NEET counselling in Karnataka — how it actually works for you.
NEET UG counselling in Karnataka runs through two parallel routes: the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) fills ~85% of government seats on a state-domicile rank, while MCC's All-India Quota (AIQ) fills ~15% on your all-India rank (AIR) — no domicile required. Mysore Medical College and Research Institute closed near AIR 9,374 via AIQ but 30,129 via Karnataka state quota in 2025 — two different ranks, one college. Government seats carry a ₹15L · 1 yr rural-service bond. Domicile eligibility: Must have studied in Karnataka for 7+ consecutive years (Class 1-12) or parent must be a domicile of Karnataka. Karnataka domicile certificate is mandatory. Non-domicile candidates eligible only for private/NRI/management quota. Based on MCC / KEA 2025 data — last year's pattern, not a 2026 guarantee.
You don't file one way — you file two.
AIQ
AIR ~9,374
~15% of govt seatsAll deemed collegesNo domicile barrier
vs
Karnataka state
AIR ~30,129
~85% of govt seatsAll private collegesDomicile-based
Eligibility: Must have studied in Karnataka for 7+ consecutive years (Class 1-12) or parent must be a domicile of Karnataka. Karnataka domicile certificate is mandatory. Non-domicile candidates eligible only for private/NRI/management quota.
Non-domicile / All-India
Open — non-domicile may apply
MCC AIQ — 15% govt seats (open to all India)
NRI quota at private and deemed colleges
Management / OPN seats at private colleges
Indicative · 2025 data · verify eligibility with KEA before filing
How Karnataka counselling works
AuthorityKEA — Karnataka Examinations Authority · official site
Security depositR1: No monetary forfeiture — if allotted college not joined, that college and all below it in preference unavailable in R2. R2 onwards: ₹1,00,000 caution deposit forfeited if allotted seat not joined. Source: KEA NEET UG 2025 counselling rules.
Bond₹15L · 1 yr · 1 year compulsory rural service (PHC/PHU) · penalty: Rs 15,00,000 · Per 2024 Amendment to Karnataka Compulsory Service Act 2012. Only temporary registration until service completed. Confirmed by 208-graduate enforcement (Jan 2026). Stipend during service: Rs 60,000/month.
Karnataka runs its own MBBS counselling through Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). It covers ~85% of government seats and all private MBBS colleges across 4 rounds. Separate from MCC AIQ (which handles ~15% of govt seats).
What is the difference between AIQ and Karnataka state counselling?
AIQ (MCC) uses your All India Rank and covers ~15% of govt seats + all deemed colleges — no domicile barrier. Karnataka state counselling uses a separate state rank and covers ~85% of govt seats + all private colleges. Most families file only AIQ and miss the larger state pool.
Can non-domicile students apply in Karnataka?
Karnataka is an open state — non-domicile candidates can apply for OPN/management seats at private colleges.
What is the domicile requirement for Karnataka NEET counselling?
Must have studied in Karnataka for 7+ consecutive years (Class 1-12) or parent must be a domicile of Karnataka. Karnataka domicile certificate is mandatory. Non-domicile candidates eligible only for private/NRI/management quota.
Is there a rural service bond for MBBS in Karnataka?
Yes. Karnataka requires a rural service bond of Rs 15,00,000 (2024 Amendment Rules) for 1 year compulsory rural service (PHC/PHU). Penalty: Rs 15,00,000. Source: KEA · UG bond rules.
When does Karnataka NEET UG counselling registration open in 2026?
Karnataka counselling typically begins 4–6 weeks after NEET UG results. In 2025, most state registrations opened July–August. MCC 2026 schedule not yet announced — verify with KEA official site.
About Karnataka NEET UG counselling
Karnataka conducts its own NEET UG MBBS admissions through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). This is entirely separate from MCC's All India Quota (AIQ) process. AIQ handles approximately 15% of government seats and all deemed university seats across India, with no domicile requirement. Karnataka's own counselling handles the remaining ~85% of government seats within the state, plus all private MBBS colleges. It runs across 4 rounds: Round 1 (Choice-1), Round 2 (Choice-2), Mop-Up Round, Stray Vacancy Round.
The key difference most candidates miss: your AIR (All India Rank) determines your AIQ position. Karnataka's counselling runs on a separate state rank — in most states this is more accessible than AIQ for domicile candidates. For example, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute closes at approximately 9,374 via AIQ, but 30,129 via Karnataka state counselling.
Bond: Karnataka requires a rural service bond of ₹15L · 1 yr (1 year compulsory rural service (PHC/PHU)) for government MBBS seats. The penalty for breaking the bond is Rs 15,00,000. Per 2024 Amendment to Karnataka Compulsory Service Act 2012. Only temporary registration until service completed. Confirmed by 208-graduate enforcement (Jan 2026). Stipend during service: Rs 60,000/month.
every number from official MCC / state PDFs · ₹0 from colleges · no inflated predictions