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Maharashtra Status Retention Form: when to submit and how it works
- Status Retention is irrevocable: once declared, you cannot withdraw even if no upgrade materializes.
- Only retain a seat you would genuinely attend for five years at its fee level.
- Round 2 closing AIRs at government colleges are typically 15% to 25% less competitive than Round 1.
- You must still fill Round 2 preferences after declaring Status Retention; the upgrade does not happen automatically.
Status Retention is Maharashtra’s version of floating, with one critical difference: it is irrevocable

In Maharashtra’s CET Cell counselling, “Status Retention” is the mechanism for keeping your Round 1 seat while seeking an upgrade in Round 2. The concept is identical to MCC’s “Float”: you hold your current allotment as a safety net and let the algorithm check whether anything better is available. The difference is in the commitment. Once you declare Status Retention on a seat in Maharashtra, you cannot withdraw from it. If Round 2 does not produce an upgrade, that seat is yours, and you must report to the college.

This guide covers the Maharashtra-specific mechanics. For the general float-vs-freeze framework, see our float vs freeze pillar guide. For Karnataka’s equivalent system, see our Karnataka Choice 1 vs Choice 2 guide.

The timeline: when Status Retention happens

Status Retention applies between Round 1 and Round 2. The sequence:
1. Round 1 results are published. You see your allotment (college, category, seat type).
2. Reporting window opens. If you want to accept the seat, you report to the college, pay the fees, and confirm admission. This is equivalent to “freezing.”
3. Status Retention window opens (usually overlapping with or immediately after reporting). If you want to keep the seat but seek an upgrade, you file a Status Retention declaration through the CET Cell portal. You pay the required deposit.
4. Free Exit window. If you do not want the seat at all, you do not report and do not declare Status Retention. Your seat is released, your deposit is refunded, and you enter Round 2 as a fresh candidate.
5. Round 2 choice filling opens. You fill a fresh preference list (Maharashtra allows new preferences every round).
6. Round 2 results. If upgraded, you report to the new college. If not upgraded, you report to your Round 1 college (the one you retained).
What happens mechanically when you declare Status Retention

When you file Status Retention:
- Your Round 1 seat is locked to you. No other candidate can be allotted to it during Round 2.
- You fill a new Round 2 preference list. Only colleges ranked above your Round 1 allotment (in terms of your preference) are considered for upgrade. If you list the same college you already hold, the system ignores it since you already have it.
- The Round 2 algorithm processes all candidates simultaneously: Status Retention candidates seeking upgrades, fresh candidates, and Round 1 candidates who took free exit.
- If your AIR qualifies for a college on your Round 2 list that is better than your retained seat, you are upgraded. Your Round 1 seat is released to other candidates.
- If no upgrade is available, your Round 1 seat is confirmed. You must report to that college.
The irrevocability rule and why it matters

Status Retention in Maharashtra is binding. Once declared, you cannot change your mind and take free exit, withdraw from the retained seat, or participate in other counselling for that seat. The college you retain becomes your guaranteed minimum outcome. If you retain a private college at Rs 18 lakh per year and are not upgraded, you owe Rs 18 lakh per year for five years.

This is the single most important difference from Round 1’s free exit. In Round 1, listing a college you do not want costs nothing because exit is free. In the Status Retention phase, the college you retain becomes your guaranteed minimum outcome.

Choose what you retain carefully. Only retain a seat you would genuinely attend if the upgrade does not materialise.

Who should use Status Retention

Candidates allotted a private college who want a government upgrade

This is the most common Status Retention scenario. You got a private college in Round 1 (fees Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year depending on the institution) but government colleges you qualify for did not allot to you because cutoffs were tighter than expected. Round 2 cutoffs at government colleges are typically 15% to 25% less competitive than Round 1. Retaining the private seat gives you a safety net while the government upgrade becomes possible.

Check the Maharashtra cutoff analyzer to compare your AIR against Round 2 closing AIRs at government colleges for your category in previous years. If 3 or more government colleges had Round 2 closing AIRs at or above your AIR, Status Retention is well justified.

Candidates allotted a lower-preference government college

If you got a government college in a smaller city but prefer one in Mumbai or Pune, Status Retention lets you hold the current seat while trying for the metropolitan option. The fees are the same either way (approximately Rs 1.62 lakh per year at all Maharashtra government colleges), so the financial stakes are lower. The decision comes down to location and clinical exposure preferences.

Candidates whose AIR is within striking distance of target colleges

If your AIR was 2,000 to 5,000 ranks above (worse than) a target college’s Round 1 closing AIR, Round 2 easing may bring that college within reach. Status Retention is the mechanism to hold your current seat while that window opens.

Who should NOT use Status Retention

Candidates allotted their top 1-3 choices

If you got one of your most preferred colleges, there is no meaningful upgrade available. Report to the college directly. Status Retention adds administrative delay with no upside.

Candidates whose target upgrades are unrealistic

If the colleges above your allotment closed at AIRs 10,000 or more below your rank, Round 2 easing of 15% to 25% will not bridge the gap. Retaining your seat keeps you in the system for another week or two with no practical benefit. Worse, it delays your reporting and preparation.

Candidates uncomfortable with the retained seat’s fees

If you retained a private college at Rs 20 lakh per year and the upgrade does not happen, you owe that money. If that fee level creates genuine financial hardship, do not retain that seat. Take free exit in Round 1, enter Round 2 as a fresh candidate, and build a preference list that only includes colleges you can afford. Free exit has no financial penalty; Status Retention has a commitment.

Status Retention and fresh preference filling

Maharashtra’s fresh preference filling in each round interacts with Status Retention in a specific way. In Round 2, your preference list determines which colleges you can be upgraded to. Since you can build a completely new list, you should:

Three steps for your Round 2 list after declaring Status Retention: (1) Use Round 1 closing AIR data to recalibrate. Colleges that were Reach in Round 1 may now be Target. (2) List only colleges better than your retained seat. (3) Be aggressive: you have a safety net (the retained seat), so load the top of your Round 2 list with ambitious targets.

See our Maharashtra choice filling guide for detailed Round 2 preference strategy.

Deposit and fee mechanics

CET Cell specifies the deposit amount for Status Retention in each year’s information bulletin. The deposit is adjusted against the fees of your final college (whether the retained college or an upgraded one). Key points:
- The Status Retention deposit is separate from the initial counselling registration fee.
- If upgraded, you pay the balance fees at the new college. The deposit transfers.
- If not upgraded, the deposit counts toward your retained college’s fees.
- The deposit is not refundable once Status Retention is declared (this is part of the irrevocability).
Check the current year’s CET Cell information bulletin for the exact deposit amount. It varies by seat type (state quota vs institutional quota) and by college type (government vs private).

Status Retention and MCC dual participation

Many candidates participate in both Maharashtra state counselling and MCC counselling simultaneously. If you have a state counselling allotment and an MCC allotment:
- You can declare Status Retention on your Maharashtra seat while continuing with MCC rounds.
- If you eventually accept an MCC seat, you must cancel your Maharashtra seat per CET Cell rules.
- The cancellation timing matters: cancelling before specific deadlines may entitle you to a partial refund; cancelling after may forfeit the deposit.
- Each year’s information bulletin specifies the exact cross-counselling rules and refund timelines.
If you have a good MCC allotment and a Maharashtra allotment you are retaining, evaluate whether the MCC seat is preferable to both your current Maharashtra seat and the potential upgrade. If the MCC seat is your best option, take it and cancel the Maharashtra retention before the deadline to minimize financial loss.

Common mistakes with Status Retention

Retaining a seat you cannot afford

Candidates sometimes retain a private college seat “just in case” without fully calculating the five-year fee commitment. A private seat at Rs 18 lakh per year means Rs 90 lakh over five years. If the upgrade does not happen, you are locked into that fee structure with no way out. Only retain a seat you can financially sustain.

Not filing Round 2 preferences after declaring Status Retention

Status Retention reserves your seat but does not automatically enter you into Round 2. You must still fill a Round 2 preference list to be considered for upgrades. If you declare Status Retention and forget to fill Round 2 preferences, you simply keep your Round 1 seat with no upgrade attempt. The retention period was wasted.

Assuming Status Retention guarantees an upgrade

Status Retention guarantees that you keep your Round 1 seat. It does not guarantee an upgrade. The upgrade depends on your AIR, your Round 2 preferences, and the available seats. Treat the retained seat as your floor, not your ceiling.

Missing the declaration deadline

CET Cell publishes specific deadlines for Status Retention declarations. Missing the deadline means you default to either acceptance (if you reported to the college) or free exit (if you did not). Neither may be what you intended. Mark the deadline in your calendar the moment the Round 1 results are published.

FAQ

Can I declare Status Retention for a government college seat?

Yes. Status Retention applies to any allotted seat, whether government, private, or deemed university (state quota). If you have a government seat in a smaller city and want to try for a government seat in Mumbai, Status Retention is the mechanism.

What if I declared Status Retention but do not fill Round 2 preferences?

You keep your Round 1 seat. No upgrade attempt is made. You must report to the original college. The deposit is adjusted against the fees.

Can I declare Status Retention for Round 2 to Round 3?

CET Cell’s retention rules between Round 2 and Round 3 vary by year. Some years allow a similar retention mechanism; others require Round 2 allottees to either accept or exit. Check the current year’s information bulletin for the exact Round 2 to Round 3 rules.

If I am upgraded in Round 2, can I then float again for Round 3?

This depends on the specific year’s rules. In general, once upgraded, you are subject to the same accept-or-exit decision as any Round 2 allottee. Whether a second retention is available depends on CET Cell’s policy for that cycle.

What is the difference between Status Retention and “not reporting”?

“Not reporting” in Round 1 is free exit: you give up the seat, your deposit is refunded, and you re-enter as a fresh candidate. Status Retention means you keep the seat (with a financial commitment) while seeking an upgrade. They are opposite actions. Free exit releases the seat; Status Retention locks it.
March 8, 2026

NEET Counselling Process 2026 – Registration to Allotment

Two parallel tracks: MCC fills ~26,500 central seats (AIQ, deemed, AIIMS, ESIC); state authorities fill the 85% state quota
Register for both MCC and state counselling simultaneously; choose one if allotted in both
Round 1 is free exit in both tracks: fill preferences aggressively, no penalty for not reporting
6-step process: register, fill choices, lock preferences, allotment, report to college, pay fees

Two parallel tracks: central and state

The NEET counselling process for 2026 runs on two separate tracks that operate simultaneously. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), handles central counselling. Each state has its own counselling authority for the remaining seats. Understanding this NEET UG counselling process is the first step toward converting your NEET rank into a medical seat.

Infographic showing the 5 steps of NEET counselling

MCC fills roughly 26,500 seats across five categories:

15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government medical and dental colleges
100% of seats in deemed universities (88 institutions, about 13,900 seats in 2025)
100% of seats in central universities (Delhi University, BHU, AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia, IP University)
All AIIMS and JIPMER campuses
ESIC medical colleges

State counselling authorities fill the other 85% of government college seats, restricted to candidates with domicile in that state. States also handle private college admissions within their borders, though the exact seat split between state quota and management quota varies.

A candidate can register for both MCC and state counselling at the same time. If allotted a seat in both, they must choose one and vacate the other within the reporting window.

The numbers: how many seats, how many candidates

In 2025, 12.36 lakh candidates qualified NEET UG, competing for approximately 1,29,000 MBBS seats. Karnataka and Maharashtra together account for over a fifth of India’s total MBBS capacity.

In 2025, about 22.7 lakh students registered for NEET UG. Of these, 12,36,531 qualified (roughly 56% of those who appeared). They competed for approximately 1,16,000 MBBS seats available at the start of counselling, a number that grew to 1,29,026 by December 2025 as the National Medical Commission approved new colleges and seat increases through the year.

The seat distribution across institution types looks like this:

Institution type	Approximate MBBS seats	Share
Government colleges	55,000 to 58,000	~45%
Private colleges	50,000 to 53,000	~40%
Deemed universities	11,000 to 14,000	~11%
Central institutions (AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.)	4,000 to 5,000	~4%

Karnataka had 13,944 MBBS seats in 2025-26, making it the state with the most seats in the country. Maharashtra had 12,824. Together, these two states account for over a fifth of India’s MBBS capacity.

The six steps of counselling

Whether you go through MCC or state counselling, the process follows the same sequence.

1. Registration

Register on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) or your state counselling portal. You enter personal details, your NEET roll number, and upload required documents. You also pay a registration fee and security deposit online.

MCC registration fees for 2025 were Rs 1,000 for General/EWS candidates and Rs 500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates. Security deposits ranged from Rs 10,000 (government AIQ seats) to Rs 2,00,000 (private/deemed seats).

2. Choice filling

This is the most consequential step. You rank college-and-course combinations in order of preference. You can fill as many or as few choices as you want, and you can rearrange them until the locking deadline.

The order matters: the allotment algorithm assigns you the highest-ranked choice where your AIR meets the cutoff. A poorly ordered preference list can land you in a less preferred college even if your rank qualifies for better options. Our choice filling optimizer helps you build a preference list using three years of actual cutoff data from Maharashtra and Karnataka.

3. Choice locking

Do not rely on auto-lock. Review your preference list carefully and lock it yourself before the deadline. Auto-lock saves the last version, which may not be your intended final order.

Before the deadline, you lock your final preference list. If you forget to lock it manually, the system auto-locks the last saved version. Do not rely on auto-lock; review your list and lock it yourself.

4. Seat allotment

MCC runs the allotment algorithm considering your NEET AIR, your locked preference list, available seats, and your category eligibility. A provisional result is published first. After an objection window, the final result comes out.

You can see what cutoffs looked like in previous years using our cutoff analyzer, which covers all rounds of Maharashtra and Karnataka state counselling from 2023 to 2025.

5. Reporting to the allotted college

You physically go to your allotted college within the reporting window and bring all original documents. The college verifies your documents, conducts a medical fitness check, and processes your admission. No proxy reporting: you must appear in person.

6. Fee payment

Tuition and other fees are paid at the college during reporting. Government college fees in Maharashtra and Karnataka typically range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per year. Private colleges charge Rs 5 to 25 lakh per year depending on the institution.

How many rounds, and what happens in each

MCC ran four rounds plus a special stray round in 2025. Most state authorities follow a similar pattern.

Round	What happens	Can you exit freely?
Round 1	Fresh allotment based on your preference list and AIR	Yes. No penalty, full deposit refund.
Round 2	Fresh allotment + upgradation for Round 1 candidates. If you get a higher-preference seat, Round 1 seat is auto-cancelled.	No. Security deposit forfeited if you exit.
Round 3 (Mop-up)	Remaining seats after Rounds 1 and 2	No. Seat is binding after joining.
Stray vacancy	Final vacancies. Joining is compulsory.	No. Non-joining means deposit forfeiture and potential disqualification.

Round 1 is your free option. If you receive an allotment you do not want, simply do not report. Your deposit is refunded and you remain eligible for Round 2. Fill choices aggressively in Round 1.

The free exit in Round 1 is a safety valve. If you receive an allotment you don’t want, you simply don’t report. Your deposit is refunded and you remain eligible for Round 2. This means Round 1 carries almost no risk: fill choices aggressively and see what you get.

The 15/85 seat split: AIQ vs. state quota

In every government medical college, 15% of seats go to the All India Quota (open to candidates from any state, filled by MCC) and 85% stay with the state (restricted to domicile candidates, filled by the state authority).

Private colleges follow different rules. The split varies by state. In many states, private colleges allocate around 50% to state quota, 35% to management quota, and 15% to NRI quota. All seats, including management and NRI quota, require NEET qualification.

Deemed universities are entirely under MCC. No state quota applies to them.

Unfilled AIQ seats after Round 2 historically revert to the respective state quotas, giving state authorities additional seats to fill. In 2025, the MCC information bulletin stated that unfilled AIQ seats revert to state authorities. Whether vacated seats (from resignations after joining) also revert or are filled within the AIQ pool depends on the timing and the specific MCC circular for that year. Check the current year’s MCC bulletin for the exact reversion rules, as they can change between counselling cycles.

Open vs. closed states for private colleges

When people talk about “open” and “closed” states, they mean private college state quota seats specifically. Government college state quota (85%) is always restricted to domicile candidates in every state.

Maharashtra is a closed state: only Maharashtra domicile holders can apply for private medical college seats through the state counselling process. Karnataka is open: candidates from other states can apply for private college seats in Karnataka through KEA counselling.

This distinction matters if you’re from one state but considering private colleges in another. If the target state is open, you can participate in their counselling. If closed, you cannot.

Documents you’ll need

Both MCC and state counselling require the same core documents during reporting:

NEET UG admit card and scorecard (originals)
Allotment letter from the counselling portal
Class 10 certificate and marksheet (for date of birth verification)
Class 12 certificate and marksheet
8 passport-size photographs matching the NEET application photo
Government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport)
Category/caste certificate in the prescribed format (if applicable)
Domicile certificate (for state quota)
Disability certificate (for PwD candidates)
Gap year affidavit (if applicable)

Get all documents ready before counselling registration opens. Domicile and caste certificates take weeks to obtain. Do not wait until after your first allotment.

Missing even one document can delay or block your admission. Get them ready before counselling registration opens, not after. For Maharashtra-specific requirements, see our Maharashtra CET Cell counselling guide. For Karnataka, see our KEA counselling guide.

What changed in 2025

MCC tightened several rules for the 2025 counselling cycle compared to 2024:

Multiple registrations are now strictly prohibited. Registering more than once results in automatic cancellation and potential debarment.
MCC no longer edits or modifies personal information in registrations. All data is auto-fetched from the NTA database.
In-person reporting is mandatory. Proxy reporting (having someone else report on your behalf) is not allowed.
Resignation after Round 3 joining is no longer possible. Once you join after Round 3, the seat is binding.
Stray round joining is compulsory. Not joining after stray round allotment leads to deposit forfeiture and disqualification from the current year’s counselling.
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are now treated at par with Indian citizens for General/Unreserved seats, following a Supreme Court order.

Maharashtra and Karnataka: what our data shows

neet2seat tracks over 407,000 allotment records across Maharashtra (86 colleges) and Karnataka (74 colleges) from 2023 to 2025, covering every round of state counselling.

neet2seat tracks cutoff and allotment data for Maharashtra (86 colleges) and Karnataka (74 colleges) across 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our database has over 407,000 individual allotment records.

In Maharashtra, the state counselling covers government, private, and deemed colleges through the CET Cell. The process typically runs three rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Round 3) plus stray vacancy rounds. Closing AIRs ranged from as low as 10 (a top government college in an early round) to over 13 lakh (the last seats filled in later rounds) in 2025.

In Karnataka, KEA conducts the state counselling. Karnataka had three counselling rounds in 2024 and 2025 (up from two rounds plus a mop-up in 2023). Closing AIRs showed a similar spread.

You can explore this data directly: browse cutoffs by college, category, and round, or use the college predictor to see which colleges you’re likely to get based on your AIR.

FAQ

Can I participate in both MCC and state counselling simultaneously?

Yes. You can register for and participate in both. If you receive allotments from both, you choose one and vacate the other within the specified reporting window.

What if I don’t get any seat in Round 1?

You automatically move to Round 2 with the same registration. No re-registration is needed. Round 2 includes seats vacated by Round 1 candidates who took free exit, plus any new seats added.

Is the security deposit refundable?

It depends on when you exit. In Round 1, you get a full refund if you choose not to report (free exit). After Round 2, the deposit is forfeited if you resign. If you’re never allotted a seat, the deposit is refunded regardless of round.

Do I need a domicile certificate for AIQ seats?

No. AIQ seats under MCC are open to candidates from any state. Domicile certificates are required only for state quota seats (the 85% filled by state counselling authorities).

When should I start preparing documents?

As soon as your NEET result is out. Domicile and caste certificates in particular can take weeks to obtain. Don’t wait until the registration window opens.

What’s the difference between free exit and resignation?

Free exit is available only in Round 1. You simply don’t report to the allotted college, and your deposit is refunded. Resignation is available in Round 2: you give up your seat, but your deposit is forfeited. After Round 3, neither option exists; the seat is binding.

How many counselling rounds are there in NEET?

MCC conducts 4 rounds for All India Quota: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 (mop-up), and a stray vacancy round. State counselling authorities run 2 to 3 regular rounds plus their own mop-up rounds. Maharashtra runs 3 rounds plus a stray vacancy round. Karnataka runs 3 rounds. The total number depends on which tracks you participate in; candidates in both MCC and state counselling may go through 6 to 8 rounds across the full counselling cycle.

How much does NEET counselling cost?

MCC charges a registration fee of Rs 1,000 for General/EWS and Rs 500 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates. A refundable security deposit of Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,00,000 is required depending on the college type. Maharashtra CET Cell charges a registration fee plus a security deposit as per the Information Brochure. Karnataka KEA charges a similar registration fee. The total upfront cost (registration + deposit) ranges from Rs 11,000 to Rs 2,00,000, most of which is refundable if you do not take a seat.

March 8, 2026

Maharashtra CET Cell NEET counselling 2026: process, dates, and documents

CET Cell runs counselling for 64 colleges (9,070 seats) through mahacet.org; 16 more deemed universities fill seats through MCC
Closed state: only Maharashtra domicile holders qualify for state quota. Non-domicile candidates are limited to the 15% institutional quota at private colleges
Fresh preferences every round: Round 1 choices do not carry forward to Round 2
Status Retention is irrevocable: once submitted, you exit all future rounds permanently

Who runs Maharashtra medical counselling

Maharashtra NEET counselling 2026 is conducted by the Office of the Commissioner, State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell) in Mumbai. The CET Cell process runs under the authority of the Medical Education and Drugs Department, Government of Maharashtra, and follows rules published in the NEET UG Information Brochure issued each year. For the 2025-26 cycle, the brochure was approved on 22 July 2025 and runs to 337 pages of rules, annexures, college lists, and seat matrices.

Infographic showing Maharashtra CET Cell counselling process

Everything happens on one portal: mahacet.org. Registration, document uploading, preference filling, allotment results, status retention, and stray vacancy rounds all run through this single website. There is no offline preference form.

Maharashtra is a closed state for private college admissions. Only candidates with Maharashtra domicile (or those exempted under specific rules for children of government employees posted outside the state) can apply for state quota seats. Candidates from other states cannot participate in Maharashtra state counselling, except for the 15% institutional quota at private colleges, which is open on an all-India basis.

How many colleges and seats

According to the 2025 Information Brochure (college list dated 23 July 2025), Maharashtra has 64 MBBS colleges with a combined intake of 9,070 seats. Of these, 41 are government or corporation colleges (5,850 seats) and 23 are private unaided colleges (3,220 seats).

Including deemed universities, Maharashtra has 86 medical colleges with a combined capacity of 12,924 MBBS seats across all admission pathways. The 16 deemed universities fill seats through MCC, not CET Cell.

The state also has 16 deemed universities with MBBS programmes, but these fill seats through MCC (central counselling), not the CET Cell. Including deemed universities, our database tracks 86 medical colleges in Maharashtra with a combined capacity of 12,924 MBBS seats across all admission pathways.

The four largest government colleges each have 250 seats: Grant Government Medical College Mumbai, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital Mumbai, BJ Government Medical College Pune, and Government Medical College Nagpur. The smallest government colleges (GMC GT and Cama Hospital Mumbai, GMC Parbhani) have 50 seats each.

How seats are distributed

Maharashtra splits its seats across three tracks:

All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of seats in government and corporation MBBS and BDS colleges go to the All India Quota, filled by MCC through central counselling. These are open to candidates from any state. Per the 2025 brochure, AIQ seats from government and corporation medical and dental colleges do not revert back to the state if unfilled.

State quota: 85% of government college seats and 85% of private college seats are filled by the CET Cell from the state merit list. Constitutional reservation, specified reservation, and female reservation all apply to state quota seats.

Institutional quota: 15% of seats in private unaided colleges are institutional quota seats. The CET Cell fills these through CAP rounds on an all-India basis, open to NRI, OCI, and out-of-Maharashtra (OMS) candidates. This is the only route for non-domicile candidates to get a private college seat in Maharashtra through state counselling.

Maharashtra’s reservation structure

Maharashtra has one of the most layered reservation systems in Indian medical admissions. The categories here differ from most other states, so pay close attention if you are comparing across states.

Constitutional reservation (government colleges): 50% of state quota

Category	Reservation
Scheduled Castes and SC converts to Buddhism (SC)	13%
Scheduled Tribes (ST)	7%
Vimukta Jati / DT-A (VJ)	3%
Nomadic Tribes B (NT-B)	2.5%
Nomadic Tribes C (NT-C)	3.5%
Nomadic Tribes D (NT-D)	2%
Other Backward Classes including SBC (OBC)	19%
Total	50%

Constitutional reservation (private unaided colleges): 25% of total intake

Private colleges carry exactly half the government percentages: SC 6.5%, ST 3.5%, VJ 1.5%, NT-B 1.25%, NT-C 1.75%, NT-D 1%, OBC 9.5%. This comes from the Maharashtra Act No. XXX of 2006.

Additional reservations (parallel/specified)

These operate in parallel with constitutional reservation, meaning a candidate can hold both a constitutional category seat and a specified quota seat simultaneously:

SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes): 10% of available state quota seats, in government and private colleges (excluding minority institutions). This reservation is subject to the outcome of W.P. No. 3468/2024 in the Bombay High Court.
EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 10% of available state quota seats, same scope as SEBC.
Defence (DEF): 5% of intake, maximum 5 seats per government/corporation/government-aided college. Three sub-categories: DEF-1 (ex-service, MH domicile), DEF-2 (active, MH domicile), DEF-3 (active, transferred to MH).
PWD (Persons with Disability): 5% of annual sanctioned intake, per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. Constitutional reservation applies within PWD quota seats.
Hilly Area (HA): 3% at government/corporation medical colleges, MBBS only.
Orphan: 1% of available seats. Constitutional reservation applies within orphan quota.
Female: 30% reservation at all colleges under CAP, across all categories. Female candidates fill female quota seats first; after those are exhausted, they compete for general seats on merit.

Specified reservations (DEF, PWD, HA, MKB, Orphan, Female) are allotted before general seats in each round. If specified quota seats go unfilled, they revert to the respective category in the state quota.

Inter-se for unfilled reserved seats

When reserved category seats remain vacant after allotment, Maharashtra uses a three-group inter-se mechanism. Unfilled seats first go to candidates from the same group:

Group I: SC and ST (share unfilled seats between these two)
Group II: VJ and NT-B
Group III: NT-C, NT-D, and OBC (including SBC)

If seats remain vacant after group inter-se, they go to the combined merit list of all reserved categories. If still vacant, they go to the common (open) merit list. SEBC and EWS unfilled seats skip this cascade entirely and revert directly to general category.

Ear-marking

When a reserved category candidate qualifies on open merit, they can choose to take either the open seat or their category seat. If they choose their category seat, one open seat at that college is “ear-marked” for the next eligible candidate from that reserved category. This mechanism prevents reserved category candidates from inadvertently blocking seats for their own community. Ear-marking does not apply to specified reservations.

The round structure

Maharashtra runs three regular CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds plus stray vacancy rounds. The structure differs from MCC counselling in one critical way: you fill fresh preferences for every round. Choices from one round do not carry forward to the next (except stray vacancy round choices, which carry forward to subsequent stray rounds).

Unlike MCC, Maharashtra requires fresh preferences for each round. Your Round 1 choices are completely voided before Round 2. Do not assume your earlier preferences carry forward.

Round 1

All registered candidates fill preferences and the software allots seats based on NEET AIR and preference order. If you are allotted a seat, you must report to the college and complete admission formalities (document verification, fee payment, original document submission) within the prescribed window.

If you do not report, your selection stands cancelled and the seat becomes vacant for Round 2. You remain eligible for Round 2 without re-registration. This is effectively a free exit: no penalty, no lost deposit, no consequences beyond losing that particular seat.

Round 1 carries zero risk. Not reporting after allotment is a free exit with no penalty or deposit forfeiture. Fill as many preferences as you are willing to consider.

If you join and are satisfied, you fill the Status Retention Form (more on this below). If you join but want to try for a better seat, you skip Status Retention and fill fresh choices for Round 2.

Status Retention

This is Maharashtra’s equivalent of “freezing” your seat. After joining your Round 1 college, you submit the Status Retention Form (Annexure J in the Information Brochure) to the Dean or Principal of your allotted college within the prescribed window. The form is a physical document, signed by you, your parent or guardian, and the Dean or Principal.

Two rules make Status Retention consequential. First, it is irrevocable and irreversible. Once submitted, you cannot withdraw it under any circumstances. Second, after submitting it, you are removed from consideration for all subsequent rounds of the 2025-26 admission process. Your seat is locked; you are done.

Status Retention is irrevocable. Once submitted, you cannot withdraw it and you are removed from all subsequent rounds. If there is any chance you want a better seat in Round 2, do not submit this form.

There is one exception: a candidate who has submitted Status Retention can still resign from the allotted seat before the prescribed date and become eligible for Round 2. But this effectively means giving up a confirmed seat to re-enter the pool with no guarantee of getting anything better.

If you have been allotted a seat in Round 1, our Status Retention guide for Maharashtra walks through the decision in detail.

Round 2

Available seats include everything left from Round 1: unallotted seats, seats vacated by candidates who did not join, and seats freed by candidates who joined Round 1 but got upgraded in Round 2.

Candidates who joined during Round 1 and did not fill Status Retention are automatically considered for upgradation. If upgraded, their Round 1 seat is released and allotted to someone else in the same round. If not upgraded, they keep their Round 1 seat.

Fresh preferences are required. Round 1 choices are treated as null and void.

If you are allotted a seat in Round 2 and do not join, you must re-register (and pay the registration fee again) to participate in Round 3.

Round 3

Seats unallotted or vacated from Round 2 are available. Fresh preferences required; all previous preferences are null and void. If allotted a seat in Round 3, joining is mandatory. After Round 3 allotment, you are not eligible for any further state counselling rounds. The CET Cell informs MCC of all candidates allotted in Round 3.

Stray vacancy rounds

After Round 3, if seats remain vacant, the CET Cell conducts online stray vacancy rounds. Only candidates who registered and filled preferences previously but did not receive any allotment through Round 3 are eligible. Candidates who joined in any earlier round are not eligible. No new registrations are accepted for stray rounds. Fresh choices are required (Round 3 choices are voided), but stray round choices carry forward to subsequent stray rounds if any.

There is no institutional-level round for MBBS and BDS seats. All rounds run through the CET Cell’s centralized software, per an NMC circular dated 24 July 2023.

Registration and fees

Registration happens on mahacet.org during two windows: before Round 1, and again before Round 3 (for candidates who need fresh registration). You submit an online application form combined for all institution types (government, corporation, private, minority).

Application type	Fee (non-refundable)
State quota only	Rs 1,000
Institutional quota only	Rs 5,000
Both state and institutional quota	Rs 6,000

After payment, you upload documents online (NEET admit card, scorecard, government ID, domicile certificate, SSC and HSC certificates, category certificates if applicable). Physical document verification happens at the allotted college during reporting.

Eligibility for Maharashtra state quota

The core requirements from the 2025 Information Brochure (Section 4):

Nationality: Indian citizen. OCI cardholders who obtained OCI status before 4 March 2021 and passed 10th and 12th from Maharashtra with MH domicile are eligible (per Supreme Court order in W.P.(C) No. 891/2021, dated 3 February 2023).
Domicile: Maharashtra domicile certificate required (except for institutional quota, defence, and MKB candidates).
SSC: Must have passed SSC (10th) from an institution in Maharashtra.
HSC: Must have passed HSC (12th) from an institution in Maharashtra with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
HSC marks: OPEN and EWS candidates need minimum 50% in PCB combined (150/300). Constitutional reservation, SEBC, and PWD candidates from reserved categories need 40% (120/300). PWD candidates in General category need 45% (135/300).
Age: Born on or before 31 December 2008.
NEET percentile: OPEN and EWS need 50th percentile. Reserved categories and SEBC need 40th percentile. PWD in General need 45th percentile.

Exceptions exist for children of Maharashtra government employees posted outside the state, children of central government employees transferred to Maharashtra, and defence personnel with MH domicile posted elsewhere. These candidates can have their SSC/HSC from outside Maharashtra. Details are in Sections 4.7 and 4.8 of the brochure.

Fee structure

Government and corporation college MBBS fees for 2025-26, per the brochure:

Fee component	Amount per year
Tuition fee	Rs 1,52,100
Development fee	Rs 5,000
Gymkhana fee	Rs 500
Hostel fee	Rs 4,000
Library fee	Rs 1,000

One-time fees at admission: Rs 1,500 admission fee and Rs 2,000 library deposit.

Total first-year cost at a government MBBS college in Maharashtra comes to about Rs 1,65,100. Subsequent years are roughly Rs 1,62,600.

Private college fees are set by the Fee Regulating Authority of Maharashtra (mahafra.org) and vary widely by institution. The brochure does not list private college fee amounts; it directs candidates to check each college’s website or the FRA portal. Based on publicly available FRA data from recent years, private MBBS fees in Maharashtra typically range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year, though some institutions charge more.

Backward class candidates selected on open merit are eligible for freeship and scholarship schemes. The MAHADBT portal (mahadbtmahait.gov.in) handles applications for post-matric scholarships, the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti scheme (for OPEN/EWS candidates with family income below Rs 8 lakh), and minority scholarship schemes.

What our data shows for Maharashtra

neet2seat tracks 244,015 Maharashtra allotment records across 2023, 2024, and 2025, covering 86 colleges and every round of state counselling.

neet2seat tracks allotment data for 86 Maharashtra medical colleges across 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our database contains 244,015 Maharashtra allotment records across these three years, covering every round of state counselling.

In 2025 specifically, Maharashtra state counselling processed 97,011 records across three rounds (R1, R2, R3), with 30,988 candidates receiving final allotments at 95 distinct colleges. AIR ranks ranged from 10 (top seats in Round 1) to over 13,19,000 (last seats filled in Round 3).

Closing AIRs for OPEN category at the most competitive government colleges in 2025 (final round, excluding sub-quotas):

College	Closing AIR (2025)	Closing AIR (2024)	Closing AIR (2023)
Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai	2,571	3,689	3,331
Lokmanya Tilak Municipal MC, Sion, Mumbai	6,033	9,357	8,379
BJ Government Medical College, Pune	8,634	5,595	7,716
Government Medical College (Grant), Mumbai	9,433	9,264	10,416
GMC Nagpur	11,360	12,700	15,077

Some patterns from the three-year data: Seth GS/KEM tightened significantly in 2025 (closing at AIR 2,571, down from 3,689 in 2024). GMC Nagpur has tightened steadily year over year. BJ Medical Pune fluctuates: it closed at 5,595 in 2024 but loosened to 8,634 in 2025. These shifts reflect changes in candidate preference patterns and seat availability each year, not necessarily changes in college quality.

You can explore this data in detail using our Maharashtra cutoff analyzer, which lets you filter by college, category, round, and year. For a quick look at where your rank might land you, try the college predictor.

How Maharashtra state counselling differs from MCC

If you are also participating in MCC (All India Quota) counselling, note these differences in the Maharashtra state process:

Fresh choices every round. MCC carries forward your original preference list across rounds. Maharashtra requires fresh preferences for each round. Round 1 choices are voided before Round 2, Round 2 choices are voided before Round 3.
Status Retention vs. Freeze. MCC uses Freeze (keep current seat, no upgradation) and Float (stay in pool for upgradation). Maharashtra uses Status Retention (irrevocable exit from all future rounds). The consequence is sharper: in MCC, freezing still keeps you enrolled in the system through subsequent rounds. In Maharashtra, Status Retention removes you entirely.
No deposit system. MCC charges a refundable security deposit (Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,00,000). Maharashtra charges a non-refundable registration fee (Rs 1,000 to Rs 6,000) and you pay college fees directly at reporting. There is no separate security deposit to forfeit or refund.
Maharashtra-specific categories. VJ (Vimukta Jati), NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, and SEBC are Maharashtra categories with no direct equivalent in MCC counselling.
Round 3 is binding. In Maharashtra, if you are allotted a seat in Round 3, joining is mandatory and you are barred from subsequent state counselling rounds. MCC’s mop-up round has similar rules, but the terminology and timeline differ.

Common mistakes

Based on patterns we see in the data and recurring questions from candidates:

Not filling enough preferences in early rounds. Since each round requires fresh preferences and Round 1 carries no risk (you can simply not report), there is no reason to be conservative. Fill as many preferences as you are willing to consider. You can always decline by not joining.

Confusing Status Retention with MCC’s Freeze option. They are not the same. Status Retention in Maharashtra pulls you out of the process entirely. If there is any chance you want a better seat in Round 2, do not fill the Status Retention Form.

Missing the re-registration deadline for Round 3. If you were allotted a seat in Round 2 and did not join, you must register again (and pay again) before the Round 3 deadline. Missing this window means you are out of the process.

Not having category certificates ready. Maharashtra requires the Caste Validity Certificate (not just the caste certificate) and the Non-Creamy Layer certificate at document verification. These take time to obtain. If you fail to produce them, you are automatically treated as an Open category candidate, which can mean losing your seat entirely if your rank does not qualify under Open.

If you belong to a reserved category, start your Caste Validity Certificate and Non-Creamy Layer certificate applications now. These documents take weeks to process. Without them at verification, you will be treated as Open category and may lose your seat.

FAQ

Can I participate in both MCC and Maharashtra CET Cell counselling?

Yes. Register separately for each. If you receive allotments from both, you choose one and vacate the other within the reporting window.

I am from another state. Can I get a private medical college seat in Maharashtra?

Only through the 15% institutional quota at private unaided colleges, which the CET Cell fills on an all-India basis through CAP rounds. You cannot apply for state quota (85%) seats at private colleges. Maharashtra is a closed state.

What if I join in Round 1 but want to try for a better seat in Round 2?

Do not fill the Status Retention Form. Fill fresh preferences for Round 2 instead. If upgraded, your Round 1 seat is automatically released. If not upgraded, you keep your Round 1 seat. There is no risk to trying, as long as you skip Status Retention.

Is there a fee penalty for not joining after Round 1 allotment?

No. Not reporting after Round 1 is treated as a free exit. Your registration fee (Rs 1,000 to Rs 6,000) is non-refundable regardless, but there is no additional penalty or deposit forfeiture.

When does the CET Cell publish the seat matrix?

The seat matrix (college-wise distribution of seats by category) is published on mahacet.org before preference filling opens for each round. The exact date is announced in the schedule notification. It typically comes out after the provisional merit list is published and the document verification window closes.

Do SEBC and EWS unfilled seats go through inter-se?

No. Unlike constitutional reservation categories (SC, ST, VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, OBC), unfilled SEBC and EWS seats revert directly to general category. They do not participate in the three-group inter-se mechanism.

What is the Non-Creamy Layer certificate requirement?

Candidates from DT-A (VJ), NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, SEBC, and OBC (including SBC) must produce a Non-Creamy Layer certificate valid up to 31 March 2026 or later. This must be submitted at physical document verification. Without it, you are treated as an Open category candidate. SC and ST candidates are exempt from this requirement.

Can I use a central government format EWS certificate?

The CET Cell requires the state government format EWS certificate (Annexure T of the Information Brochure). Central government format certificates are not accepted for Maharashtra state counselling.

No. The CET Cell explicitly requires the state government format EWS certificate (as given in Annexure T of the Information Brochure). Central government format certificates are not accepted for Maharashtra state counselling.

March 8, 2026

Karnataka KEA NEET counselling 2026: process, dates, and registration

74 colleges (24 govt, 38 private, 12 deemed) with ~12,400 MBBS seats; fees range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 45 lakh per year
Karnataka is an open state: non-domicile candidates can access private and deemed university seats through KEA
Choice 1/2/3 system after each round: accept-and-exit, accept-and-seek-upgrade, or decline-and-re-enter
48+ category codes from 8 base categories combined with 6 suffixes (G, K, R, H, KH, RH)

KEA runs Karnataka’s medical counselling

Karnataka NEET counselling 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), operating from Bengaluru under the Department of Higher Education. KEA fills state quota seats at government colleges (85% of intake), government quota seats at private colleges, and coordinates deemed university admissions within its jurisdiction. The counselling portal is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Infographic showing Karnataka KEA counselling process

Karnataka had 74 medical colleges in 2025: 24 government, 38 private, and 12 deemed universities. Our database tracks allotment data across all three categories from 2023 through 2025, covering 45,673 individual records. If you are looking for how Karnataka’s process compares to the central MCC process, see our AIQ vs state quota guide. For Maharashtra’s counselling process, see our CET Cell guide.

Seats: government, private, and deemed

Karnataka’s seat pool is split unevenly across three institution types:

Type	Colleges	Approximate MBBS seats
Government	24	~3,800
Private	38	~6,000
Deemed	12	~2,600
Total	74	~12,400

Unlike Maharashtra where government colleges hold the majority of seats, Karnataka’s private sector accounts for nearly half the total MBBS capacity. The fee range spans Rs 50,000/yr (government) to Rs 45 lakh/yr (management quota at deemed universities).

Unlike Maharashtra where government colleges hold the majority of seats, Karnataka’s private sector accounts for nearly half the total MBBS capacity. This has practical consequences: the fee range across Karnataka colleges spans from Rs 50,000 per year at government colleges to over Rs 25 lakh at private ones and Rs 45 lakh for management quota seats at deemed universities.

The seat split for government colleges follows the standard All India pattern: 15% goes to MCC for All India Quota, 85% stays with KEA. Private colleges contribute their government quota seats to KEA and fill management and NRI quotas separately. Deemed universities allocate roughly 25% of seats as government quota through KEA, with the remaining 75% going through MCC.

Karnataka is an open state

Karnataka allows candidates from any state to apply for private college and deemed university seats through KEA counselling. No domicile certificate is required for these seats. Government state quota seats (85%) remain restricted to Karnataka domicile.

This is the single most consequential structural fact about Karnataka’s medical admissions. Karnataka allows candidates from any state to apply for private college and deemed university seats through KEA counselling. No domicile certificate is required for these seats.

Government college state quota seats (the 85%) remain restricted to Karnataka domicile candidates. But private college seats, which are the majority of Karnataka’s capacity, are open to everyone. This makes Karnataka one of the most popular destinations for out-of-state NEET candidates, particularly from states with fewer colleges or higher cutoffs.

The practical split:

Seat type	Open to non-Karnataka?
Government state quota (85%)	No (Karnataka domicile required)
Government AIQ (15%)	Yes (through MCC)
Private government quota	Primarily Karnataka domicile
Private/management quota	Yes (all India, through KEA)
NRI quota	Yes
Deemed university	Yes (25% via KEA, 75% via MCC)

Non-Karnataka candidates cannot claim reservation in state quota seats. They compete on open merit for available seats and must meet the General/UR eligibility threshold (50th percentile) regardless of their home state category.

Reservation categories: the suffix system

Karnataka’s reservation structure differs from both the central government system and Maharashtra’s system. The state recognizes eight base categories for medical admissions:

GM (General Merit): unreserved, open to all on merit. Roughly half of state quota seats fall under GM after all reservations are applied.

Category 1: the most backward among OBC groups. 4% reservation. Unlike other OBC categories, creamy layer exclusion does not apply to Category 1.

Category 2A: the largest OBC subcategory. 15% reservation. This is the most populated reservation category in Karnataka.

Category 2B: 5% reservation. Smaller candidate pool than 2A, with cutoff ranks often higher (less competitive) than 2A at the same college.

Category 3A: 4% reservation. Includes the Vokkaliga community and related groups.

Category 3B: 4% reservation. Includes the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community and related groups.

SC (Scheduled Castes): 15% reservation. In 2024, Karnataka restructured SC reservation internally into four sub-groups (SC Left, SC Right, Touchable, Others), though the total allocation remains the same for counselling purposes.

ST (Scheduled Tribes): 3% reservation. The smallest reservation category in Karnataka’s medical admissions.

EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10% reservation for unreserved category candidates with family income below Rs 8 lakh, applied post the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.

These eight base categories are then combined with a suffix system that creates sub-quotas. Each base category can carry one of six suffixes:

G: General (no additional sub-quota; standard pathway)
K: Kannada medium (studied Classes 1 through 10 in Kannada medium schools)
R: Rural (studied in schools in rural areas of Karnataka)
H: Hyderabad-Karnataka region (from the six HK districts under Article 371J)
KH: Kannada medium + HK region (both criteria must be met)
RH: Rural + HK region (both criteria)

This gives 48 regular category codes (8 bases multiplied by 6 suffixes). On top of these, KEA uses special codes for private college seats (GMP, OPN), minority quotas (MA, MC, ME, MM, MU), religious congregation seats at deemed universities (RC1 through RC8), NRI, PWD, Defence, NCC, and Sports quotas. In total, our database tracks 78 distinct category codes in Karnataka’s allotment data.

In the Karnataka cutoff analyzer, you can filter by any of these category codes to see closing ranks for specific sub-quotas.

The Choice 1 / Choice 2 / Choice 3 system

This is Karnataka’s version of the float/freeze mechanism used in other states. After each round’s allotment, every allotted candidate must pick one of three options within the deadline:

Choice 1: accept and exit

You are satisfied with the allotted seat. You pay the full course fee, download the seat guarantee card, and report to the college. You cannot participate in any subsequent round. This is equivalent to “Freeze” in MCC terminology.

Choice 2: accept and seek upgrade

Choice 2 carries no penalty if you are not upgraded. You keep your Round 1 seat and pay the remaining balance. It is the safe way to seek a better seat while holding your current one.

You accept the allotted seat but want to try for a better seat in Round 2. For seats with course fees exceeding Rs 12 lakh, KEA requires only Rs 12,001 as an advance payment (a 2025 rule change; previously the full course fee was required). SC/ST/Category 1 candidates pay Rs 2,000 as a caution deposit. If upgraded in Round 2, the old seat is released automatically. If not upgraded, you keep the original seat and pay the remaining balance. This is equivalent to “Float.”

A notable advantage of Choice 2: you can cancel your KEA seat before Round 2 results without forfeiting fees, if you received admission elsewhere (for example, through MCC).

Choice 3: decline and re-enter

Choice 3 is the highest-risk option. Your Round 1 seat is permanently forfeited. If you receive no allotment in Round 2, you must pay Rs 1,00,000 (Rs 50,000 for SC/ST) just to stay eligible for the mop-up round.

You reject the allotted seat entirely and re-enter the pool for Round 2. No fee payment or college reporting is required. But this carries real risk: your Round 1 seat is forfeited, and there is no guarantee you will get any seat in Round 2. If you chose Choice 3 in Round 1 and do not receive an allotment in Round 2, you must pay a caution deposit of Rs 1,00,000 (Rs 50,000 for SC/ST) to remain eligible for subsequent rounds.

For a deeper analysis of when to use each option, see our Choice 1 vs Choice 2 guide.

How the rounds work

KEA typically runs three counselling rounds plus an optional stray vacancy round:

Round 1: the largest round. After online registration and in-person document verification, candidates receive a secret key to activate their counselling account. KEA publishes a mock allotment first, allowing candidates to modify their preference list. After the final allotment, candidates select Choice 1, 2, or 3. In 2025, Round 1 filled 8,320 seats.

Round 2: Choice 2 and Choice 3 candidates from Round 1 participate. Choice 2 candidates retain their Round 1 seat while seeking an upgrade. The preference list from Round 1 is generally carried forward. Round 2 is consistently the largest round by allotment count: 9,957 seats in 2025, 8,758 in 2024. Many seats become available because of Choice 1 exits and new seats being added.

Round 3 (Mop-up): fills remaining seats across all college types. KEA opens fresh registration for candidates who did not register earlier. This round is much smaller: 967 seats in 2025, 622 in 2024. At government colleges, only a handful of seats remain by this point; in 2025, just 6 government colleges had GM seats in Round 3, filling 11 total.

Stray vacancy round: conducted in person at the KEA office. Only for candidates who were not allotted any seat in previous rounds. This is the final opportunity.

Fees

The fee structure varies dramatically by seat type. Our database records actual fee amounts from allotment data:

Seat type	Annual fee range (2025)	Average
Government	Rs 50,000 to Rs 6,09,084	~Rs 1,06,911
Private (government quota)	Rs 8,10,535 to Rs 25,15,000	~Rs 14,17,169
Management quota	Rs 25,00,000 to Rs 45,40,750	~Rs 35,87,749
NRI quota	Rs 25,09,350 to Rs 45,40,750	~Rs 36,41,774

The base government MBBS fee in Karnataka is Rs 50,000 per year. SC/ST candidates may pay as little as Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 due to fee exemptions. ESI colleges charge higher: approximately Rs 1,09,350 per year.

Private college fees saw a 10% increase for 2025-26 after the Karnataka government approved the hike. Management and NRI quota fees are set by the Fee Regulatory Committee and can exceed Rs 45 lakh per year at certain deemed universities.

Registration fee

General/OBC candidates: Rs 2,500. SC/ST/Category 1/PWD: Rs 500. NRI/OCI/Foreign nationals: Rs 5,500.

Registration and document verification

The registration process runs in steps:

Register online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in with personal details and NEET particulars.
Upload passport photo, signature, and thumb impression.
Pay the registration fee online.
Attend in-person document verification at KEA or designated centres. Bring all originals plus self-attested photocopies.
After verification, receive a secret key to activate your counselling account.
Fill college preferences in order of priority. No limit on the number of options.
Review the mock allotment and modify preferences if needed.
Lock final preferences before the deadline.

Candidates who already registered for KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test, used for engineering admissions) can link their NEET roll number to the existing registration instead of re-registering from scratch.

For the full document checklist, see our documents guide.

Eligibility for state quota seats

Domicile qualification for government seats works through multiple pathways: completing Class 10 and 12 from Karnataka schools, or having at least 7 years of schooling in Karnataka, or having a parent who studied at least 7 years in Karnataka with current residency, or having Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava as mother tongue with a parent currently resident in Karnataka. Children of defence personnel who served at least 1 year in Karnataka also qualify.

All candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. Minimum age is 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year. The NEET percentile requirements are: General/UR 50th percentile, OBC/SC/ST 40th percentile, PWD 45th percentile.

Compulsory rural service

All candidates admitted to medical courses in Karnataka must complete 1 year of compulsory rural service in government hospitals after finishing MBBS, per the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training Act of 2012. There is no monetary penalty for UG rural service non-compliance (unlike PG, which carries a Rs 50 lakh penalty for a 3-year bond).

Hyderabad-Karnataka region reservation

Article 371(J) of the Constitution, inserted by the 98th Amendment in 2012, grants special reservation to candidates from the Hyderabad-Karnataka (now Kalyana-Karnataka) region. Six districts qualify: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, and Ballari. These were part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State under the Nizam and remain among Karnataka’s most economically backward areas.

In medical admissions, 8% of state quota seats across all government colleges statewide are reserved for HK candidates. In colleges located within the HK region, the reservation rises to 70% of state quota seats. This creates a meaningful cutoff advantage, particularly at colleges like Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Kalaburagi.

HK reservation is encoded in the suffix system. A candidate from Kalaburagi district competing under SC category with rural school background would have the code “SCRH” (SC + Rural + HK). The certificate required is the “Article 371(J) Certificate” or “Hyderabad-Karnataka Domicile Certificate” issued by the Tahasildar’s office.

What our data shows

Bangalore Medical College’s Round 1 closing AIR dropped from 3,508 in 2023 to 1,299 in 2025: a 63% tightening in two years. This pattern holds across top-tier government colleges as competition intensifies.

We track allotment data for all 74 Karnataka colleges across 2023, 2024, and 2025. The 2025 dataset alone contains 19,244 allotment records across three rounds.

Top government colleges by closing AIR (GM category, Round 2, 2025)

College	Opening AIR	Closing AIR
Bangalore Medical College, Bengaluru	398	3,025
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, Bengaluru	3,240	7,669
Mysore Medical College, Mysuru	2,403	8,394
ESIC Medical College, Bengaluru	5,700	12,937
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi	4,941	13,488
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences	8,509	15,588
Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga	8,198	21,676
Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences	5,949	21,862
Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences	2,968	23,365
Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi	3,611	23,671

Year-over-year trends

Cutoffs at top government colleges have tightened consistently over the past three years. Using Round 1 GM closing AIRs for comparison:

College	2023	2024	2025
Bangalore Medical College	3,508	2,154	1,299
Mysore Medical College	8,243	7,069	4,053
KIMS Hubballi	13,106	11,378	8,343

Bangalore Medical College’s R1 closing AIR dropped from 3,508 in 2023 to 1,299 in 2025: a roughly 63% decrease over two years. This pattern holds across the top tier. The data reflects increasing competition for government seats as more candidates target Karnataka specifically because of its open-state status for private colleges, pulling the overall applicant pool up.

The full AIR range in Karnataka 2025 allotment data spans from 22 (the most competitive allotment) to 13,19,086 (the least competitive, typically a management quota seat at a private college). You can explore this data in detail using the Karnataka cutoff analyzer.

Seat type distribution (2025)

Our allotment data breaks down by seat type:

Seat type	Allotments	Share
Government	11,180	58%
Private (government quota)	6,195	32%
Management quota	1,680	9%
NRI quota	189	1%

Management and NRI seats together account for 10% of total allotments but carry fees 20 to 40 times higher than government seats.

How KEA differs from MCC

Beyond the obvious difference in seat pools, several structural differences matter for candidates participating in both tracks:

Choice system vs float/freeze: MCC uses Freeze/Float/Slide with an auto-upgrade mechanism. KEA uses Choice 1/2/3 where the candidate explicitly decides whether to accept, upgrade-seek, or decline. The outcome is similar, but the decision framework is different.

Mock allotment: KEA publishes a mock allotment before the final allotment in Round 1, giving candidates a preview of likely outcomes. MCC does not offer a mock round.

Fresh preference entry: KEA requires preference filling before Round 1 and generally carries it forward. MCC allows preference modification between rounds but within constraints.

Categories: MCC recognizes SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and EWS. KEA recognizes eight base categories with suffix variants, producing 48+ regular codes. A candidate who is OBC-NCL under the central government list might be Category 2A, 2B, 3A, or 3B in Karnataka. The two classifications are independent.

FAQ

Can candidates from other states get government college seats in Karnataka?

Not through state counselling. Government college state quota seats (85%) require Karnataka domicile. Non-Karnataka candidates can only get government seats in Karnataka through the 15% All India Quota via MCC. For private and deemed university seats, Karnataka is open to candidates from all states through KEA counselling.

What is the difference between GM and GMP categories?

GM (General Merit) applies to government college seats. GMP (General Merit Private) applies to private college seats. Both are unreserved and merit-based, but they draw from different seat pools with different fee structures and, in some cases, different eligibility rules for out-of-state candidates.

How does the HK reservation help candidates from those six districts?

HK candidates benefit from two layers. First, 8% of seats across all government colleges statewide are reserved for HK candidates (the H, KH, RH suffix codes). Second, at colleges within the HK region, up to 70% of seats are reserved for HK candidates. This creates significantly lower cutoffs: a candidate from Kalaburagi district might secure a government seat with an AIR that would not qualify under the general pool at the same college.

If I choose Choice 2 and don’t get upgraded, do I lose anything?

No. If you are not upgraded in Round 2, you keep your Round 1 seat. You pay the remaining course fee balance and report to the original college. Choice 2 carries no penalty for non-upgrade. The only risk is the opportunity cost of waiting, since you cannot report to your Round 1 college until Round 2 results are out.

What happens if I choose Choice 3 and don’t get any seat in Round 2?

You must pay a caution deposit of Rs 1,00,000 (Rs 50,000 for SC/ST) to remain eligible for the mop-up round. Your Round 1 seat is permanently forfeited; it goes back into the pool for other candidates. This is why Choice 3 is the highest-risk option: you could end up with no seat and a Rs 1 lakh deposit to pay for continued eligibility.

Are deemed university seats filled through KEA or MCC?

Both. Approximately 25% of deemed university seats are government quota, filled through KEA state counselling. The remaining 75% (management and NRI quotas) go through MCC central counselling. If your target is a specific deemed university in Karnataka, register for both tracks.

Do cutoffs change significantly between Round 1 and Round 2?

Yes, particularly at mid-tier colleges. At the most competitive government colleges, cutoffs in Round 2 are typically within 20% to 40% of Round 1 values (less competitive since the highest-ranked candidates have already locked seats). At private colleges, Round 2 cutoffs can shift substantially as seats vacated by Choice 1 and Choice 3 candidates become available.

March 8, 2026

NEET reservation categories in Maharashtra: every category explained

Maharashtra recognizes 7 constitutional categories (50% at government colleges), 2 additional categories (SEBC 10%, EWS 10%), and 6 parallel reservation types.
Your Maharashtra category may differ from your central government category. Check the state backward classes list for your specific caste.
Non-Creamy Layer certificates are required for VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, SEBC, and OBC candidates. SC and ST are exempt.
All category claims must be made in the original application. You cannot add or change after the deadline.

Maharashtra’s category system is not the same as the central government’s

If you have only seen the MCC (All India Quota) counselling categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, General), Maharashtra’s category list will look unfamiliar. The state recognizes seven constitutional reservation categories, two additional reservation categories, and six specified (parallel) reservation types. These categories determine which seats you can compete for, what cutoffs apply to you, and which documents you need.

Infographic showing NEET reservation categories in Maharashtra

Your central government category (for MCC counselling) and your Maharashtra state category (for CET Cell counselling) are determined by different lists. Some castes appear on both, some only on one. You could be OBC centrally and NT-C in Maharashtra, or vice versa. Check your specific caste against the Maharashtra backward classes list independently.

This guide covers every category used in Maharashtra NEET UG state counselling, based on the 2025 Information Brochure issued by the CET Cell and the reservation rules in Annexure B. If you are looking for Karnataka categories, see our Karnataka categories guide.

Constitutional reservation categories: 50% at government colleges

These seven categories account for 50% of state quota seats at government and corporation medical colleges in Maharashtra. At private unaided colleges, the same seven categories share 25% of total intake (exactly half the government percentages).

SC (Scheduled Castes and SC converts to Buddhism): 13% government, 6.5% private

Maharashtra’s SC reservation includes both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Caste converts to Buddhism (Nav-Baudh). Maharashtra has a large Buddhist population (mostly Ambedkarite conversions), which is why Nav-Baudh are included under SC rather than as a separate category. The state percentage (13%) is lower than the central government’s 15% for SC at AIQ, but the eligible group is broader because it includes Nav-Baudh converts who may not be on the central SC list. No Non-Creamy Layer certificate is required for SC candidates. Caste certificate and Caste Validity Certificate (CVC) from the Divisional Caste Certificate Scrutiny Committee are required.

ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7% government, 3.5% private

Includes Scheduled Tribes living both within and outside specified scheduled areas. Same as the national list. Tribe Validity Certificate from the Tribe Certificate Scrutiny Committee is required (different authority from the SC committee). No Non-Creamy Layer certificate needed.

VJ / DT-A (Vimukta Jati / Denotified Tribes A): 3% government, 1.5% private

Vimukta Jati literally means “liberated castes.” These are communities that were classified as “criminal tribes” under British colonial law (the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871) and were “denotified” after independence. The term DT-A (Denotified Tribes Category A) is used interchangeably with VJ. This category has no equivalent in the central government reservation system. For AIQ counselling, VJ candidates may qualify as OBC-NCL if their specific caste is on the central OBC list.

Non-Creamy Layer certificate is required (valid up to 31 March 2026 for the 2025-26 cycle). Caste certificate and CVC also required.

NT-B (Nomadic Tribes B): 2.5% government, 1.25% private

Nomadic Tribes are communities with historically itinerant lifestyles who do not have fixed settlements. Maharashtra divides them into three sub-categories (B, C, D) with separate reservation percentages. NT-B is the first of these. The specific castes in each sub-category are listed in state government notifications. Non-Creamy Layer certificate required.

NT-C (Nomadic Tribes C): 3.5% government, 1.75% private

The second Nomadic Tribes sub-category. Carries a slightly higher reservation percentage than NT-B. In the inter-se mechanism for unfilled seats, NT-C falls in Group III (along with NT-D and OBC), while NT-B falls in Group II (with VJ). This grouping matters when reserved seats go unfilled. Non-Creamy Layer certificate required.

NT-D (Nomadic Tribes D): 2% government, 1% private

The third Nomadic Tribes sub-category, with the smallest allocation among the three. Falls in Group III for inter-se purposes. Non-Creamy Layer certificate required.

OBC (Other Backward Classes, including SBC): 19% government, 9.5% private

Maharashtra’s OBC reservation at 19% is lower than the central government’s 27%, but the state’s overall 50% constitutional reservation is distributed across seven categories rather than the central government’s three. OBC here includes SBC (Special Backward Classes). SBC candidates are drawn from their parent OBC category; they do not have a separate reservation percentage. Non-Creamy Layer certificate required.

Private college calculation

At private unaided colleges, the total constitutional reservation is 25% (not 50%). The seven category percentages are exactly half the government figures. This comes from Maharashtra Act No. XXX of 2006. The remaining 75% includes open merit seats, institutional quota (15% on all-India basis), and female reservation.

Additional reservation categories

SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes): 10%

SEBC is a separate 10% reservation applied to available state quota seats at government, government-aided, corporation, and private unaided colleges (excluding minority institutions). It was introduced through a Maharashtra government resolution and is currently subject to the outcome of Writ Petition No. 3468/2024 in the Bombay High Court. If the court strikes it down, these seats revert to general category.

SEBC candidates must claim the category in their online application form. Non-Creamy Layer certificate required. If SEBC seats go unfilled, they revert to general category (they do not participate in the three-group inter-se mechanism that applies to the seven constitutional categories).

EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10%

The EWS certificate must be in the Maharashtra state government format (Annexure T of the Information Brochure). Central government format certificates are explicitly rejected. EWS candidates cannot belong to any constitutional reservation category. If you hold SC, ST, VJ, NT, OBC, SEBC, or SBC status, you are not eligible for EWS.

A 10% reservation for economically weaker candidates from the general (unreserved) category, applied to available state quota seats at the same institution types as SEBC. Like SEBC, unfilled EWS seats revert directly to general category without inter-se.

Specified (parallel) reservation categories

These reservations operate in parallel with constitutional reservation. A candidate can simultaneously benefit from a constitutional category (say, SC) and a specified quota (say, Female or PWD). The seat is coded with both designations. In our Maharashtra cutoff analyzer, you will see compound categories like “SCW” (SC Female) or “OPENDEFPH” (Open category, Defence, PWD) reflecting these parallel reservations.

DEF (Defence): 5% of intake, maximum 5 seats per college

Reserved for children of defence personnel at government, corporation, and government-aided colleges only. Three sub-categories:

DEF-1: Children of ex-servicemen with Maharashtra domicile
DEF-2: Children of active service personnel with Maharashtra domicile
DEF-3: Children of active service personnel transferred to Maharashtra

If defence seats in one sub-category go unfilled, they transfer to the other two sub-categories by inter-se merit. The minimum eligibility for defence quota is the same as for open merit candidates. Defence quota is a specified reservation, so these seats are allotted before general seats in each round.

PWD (Persons with Disability): 5% of sanctioned intake

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, 5% of seats are reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities. Constitutional reservation applies within PWD quota seats (so there are PWD-SC, PWD-ST, PWD-OBC seats, etc.). The disability certificate must be from one of the 16 designated Disability Assessment Boards listed in the Information Brochure and must be issued in 2025. Certificates from other medical boards are not accepted.

Unfilled PWD seats revert to the respective constitutional category in the state quota. No fresh preferences are called; the reverted seats are added to the seat matrix and allotted based on existing preferences.

HA (Hilly Area): 3% at government/corporation MBBS colleges only

Reserved for candidates from designated hilly areas in Maharashtra. Only applies to government and corporation medical colleges, and only for the MBBS course. Constitutional reservation and female reservation apply within HA quota. If HA seats go unfilled, they revert to the state quota in the respective category.

Orphan: 1% of available seats

For candidates with orphan status, certified by the Women and Child Welfare Department. Constitutional reservation applies within orphan quota seats. Unfilled orphan seats revert to respective categories.

Female: 30% at all colleges under CAP

The 30% female reservation operates in parallel with constitutional reservation. A seat can be simultaneously coded as SC (constitutional) and Female (specified). The total effective reservation can exceed 50% because of this parallel operation. Female candidates are first allotted female quota seats; after those are exhausted, they compete for general seats on merit.

MKB (Maharashtra-Karnataka Border): specified quota

For residents of the Maharashtra-Karnataka border disputed area. Filled from the state merit list. Unfilled MKB seats revert to Open category since they are carved from it. MKB is allotted before general seats.

How inter-se works for unfilled seats

Maharashtra’s three-group inter-se cascade: Group I (SC and ST share unfilled seats), Group II (VJ and NT-B share), Group III (NT-C, NT-D, and OBC share). If still unfilled after within-group sharing, seats go to combined merit of all reserved categories, then to open merit. SEBC and EWS are excluded from this cascade; their unfilled seats go directly to general category.

The inter-se round runs at the end of each admission process, during Round 3. It is not a separate round that candidates need to register for; it operates on existing preferences.

Ear-marking: when reserved category candidates qualify on open merit

When a reserved category candidate’s NEET AIR qualifies them for an open merit seat, the candidate can choose: take the open seat, or take a seat under their reserved category. If they choose the reserved category seat, one open seat at the college where they would have been admitted on open merit is “ear-marked” for the next eligible candidate from their reserved category.

This prevents a situation where high-ranking reserved category candidates occupy open seats while blocking seats for lower-ranking candidates from their own category. The ear-marked seat is filled immediately in the same round.

Ear-marking applies only to constitutional reservation categories. It does not apply to specified reservations (DEF, PWD, HA, Female, Orphan, MKB).

What our data shows about category cutoffs

Our database tracks allotment data for 86 Maharashtra colleges across 2023, 2024, and 2025, with 41 distinct seat categories (including compound categories from parallel reservations). You can filter cutoffs by any of these categories using the Maharashtra cutoff analyzer.

Some patterns from the data:

The gap between OPEN and reserved category closing AIRs varies widely by college. At the most competitive government colleges (Seth GS/KEM, BJ Pune), the OPEN closing AIR in 2025 was around 2,500 to 8,600. SC closing AIRs at the same colleges were typically 2x to 4x higher (less competitive). At mid-tier government colleges, the OPEN-to-SC gap narrows.

SEBC and EWS closing AIRs tend to fall between OPEN and the constitutional reservation categories, since these candidates must first not qualify under any constitutional category.

Female reservation (the “W” suffix in our data, as in “OPENW” or “SCW”) consistently shows slightly higher closing AIRs than the corresponding non-female category at the same college. The 30% parallel reservation for women means additional seats open up, and these seats tend to close at higher (less competitive) AIRs than the general category equivalent.

Documents needed for each category

Category	Required documents
SC, ST	Caste/Tribe certificate + Caste/Tribe Validity Certificate
VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, OBC (incl. SBC)	Caste certificate + CVC + Non-Creamy Layer certificate (valid up to 31/3/2026)
SEBC	Caste certificate + CVC + Non-Creamy Layer certificate
EWS	EWS certificate in state government format (Annexure T), for 2025-26
DEF	Defence service certificate per Annexure C
PWD	Disability certificate from designated board, issued in 2025
HA	Hilly Area residence certificate per Annexure F
Orphan	Orphan certificate from Women and Child Welfare Dept
MKB	MKB area certificate per Annexure E

All category claims must be made in the original online application form. You cannot add or change your category after the deadline. If you fail to produce required documents at physical verification, you are automatically treated as OPEN category. Start gathering documents the moment your NEET result is out. See our documents guide for the complete checklist.

Non-Creamy Layer: the detail that trips people up

The NCL certificate is required for VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, SEBC, and OBC (including SBC) candidates. SC and ST are exempt. If your NCL certificate is missing, expired, or in the wrong format at document verification, your reservation claim is denied and you are treated as OPEN. If your AIR does not qualify under OPEN at your allotted college, your admission is cancelled. The Information Brochure states this twice. Verification officers enforce it strictly.

The certificate is issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Deputy Collector, or Collector of the district and must be valid up to 31 March 2026 or later. The “creamy layer” concept excludes candidates whose families exceed a certain income or asset threshold from reservation benefits.

FAQ

I am OBC in the central list. Does that automatically make me OBC in Maharashtra?

Not necessarily. The central OBC list and the Maharashtra OBC list are different. Some castes appear on both, some only on one. Your Maharashtra category is determined by Maharashtra state notifications. Check your specific caste against the Maharashtra backward classes list. You could be OBC centrally and NT-C in Maharashtra, or vice versa.

What is the difference between VJ and NT categories?

VJ (Vimukta Jati) comprises communities that were classified as “criminal tribes” under British law and later denotified. NT (Nomadic Tribes) comprises communities with historically nomadic lifestyles. Both are socially marginalized groups, but the historical basis for their classification differs. In the inter-se mechanism, VJ and NT-B form Group II, while NT-C, NT-D, and OBC form Group III.

Can I claim both constitutional reservation and EWS?

No. EWS is specifically for candidates from the general (unreserved) category. If you belong to SC, ST, VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, OBC, SEBC, or SBC, you are not eligible for EWS reservation. You claim one or the other, not both.

What does “SBC” mean in the context of OBC?

Special Backward Classes (SBC) are a sub-group within OBC. Per Maharashtra Act No. XXX of 2006, SBC candidates are considered from within the OBC reservation quota. They do not have a separate reservation percentage. In practice, SBC candidates compete under the 19% OBC allocation.

Do specified reservations (Female, DEF, PWD) reduce the seats available for constitutional categories?

No. Specified reservations operate in parallel. A seat can be simultaneously coded as SC (constitutional) and Female (specified). The 30% female reservation does not reduce the 13% SC reservation; they overlap. The total effective reservation can exceed 50% because of this parallel operation.

How do I know which categories to filter for in the cutoff analyzer?

Use your constitutional reservation category as the base, and add any specified quota suffix if applicable. For example: OPEN for general merit, SC for Scheduled Caste, OPENW for general merit female, SCW for SC female, OPENDEF for general merit defence. The cutoff analyzer shows all available categories in the filter dropdown for Maharashtra.

March 8, 2026

NEET reservation categories in Karnataka: every category and suffix explained

Karnataka uses 8 base categories plus a 6-suffix system (G, K, R, H, KH, RH), creating 75+ distinct category codes in allotment data.
The HK region suffix (Article 371J) provides the largest advantage: up to 70% reservation at colleges within the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
Category 1 is exempt from creamy layer exclusion; Categories 2A through 3B require Non-Creamy Layer with income below Rs 8 lakh.
Your Karnataka state category and central MCC category are independent classifications. Check both lists for your specific caste.

Karnataka’s category system has no equivalent at the central level

If you have seen only the MCC categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, General), Karnataka’s system will look unfamiliar. The state divides backward classes into five numbered groups (Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) instead of a single OBC label. It then layers a suffix system on top, creating separate sub-quotas for rural students, Kannada medium students, and Hyderabad-Karnataka region candidates. The result is over 75 distinct category codes in allotment data.

Infographic showing NEET reservation categories in Karnataka

This guide covers every category used in Karnataka NEET UG state counselling, based on KEA’s counselling documentation and the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission’s classification system. If you are looking for Maharashtra categories, see our Maharashtra categories guide.

Base categories: the eight groups

Karnataka recognizes eight base reservation categories for medical admissions. The stated reservation percentages (Cat 1 at 4%, 2A at 15%, 2B at 5%, 3A at 4%, 3B at 4%, SC at 15%, ST at 3%, plus EWS at 10%) add up to 60% on paper. In practice, not all reservation seats are filled (some revert to GM if no eligible candidates remain), and the effective reservation is closer to 50-55% in a given year. Roughly 40-50% of state quota seats end up going to General Merit candidates.

GM (General Merit): unreserved

Open to all candidates irrespective of caste, religion, or community. Approximately 44% of state quota seats fall under GM after all reservations are applied. GM seats are filled strictly on NEET All India Rank merit. Any candidate, including those from reserved categories, can compete for GM seats. No caste certificate is required. GM is the most competitive category in Karnataka counselling.

In 2025, GM closing AIRs at the top government colleges ranged from 3,025 (Bangalore Medical College, Round 2) to approximately 23,700 (Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Round 2). At private colleges under government quota, GM cutoffs extended to much higher AIRs

Category 1: most backward OBC group (4%)

Category 1 is unique among Karnataka’s OBC groups: the creamy layer exclusion does not apply. High-income families in Category 1 retain reservation eligibility, whereas families in Categories 2A through 3B with annual income above Rs 8 lakh lose eligibility and must compete under GM. This makes Category 1 the only OBC group with no income ceiling.

Category 1 covers the most socially and educationally backward communities among the Other Backward Classes. It carries a 4% reservation. Candidates must submit a Caste/Income Certificate issued by the jurisdictional Tahasildar. Fee exemption may be available for candidates whose family income is below Rs 2.5 lakh per year.

Category 2A: largest OBC group (15%)

The largest reservation category in Karnataka with 15% of state quota seats. Category 2A covers communities classified as backward under Group 2A by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. Because of the large allocation and large candidate pool, 2A cutoffs at government colleges can be competitive; at less sought-after institutions, they sometimes approach GM cutoffs.

Non-Creamy Layer Certificate with an RD (Registration Department) number is required. Family annual income must not exceed Rs 8 lakh.

Category 2B: OBC Group B (5%)

A 5% reservation for communities classified under Group 2B. Smaller candidate pool than 2A, which means cutoff ranks for 2B tend to be higher (less competitive) than 2A at the same college. The same documentation applies: Caste Certificate specifying 2B subcategory from the Tahasildar, plus Non-Creamy Layer Certificate with RD number and income below Rs 8 lakh.

Category 3A: OBC Group A (4%)

A 4% reservation covering communities classified under OBC Group 3A. Includes the Vokkaliga community and related groups. Same Non-Creamy Layer documentation requirements as 2A and 2B. The smaller seat allocation means cutoffs vary significantly between colleges: at top government colleges, 3A cutoffs can be close to GM, while at private colleges the gap widens.

Category 3B: OBC Group B (4%)

A 4% reservation for communities classified under OBC Group 3B. Includes the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community and related groups. Cutoff patterns are comparable to 3A. Candidates from 3B communities who fall within the creamy layer (income above Rs 8 lakh) must compete under GM instead.

Note: In 2024, the Karnataka government scrapped a 4% Muslim quota that had previously existed within OBC and redistributed portions to Categories 3A and 3B. The exact impact on seat percentages for the 2025 medical counselling cycle should be confirmed against the current KEA bulletin, as some sources report updated percentages while others continue to show the older figures.

SC (Scheduled Castes): 15%

A 15% reservation covering all communities listed under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order for Karnataka. No creamy layer criterion applies. In 2024, Karnataka internally restructured SC reservation into four sub-groups (SC Left, SC Right, Touchable, Others), though the total allocation and the counselling process remain functionally the same for most candidates.

Candidates need a Caste/Income Certificate from the Tahasildar. Fee exemption at government colleges may be available for SC candidates with family income below Rs 10 lakh. Vacant SC seats follow the state’s inter-se vacancy filling rules.

ST (Scheduled Tribes): 3%

A 3% reservation for communities listed under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order for Karnataka. This is the smallest base reservation category. Given the limited allocation, ST seats at popular government colleges fill quickly; candidates should carefully consider their preference order. Caste/Income Certificate from the Tahasildar is required. No creamy layer exclusion. Fee exemptions available as with SC.

EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10%

A 10% reservation for economically weaker candidates from the general (unreserved) category, introduced after the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. EWS candidates cannot belong to any of the above reservation categories. Family annual income must be below Rs 8 lakh, with restrictions on agricultural land and residential property ownership.

The EWS certificate follows the format prescribed by the state government, though Karnataka has largely adopted the central government format following Supreme Court guidance on uniform NEET admission standards.

The suffix system: sub-quotas within each category

Karnataka is unique among Indian states in using a suffix-based encoding for sub-quotas. Each of the eight base categories can carry one of six suffixes, and these suffixes determine additional eligibility criteria:

G (General sub-quota)

The default. No additional eligibility beyond the base category requirements. A candidate coded as “SCG” is an SC candidate with no Kannada medium, rural, or HK region advantage. This is the standard pathway.

K (Kannada medium)

Reserved for candidates who completed 10 years of schooling (Classes 1 through 10) in Kannada medium schools recognized by the Karnataka government. Approximately 5% of government seats are allocated for Kannada medium students within each category. A Kannada Medium Study Certificate is required.

A candidate coded as “2AK” is a Category 2A candidate who studied in Kannada medium. Their cutoff is typically different from “2AG” (Category 2A general), often reflecting the smaller competitive pool.

R (Rural)

Reserved for candidates who studied in schools located in rural areas of Karnataka. Approximately 5% of government seats are set aside for rural area students. A Rural Area Study Certificate is required.

H (Hyderabad-Karnataka region)

The HK reservation is one of the most impactful sub-quotas in Karnataka. Two layers apply: 8% of seats statewide across all government colleges, plus up to 70% of seats at colleges located within the HK region (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Ballari). A GM candidate from Kalaburagi with HK status (“GMH”) can secure a seat at a Bengaluru government college with a considerably higher AIR than “GMG” would require.

Reserved for candidates from the six districts of the Hyderabad-Karnataka (now Kalyana-Karnataka) region. This sub-quota operates under Article 371(J) of the Constitution. Article 371(J) Certificate or Hyderabad-Karnataka Domicile Certificate from the Tahasildar’s office is required.

KH (Kannada medium + Hyderabad-Karnataka)

Candidates must meet both criteria: Kannada medium schooling and HK region domicile. A candidate coded “SCKH” is SC, Kannada medium, and from the HK region. The competitive pool for combination suffixes is the smallest, and cutoffs can differ substantially from the base category.

RH (Rural + Hyderabad-Karnataka)

Candidates must qualify for both the rural area and HK region criteria. Same logic as KH but with rural schooling instead of Kannada medium.

How the suffix system creates 48+ codes

Eight base categories multiplied by six suffixes gives 48 regular category codes. In practice, not all combinations appear in every counselling round (some combinations have zero eligible candidates for specific colleges), but our database tracks 78 distinct category codes across Karnataka’s allotment data.

Beyond the 48 regular codes, KEA uses special category codes:

GMP, GMPH: General Merit Private, GM Private + HK region. For private college seats specifically.
OPN: Open (private college), similar to GMP.
OTH: Others (miscellaneous seat categories).
MA, MC, ME, MM, MU: Minority quotas. MA = Minority Arabic, MC = Minority Christian, ME = Minority English (often the Christian minority medium), MM = Minority Muslim, MU = Minority Urdu.
RC1 through RC8: Religious Congregation seats at deemed universities, each numbered for a specific congregation or trust.
NRI: Non-Resident Indian quota.
PH, PHM: Persons with Disability. PHM is PWD within the Muslim minority sub-category.
NCC, SPO: NCC (National Cadet Corps) and Sports quota candidates.
XD, D: Defence quota variants.
JK: Jammu & Kashmir migrant quota.
S-G: Special Government seats.

In the Karnataka cutoff analyzer, you can filter by any of these codes to see closing ranks for specific sub-quotas at specific colleges. Start with your base category, add your suffix (e.g., “SCR” for SC Rural), and compare cutoffs across colleges to build your preference list.

Horizontal reservations: parallel to the base categories

Like Maharashtra’s specified reservations, Karnataka operates several horizontal reservations that run in parallel with the base category system:

Women: 30% of seats within each category are reserved for female candidates. A female SC candidate competes for the SC female sub-quota first; if all female SC seats are filled, she competes for general SC seats on merit.

PWD (Persons with Disability): 5% of seats, applied across all categories. Disability certificate from a designated medical board is required.

Rural: approximately 5% of government seats, encoded through the R suffix.

Kannada medium: approximately 5% of government seats, encoded through the K suffix.

Defence/Ex-servicemen: a small quota for children of defence personnel.

NCC and Sports: quotas for NCC cadets and state/national level sportspersons.

Documents needed for each category

Category	Required documents
GM	No category-specific documents (standard NEET + academic documents only)
Category 1	Caste/Income Certificate from Tahasildar
2A, 2B, 3A, 3B	Caste Certificate from Tahasildar + Non-Creamy Layer Certificate with RD number (income below Rs 8 lakh)
SC, ST	Caste/Income Certificate from Tahasildar (no NCL required)
EWS	EWS certificate with income proof (below Rs 8 lakh)
K suffix	Kannada Medium Study Certificate (Classes 1-10)
R suffix	Rural Area Study Certificate
H/KH/RH suffix	Article 371(J) or HK Domicile Certificate from Tahasildar
PWD	Disability certificate from designated Disability Assessment Board

All category claims must be made during KEA registration. You cannot add or change your category after the deadline. If documents are missing or invalid at verification, you are treated as GM. Start gathering certificates immediately after NEET results. NCL certificates from the Tahasildar can take weeks to process. See our documents guide for the full checklist.

Non-Creamy Layer: who needs it and who does not

NCL applies to OBC categories 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. It does not apply to Category 1, SC, or ST. The certificate must include an RD (Registration Department) number and confirm family annual income below Rs 8 lakh. An expired or improperly formatted NCL means your reservation claim is denied and you compete under GM for the entire counselling cycle. Apply for NCL as early as possible after receiving your NEET result.

The certificate is issued by the Tahasildar of your taluk. Processing time varies; apply early.

How Karnataka categories map to central government categories

Your category for MCC (All India Quota) counselling is determined by the central government list. Your category for KEA (state) counselling is determined by Karnataka’s list. These are independent classifications. A single candidate can hold different categories in each system.

Karnataka category	Likely central government equivalent
GM	General/Unreserved
Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B	OBC-NCL (if your caste is on the central OBC list)
SC	SC
ST	ST
EWS	EWS

The mapping is not automatic. Some Karnataka OBC communities may not appear on the central OBC list, making you General/Unreserved for AIQ purposes. Check your specific caste against the central list independently. Your KEA category and MCC category can be different.

What our data shows about category cutoffs

Our database tracks 45,673 Karnataka allotment records across 2023, 2024, and 2025, with 78 distinct category codes. Some patterns from the data:

The gap between GM and reserved category closing AIRs at government colleges follows a consistent hierarchy. At Bangalore Medical College (Round 2, 2025), the GM closing AIR was 3,025. Category 2A, the largest OBC group, had noticeably higher (less competitive) closing AIRs, while SC and ST closings were higher still. This hierarchy holds across colleges, though the gap narrows at less competitive institutions.

HK region codes (H, KH, RH suffixes) consistently show the largest advantage over their non-HK equivalents at the same college. At colleges within the HK region (Gulbarga, Raichur), HK cutoffs can be multiple times higher than GM cutoffs because those institutions reserve 70% of seats for HK candidates under Article 371(J). Kannada medium (K) and Rural (R) cutoffs fall between the general suffix (G) and HK suffix (H).

Year-over-year, all categories have seen cutoffs tighten. Between 2023 and 2025, closing AIRs at top government colleges dropped by 25% to 63%, depending on the college and category. This trend reflects the growing number of NEET qualifiers competing for a seat pool that has not expanded at the same rate.

You can explore all category-level cutoff data using the Karnataka cutoff analyzer.

FAQ

I am OBC-NCL under the central government list. Which Karnataka category am I?

Karnataka’s five OBC groups (Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) are based on the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes classification, which is separate from the central OBC list. Your specific caste determines your Karnataka OBC sub-category. Check the state backward classes list for your community, or consult the Tahasildar’s office in your taluk.

Can I claim both a base category and a suffix simultaneously?

You always have exactly one code: a base category plus one suffix. If you are Category 2A, studied in Kannada medium, and are from the HK region, you would be “2AKH.” You cannot hold multiple suffix codes simultaneously. KEA assigns the most advantageous applicable code based on your documented eligibility.

If I am from the HK region but studying in Bengaluru, can I claim the H suffix?

HK eligibility is based on your residential origin in one of the six qualifying districts, not on where you attend school. If you are from Kalaburagi district but studied in Bengaluru, you can still claim the H suffix if you hold the Article 371(J) certificate. However, for the KH (Kannada medium + HK) or RH (Rural + HK) suffixes, your school must meet the respective medium or rural criteria.

Does the creamy layer apply to Category 1?

No. Category 1 is exempt from the creamy layer exclusion. This distinguishes it from Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, where families with annual income above Rs 8 lakh lose reservation eligibility and must compete under GM.

What are the RC codes (RC1, RC2, etc.) in deemed university allotments?

RC stands for Religious Congregation. Deemed universities in Karnataka often have seats reserved for specific religious congregations or trusts that run the institution. RC1 through RC8 are numbered codes for these specific congregations. The eligibility criteria are set by each institution and involve membership in or affiliation with the specific religious congregation.

How do I know which category codes to filter for in the cutoff analyzer?

Start with your base category, then add your suffix. If you are SC from a rural area, filter for “SCR.” If you are GM with no special sub-quota, filter for “GM” (which includes GMG and all GM variants). The cutoff analyzer shows all available category codes in the filter dropdown for Karnataka.

March 8, 2026

AIQ vs State Quota in NEET 2026 – Which Is Better for You?
- AIQ = 15% of government seats (open to all states, filled by MCC) plus all deemed, central, AIIMS, ESIC seats (~26,500 total)
- State quota = 85% of government seats (domicile restricted) plus private college seats, filled by state authorities
- Register for both tracks simultaneously; your participation in one does not affect the other
- Your category may differ between AIQ (central list) and state counselling (state list): these are independent
The two tracks every NEET candidate must understand

After qualifying NEET UG, you do not enter a single admissions process. You enter two parallel ones that run at the same time, fill different pools of seats, and follow different rules. Misunderstanding how they interact is one of the most expensive mistakes a candidate can make.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services, runs All India Quota (AIQ) counselling. Each state’s counselling authority (CET Cell in Maharashtra, KEA in Karnataka, and equivalents elsewhere) runs state quota counselling. You can register for both simultaneously, but the seats they fill, the categories they recognize, and the exit rules they enforce are different.

What AIQ covers

The All India Quota pool includes 15% of MBBS and BDS seats in every government and corporation medical college in the country. These seats are carved out before the state gets its 85% share. MCC fills them through central counselling based on All India NEET rank, with no domicile restriction. A candidate from Kerala can get an AIQ seat in Maharashtra, and vice versa.

Beyond the 15% AIQ government seats, MCC also fills:
- Deemed universities: 100% of seats. India has approximately 88 deemed medical institutions. These are entirely under MCC; no state quota applies.
- Central universities: 100% of seats at Delhi University, BHU, AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia, and IP University.
- AIIMS and JIPMER campuses: All seats at all campuses.
- ESIC medical colleges: All seats.
MCC handled approximately 26,500 seats in 2025, about 20% of all MBBS seats in India. If your target includes deemed universities, central institutions, or AIIMS, MCC is the only route.

In total, MCC handled approximately 26,500 seats in the 2025 cycle. That is about 20% of all MBBS seats in India.

What state quota covers

State counselling authorities fill the remaining 85% of government college seats, plus state quota seats at private colleges within their borders. These seats are restricted to candidates with domicile in that state (with some exceptions for institutional quota at private colleges).

State counselling also handles private college admissions. In most states, private college seats are split roughly as follows: 85% state quota (filled by the state authority) and 15% institutional quota (filled by the state authority or the institution on an all-India basis, depending on the state). The exact split and whether institutional quota goes through centralized counselling or institutional-level admission varies by state.

Maharashtra and Karnataka together account for over a fifth of India’s MBBS capacity. Maharashtra had 9,070 MBBS seats across 64 colleges (government and private, per the 2025 Information Brochure) plus seats at 16 deemed universities. Karnataka had 13,944 MBBS seats in 2025-26 across government, private, and deemed institutions combined.

How the 15% is calculated

The 15% AIQ seats are taken from the total sanctioned intake of each government medical college. For a college with 250 seats, 37 or 38 go to AIQ (exact number depends on rounding). The remaining 212 or 213 go to the state.

The AIQ calculation applies only to government and corporation colleges. Private unaided colleges do not contribute to the AIQ pool. Their 15% institutional quota is a separate concept, administered differently.

Maharashtra’s 2025 Information Brochure states explicitly: “All India Quota (AIQ) seats from Government / Corporation Medical & Dental colleges will not be reverted back to the respective states.” This means that if AIQ seats at Maharashtra government colleges go unfilled after MCC counselling, they do not come back to the CET Cell. This rule has been consistent in recent years, though the exact language varies across MCC information bulletins.

For AYUSH courses (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS), 15% AIQ seats at government colleges are filled by the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC), not MCC. Unlike MBBS AIQ seats, unfilled AYUSH AIQ seats can revert to the state for filling through state counselling rounds.

Reservation differences

This is where AIQ and state quota diverge most sharply.

AIQ reservation (MCC)

MCC follows the central government reservation policy:

Category Reservation

Scheduled Castes (SC) 15%

Scheduled Tribes (ST) 7.5%

Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) 27%

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) 10%

PwD (within each category) 5%

Only three main reservation categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL) plus EWS. The OBC list used is the central government OBC list, not the state OBC list.

State quota reservation (varies by state)

Each state sets its own reservation policy for state quota seats. Maharashtra and Karnataka illustrate how different these can be:

Maharashtra reserves 50% for constitutional categories at government colleges: SC 13%, ST 7%, VJ (Vimukta Jati) 3%, NT-B 2.5%, NT-C 3.5%, NT-D 2%, OBC 19%. On top of this, there is 10% SEBC, 10% EWS, 5% Defence, 5% PWD, 3% Hilly Area, 1% Orphan, and 30% female reservation running in parallel. VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, and SEBC are Maharashtra-specific categories with no equivalent in AIQ counselling.

Karnataka uses a different set of categories: General Merit (GM), 2A (OBC Group A), 2B (OBC Group B), 3A (OBC Group A), 3B (OBC Group B), SC, ST, and Category 1. Karnataka also has Hyderabad-Karnataka region reservation and rural/Kannada medium quotas at some institutions.

Your AIQ category and state counselling category are independent. A candidate can be OBC-NCL for AIQ and NT-D for Maharashtra state counselling simultaneously. These are not interchangeable.

A candidate who qualifies under OBC in central government terms might fall under NT-C in Maharashtra terms, or under 3A in Karnataka terms. These are not interchangeable. Your category for AIQ counselling is determined by the central government list. Your category for state counselling is determined by your state’s list. You can be OBC-NCL for AIQ and NT-D for Maharashtra state counselling at the same time.

Can you participate in both?

Yes, and you should. Registering for both MCC and state counselling is standard practice. They run in parallel, and your participation in one does not disqualify you from the other (with one important exception described below).

The process works like this:
1. Register on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) for AIQ counselling
2. Register on your state counselling portal (mahacet.org for Maharashtra, kea.kar.nic.in for Karnataka)
3. Fill preferences and participate in both tracks
4. If you receive allotments from both, you must choose one and vacate the other within the reporting window
The exception: if you join a seat in MCC Round 3 (mop-up round), you are typically barred from participating in further state counselling rounds. Similarly, if you are allotted a seat in Round 3 of Maharashtra state counselling, the CET Cell informs MCC, and you may be barred from further MCC rounds.

Which one gives you better odds?

This depends on your AIR, your category, your domicile state, and what kind of college you want. There is no universal answer. The trade-offs:

AIQ favours candidates from states with fewer medical colleges. A candidate from a northeastern state with limited government MBBS seats may find better options through AIQ, since AIQ seats exist at government colleges across the country. A candidate from Maharashtra or Karnataka, which have large numbers of colleges, may actually have better options through state counselling simply because of the larger seat pool in their home state.

State quota favours candidates with state-specific categories. If your category has reservation in state counselling but not in AIQ (such as VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, or SEBC in Maharashtra), your chances are structurally better in state counselling. In AIQ, you would compete as either Open or OBC-NCL, depending on whether your state category maps to the central OBC list.

Deemed universities are only through MCC. If your target includes deemed medical colleges (which tend to have higher fees but are sometimes more accessible for mid-range AIRs), you must go through MCC.

State counselling has more rounds and more flexibility. Maharashtra runs three rounds plus stray vacancy rounds with fresh preference filling each time. Karnataka runs multiple rounds with a Choice 1/2/3 system. MCC runs four rounds with a single preference list carried forward. More rounds with fresh preferences means more chances to land a seat.

Participate aggressively in Round 1 of both tracks, where exits are free or low-cost. Narrow down once you have allotment results from both.

The coordination problem: what happens when allotments overlap

The most stressful scenario is getting allotted a seat in both MCC and state counselling around the same time. The reporting windows sometimes overlap, and you need to make a quick decision.

General principles:
- If one allotment is clearly better (higher-preference college, better location, lower fees), take that one and vacate the other.
- If the MCC allotment is in Round 1 and you have not yet received state counselling results, you can join the MCC seat and continue participating in state counselling. If you get a better seat in state counselling, you resign from MCC (check the current year’s MCC bulletin for penalties).
- If the state allotment is in Round 1 (which usually offers a free exit if you do not join), you can wait for MCC results before deciding.
- After Round 2 in either track, the stakes increase. Security deposits may be forfeited, seats may become binding, and cross-track movement becomes riskier.
The safest approach: participate aggressively in Round 1 of both tracks (where exits are free or low-cost), then narrow down once you have allotment results from both.

Where you can and cannot cross state lines

AIQ seats: Open to all states. No domicile restriction. A Bihar domicile candidate can get an AIQ government seat in Tamil Nadu.

State quota government seats: Restricted to domicile candidates. You cannot get a state quota government seat in a state where you do not have domicile.

State quota private seats: This is where it gets complicated. States are classified as “open” or “closed” for private college admissions.

Karnataka is an open state. Candidates from any state can apply for private college seats through KEA counselling, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. This is one reason Karnataka attracts a large number of out-of-state applicants.

Maharashtra is a closed state. Only Maharashtra domicile holders can apply for state quota (85%) seats at private colleges. The 15% institutional quota at private colleges is the only route for non-domicile candidates, and even that goes through the CET Cell’s centralized CAP rounds.

Our data across both tracks

neet2seat tracks state counselling allotment data for Maharashtra (86 colleges) and Karnataka (74 colleges) across 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our database has over 407,000 individual allotment records covering every round of state counselling in both states.

In 2025, closing AIRs for OPEN/GM category at the most competitive government colleges ranged from around 2,500 (Seth GS/KEM in Maharashtra) to around 11,000 (GMC Nagpur in Maharashtra) for state counselling. These are state quota numbers. AIQ closing ranks at the same colleges tend to be different (often lower, since AIQ pools are smaller) but are not tracked in our database because our data covers state counselling only.

You can compare cutoffs across colleges and years using our cutoff analyzer, which covers all rounds of Maharashtra and Karnataka state counselling. For a personalized assessment, try the college predictor.

FAQ

Do AIQ seats at government colleges have the same fee as state quota seats?

Yes. AIQ government seats carry the same fee structure as state quota seats at the same college. There is no fee premium for AIQ. Government MBBS fees in Maharashtra for 2025-26 are Rs 1,52,100 tuition plus Rs 5,000 development fee per year, whether the seat is AIQ or state quota.

If I do not get an AIQ seat, do my chances in state counselling change?

No. Your state counselling allotment is based on your NEET AIR and your preferences filed with the state authority. MCC results do not affect your standing in state counselling. The two tracks run independently.

Can I be penalized for participating in both tracks?

Not for participating. But if you hold seats in both tracks simultaneously without vacating one within the prescribed window, you can face penalties including seat cancellation and potential debarment. The coordination rules vary by year; check the current MCC and state counselling bulletins for exact timelines and penalties.

Are deemed university seats better filled through AIQ or is there another route?

Deemed university seats are filled only through MCC. There is no state counselling route to deemed universities. If a deemed university is your target, you must register for MCC counselling.

Do unfilled AIQ seats come back to the state?

For MBBS and BDS, Maharashtra’s 2025 Information Brochure states that AIQ seats “will not be reverted back to the respective states.” The position across other states and across different counselling cycles has varied, so check the current year’s MCC bulletin for the definitive rule. For AYUSH courses, unfilled AIQ seats can revert to the state.

My category is VJ (Vimukta Jati) in Maharashtra. What am I in AIQ counselling?

VJ is a Maharashtra-specific category. For AIQ counselling, you would need to check if your specific caste is listed in the central government OBC list. If it is, you participate as OBC-NCL in AIQ. If it is not, you participate as General/Unreserved. Your state category and central category are determined independently.
March 8, 2026
Medical colleges in Maharashtra: 86 colleges, 12,924 seats across government, private, and deemed
86 medical colleges fill 12,924 MBBS seats through Maharashtra state-quota counselling (excludes AIQ government and deemed seats), with a fee range from Rs 1.62 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year

Maharashtra has the second-largest medical education system in India. The 86 medical colleges in Maharashtra span 44 government colleges, 26 private colleges, and 16 deemed universities, with 12,924 MBBS seats filled through Maharashtra state-quota counselling (excludes AIQ and deemed seats). Understanding the full picture for NEET 2026 (who these colleges are, where they are, what they cost, and how competitive they are) is the first step toward building an informed preference list.

This guide maps all 86 colleges across the three categories. For individual college cutoffs, use the Maharashtra cutoff analyzer. For the complete college list with details, see the Maharashtra college directory.
- 86 colleges: 44 government (Rs 1.62L/yr), 26 private (Rs 5-15L/yr), 16 deemed (Rs 10-25L/yr), totalling 12,924 MBBS seats
- Government college closing AIRs range from 12,566 to above 9,71,403 — every AIR level has a government option
- Mumbai + Navi Mumbai cluster has 16 colleges, the densest medical education ecosystem in any Indian metro
- List all government colleges before private ones on your preference list to maximize fee savings
Government medical colleges: 44 colleges, 6,175 seats

Maharashtra’s 44 government medical colleges are spread across 36 cities. Nine are concentrated in Mumbai alone. Pune has 4 (including the Armed Forces Medical College, which has its own admission process). Nagpur has 2. The remaining colleges are distributed across district headquarters and smaller cities.

Annual fees at all government colleges are approximately Rs 1.62 lakh per year. See our Maharashtra fees guide for the complete breakdown.

The competitiveness spectrum

Government colleges in Maharashtra span a wide competitiveness range. From our 2025 data (Round 2, OPEN category):

The most competitive government colleges close at AIRs below 20,000. ESIC Medical College Andheri closed at AIR 12,566 (though ESIC colleges operate under central government and may have distinct dynamics). Grant Medical College (Mumbai), Seth GS Medical College (Mumbai), and BJ Medical College (Pune) are consistently among the most competitive, closing below AIR 15,000 in recent years.

Mid-tier government colleges close between AIR 20,000 and 80,000. This band includes well-established colleges in cities like Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, and Latur. These colleges offer solid clinical training with lower living costs than Mumbai or Pune.

The least competitive government colleges close at AIRs above 80,000, extending to AIR 9,71,403 at the furthest end. Newer government colleges in Nandurbar, Sindhudurg, Gondia, and similar rural districts fill at higher ranks. Despite their lower competitiveness, they offer the same Rs 1.62 lakh/year fee structure and an equivalent MBBS degree.

The 30x fee gap between government (Rs 1.62L/yr) and private (Rs 5-15L/yr) colleges makes every government seat worth listing, regardless of location. Even a Tier 4 government college saves Rs 20-65 lakh over five years compared to a private alternative.

Mumbai’s government college cluster

Mumbai has 9 government medical colleges, making it the single largest cluster in any Indian city. These include Seth GS Medical College (KEM Hospital), Grant Medical College (JJ Hospital), LTMMC (Sion Hospital), Topiwala National Medical College (Nair Hospital), ESIC Andheri, Gokuldas Tejpal, and others. With approximately 1,400 combined seats, Mumbai’s government cluster absorbs a significant portion of Maharashtra’s top-ranked candidates.

For a detailed breakdown of Mumbai colleges, see our Mumbai medical colleges guide.

The new-college expansion

Maharashtra has been adding new government medical colleges in underserved districts. Colleges in Nandurbar, Alibaug (Raigad), Parbhani, Usmanabad, and similar locations were established in recent years. These newer colleges typically have smaller intakes (50 to 100 seats), less established infrastructure, and higher closing AIRs For candidates in the AIR 50,000 to 2,00,000 range, these colleges represent accessible government seats that many candidates overlook in favour of private colleges in larger cities.

Newer government colleges in districts like Nandurbar and Sindhudurg are often overlooked. If your AIR is between 50,000 and 2,00,000, these colleges give you government fees and an identical MBBS degree. List them as safety options below your preferred choices.

Private medical colleges: 26 colleges, 3,699 seats

Maharashtra’s 26 private medical colleges are concentrated in a few urban corridors. Pune has 3, Nagpur has the NKP Salve Institute (250 seats), and Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Nashik, Sangli, and other cities each have one or two.

State quota fees range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per year. Institutional quota (15% of seats) charges 2x to 3x the state quota fee. See the fees guide for details.

The private college competitive range

Private colleges in Maharashtra close at AIRs ranging from approximately 38,000 (top private colleges like KJ Somaiya in Mumbai) to above 5,00,000 (less established or newer institutions). The wide range means that candidates across a broad AIR spectrum (30,000 to 5,00,000+) will find private college options available to them.

For candidates who exhaust their government college options on the preference list, private colleges provide essential backup. Even if the fee is Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per year, having a private seat is better than no seat at all in Round 1 (where exit is free).

Private college fees are 3x to 10x higher than government fees. Always exhaust your government college options on the preference list before adding private colleges. In Round 1, where exit is free, listing a private college as a backup costs nothing.

Deemed universities: 16 colleges, 3,050 seats

Maharashtra’s 16 deemed universities account for 3,050 MBBS seats. Five are concentrated in Navi Mumbai: DY Patil Medical College (3 separate campuses), MGM Medical College, and Terna Medical College. Others are in Pune (3), Wardha (2), and scattered across other cities.

Deemed university government quota seats (approximately 25%) are filled through CET Cell counselling. The remaining seats go through MCC or the university’s own admission process. Fees range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year depending on seat type and institution.

One detail worth watching: deemed universities in Maharashtra do not participate in state counselling for all their seats. The government quota portion (filled through CET Cell) has different cutoffs from the MCC portion. Check both tracks if you are considering a deemed university.

Deemed university seats are split across CET Cell and MCC counselling. If targeting a deemed university, register for both counselling processes and compare government quota fees across the two tracks.

Geographic distribution

Maharashtra’s medical colleges span 45 cities. The concentration:
- Mumbai + Navi Mumbai: 16 colleges (9 government, 2 private, 5 deemed). The largest cluster in any Indian metropolitan area for medical education.
- Pune: 8 colleges (2 government including AFMC, 3 private, 3 deemed).
- Nagpur: 3 colleges (2 government, 1 private).
- Remaining cities: 1 to 2 colleges each, mostly government.
For most candidates, the geographic decision is between pursuing a college in the Mumbai-Pune corridor (higher living costs, more clinical exposure, larger peer network) versus a college in a smaller city (lower costs, less competitive cutoffs, potentially more hands-on clinical rotations due to smaller batch sizes).

See Mumbai colleges and Pune colleges for city-specific guides.

How to use this information for preference ordering

The 86 colleges fall into natural tiers for preference list construction:
1. Top government colleges in metro areas (Seth GS, Grant, BJ Pune, LTMMC): positions 1 through 5 on most candidates’ lists.
2. Remaining Mumbai and Pune government colleges: positions 6 through 15.
3. Government colleges in mid-size cities (Nagpur, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Solapur): positions 15 through 30.
4. Government colleges in smaller cities and newer institutions: positions 30 through 44.
5. Top private colleges (KJ Somaiya, DY Patil, etc.): positions 44 through 55.
6. Remaining private and deemed university government quota: positions 55 through 86.
This ordering puts all government colleges above all private colleges, reflecting the fee advantage. Adjust based on your specific location preferences and financial situation. Use the college predictor to classify each college as Safe, Target, or Reach for your AIR.

Open the college predictor, enter your expected AIR and category, and classify each of Maharashtra’s 86 colleges as Safe, Target, or Reach. Then build your preference list following the tier order above, with all Safe and Target government colleges first.

FAQ

How many government colleges are in Maharashtra?

44 government medical colleges with a combined intake of 6,175 MBBS seats, spread across 36 cities.

Which Maharashtra medical college is the most competitive?

Based on 2025 data, ESIC Medical College Andheri had the lowest OPEN closing AIR among government colleges. Among traditional government colleges, Grant Medical College and Seth GS Medical College in Mumbai are consistently the most competitive. Among private colleges, KJ Somaiya Medical College in Mumbai has the lowest closing AIR.

Are deemed university seats worth considering?

Yes, if you can afford the fees. Government quota seats at deemed universities (filled through CET Cell) have moderate fees and can be less competitive than equivalent-quality private colleges. Deemed universities often have well-equipped hospitals and research facilities. List them in the private/deemed tier of your preference list.

Do all 86 colleges participate in CET Cell counselling?

Most do, but AFMC Pune has its own admission process, and some deemed universities fill only a portion of their seats through CET Cell (the rest go through MCC or university-level admissions). Check the current year’s CET Cell seat matrix for the exact list of participating colleges and available seats.

Can I get MBBS with 400 marks in NEET in Maharashtra?

400 marks in NEET typically translates to an AIR in the range of 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 (the exact rank depends on the year’s difficulty and number of candidates). At this range in Maharashtra, government colleges in smaller cities (Tier 3 and Tier 4 in our ranking) and several private colleges are within reach for the OPEN category. Reserved category candidates at this mark range have access to a wider set of government colleges. Use the college predictor with your exact AIR to see your Safe, Target, and Reach options.
March 8, 2026
Medical colleges in Karnataka: 74 colleges, 14,094 seats across government, private, and deemed
74 medical colleges across 31 cities, with government seats at Rs 50,000 per year

The 74 medical colleges in Karnataka span 24 government, 38 private, and 12 deemed universities, with a combined MBBS intake of 14,094 seats. Unlike many states where government colleges dominate, Karnataka’s private sector is larger (38 colleges, 7,045 seats) than the government sector (24 colleges, 4,249 seats), creating a two-track system where fee considerations heavily influence preference ordering. This guide ranks the top medical colleges in Karnataka by NEET 2026 cutoff competitiveness, using 2023-2025 historical data.

This guide maps all 74 Karnataka medical colleges. For individual college cutoffs, use the Karnataka cutoff analyzer. For the complete college list with details, see the Karnataka college directory.
- 74 colleges: 24 government (Rs 50K/yr), 38 private (Rs 8-25L/yr), 12 deemed (Rs 10-25L/yr), totalling 14,094 MBBS seats
- Private sector is larger than government (38 vs 24 colleges) — fee decisions dominate preference ordering
- Bengaluru has 20 colleges but only 3 government; AIR under ~13,000 needed for a government seat there
- Karnataka’s suffix system (G, K, R, H, KH, RH) creates separate cutoff tracks — check all suffixes you qualify for
Government medical colleges: 24 colleges, 4,249 seats

Karnataka’s 24 government medical colleges charge a uniform Rs 50,000 per year. Over five years, total tuition is approximately Rs 2.5 lakh, among the lowest government medical college fees in India.

The top tier (AIR under 15,000)

Four government colleges consistently close at AIRs below 15,000 for the GM (General Merit) category:
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Bengaluru: AIR 3,025 (2025 R2). The state’s most competitive medical college, affiliated with Victoria Hospital and Bowring Hospital. 250 seats.
- Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, Bengaluru: AIR 7,669 (2025 R2). A newer government college in the state capital. The Bengaluru location drives demand.
- Mysore Medical College, Mysuru: AIR 8,394 (2025 R2). One of the oldest medical colleges in South India, established in 1924. 250 seats.
- ESIC Medical College, Bengaluru: AIR 12,937 (2025 R2). Central government institution with ESIC Hospital affiliation.
The mid tier (AIR 13,000 to 40,000)

Twelve government colleges close in the AIR 13,000 to 40,000 range for GM category. These include established institutions in Karnataka’s secondary cities:
- Karnataka Medical College (KRIMS), Hubballi: AIR 13,488. The main government college in North Karnataka’s largest city.
- Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya: AIR 15,588. Close to Mysuru and Bengaluru, making it geographically accessible.
- Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga: AIR 21,676.
- Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan: AIR 21,862.
- Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi: AIR 23,365. In the border district with significant clinical diversity.
- Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi: AIR 23,671. In the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, which has its own reservation provisions.
- Vijaynagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari: AIR 23,690.
- ESIC Medical College, Kalaburagi: AIR 28,962.
And continuing through Chamarajanagar (31,696), Gadag (32,257), Bidar (37,203), and Kodagu (38,075).

The accessible tier (AIR 38,000 to 55,000)

Eight newer government colleges close at AIRs between 38,000 and 55,000. These include colleges in Chikkaballapura (38,361), Koppal (38,538), Raichur (39,240), Karwar (41,651), Chikkamagaluru (45,629), Haveri (49,827), Yadgiri (52,598), and Chitradurga (55,005).

For candidates in the AIR 40,000 to 55,000 range, these colleges represent genuine government seat opportunities at Rs 50,000 per year. Many candidates in this range skip these colleges in favour of private colleges in Bengaluru, paying 20x to 50x more for a geographically preferred location. The financial case for listing these government colleges ahead of private options is compelling. See our Karnataka fees guide.

A candidate choosing a Bengaluru private college (Rs 15L/yr) over a government college in Haveri or Chitradurga (Rs 50K/yr) pays Rs 72.5 lakh more over five years. The MBBS degree is identical. List accessible-tier government colleges before any private option unless your family can absorb that difference without financial strain.

Private medical colleges: 38 colleges, 7,045 seats

Karnataka’s private medical college sector is large and concentrated in a few urban centres. Bengaluru alone has 14 private medical colleges. Mangaluru has 5. Kalaburagi, Davangere, and Tumakuru have 2 each. The remaining colleges are scattered across 15+ cities.

The most competitive private colleges

From our 2025 data (R2, GM category), the most competitive private college government quota seats:
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru: AIR 11,776. Consistently the most competitive private college in the state.
- JSS Medical College, Mysuru: competitive government quota cutoffs comparable to mid-tier government colleges.
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru: strong Bengaluru location drives demand.
Top private college government quota cutoffs in Karnataka overlap with mid-tier government college cutoffs. A candidate with AIR 12,000 faces a choice between a government college in Mandya (Rs 50,000/year) and MS Ramaiah in Bengaluru (Rs 15+ lakh/year). The fee multiplier is 30x for a Bengaluru address.

Top private college cutoffs overlap with mid-tier government college cutoffs. Before choosing a private college for its city, check whether a government college at the same AIR level exists in another city. The fee difference over five years can exceed Rs 70 lakh.

Bengaluru’s private college density

With 14 private medical colleges, Bengaluru has the highest private medical college concentration in South India. GM government quota closing AIRs range from approximately 11,776 (MS Ramaiah) to 74,727 (East Point College). This means a candidate with AIR anywhere between 12,000 and 75,000 has a Bengaluru private college option available.

See our Bengaluru medical colleges guide for the complete Bengaluru breakdown.

Bengaluru’s 14 private colleges span AIR 12,000 to 75,000. If Bengaluru is your preferred city, use the cutoff analyzer to identify which private colleges are Safe, Target, and Reach for your specific AIR, then layer government colleges from other cities above them as lower-fee options.

Government quota vs management quota at private colleges

Private colleges in Karnataka allocate approximately 40% to 50% of seats as government quota (filled through KEA) and the remainder as management/institutional/NRI quota. Government quota fees range from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year. Management quota fees range from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh per year.

The same college can have dramatically different cutoffs for government quota vs management quota seats. Government quota requires a lower (better) AIR; management quota accepts higher (worse) AIRs but at significantly higher fees. If your AIR does not qualify for government quota at a preferred private college, the management quota pathway exists, but at 2x to 4x the fee.

Deemed universities: 12 colleges, 2,800 seats

Karnataka’s 12 deemed universities include some nationally recognised institutions:
- KMC Mangaluru (Manipal group): AIR 6,786 (2025 R2 GM). The most competitive deemed university seat in Karnataka. Government quota through KEA.
- KMC Manipal (Manipal group): Primarily fills through MCC deemed pool. Not typically in KEA government quota data.
- JSS Mysuru: Government quota seats through KEA with competitive cutoffs.
- St. Johns Medical College, Bengaluru: Primarily MCC/university admission.
Approximately 25% of deemed university seats are government quota (through KEA). The remainder go through MCC’s deemed university pool or the university’s own management/NRI admission process. If your target is a deemed university, check both KEA and MCC counselling tracks.

Deemed universities like KMC Manipal and St. Johns fill most seats through MCC, not KEA. If targeting these institutions, register for MCC’s deemed university counselling in addition to KEA. Government quota cutoffs through KEA are often more competitive than MCC cutoffs for the same college.

Nine deemed universities with no 2025 KEA data

Nine deemed universities in our database do not have 2025 Round 2 GM allotment data through KEA. These include St. Johns, Rajarajeswari, Sri Siddhartha, KMC Manipal, and others. These colleges likely fill their government quota through MCC or have separate counselling processes. If you are targeting these institutions, check MCC’s deemed university schedule rather than KEA.

Geographic distribution across 31 cities

Karnataka’s 74 colleges span 31 cities:
- Bengaluru: 20 colleges (3 government, 14 private, 3 deemed). By far the largest cluster.
- Mangaluru: 8 colleges (5 private, 3 deemed). A medical education hub in coastal Karnataka.
- Kalaburagi: 4 colleges (2 government, 2 private). The HK region centre.
- Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, Davangere: 2 to 3 colleges each.
- Remaining 24 cities: 1 college each, mostly government.
The state’s geographic spread means government colleges exist in both metro areas (Bengaluru: 3 government colleges) and remote districts (Yadgiri, Koppal, Chitradurga). For candidates willing to study outside Bengaluru, the accessible-tier government colleges offer extraordinary value: Rs 50,000/year in a location where living costs are also low.

The suffix system and its impact on competitiveness

Karnataka’s category system uses suffixes (G, K, R, H, KH, RH) that create separate cutoff tracks at each college. A college with a GM closing AIR of 23,000 might have a 2AH (2A + Hyderabad-Karnataka) closing AIR of 45,000 at the same institution. Candidates with suffix eligibility have access to less competitive cutoff tracks at every college on their list.

When evaluating colleges, check cutoffs for all suffix variants you qualify for. The cutoff analyzer lets you filter by each category code independently. See our Karnataka categories guide for suffix details.

Open the cutoff analyzer, select your category code including suffix (e.g., 2AH, 3BK, GMR), and check closing AIRs across all 74 colleges. Suffix-eligible candidates often qualify for colleges that appear out of reach under GM cutoffs alone.

FAQ

How many medical colleges are in Karnataka?

74 colleges: 24 government (4,249 seats), 38 private (7,045 seats), 12 deemed universities (2,800 seats). Total: 14,094 MBBS seats.

Which is the most competitive medical college in Karnataka?

Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) is the most competitive government college (AIR 3,025 for GM, 2025 R2). KMC Mangaluru is the most competitive deemed university (AIR 6,786). MS Ramaiah is the most competitive private college (AIR 11,776).

Are all 24 government colleges in the KEA counselling?

All 24 participate in KEA state quota counselling. ESIC colleges (Bengaluru and Kalaburagi) operate under central government but are included in KEA counselling for state quota seats. AIIMS-type central institutions, if any, have separate processes.

Can out-of-state candidates get government college seats in Karnataka?

Karnataka is an “open state” for NEET counselling, meaning candidates from any Indian state can participate in KEA counselling. However, state quota government college seats are restricted to Karnataka domicile candidates. Out-of-state candidates are eligible for private college management/NRI/institutional quota seats only.

Which college has the lowest fees for MBBS in Karnataka?

All 24 government medical colleges in Karnataka charge the same fee: approximately Rs 50,000 per year. Over five years, total government college tuition is roughly Rs 2.5 lakh. This is uniform across all government institutions, from Bangalore Medical College to the government college in Yadgiri. The cheapest route to an MBBS in Karnataka is any government college seat through KEA state quota counselling. See our Karnataka fees guide for the full breakdown.
March 8, 2026
Best medical colleges in Bangalore with NEET cutoff
20 medical colleges, 3 government options, and a private sector that spans AIR 12,000 to 75,000

Bangalore has 20 medical colleges: 3 government (including ESIC), 14 private, and 3 deemed universities. The best medical colleges in Bangalore are dominated by its private sector, the largest private medical college cluster in South India. This guide covers NEET cutoff data, fees, and what distinguishes each Bangalore institution. For candidates targeting the city, the critical decision is whether Bangalore’s advantages justify private college fees that are 20x to 50x higher than government college fees in other Karnataka cities.

This guide covers Bengaluru specifically. For the statewide picture, see our Karnataka medical colleges overview. For cutoff data, use the Karnataka cutoff analyzer.
- 20 colleges (3 government, 14 private, 3 deemed) — the private sector dominates Bengaluru’s medical education
- Only AIR under ~13,000 qualifies for a government seat in Bengaluru (BMCRI, SABVMC, ESIC)
- Private colleges span AIR 12,000 to 75,000, with fees 20x-50x higher than government colleges in other cities
- The Bengaluru premium is worth paying only if your family can absorb the fee difference without financial strain
Government medical colleges in Bengaluru

Bengaluru has 3 government medical colleges, far fewer than Mumbai’s 9. Competition for government seats in Bengaluru is correspondingly intense.

Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI)

The most competitive medical college in Karnataka. GM closing AIR in 2025 Round 2: 3,025. BMCRI is affiliated with Victoria Hospital (1,500+ beds) and Bowring Hospital. Established in 1955, it is the state’s premier government medical institution. 250 seats.

Getting into BMCRI requires an AIR in the top 3,000 to 4,000 nationally. For context, that puts BMCRI’s competitiveness on par with top government colleges in Mumbai and Delhi. Candidates with AIR above 5,000 should treat BMCRI as a Reach.

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College (SABVMC)

A newer government medical college in Bengaluru. GM closing AIR in 2025 R2: 7,669. The Bengaluru location drives its competitiveness higher than its institutional age would suggest. SABVMC fills a capacity gap: BMCRI’s 250 seats were insufficient for a city of 12 million, and SABVMC added another government option.

ESIC Medical College, Bengaluru

Operated under the central government’s ESIC scheme. GM closing AIR in 2025 R2: 12,937. ESIC colleges have a distinct character: they are affiliated with ESIC hospitals that primarily serve insured workers. Clinical exposure skews toward occupational health and primary care, though the hospitals also handle general secondary and tertiary cases.

The government bottleneck

Three government colleges with approximately 600 combined seats for a metropolitan area of 12 million people. The math is stark: only candidates with AIR below approximately 13,000 can realistically get a government seat in Bengaluru. The remaining 7,400+ government college seats in Karnataka are distributed across 21 other cities, many with AIR thresholds between 15,000 and 55,000.

For candidates with AIR 15,000 to 55,000, the choice is: a government seat in Mysuru, Hubballi, Mandya, or another city at Rs 50,000/year, or a private seat in Bengaluru at Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh/year. The fee difference over five years ranges from Rs 37.5 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore.

600 government seats for 12 million people: Bengaluru’s government-to-population ratio is among the lowest in India for major cities. Candidates with AIR 15,000-55,000 face a binary choice between an affordable government seat in another city and an expensive private seat in Bengaluru. The five-year fee difference can exceed Rs 1 crore.

Private medical colleges in Bengaluru: 14 institutions

Bengaluru’s 14 private medical colleges are the largest such cluster in Karnataka. They span a wide competitiveness range.

The top tier (GM closing AIR under 25,000)

MS Ramaiah Medical College: AIR 11,776 (2025 R2 GM). Consistently Karnataka’s most competitive private college. Ramaiah Hospital is a 1,300-bed facility with strong clinical infrastructure. Government quota fees are in the Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh/year range.

Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS): Competitive government quota cutoffs in the top private tier. Established institution with a well-known teaching hospital.

These top-tier private colleges have cutoffs that overlap with mid-tier government colleges in other cities. A candidate choosing MS Ramaiah over a government college in Hassan or Mandya is paying approximately Rs 70 lakh more over five years for a Bengaluru address and Ramaiah’s infrastructure.

MS Ramaiah’s cutoff (AIR 11,776) overlaps with government colleges in Mandya (AIR 15,588) and Shivamogga (AIR 21,676). The five-year fee difference is approximately Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Make this a conscious financial decision, not a default assumption that private-in-Bengaluru is always better than government-elsewhere.

The mid tier (GM closing AIR 25,000 to 50,000)

Several private colleges in this range offer solid medical education with moderate (by private college standards) fee levels. Institutions in this tier include colleges in both central Bengaluru and the city’s expanding periphery.

The accessible tier (GM closing AIR 50,000 to 75,000)

Newer or less established private colleges in Bengaluru close at higher AIRs, making them accessible to candidates with AIR 50,000 to 75,000. East Point College, for example, closed at AIR 74,727 in 2025 R2. These colleges offer a Bengaluru location at the cost of higher fees and potentially developing infrastructure.

If your AIR is between 50,000 and 75,000 and Bengaluru is non-negotiable, accessible-tier private colleges are your realistic options. But also list government colleges in Haveri, Chitradurga, and Yadgiri (all under AIR 55,000) as Rs 50K/yr alternatives. The algorithm gives you the highest-ranked option you qualify for.

Deemed universities in Bengaluru

Bengaluru has 3 deemed universities offering MBBS. St. Johns Medical College is the most notable, known for its clinical training and community health programmes. However, St. Johns primarily fills through MCC or its own admission process rather than KEA counselling.

Government quota seats at Bengaluru deemed universities (through KEA) are limited. Check both KEA and MCC tracks if targeting deemed universities in the city.

Living costs in Bengaluru

Bengaluru is a Tier 1 city with corresponding living costs, though cheaper than Mumbai:
- Hostel/PG: Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000 per month (varies by area; colleges in the periphery are cheaper).
- Food: Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.
- Transport: Bengaluru’s traffic is notorious. Colleges closer to your accommodation save significant commute time. Metro connectivity is improving but does not yet cover all medical college locations.
- Total monthly: Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, or Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh over five years.
The Bengaluru premium: when it is worth paying

Bengaluru’s private colleges command a premium because the city offers:
- High clinical diversity: Teaching hospitals in Bengaluru see patients from across Karnataka and neighbouring states, providing exposure to a wide range of conditions.
- Research opportunities: Proximity to IISc, NIMHANS, and multiple biotech companies creates research avenues not available in smaller cities.
- Professional network: Bengaluru’s medical community is large and well-connected. Relationships formed during MBBS can help with PG placements and early career opportunities.
- Lifestyle: A cosmopolitan city with good food, entertainment, and social infrastructure.
The premium is worth paying if: (a) your family can absorb the fee difference without financial strain, and (b) you value the city-specific advantages enough to prioritise them over the financial savings of a government seat elsewhere.

The premium is not worth paying if: (a) private college fees would require a large education loan that burdens your first 10+ years of practice, or (b) you are indifferent to city-specific factors and primarily want a medical degree at the lowest cost.

Calculate the total five-year cost for your target Bengaluru private college (tuition + living) and compare it with a government college in another city. If the difference exceeds what your family can pay without a large loan, the government college is the financially sound choice. The MBBS degree is identical for PG entrance eligibility.

FAQ

How many medical colleges are in Bengaluru?

20 total: 3 government, 14 private, 3 deemed universities.

What AIR do I need for a government seat in Bengaluru?

Based on 2025 data, approximately AIR 13,000 or below for GM category. BMCRI closes at approximately 3,000, SABVMC at approximately 7,700, and ESIC at approximately 13,000.

Is MS Ramaiah worth the fee over a government college in another city?

MS Ramaiah is a well-respected institution with strong infrastructure. The five-year fee difference versus a government college is approximately Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore. For families where this amount is manageable, Ramaiah offers a Bengaluru medical education at a competitive private college. For families where this would mean a large loan, the government college is the better financial choice. The medical degree is equivalent.

Can I get a Bengaluru private college seat with AIR 50,000?

Yes. Multiple Bengaluru private colleges have GM government quota closing AIRs between 50,000 and 75,000. You would have several options in the mid-to-accessible tier. Use the college predictor with your exact AIR to see which ones are Safe, Target, and Reach.
March 8, 2026

Category	Reservation
Scheduled Castes (SC)	15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST)	7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)	27%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)	10%
PwD (within each category)	5%

Blog

Maharashtra Status Retention Form: when to submit and how it works

Status Retention is Maharashtra’s version of floating, with one critical difference: it is irrevocable

The timeline: when Status Retention happens

What happens mechanically when you declare Status Retention

The irrevocability rule and why it matters

Who should use Status Retention

Candidates allotted a private college who want a government upgrade

Candidates allotted a lower-preference government college

Candidates whose AIR is within striking distance of target colleges

Who should NOT use Status Retention

Candidates allotted their top 1-3 choices

Candidates whose target upgrades are unrealistic

Candidates uncomfortable with the retained seat’s fees

Status Retention and fresh preference filling

Deposit and fee mechanics

Status Retention and MCC dual participation

Common mistakes with Status Retention

Retaining a seat you cannot afford

Not filing Round 2 preferences after declaring Status Retention

Assuming Status Retention guarantees an upgrade

Missing the declaration deadline

FAQ

Can I declare Status Retention for a government college seat?

What if I declared Status Retention but do not fill Round 2 preferences?

Can I declare Status Retention for Round 2 to Round 3?

If I am upgraded in Round 2, can I then float again for Round 3?

What is the difference between Status Retention and “not reporting”?

NEET Counselling Process 2026 – Registration to Allotment

Two parallel tracks: central and state

The numbers: how many seats, how many candidates

The six steps of counselling

1. Registration

2. Choice filling

3. Choice locking

4. Seat allotment

5. Reporting to the allotted college

6. Fee payment

How many rounds, and what happens in each

The 15/85 seat split: AIQ vs. state quota

Open vs. closed states for private colleges

Documents you’ll need

What changed in 2025

Maharashtra and Karnataka: what our data shows

FAQ

Can I participate in both MCC and state counselling simultaneously?

What if I don’t get any seat in Round 1?

Is the security deposit refundable?

Do I need a domicile certificate for AIQ seats?

When should I start preparing documents?

What’s the difference between free exit and resignation?

How many counselling rounds are there in NEET?

How much does NEET counselling cost?

Maharashtra CET Cell NEET counselling 2026: process, dates, and documents

Who runs Maharashtra medical counselling

How many colleges and seats

How seats are distributed

Maharashtra’s reservation structure

Constitutional reservation (government colleges): 50% of state quota

Constitutional reservation (private unaided colleges): 25% of total intake

Additional reservations (parallel/specified)

Inter-se for unfilled reserved seats

Ear-marking

The round structure

Round 1

Status Retention

Round 2

Round 3

Stray vacancy rounds

Registration and fees

Eligibility for Maharashtra state quota

Fee structure

What our data shows for Maharashtra

How Maharashtra state counselling differs from MCC

Common mistakes

FAQ

Can I participate in both MCC and Maharashtra CET Cell counselling?

I am from another state. Can I get a private medical college seat in Maharashtra?

What if I join in Round 1 but want to try for a better seat in Round 2?

Is there a fee penalty for not joining after Round 1 allotment?