Karnataka MBBS Admission 2025-26: Complete Guide
Karnataka is one of the top destinations for medical education in India, known for its prestigious medical colleges, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and a well-structured admission process. The state attracts thousands of students from across the country aspiring to pursue MBBS. Admission to MBBS courses in Karnataka is based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), followed by a centralized counseling process conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).This guide provides detailed information on MBBS admission in Karnataka for the academic year 2025-26, including eligibility criteria, the admission process, the seat matrix, fees, cut-off marks, and counseling procedures.
MBBS Admission in Karnataka 2025-26: Key Highlights
- Total Medical Colleges: 70+ (including government and private colleges)
- Total MBBS Seats: 11,495 (Government & Private Colleges)
- Entrance Exam: NEET-UG (Conducted by NTA)
- Admission Authority: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
- Counseling Mode: Online
- Seat Distribution: Government, Private, Management Quota, and NRI Quota
- Official Website: KEA Official Website
MBBS Seat Distribution in Karnataka
The MBBS seats in Karnataka are distributed among various categories:
| Category | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges | 3,950 |
| Private Medical Colleges | 7,545 |
| AIIMS Karnataka | 100 |
| Deemed Universities | Varies |
| NRI & Management Quota | Included in Private Colleges |
The Karnataka MBBS seat matrix varies yearly based on regulatory approvals and government policies.
Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka MBBS Admission 2025
To be eligible for MBBS admission in Karnataka, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs can apply.
- Educational Qualification: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- Minimum Marks: General category candidates need at least 50% marks in PCB; 40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
- NEET-UG Requirement: Must have qualified NEET 2025.
- Domicile Requirement: Candidates seeking Karnataka state quota seats must fulfill domicile criteria.
Application Process for Karnataka MBBS Admission 2025
The admission process for MBBS in Karnataka follows these steps:
- NEET-UG 2025 Registration: Candidates must register and appear for the NEET exam conducted by NTA.
- KEA Registration: Eligible candidates must register on the KEA website.
- Document Verification: Physical verification of documents at designated centers.
- Merit List Publication: KEA releases a state-wise NEET merit list.
- Counseling Process:
- Round 1 Counseling – Choice filling and seat allotment.
- Round 2 Counseling – Candidates who did not get seats in Round 1 can participate.
- Mop-up Round – For vacant seats.
- Stray Vacancy Round – Final round for unfilled seats.
- Seat Allotment & Admission: Candidates must report to the allotted college and complete admission formalities.
MBBS Fees in Karnataka
The MBBS course fee in Karnataka varies based on the type of institution:
| College Type | Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Government Colleges | ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000 per year |
| Private Colleges (Government Quota) | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 per year |
| Private Colleges (Management Quota) | ₹10,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 per year |
| NRI Quota | ₹25,00,000 - ₹50,00,000 per year |
Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka
| Rank | College Name | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) | Bangalore |
| 2 | Mysore Medical College and Research Institute | Mysore |
| 3 | Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Hubli |
| 4 | Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) | Bellary |
| 5 | Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) | Belgaum |
Top Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka
| Rank | College Name | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kasturba Medical College (KMC) | Manipal |
| 2 | St. John’s Medical College | Bangalore |
| 3 | MS Ramaiah Medical College | Bangalore |
| 4 | JSS Medical College | Mysore |
| 5 | Yenepoya Medical College | Mangalore |
NEET Cutoff for Karnataka MBBS Admission 2025
The NEET cutoff for Karnataka varies each year based on competition, seat availability, and category.
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Expected NEET Score 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile | 720-138 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th Percentile | 137-108 |
| PwD (General) | 45th Percentile | 137-122 |
| PwD (Reserved) | 40th Percentile | 121-108 |
Cut-offs for individual colleges depend on seat matrix, demand, and reservation policies.
Documents Required for MBBS Admission in Karnataka
- NEET-UG 2025 Scorecard
- NEET 2025 Admit Card
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
- Category Certificate (for reserved candidates)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Recent Passport Size Photographs
Career Opportunities After MBBS in Karnataka
After completing MBBS in Karnataka, graduates have multiple career pathways:
- Postgraduate Studies (MD/MS/DNB): Specialization in various medical fields.
- Government & Private Hospitals: Work as medical officers, resident doctors, or specialists.
- Research & Academics: Join medical research institutions or work as lecturers.
- Medical Entrepreneurship: Start clinics, hospitals, or telemedicine services.
- Civil Services (UPSC, State PSC): Appear for medical officer roles in government health services.
Conclusion
Karnataka is one of the best states for MBBS aspirants due to its high-quality medical education, well-structured admission process, and abundant opportunities in government and private medical colleges. To secure admission, students must excel in NEET-UG and actively participate in the counseling rounds conducted by KEA.
For further details and admission support, visit the official KEA website or contact the admission cell of your preferred medical colleges.