Karnataka NEET PG medical counselling registration has already started. If you are a NEET PG aspirant seeking MD/MS admission in Karnataka, then this article is for you.
In this guide, I will provide complete details on how to secure MD MS admission in Karnataka through NEET PG 2025. We will cover everything you need to know—from eligibility criteria, admission process, and counselling procedure to the seat matrix, quota-wise seat distribution, tuition fees, and reservation policies in Karnataka.
Remember: It is very important to have insights into the opening and closing ranks of NEET PG 2024. This will help you better estimate the branch-wise cut-off for Karnataka KEA NEET PG counselling 2025 and build your own strategy for KEA NEET PG admissions.
In this article, we are only discussing MD MS admission in Karnataka. If you want information about the list of MD MS medical colleges in Karnataka 2025—including government, private, deemed, and minority medical colleges—you can read this article: MD MS Medical Colleges in Karnataka.
Contents
MD MS Admission in Karnataka Overview
To secure an MD MS seat in Karnataka in 2025, candidates must appear for the NEET PG 2025 exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and obtain the required cutoff.
- General/EWS candidates (Karnataka & Other States) must qualify under the General cutoff.
- Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC of Karnataka) must qualify under their respective category cutoffs.
Once qualified, candidates can participate in two types of counselling:
- KEA Counselling (Karnataka Examination Authority): For state quota and private medical college seats in Karnataka.
- MCC Counselling (Medical Counselling Committee): For 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges, and 100% seats in deemed universities & central institutions.
Types of Seats in Karnataka NEET PG Counselling
Karnataka offers a wide variety of seats across government, private, minority, deemed, and autonomous institutions. Here is the seat split:
| Institutes / Seat Category | Government Seats | Private GMP Seats (GMP or GMPH) | Private Open Seats (OPN) | Private Minority Seats | Others (Q/MNG) | NRI Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Govt Colleges | 50% | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL |
| Private Non-minority Colleges | 33% | 21% | 21% | NIL | 10% | 15% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 20% | 9.35% | 9.35% | 36.3% | 10% | 15% |
| Private University | 40% | 20% | 20% | NIL | 5% | 15% |
| Deemed Universities* | 5% to 10% | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL |
KEA PG Medical Quotas
| Abbreviation | Full Form / Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1G | Category-1 Government seat |
| 1H | Category-1 Government seat (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| 2AG | Category-2A Government seat |
| 2AH | Category-2A Government seat (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| 2BG | Category-2B Government seat |
| 2BH | Category-2B Government seat (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| 3AG | Category-3A Government seat |
| 3AH | Category-3A Government seat (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| 3BG | Category-3B Government seat |
| 3BH | Category-3B Government seat (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| GM | General Merit (Government) seat |
| GMH | General Merit (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) seat |
| GMP | General Merit Private seat (only for Karnataka domicile) |
| GMPH | General Merit Private seat (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| MA | Minority – Tamil Linguistic (e.g., MVJ Bangalore) |
| MC | Minority – Christian (e.g., Father Muller Mangalore) |
| ME | Minority – Telugu Linguistic (Vydehi, Oxford, etc.) |
| MEH | Minority – Telugu (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| MM | Minority – Muslim (e.g., Al-Ameen, Kanachur) |
| MMH | Minority – Muslim (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) |
| MNG | Management Quota seat (also called Q quota) |
| MU | Minority – Tulu Linguistic (AJIMS, Mangalore) |
| NRI | NRI Quota seat |
| OPN | Open Category Private seat (All India eligible, incl. FMGs) |
| PGM | In-service Quota seat (for Karnataka Govt service doctors) |
| RC2 | St. John’s Alumni Quota (with rural service) |
| RC3 | St. John’s Roman Catholic Christian Quota (all-India eligible) |
| SCG | Scheduled Caste Government seat |
| SCH | Scheduled Caste Hyderabad-Karnataka seat |
| STG | Scheduled Tribe Government seat |
NEET PG Medical MD MS Admission in Karnataka: Eligibility
To get MD MS admission in Karnataka, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualification
- Must hold an MBBS degree from a college recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) / Medical Council of India (MCI).
- Candidates with a foreign MBBS degree must clear the FMGE exam and obtain an NMC registration certificate.
2. Internship Requirement
- Completion of a one-year compulsory rotatory internship is mandatory.
- For NEET PG 2025, the internship must be completed on or before 31st March 2025 (or as per NBE/KEA notification).
3. Medical Registration
- Candidates must have provisional or permanent registration with the NMC or State Medical Council (SMC).
4. NEET PG Qualification
All candidates must qualify for NEET PG 2025 with the minimum required percentile:
| Category | Minimum Percentile | Cut-off Score (out of 800) |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50th percentile | 276 |
| PwD (General) | 45th percentile | 255 |
| SC/ST/OBC (Karnataka) | 40th percentile | 235 |
5. Category-wise Eligibility for Karnataka Seats
- Government Quota (State Seats)
- Only Karnataka domiciled candidates OR those who completed MBBS in Karnataka (Govt/Private/Deemed colleges within the state) can apply.
- Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC) must qualify under their respective cutoff percentile.
- Only Karnataka domiciled candidates OR those who completed MBBS in Karnataka (Govt/Private/Deemed colleges within the state) can apply.
- GMP (General Merit Private) Seats
- Only available for Karnataka domicile candidates.
- Candidate must have studied for 10 years in Karnataka and passed Class 10 or Class 12 in Karnataka, even if the MBBS was completed outside Karnataka.
- Only available for Karnataka domicile candidates.
- Private Open/Management (Q Quota) Seats
- Available for all India candidates regardless of domicile.
- Open quota seats are filled on NEET PG All India Merit.
- Available for all India candidates regardless of domicile.
- Minority Quota Seats
- Two types: Religious Minority (Christian/Muslim) and Linguistic Minority (Tamil, Telugu, Tulu, etc.).
- Candidates must produce valid minority certificates to claim these seats.
- Two types: Religious Minority (Christian/Muslim) and Linguistic Minority (Tamil, Telugu, Tulu, etc.).
- NRI / NRI Sponsored Seats
- Any NEET PG-qualified candidate can apply under the 15% NRI quota in Karnataka private and deemed colleges, provided valid NRI sponsorship documents are submitted.
- Any NEET PG-qualified candidate can apply under the 15% NRI quota in Karnataka private and deemed colleges, provided valid NRI sponsorship documents are submitted.
- Hyderabad-Karnataka (371J) Reservation
- Special reservation for candidates from six districts: Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, and Bellary.
- Seats are reserved in both government and private colleges for eligible candidates from this region.
- Special reservation for candidates from six districts: Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, and Bellary.
The Hyderabad-Karnataka (371J) reservation in NEET PG is a special quota for candidates belonging to the six backward districts of Karnataka—Bidar, Gulbarga (Kalaburagi), Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, and Bellary—as per Article 371J of the Indian Constitution. This provision gives eligible students from these districts local reservation benefits in medical admissions, including PG medical seats, ensuring fair representation from the region. To claim this reservation, candidates must possess a 371J eligibility certificate issued by the competent authority, proving their domicile and educational background in these districts.
6. Attempts & Age Limit
- No upper age limit for NEET PG admission.
- No restriction on the number of attempts.
NEET PG Medical MD MS Admission in Karnataka: KEA Counselling Process
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts counselling for MD/MS admissions in Karnataka. Candidates who qualify in NEET PG 2025 must register and participate in KEA counselling to secure seats under the state quota, private quota, GMP quota, minority quota, or NRI quota in Karnataka medical colleges. KEA conducts counselling in four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Stray Vacancy.
Candidates must first register on the KEA website and pay the registration fee. After registration, candidates must appear at the KEA office in Bangalore for document verification and submit their original certificates. KEA then publishes a merit list based on NEET PG scores. Candidates must log in to the portal and fill their preferred colleges and branches online.
KEA releases a mock allotment so candidates can review and rearrange their options before locking the final choices. Based on rank, category, reservation quota, and seat availability, KEA publishes the final seat allotment. Candidates who receive a seat must pay the prescribed fee online and download the allotment order. Finally, candidates must report to the allotted college within the deadline to confirm admission. Failure to join after allotment attracts penalties as per KEA rules.
STEP 1: KEA Registration
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts counselling for MD/MS admissions in Karnataka. Candidates who have qualified in NEET PG 2025 must register online through the official KEA website (https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/KEA/pgetmed2025).
KEA started NEET PG registration at 11:00 am on 4th October 2025, and the process will remain open until 11:00 am on 9th October 2025. Candidates must fill out the registration form, pay the prescribed fee, upload the required documents, and wait for the document verification schedule. Only candidates who score at least the 50th percentile in NEET PG 2025 are eligible to register. Non-Karnataka candidates are not eligible for reservation benefits, and SC/ST/OBC eligibility criteria apply only to Karnataka candidates.STEP 2: Document Verification
KEA conducts document verification in offline mode at the KEA office in Malleswaram, Bangalore. Candidates must appear in person with all original documents. KEA verifies the documents and returns them along with a verification slip. Candidates must complete this step to participate in further rounds of counselling.
STEP 3: Choice Filling
After verification, candidates fill their preferred colleges and courses online based on seat availability. KEA releases a mock allotment result to allow candidates to review and rearrange their choices. Candidates lock their final preferences once they are satisfied. In Karnataka, KEA carries forward the choices entered in Round 1 to Round 2. Candidates can modify, delete, or rearrange choices in Round 2, but they cannot add new options.
Must Read: MD MS Medical Colleges in KarnatakaSTEP 4: Seat Allotment
KEA publishes the final seat allotment results after each round. In Round 1, candidates allotted a seat have four options: retain the seat, retain with upgradation, exit from counselling, or surrender the seat and participate in Round 2. Candidates who retain or upgrade must pay the first-year tuition fee online through challan or net banking. KEA requires candidates retaining the seat to report to the allotted college. Candidates opting for upgradation must pay online and wait for the next round.
KEA usually conducts four to five counselling rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Mop-Up, and Stray Vacancy. Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 or Round 2 cannot participate in later rounds. To be eligible for Round 2, all candidates must submit their original documents to KEA. Registration normally happens only in Round 1, and KEA rarely reopens it in later rounds.
Round 3 in 2024:
In NEET PG counselling 2024, KEA conducted five rounds. After Round 1 and Round 2, KEA held a Mop-Up round, which functioned as Round 3. In this round, KEA converted unfilled NRI seats into Management (Q) seats and reallocated some reserved seats to the General category. The Mop-Up round allowed fresh choice filling for remaining vacant seats. Many clinical branches, especially in private colleges, were allotted during this stage.
Round 1 Allotment (Final): View PDF
Round 2 Allotment (Final): View PDF
Round 3 (Mop-Up) Provisional Allotment: View PDF
Stray Vacancy Round (Revised): View PDF
Second Stray Vacancy Round (Final): View PDFSTEP 5: Reporting to the respective college
Once KEA allots a seat, candidates must confirm admission by paying the required fee and reporting to the respective college. Candidates who fail to report or pay the fee face penalties. If a candidate exits after Round 1 allotment without taking admission, KEA does not impose any penalty.
If a candidate cancels admission before Round 2, KEA charges a penalty of ₹25,000.
If a candidate does not join an allotted seat in Round 2, KEA requires payment of ₹60,000 to release the original documents.
If a candidate cancels before the Mop-Up round, the penalty is about ₹7,00,000.
If a candidate cancels after the Mop-Up round, the penalty increases to about ₹18,00,000.
In the previous year, KEA allowed concessions and reduced this penalty to about ₹2–3 lakhs in some cases. Candidates must evaluate their options carefully before confirming admission to avoid such penalties.
KEA NEET PG Counselling Penalty
Candidates applying for Karnataka NEET PG counselling must carefully understand the seat forfeiture and penalty rules. KEA has strict guidelines, and failure to follow them can lead to heavy fines as well as loss of documents.
Penalties for Seat Cancellation in KEA Counselling (Past Data):
| Situation | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| Candidate leaves a seat after Round 1 allotment (without admission) | No penalty – Candidate can still participate in Round 2 |
| Candidate cancels a seat in Round 1 after admission but before Round 2 | ₹25,000 |
| Candidate allotted a seat in Round 2 but fails to join before the last date | ₹60,000 (to collect original documents) |
| Candidate cancels a seat one day before the Mop-Up Round | ₹7,00,000 |
| Candidate cancels a seat after the Mop-Up Round result | ₹18,00,000 (in previous years, KEA relaxed it to about ₹2–3 lakhs in some cases) |
- If a candidate leaves a seat after Round 1 allotment (without admission), there is no penalty. They can still participate in Round 2.
- If a candidate cancels a seat in Round 1 after admission but before Round 2, they must pay a ₹25,000 penalty.
- If a candidate is allotted a seat in Round 2 and fails to join before the last date, they must pay a ₹60,000 penalty to collect their original documents.
- If a candidate cancels a seat one day before the Mop-Up Round, the penalty is ₹7,00,000.
- If a candidate cancels a seat after the Mop-Up Round result, the penalty is ₹18,00,000. However, in previous years, KEA allowed some relaxation, and candidates could get their documents back by paying around ₹2–3 lakhs instead of the full ₹18 lakhs.
👉 Important: To participate in Round 2 or further rounds, candidates must submit their original documents to KEA. Without this submission, they are not eligible for further choice filling.
MD MS Admission in Karnataka Documents Required
| S. No | Document Required | Upload before Round 1 | At the time of Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | KEA PGET Registration form printout (application acknowledgment) | Originals | Originals |
| 02 | Photo Identity & Address Proof (PAN / DL / Voter ID / Passport / Aadhaar / Ration Card) | Originals | Originals |
| 03 | NEET PG Admit Card | Print Out | Print Out |
| 04 | NEET PG Score Card | Print Out | Print Out |
| 05 | Date of Birth Proof (SSLC – 10th Standard certificate) | Originals | Originals |
| 06 | 12th Mark Sheet (2nd PUC) | Originals | Originals |
| 07 | MBBS Marks Sheets (all years) | Originals | Originals |
| 08 | MBBS Degree Certificate (Provisional if completed MBBS in 2025) | Originals | Originals |
| 09 | CRRI Completion Certificate (provisional if internship not yet completed) | Originals | Originals |
| 10 | MCI Recognition Certificate from Head of Institute (MBBS recognized) | Originals | – |
| 11 | Permanent Medical Registration Certificate (Provisional if passed MBBS in 2025) | Originals | Originals |
| 12 | For Non-RGUHS MBBS students: (a) Migration Certificate (b) Eligibility Certificate (from RGUHS) | – | Originals |
| 13 | Undertaking in plain paper (same undertaking in ₹20 stamp paper to be submitted later) | Photocopy | In ₹20 Stamp Paper |
| 14 | (For Hyd–Kar candidates only) Local Person Certificate | Originals | Originals |
| 15 | Rural Service Bond (₹100 stamp paper) & Undertaking (₹20 stamp paper) | Originals | Originals |
| 16 | For Karnataka candidates claiming reservation: Caste / Caste Income Certificate | Originals | Originals |
| 17 | Clause b or c: 10 years study certificate from Karnataka school (signed by BEO/DDPI) | Originals | Originals |
| 18 | Clause b or c: SSLC or 12th Marks Card showing passing from Karnataka | Originals | Originals |
| 19 | For candidates claiming Religious Minority Quota: Religious Minority Certificate | Originals | Originals |
| 20 | For candidates claiming Linguistic Minority Quota: Study Certificate signed by BEO/DDPI | Originals | Originals |
| 21 | In-service candidates: NOC from Head of Department & particulars forwarded by HoD | Originals | Originals |
| 22 | For PwD candidates: PwD Certificate as prescribed for AI counselling + Medical Certificate | Originals | Originals |
Types of PG Medical Seats in Karnataka
In Karnataka, postgraduate medical seats are divided into several categories. Understanding these is important, especially for non-Karnataka candidates, because some quotas are reserved only for Karnataka domiciles.
Broadly, seats are classified as:
- Government Seats
- Private Seats (GMP & OPN)
- Minority Seats (Religious/Linguistic)
- Management (Q Quota) Seats
- NRI Seats
Government Seats
| Institute Type | Govt Seats (G) |
|---|---|
| Karnataka Govt Colleges | 50% |
| Private Non-minority Colleges | 33% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 20% |
| Private University | 40% |
| Deemed Universities* | 5% – 10% |
- In government medical colleges, 85% of seats are reserved under the Karnataka state quota, and 15% are contributed to AIQ.
- In private non-minority colleges, about 33–40% of seats are reserved as Government quota.
- In private minority colleges, about 20–25% of seats are earmarked as Government quota.
- Some state autonomous universities such as Ramaiah, SDM Dharwad, and KLE reserve 40% of seats under the Government quota.
- A few deemed universities in Karnataka also contribute 5–10% seats as Government quota.
Private GMP Seats (Only for Karnataka Domicile)
| Institutes | Private GMP Seats |
|---|---|
| Karnataka Govt Colleges | NIL |
| Private Non-minority Colleges | 21% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 9.35% |
| Private University | 20% |
- GMP stands for General Merit Private seats.
- Only Karnataka domicile candidates are eligible.
- The candidate must have studied in Karnataka for 10 years (including 10th or 12th) or completed MBBS in Karnataka.
- Candidates who studied MBBS outside Karnataka but completed 10 years of schooling in Karnataka are also eligible.
Private Open Category (OPN – All India Eligible)
| Institutes | Private OPN Seats |
|---|---|
| Karnataka Govt Colleges | NIL |
| Private Non-minority Colleges | 21% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 9.35% |
| Private University | 20% |
- OPN seats are open to all India candidates, including FMGs.
- These are private seats not restricted by domicile.
- Competition is high since candidates from across India apply.
Minority Quota Seats
These seats are reserved in colleges that fall under religious or linguistic minority categories. Karnataka domicile candidates get the first preference, but if seats remain, outside candidates may be considered.
| Minority Quota | Details |
|---|---|
| Linguistic Minority | Tamil (MVJ), Telugu (Vydehi, Oxford, Akash, Subbaiah), Tulu (AJIMS), etc. |
| Religious Minority | Christian (Father Muller, St. John’s), Muslim (Al-Ameen, Kanachur), etc. |
Special Case: St. John’s Medical College
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| RC 1 | Roman Catholic religious nuns & priests with SJMC-approved 2-year rural service |
| RC 2 | SJMC Alumni with SJMC-approved 2-year rural service |
| RC 3 | All Roman Catholic Christians (from any state) – same priority |
St. John’s Fee Structure (2023):
- Pre-clinicals & FM – ₹2.1 lakhs
- Biochemistry – ₹2.1 lakhs
- Microbiology – ₹3.1 lakhs
- Pharmacology – ₹4.1 lakhs
- Pathology / SPM / IHBT – ₹7.6 lakhs
- All Clinicals – ₹13 lakhs per year
Q Quota / Management Seats
| Institutes | Others Category (Q/MNG) |
|---|---|
| Karnataka Govt Colleges | NIL |
| Private Non-minority Colleges | 10% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 10% |
| Private University | 5% |
Explanation:
- Also called Management Quota (Q seats).
- Open to all India candidates regardless of domicile.
- Tuition fees are higher than Govt, GMP, or OPN seats.
NRI Quota Seats
| Institutes | NRI % |
|---|---|
| Karnataka Govt Colleges | NIL |
| Private Non-minority Colleges | 15% |
| Private Minority Colleges | 15% |
| Private University | 15% |
- Reserved for candidates with NRI status or NRI-sponsored candidates.
- Seats generally have higher tuition fees ranging from ₹30–70 lakhs per year depending on the college.
Reservation in Karnataka PG Medical Counselling
| Category | Reservation % |
|---|---|
| Unreserved / Open | 50% |
| Category 1 | 4% |
| Category 2A | 15% |
| Category 2B | 4% |
| Category 3A | 4% |
| Category 3B | 5% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 3% |
| PwD (Horizontal, Karnataka only) | 5% |
| 371J (Hyderabad-Karnataka) | Special for Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal & Bellary |
MD MS Admission in Karnataka: Minimum Marks to Get
NEET PG 2025 Cut-off
| Category | Minimum Qualifying / Eligibility Criteria | Cut-Off Scores (Out of 800) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th percentile | 276 |
| General PwBD | 45th percentile | 255 |
| SC / ST / OBC (Including PwBD of SC/ST/OBC) | 40th percentile | 235 |
The cut-off marks for NEET PG 2025 have been announced separately for each category and eligibility criteria. For General EWS candidates, the minimum percentile and cut-off score is the 50th percentile and 276 cut off marks, respectively. General PwBD candidates have to score 45th percentile with 255 marks, while SC/ST/OBC (including PwBD) candidates have to score 40th percentile for which the cut-off is 235 marks. Scoring these cut-off scores is essential to qualify for MD/MS/DNB admissions in 2025.
NEET PG 2024 Cut-off
| Category | NEET PG Revised Reduced Cutoff Percentile 2024 |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 5th percentile |
| General – PwD | 5th percentile |
| SC / ST / OBC (including PwD of this category) | 5th percentile |
In 2024, the NBEMS reduced the qualifying cutoff for NEET PG to the 5th percentile for all categories. The aim was to fill vacant seats. This change applied nationwide, including Karnataka, for both government and private colleges.
The actual cutoff marks vary each year because the percentile depends on the difficulty of the exam and the distribution of scores.
For NEET PG 2024, the minimum qualifying criteria were:
- General/EWS: 5th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC: 5th percentile
- PwD (all categories): 5th percentile
In 2024, candidates could qualify with marks below 150 out of 800, but the exact qualifying marks depended on the official score distribution and notifications.
Comparison of 2024 and 2025 cut-off
| Year | Cut-off Policy | Qualifying Marks | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Reduced to 5th percentile for all categories | Below 150/800 (approx.) | Exceptional year – even very low-scoring students could qualify to fill vacant seats. |
| 2025 | Restored to 50th / 45th / 40th percentile | 276 (General), 255 (PwBD), 235 (SC/ST/OBC) | Returned to normal cut-offs – only candidates with competitive scores are eligible. |
The table below shows the key gap between NEET PG cut offs 2024 vs 2025. And in 2024, cut-off percentile was reduced severely to 5th percentile, as not enough candidates were available and government didn’t want any seat to be left unfilled. However, in 2025, NBEMS reinstated the percentile-based criteria (50th/45th/40th) with the cut-off scores of 235–276. Which in turn indicates only the students scoring well were admitted in MD/MS/DNB.
Branch wise Cut-off for NEET PG KEA Counselling
When applying for Karnataka State NEET PG counseling, one of the most crucial factors to understand is the expected cut-off rank. Before choosing a branch, candidates must carefully check the cut-off trends based on their category and domicile status. Karnataka has multiple reservation categories, but here we are primarily focusing on General Merit (GM), Government quota seats, GMP seats (private medical colleges for locals), Open seats (for all, including non-Karnataka students), and Minority quota seats.
1. General Merit (GM) – Government Medical Colleges
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 3,000 – 3,800 |
| Dermatology | 8,000 |
| Anesthesia | 27,000 – 28,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | 15,000 – 16,000 |
| ENT | 33,000 – 35,000 |
| General Medicine | 9,000 – 9,500 |
| General Surgery | 15,000 |
| Geriatric Medicine | 21,000 – 22,000 |
| Obstetrics & Gynae | 16,000 – 17,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 28,000 – 29,000 |
| Orthopedics | 22,000 – 23,000 |
| Pediatrics | 7,500 – 8,000 |
| Pathology | 38,000 – 39,000 |
| Psychiatry | 25,000 |
| Radiation Oncology | 30,000 |
| Sports Medicine | 20,000 – 21,000 |
| TB & Chest | 24,000 – 25,000 |
For Government Medical Colleges under GM quota, the highest-demand branches like Radio Diagnosis and Dermatology require top ranks (within 8,000). Mid-demand branches like General Medicine, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, and OBG are relatively accessible till ranks of 15,000–23,000. Lower-demand and para-clinical branches like Pathology and Psychiatry can go up to 39,000.
2. GMP (Private Medical Colleges – Local Karnataka Candidates Only)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 10,000 |
| Dermatology | 15,000 |
| General Medicine | 15,000 |
| Obstetrics & Gynae | 24,000 |
| Pediatrics | 20,000 |
| Anesthesia | 50,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | 40,000 |
GMP quota is reserved for candidates who studied UG outside Karnataka but completed 10 years of schooling in Karnataka. These are private seats with ~₹13.8 lakh fees. Popular branches like Radiology and Dermatology close at 10k–15k, while subjects like Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine extend till 40k–50k.
3. Open Category (Private Medical Colleges – All India Eligible)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 11,000 – 12,000 |
| Dermatology | 13,000 – 14,000 |
| General Medicine | 15,000 – 16,000 |
| Obstetrics & Gynae | 25,000 – 26,000 |
| Orthopedics | 37,000 – 38,000 |
| Pediatrics | 20,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | 28,000 |
| General Surgery | 37,000 – 40,000 |
| Anesthesia | 50,000 – 55,000 |
| ENT | 50,000 – 55,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 45,000 |
| Psychiatry | 62,000 – 65,000 |
| Radiation Oncology | 33,000 – 35,000 |
| TB & Chest | 30,000 |
The Open Category is the most flexible, as local, other-state, and even FMG candidates can apply. The cut-off ranks are slightly higher than GMP since competition is pan-India.
4. Minority Quota Seats
Karnataka also reserves seats under linguistic and religious minorities. These are college-specific and usually at the same fee level (~₹13.8 lakhs).
a) Tamil Minority (MVJ Medical College)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
| Radio Diagnosis | 25,000 – 26,000 |
| Dermatology | 21,000 – 22,000 |
| General Medicine | 50,000 |
| Obstetrics & Gynae | 35,000 |
| Pediatrics | 40,000 |
| ENT | 57,000 – 58,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 63,000 – 64,000 |
| Orthopedics | 41,000 |
| Anesthesia | 74,000 – 75,000 |
| Pathology | 90,000 |
b) Christian Minority (Father Muller Medical College)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 5,000 |
| Dermatology | 23,000 – 24,000 |
| General Medicine | 21,000 – 22,000 |
| Obstetrics & Gynae | 21,000 – 22,000 |
| Pediatrics | 30,000 |
| General Surgery | 35,000 |
| Orthopedics | 32,000 – 33,000 |
| ENT | 40,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 38,000 |
| Anesthesia | 55,000 |
| Psychiatry | 50,000 |
| Radiation Oncology | 60,000 |
c) Telugu Minority (4 Colleges – Vydehi, Oxford, Akash, Subbaiah)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 8,000 – 9,000 |
| Dermatology | 16,000 – 17,000 |
| General Medicine | 25,000 |
| Obstetrics & Gynae | 35,000 – 36,000 |
| Pediatrics | 30,000 |
| General Surgery | 55,000 – 57,000 |
| ENT | 70,000 – 75,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 70,000 |
| Orthopedics | 65,000 |
| Anesthesia | 85,000 |
| Psychiatry | 70,000 |
| Radiation Oncology | 90,000 – 95,000 |
| TB & Chest | 45,000 |
d) Muslim Minority (Al-Ameen & Kanachur)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 10,000 – 12,000 |
| Dermatology | 9,000 – 13,000 |
| General Medicine | 25,000 |
| Pediatrics | 30,000 |
| General Surgery | 55,000 – 58,000 |
| ENT | 70,000 – 75,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 70,000 |
| Orthopedics | 70,000 – 80,000 |
| Anesthesia | 70,000 – 75,000 |
| Psychiatry | 90,000 – 95,000 |
e) Tulu Minority (AJIMS & S Nasa Mangalore)
| Branch | Safe Rank (Below) |
|---|---|
| Radio Diagnosis | 12,000 – 13,000 |
| Dermatology | 16,000 – 17,000 |
| General Medicine | 16,000 – 17,000 |
| General Surgery | 40,000 |
| Pediatrics | 20,000 |
| Orthopedics | 30,000 |
| ENT | 60,000 |
| Ophthalmology | 37,000 – 38,000 |
| Anesthesia | 60,000 – 65,000 |
| Psychiatry | 35,000 |
| Radiation Oncology | 55,000 – 60,000 |
| TB & Chest | 30,000 |
Summary:
- Government GM seats are the most competitive (ranks within 3k–10k for top branches).
- GMP and Open seats have wider cut-offs (10k–50k).
- Minority seats allow relaxed cut-offs, sometimes even beyond 80k–90k, depending on the branch.
MD MS Admission in Karnataka for Other State Students
Karnataka has always been one of the most preferred destinations for postgraduate medical education in India. With over 9,000+ PG medical seats across government, private, and deemed universities, the state attracts thousands of aspirants every year—including students from other states. If you are from outside Karnataka and planning to pursue MD/MS admission in Karnataka, it is important to understand the eligibility, counselling authority, seat categories, and fee structure.
Eligibility for Other State Students
- You must qualify NEET PG 2024 with the minimum cut-off percentile prescribed by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
- Other state students are eligible for All India Quota (AIQ), Deemed University seats, and Private Medical College seats in Karnataka.
- However, Government Quota seats in Karnataka private colleges are primarily reserved for Karnataka domicile candidates, unless specifically mentioned in the KEA guidelines.
- NRI/Management quota seats are open to students from any state, provided they meet NEET PG eligibility.
Counselling Authorities for Other State Students
- Medical Counselling Committee (MCC)
- Conducts counselling for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges.
- Manages 100% seats in Deemed Universities (like JSS Medical College, KMC Manipal, etc.).
- Conducts counselling for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges.
- Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
- Handles PG medical counselling for state quota seats in government and private colleges.
- Other state students can only apply for private/management/NRI quota seats through KEA.
- Handles PG medical counselling for state quota seats in government and private colleges.
Fee Structure for Other State Students in Karnataka
The tuition fees in Karnataka vary depending on the seat type:
| Seat Type | Eligibility for Other State Students | Approx. Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| AIQ (Government Colleges) | Yes | ₹40,000 – ₹1,25,000 |
| Deemed Universities | Yes | ₹18 Lakhs – ₹45 Lakhs |
| Private Colleges (Management Quota) | Yes | ₹12 Lakhs – ₹30 Lakhs |
| NRI Quota | Yes | ₹30 Lakhs – ₹60 Lakhs |
Key Points to Remember
- Document Verification: Other state students must attend KEA document verification in Bangalore (offline) for private seat allotment.
- Bond & Service: Most government quota seats have service bonds, but management/deemed university seats usually don’t.
- Choice Filling: Options should be filled carefully since seat allotment depends on rank, category, and seat availability.
⚡ Pro Tip: If you are from another state and want admission in Karnataka, apply through both MCC and KEA. This doubles your chances of securing an MD/MS seat in top medical colleges.
Wrap up
Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2025 is one of the most competitive processes in India. The state attracts aspirants because it has top-ranked colleges, affordable government seats, and diverse private institutions. The process may look complex at first. However, candidates can secure the best possible seat if they plan properly and understand eligibility, seat types, cutoffs, and fee structures.
Candidates must stay updated with KEA’s official announcements. They should prepare their documents in advance and make informed choices during counselling. A smart approach helps candidates move beyond participation and secure their desired PG seat in Karnataka.
FAQs
1. How to apply for Karnataka State NEET PG Counselling?
Candidates must register online at the official KEA website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. They need to create an account, fill in personal and academic details, upload documents, and pay the registration fee. After successful registration, they can participate in choice filling, seat allotment, and admission confirmation.
2. What are the requirements for MD/MS admission in Karnataka?
Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized university, complete their compulsory rotating internship by the specified date, and qualify NEET PG with the required cutoff percentile. They also need documents like MBBS marksheets, internship completion certificate, registration certificate (MCI/State Medical Council), and valid ID proof.
7. What is the security deposit for KEA NEET PG counselling?
Candidates must pay a security deposit during registration. The amount varies depending on whether they apply for government or private seats and typically ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000. It is refundable if the candidate does not secure a seat or after admission confirmation.
When did KEA NEET PG Registration start?
KEA NEET PG 2025 registration started on 4th October 2025 at 11:00 AM and will remain open until 9th October 2025 at 11:00 AM. Candidates must complete the online application within this period, pay the registration fee, upload the required documents, and attend offline document verification at the KEA office in Bangalore to be eligible for seat allotment.
What is the official website for KEA NEET PG registration?
The official website for KEA NEET PG registration is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
