payment Challan / RTGS Receipt
- Original Bond / Undertaking on stamp paper as per KEA format
- 6 Passport-size photographs identical to NEET application
What This Means for Students: Practical Next Steps
- Round 2 Results: Access the KEA allotment link on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and exercise your choices promptly. Check cutoff trends using our All India College Predictor Hub.
- Expert Counselling Guidance: Explore private medical college fees and choice-locking strategy in our Medical Admissions Hub or Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with our Karnataka medical admissions team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the official website for Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026?
Answer: The official portal is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, operated by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bangalore.
Q2: When will KEA release the Round 2 provisional seat allotment result?
Answer: The Round 2 Provisional Seat Allotment Result is scheduled for declaration on September 11, 2026, on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Q3: Can non-Karnataka candidates apply for MBBS seats in Karnataka?
Answer: Yes, non-Karnataka candidates are fully eligible to apply for ‘P’ (Private Open Quota), ‘Q’ (Management Quota), and ‘N’ (NRI Quota) seats in private medical colleges.
Q4: What is the Secret Key in KEA counselling?
Answer: The Secret Key is a unique alphanumeric code printed on the KEA Verification Slip that candidates must use to log in and unlock the option entry portal.
Q5: What happens if a candidate selects Choice 2 in KEA?
Answer: Choice 2 allows the candidate to hold their currently allotted seat by paying the fee while participating in the next round for higher college preferences.
Q6: What is the tuition fee for Private ‘P’ Quota MBBS seats in Karnataka?
Answer: Private ‘P’ Quota MBBS tuition fees in Karnataka typically range between ₹10.92 Lakhs to ₹11.50 Lakhs per annum as approved by the state fee committee.
Q7: What is the deadline for fee payment and college reporting in KEA Round 2?
Answer: Choice 1 candidates must complete challan fee payment and report to their allotted colleges by September 16, 2026.
Q8: What is the registration fee for outside-Karnataka candidates in KEA?
Answer: The registration fee for non-Karnataka candidates is ₹2,500, payable online during registration.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) Official Portal
- Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Official Website
Update Policy: This live tracker is revised immediately whenever KEA publishes a new circular, seat matrix, allotment list, or schedule revision.