Before participating in Karnataka state quota counselling (KEA), it helps to know the latest seat availability across government and private medical colleges in the state. Admission to MBBS/BDS in Karnataka is based on NEET 2026, followed by counselling through:
- All India Quota (AIQ) counselling (via MCC) for the 15% AIQ seats in government colleges, and
- Karnataka state counselling (via KEA) for state quota seats + private/management seats.
Many candidates try AIQ first and then apply through KEA if they don’t get a seat. Some candidates apply directly through KEA based on their category, domicile status, and target colleges.
Karnataka consistently ranks among the top states in India for MBBS seat availability. Recent expansions and new approvals indicate further increases, but final numbers for NEET 2026 must be taken only from the official KEA/NMC seat matrix.
- In 2023–24, Karnataka had ~11,500 MBBS seats
- In 2024–25, the total crossed ~12,000 MBBS seats
List of MBBS Colleges in Karnataka
These seat numbers reflect commonly reported intake from recent NMC/KEA cycles. Always verify with the official KEA seat matrix for NEET 2026.
Government MBBS Colleges in Karnataka
| Government Medical College | MBBS Seats* |
|---|---|
| Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI) | 250 |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga | 150 |
| Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences | 200 |
| Chikkamagaluru Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Yadgiri Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Mysore Medical College & Research Institute | 150 |
| Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College & Research Institute (Bowring & Lady Curzon) | 150 |
Central / Government-linked Institution (through ESIC)
| College | MBBS Seats* |
|---|---|
| ESIC Medical College & PGIMSR, Bengaluru | 150 |
Private MBBS Colleges in Karnataka
| Private Medical College | MBBS Seats* |
|---|---|
| St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru | 150 |
| Father Muller Medical College | 150 |
| Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Hospital | 150 |
| Siddaganga Medical College & Research Institute | 150 |
| BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga | 200 |
| KVG Medical College & Hospital, Sullia | 100 |
| SS Institute of Medical Sciences (Shymanuru Shivashankarappa) | 200 |
| Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre | 150 |
| Al-Ameen Medical College Hospital | 150 |
| Navodaya Medical College Hospital & Research Centre | 200 |
| Akash Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre | 150 |
| Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| M.V.J. Medical College & Research Hospital | 150 |
| A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre | 250 |
| Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi | 150 |
| S. Nijalingappa Medical College | 250 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru | 100 |
| Chitradurga Medical College & Research Institute | 150 |
| Basaveshwara Medical College (BMCH), Chitradurga | 100 |
| Jaya Jagadguru Murugharajendra Medical College | 245 |
| Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (SIMSRC) | 250 |
| Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences | 150 |
How Karnataka MBBS Counselling Works (2026)
- 15% of government college seats → All India Quota (AIQ)
- 85% of government college seats → Karnataka State Quota (KEA)
- 100% of private medical seats → Counselling through KEA (including management categories as per rules)
The merit list is prepared using NEET-UG scores and registration details. Category-wise distribution, fee structure, and seat types are announced with the official seat matrix.
Karnataka Medical Colleges in NIRF Rankings
According to the latest NIRF Medical rankings, Karnataka continues to host some of India’s top-ranked institutions, including:
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- Kasturba Medical College (Manipal & Mangaluru)
- St. John’s Medical College
- JSS Medical College
- M.S. Ramaiah Medical College
Rankings help compare institutions nationally, but students should also consider:
- patient load and clinical exposure
- internship environment
- fees and bond conditions
- hostel and campus facilities
