Karnataka NEET UG Counselling 2026: How to Proceed for Admission

Have you already completed your registration for the Karnataka NEET UG counselling 2026? KEA has now opened document verification and slot booking. This step is mandatory for several candidate categories before counselling rounds begin. Missing your slot could delay or even cost you a seat. This guide covers verification dates, eligibility groups, required documents, and what happens next. Read on for a clear breakdown of the Karnataka NEET counselling 2026 process.

When Is Karnataka NEET UG Document Verification 2026?

The Karnataka Examinations Authority has fixed a tight window this year. Missing your booked slot means starting the process over again.

• Registration period: July 17 to July 24, 2026, up to 11:00 AM.
• Slot booking opens: August 2, 2026, on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
• Verification dates: August 4 to August 8, 2026.
• Venue: KEA office, Malleswaram, Bengaluru.

Who Must Attend Karnataka NEET Document Verification in Person?

Not every registered candidate needs offline verification this year. KEA has specified four groups that must appear physically.

• NRI, NRI Ward, or Foreign National claimants: Must attend regardless of prior CET registration.
• Unverified minority or rural claims: Kannada, rural, linguistic, or religious minority claims pending verification.
• Newly registered claimants: Fresh applicants claiming any of the above categories.
• St John’s Medical College claimants: Candidates under Category RC-2 to RC-8 specifically.

Candidates outside these groups may complete verification online if documents upload correctly. Always confirm your specific requirement on the KEA portal directly.

How Do You Book Your Karnataka NEET Verification Slot?

Booking early improves your chances of a convenient date and time. Follow these steps carefully to avoid errors.

• Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
• Click the UGNEET 2026 slot booking link on the homepage.
• Log in using your NEET UG roll number and KEA password.
• Choose an available date between August 4 and August 8, 2026.
• Confirm and download your slot booking slip for reference.

What Documents Do You Need for Karnataka NEET Verification?

Carry both originals and self-attested photocopies to your booked slot. Incomplete documentation can delay your verification process significantly.

Category-specific certificates apply additionally for reserved candidates. Check the official information bulletin for your exact document checklist.

What Happens After Document Verification Closes?

Verification is just the starting point of a longer counselling sequence. Several stages follow before final seat allotment happens.

• Verified candidate list: Published once the verification window closes on August 8.
• Seat matrix release: Shows college-wise and category-wise seat availability.
• Option entry: Candidates rank their preferred colleges and courses online.
• Round 1 counselling: Scheduled from August 13 to August 22, 2026.

Karnataka NEET counselling typically runs across four to five rounds total. Stay alert for each round’s specific schedule on the KEA portal.

How Is Karnataka NEET Counselling Different From MCC Counselling?

This distinction matters since both processes run in parallel. Understanding the difference helps you track the right portal for updates.

• MCC counselling: Covers 15% All India Quota seats across all states.
• KEA counselling: Covers 85% state quota seats within Karnataka specifically.
• Separate registration: Each process needs its own application and document steps.
• Course coverage: KEA counselling includes MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH admissions statewide.

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