Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) 

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) plays a vital role in facilitating the admission process for medical, dental, and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) courses in the state of Karnataka, India. Established with the objective of conducting fair and transparent entrance examinations and counseling procedures, KEA acts as the central authority for admissions to these professional courses.

KEA is entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the Common Entrance Test (CET) for undergraduate medical, dental, and AYUSH courses in Karnataka. The CET is an important examination that assesses the eligibility and competence of aspiring candidates who wish to pursue a career in the medical and allied fields. Through the CET, KEA evaluates the knowledge and skills of applicants in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

Once the NEET results are announced, KEA takes charge of the counseling process, ensuring that seats in medical, dental, and AYUSH colleges are allocated fairly based on merit. The counseling sessions conducted by KEA are designed to provide equal opportunities to all eligible candidates, allowing them to choose their preferred colleges and courses according to their ranks and preferences.

During the counseling process, KEA provides candidates with detailed information about the available seats, colleges, and courses. It also facilitates the online registration and document verification process, ensuring that only eligible candidates participate in the counseling sessions. KEA conducts multiple rounds of counseling to accommodate a large number of candidates and to ensure that all available seats are filled.

Highlights

Specifics	Details
Counselling Authority Name	Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
Establishment	2011
Programs Offered	Medical, Dental, AYUSH and Various Allied Health Sciences
Role	Commencing counselling process as counseling authority for medical and health science undergraduate and postgraduate courses
Objective	To facilitate a fair and transparent counseling process for admission
Counselling Process	Registration and ApplicationVerification of DocumentsMerit List Generation Choice Filling and Seat AllotmentReporting and Admission
Focus Areas	Academic excellence and research, Clinical skills and ethics and Community engagement in medical and dental education in Karnataka
Website	https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Contact Information	Address: Sampige Road, 18th Avenue, Malleswaram, Bangalore – 560012.Email ID: keauthority-ka@nic.in

Role of Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) 

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) plays a crucial role in the education system of Karnataka, India. It is responsible for conducting various entrance exams, counseling, and seat allotment processes for admission to professional courses in the state. The primary role of KEA is to ensure a fair, transparent, and merit-based system for admissions, promoting equal opportunities for all eligible candidates. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA):

• Entrance Examinations: KEA conducts entrance examinations for various professional courses such as medical, dental, engineering, architecture, and agriculture. These exams assess the knowledge and aptitude of candidates and determine their eligibility for admission to different courses.
• Counseling and Seat Allotment: After the entrance exams, KEA conducts the counseling process for seat allocation. It provides detailed information about available seats, colleges, and courses to the candidates. Through a well-structured counseling procedure, KEA ensures that deserving candidates are given the opportunity to select their preferred colleges and courses based on their merit ranks.
• Document Verification: KEA verifies the documents and eligibility criteria of candidates during the counseling process. It ensures that all necessary documents are submitted and validates the authenticity of the information provided by the candidates.
• Seat Allotment Process: Based on the merit ranks and preferences of candidates, KEA conducts multiple rounds of seat allotment. It considers the availability of seats, category-wise reservations, and the choices made by candidates during the counseling sessions to allocate seats in a fair and transparent manner.
• Grievance Redressal: KEA acts as a platform for candidates to address their grievances or concerns related to the admission process. It provides a mechanism for candidates to raise queries, seek clarifications, or report any discrepancies they may encounter during the counseling or seat allotment process.
• Transparent and Efficient Processes: KEA is committed to maintaining transparency and efficiency in all its processes. It ensures that all information, notifications, and updates regarding entrance exams and counseling are readily available to the candidates. KEA adopts modern technology and online platforms to streamline the admission process and minimize errors or biases.

Courses Offered 

Undergraduate Courses

Streams	Courses	Duration
Medical	MBBS Courses	5.5 Years
Dental	BDS Courses	5.5 Years
AYUSH	BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery BHMS – Bachelor of Homoeopathy and Bachelor of Surgery BNYS – Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Science BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery	5.5 Years

Postgraduate Courses

Medical Course

Specialization	Duration
Aerospace Medicine	3 Years
Anatomy	3 Years
Anesthesiology	3 Years
Biochemistry	3 Years
Biophysics	3 Years
Community medicine	3 Years
Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy	3 Years
Emergency Medicine	3 Years
Family Medicine	3 Years
Forensic Medicine	3 Years
General Medicine	3 Years
Geriatrics	3 Years
Health Administration	3 Years
Hospital Administration	3 Years
Infectious Diseases	3 Years
Marine Medicine	3 Years
Medical Genetics	3 Years
Microbiology	3 Years
Nuclear medicine	3 Years
Pediatrics	3 Years
Palliative Medicine	3 Years
Pathology	3 Years
Pharmacology	3 Years
Psychiatry	3 Years
Tropical Medicine	3 Years
Sports Medicine	3 Years
Respiratory Medicine	3 Years
Radiotherapy	3 Years
Radiodiagnosis	3 Years
Pulmonary medicine	3 Years
Physiology	3 Years
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation	3 Years

Dental Courses

Specialization	Duration
Master of Dental Surgery in Conservative and Endodontic	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Pathology & Microbiology and Forensic Odontology	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Medicine & Radiology	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontology	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics	3 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Public Health Dentistry	3 Years

Eligibility Criteria for Various Courses

For Undergraduate Courses ( MBBS, BDS and AYUSH).

Courses	Eligibility Criteria
MBBS	Candidates must have completed 17 years of age as of 31st December of the admission year.Applicants must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. They should have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% (40% for reserved categories) in the qualifying examination.Candidates must have qualified in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
BDS	Candidates must have completed 17 years of age as of 31st December of the admission year.Applicants must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects.They should have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% (40% for reserved categories) in the qualifying examination. Candidates must have qualified in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

NEET  UG Cut-Off 2023

Category	Qualifying criteria		NEET Cutoff 2022	NEET Cutoff 2023
UR/EWS	50th Percentile		715-117	720-137
OBC	40th Percentile		116-93	136-107
SC	40th Percentile		116-93	136-107
ST	40th Percentile		116-93	136-107
UR / EWS & PH	45th Percentile		116-105	136-121
OBC & PH	40th Percentile		104-93	120-107
SC & PH	40th Percentile		104-93	120-107
ST & PH	40th Percentile		104-93	120-108

For Postgraduate Courses

For Medical Courses

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Minimum Score in NEET PG/MDS Exam	The candidate must have scored equal to or more than the minimum required score in NEET PG exam/ NEET MDS exam.
Qualifying Degree	The candidate must have completed their MBBS/BDS from a recognized institute by MCI/DCI.
Compulsory Rotating Internship	The candidate must have completed or be completing their Compulsory Rotating Internship on or before 31st July 2022.
Age Limit for In-service Candidates	In-service candidates must be under 48 years of age as of 31st March 2022.
Category-Based Eligibility	SC/ST/OBC/Linguistic minority eligibility criteria are applicable as per state government policy. OBC candidates of Karnataka who did not claim OBC in NEET PG 2022 / NEET MDS 2022 can claim the respective category in KEA.
PG Degree Holders	Candidates holding a PG degree in any clinical specialty are not eligible for admission to any Post Graduate Degree or Diploma course.
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals	Foreign national candidates must have qualified in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE – Screening Test) conducted by National Board of Examinations/DCI, be registered with MCI/DCI, and have completed their internship or likely to complete it on or before 31-07-2023.

NEET PG Cut-Off 2023

Categories	Cut off percentile 2023	Cutoff marks 2023
General	50th	275
SC/ST/OBC	40th	245
General-PH	45th	260
SC/ST/OBC-PH	40th	245

For Dental Courses

Eligibility Criteria	Requirements
Nationality	Indian citizen or PIO/OCI cardholder
Academic Qualification	BDS degree from a recognized dental institution
Internship Completion	Completion of a one-year rotating internship in a recognized dental college
NEET MDS Qualification	Qualified NEET MDS 2023 with a valid score
Registration	Registered with DCI or any State Dental Council
Age Limit	No Upper age limit
Karnataka Domicile	Option 1: Studied and completed BDS in Karnataka Option 2: Resided in Karnataka for a minimum of seven years before the commencement of counselling

NEET MDS Cut off 2023

Categories	Cut off percentile 2023	Cutoff marks 2023
General	50th	272
SC/ST/OBC	40th	238
General-PH	45th	255
SC/ST/OBC-PH	40th	238

Karnataka NEET Counseling Registration

Step 1: Online Registration

• Begin the registration process by accessing the website http://kea.kar.nic.in.
• Select “UGNEET-2023 Online Registration” to enter your details online.

Step 2: User Login

• Log in using your USER ID and Password.
• Enter your details step by step, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of the following documents separately in JPG/JPEG format:
• Recent passport-sized color photograph
• Signature
• Left-hand thumb impression

Step 4: Draft Print and Verification

Before selecting the declaration, take a draft print of your application form.

• Carefully check and verify all the entered information for accuracy.
• Make any necessary changes if required.
• If all details are correct, select the declaration.

Step 5: Payment

• Proceed to pay the required fees following the payment gateway procedures provided.

Step 6: Application Form Printout

• After successful payment, take a printout of the application form on A-4 size paper.
• This printed copy should be produced during document verification.

Karnataka NEET Counselling Process

Step 1: Online Registration

• Visit the website kea.kar.nic.in.
• Select “UGNEET-2023 Online Registration.”

Step 2: Login

• Use your USER ID and Password to log in.
• Enter your details accurately.

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Upload a recent passport-size color photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in JPG/JPEG format.

Step 4: Verify Information

• Before confirming, review your application and make necessary changes.
• If everything is correct, select the declaration.

Step 5: Payment

• Follow the provided payment gateway procedures to pay the fees.

Step 6: Print Application

• Print the application form on A-4 size paper.
• This printed copy is required for document verification.

Step 7: Document Verification

• Candidates who haven’t verified their documents must register online and complete this process.
• If you’ve already verified your documents for UGCET-2023 and don’t require additional reservations, you don’t need to verify again for Medical/Dental/AYURVEDA/UNANI/HOMEOPATHY courses. Just download the UGNEET-2023 Verification slip.
• If you’re eligible for additional reservations, ensure you claim them during online application and verify with relevant certificates.
• Enter your course and college choices online based on seat availability.
• You can enter as many options as you want but prioritize them carefully.
• After entering options, a mock allotment will be done. It’s indicative and helps you revise your choices.

Step 8: Mock Allotment

• Review the results of the mock allotment, which shows where you might be allocated based on your preferences.
• Consider changing or retaining the entered options based on the mock allotment results.

Step 9: Finalize Options

• Verify your allotted seat status on the KEA website and modify options if needed.
• Continue to update your options until the last date for real allotment.

Step 10: Allotment Process

• The allotment of seats will be conducted in two rounds, with each round having three phases.
• The first round is followed by the second round.
• If seats remain vacant after the second round, a mop-up round may be conducted for candidates who have not been allotted any seat in the previous two rounds.

First Round of Seat Allotment:

• Allotment is based on merit and priority of options entered by candidates.
• Special Category seats (Persons with disability, NCC, Sports Category) are allotted first.
• Seats are allocated according to the reservation policy.
• General Merit candidates are considered only in the General Merit quota, following the rank list.
• Reserved Kannada Medium and Rural Category candidates may also be allotted in their respective categories.
• Hyderabad-Karnataka reservation is considered.
• Special Category candidates like Defense, Ex-defense, CAPF, Ex-CAPF are allotted based on ranks and available seats.
• The first phase of allotment may involve multiple iterations until seats are filled or ranks exhausted.

Second Round of Allotment:

• Seats are allotted in the same manner as the first round.
• Unfilled seats in Rural and Kannada medium quota of reserved categories are converted to General category and offered to reserved category candidates.
• Only reserved category candidates are considered in this phase, and GM candidates are not.
• Consequential vacancies are considered.

Third Round of Allotment:

• Seats are allocated in the same order as previous rounds.
• Unfilled seats in various reserved General categories are converted to General Merit and offered to GM candidates.
• Consequential Rural and Kannada medium reserved category seats are considered.
• The order of seat allotment remains the same, and the process continues until no changes occur.

Step 12: Reporting to Colleges

• After the seat allotment in the final round, candidates who have been allotted seats need to report to the respective colleges they’ve been allocated.
• The reporting process involves the following:

Document Verification:

• Candidates must carry all necessary documents for verification, including educational certificates, identification, and allotment-related documents.
• The college authorities will verify your documents to ensure eligibility and compliance with admission criteria.

Payment of Fees:

• Candidates are required to pay the prescribed fees as per the college’s fee structure.
• Ensure you understand the payment schedule and deadlines to avoid any issues.

Confirmation of Admission:

• Once the documents are verified, and fees are paid, the college will confirm your admission.
• You may receive an admission letter or receipt as proof of your admission status.

Seat Confirmation and Vacant Seats:

• If any candidates do not report to the allocated colleges within the specified timeframe, their seats may be considered vacant.
• These vacant seats may be offered to candidates in subsequent rounds or as per the college’s admission policy.

Required Document

• SSLC/10th standard mark Sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark Sheet
• Final print out of online application form
• Original copy of chalan for having paid the registration fees
• NEET admission ticket
• Study certificate issued by school
• NEET Rank letter 
• Two recent passport size photographs 

• Migration Certificate (Those who are studied under other than PU Board, Karnataka) 
• Eligibility Certificate (Those who are studied under other than PU Board, Karnataka) 
• Adhaar Card

Documents required For Postgraduate Courses

For Medical Courses

• KEA ‘PGET-2022’ Registration form duly filled (print out).
• Photo identity and address proof document (PAN Card / Driving License /
• Voter ID / Passport / Aadhaar Card / Ration Card)
• ‘NEET-PG 2022 / NEET MDS 2022’ Admit Card & score card issued by NBE for
• Medical & Dental courses.
• SSLC or 10th Standard / equivalent marks card (For date of birth).
• 2nd PUC or 12th standard Marks Card.
• MBBS / BDS marks card issued by Universities of all phases/years.
• Qualifying degree certificate.
• Provisional Degree Certificate – only to those who have passed MBBS during 2023.

For Dental Courses

• KEA ‘PGET-2022’ Registration form duly filled (print out).
• Photo identity and address proof document (PAN Card / Driving License /
• Voter ID / Passport / Aadhaar Card / Ration Card)
• ‘NEET-PG 2022 / NEET MDS 2022’ Admit Card & score card issued by NBE for
• Medical & Dental courses.
• SSLC or 10th Standard / equivalent marks card (For date of birth).
• 2nd PUC or 12th standard Marks Card.
• MBBS / BDS marks card issued by Universities of all phases/years.
• Qualifying degree certificate.
• Provisional Degree Certificate – only to those who have passed MBBS during 2023.

Participating Colleges

Medical Colleges

Medical College in Karnataka

(PDF)

Dental Colleges 

Dental College in Karnataka

(PDF)

AYUSH Colleges 

AYUSH College in Karnataka

(PDF)

Frequently Asked Question

Q: What is counseling in the context of KEA?

A: Counseling, in the context of KEA, refers to the process of allocating seats to eligible candidates based on their merit and preferences for professional courses in Karnataka. It is an essential step after the entrance exams conducted by KEA.

Q: How does KEA conduct counseling?

A: KEA conducts counseling through a centralized process. It involves inviting qualified candidates, verifying their documents, providing them with seat options based on their ranks, and facilitating the seat allocation process.

Q: What is the purpose of KEA counseling?

A: The primary purpose of KEA counseling is to ensure a fair and transparent seat allocation process for professional courses. It allows candidates to select their preferred courses and colleges based on their ranks and availability of seats.

Q: How does KEA allocate seats during counseling?

A: KEA allocates seats based on various factors, including the candidate’s merit rank, category (such as General, SC, ST, OBC), reservation policies, and the availability of seats in different colleges and courses. Candidates are given the opportunity to choose from the available options during the counseling process.

Q: What documents are required for KEA counseling?

A: The documents required for KEA counseling may vary depending on the course and category. However, common documents typically include the candidate’s admit card, rank card, application form, marksheets, certificates, ID proof, and category certificate (if applicable). It is essential to refer to the official KEA website or counseling notifications for the specific list of required documents.

Q: How can I participate in KEA counseling?

A: To participate in KEA counseling, candidates must qualify in the respective entrance exams conducted by KEA. Eligible candidates will be notified about the counseling process, schedule, and registration instructions through the official KEA website or other communication channels. Candidates need to complete the registration process, document verification, and participate in the counseling sessions as per the guidelines provided by KEA.

Q: Can I change my allocated seat during KEA counseling?

A: Yes, KEA provides a provision for candidates to change their allocated seats based on availability and their preferences. There are specific rounds of counseling where candidates may have the opportunity to modify their choices or participate in subsequent rounds to secure a better seat, if available.

Q: Is KEA counseling the final step in the admission process?

A: Yes, KEA counseling is a crucial step in the admission process. Once the seat allocation is finalized during counseling, candidates need to complete the required admission formalities, pay the admission fees, and report to the allotted college within the specified timeline to secure their admission.

Q: How can I stay updated about KEA counseling?

A: To stay updated about KEA counseling, it is important to regularly check the official KEA website for notifications, important dates, and counseling-related information. KEA may also communicate updates through email, SMS, or other designated channels. It is advisable to keep track of such notifications and frequently visit the official website for the latest updates.

Q: What happens if I miss the KEA counseling process?

A: If a candidate misses the KEA counseling process, they may lose the opportunity to participate in the seat allocation and admission process. It is important to carefully follow the counseling schedule and ensure timely participation. In case of a valid reason for missing counseling, candidates can check the official KEA guidelines for any provisions or alternative procedures to be followed.