Are you planning to pursue postgraduate medical studies in Karnataka? Whether you’re an MBBS graduate from within the state or another part of India, understanding the process of MD MS admission in Karnataka is crucial for making informed decisions about your medical career.
Karnataka is one of India’s leading destinations for medical education, with a wide network of government, private, and deemed universities offering MD and MS programs across a variety of specializations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and entrance exams to counseling and seat allotment.
Why Choose Karnataka for MD MS Admission?
Karnataka holds a prominent position in India’s medical education landscape. Here’s why:
- Home to prestigious institutions like Bangalore Medical College, St. John’s Medical College, KMC Manipal, and JSS Medical College.
- A high number of PG medical seats compared to many other states.
- Transparent and organized counseling through KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority).
- Availability of clinical exposure through high patient inflow in major hospitals.
- Well-regulated private sector, offering both merit and management quota seats.
Eligibility Criteria for MD MS Admission in Karnataka
To apply for MD MS admission in Karnataka, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- MBBS Degree: Must have an MBBS degree from a recognized institution.
- Internship Completion: Must complete the compulsory 12-month rotatory internship by 31st March 2025.
- Registration: Should be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or any State Medical Council.
- NEET PG Qualification: It is mandatory to qualify in the NEET PG 2025 exam.
- Domicile Requirements (for Government Quota):
- For state quota seats, candidates must have studied in Karnataka for a specified period or meet the eligibility under Karnataka domicile/residency rules.
- Non-Karnataka candidates can still apply for private/deemed university seats, but not for state quota.
- For state quota seats, candidates must have studied in Karnataka for a specified period or meet the eligibility under Karnataka domicile/residency rules.
NEET PG – Mandatory for PG Medical Admission
The NEET PG is the only entrance exam for MD and MS admission in Karnataka (and across India). Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), NEET PG is held once a year, typically in the first quarter.
Key Details:
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test
- Total Questions: 200
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Negative Marking: Yes
- Validity: Score is valid for admissions in the same academic year
To qualify for counseling, candidates must meet the cutoff percentile set by the NBE (e.g., 50th percentile for General category).
MD MS Admission Process in Karnataka
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is responsible for conducting counseling and seat allotment for PG medical seats in the state.
Step-by-Step Admission Process:
- NEET PG Registration
- Appear for the NEET PG exam and obtain your scorecard.
- Appear for the NEET PG exam and obtain your scorecard.
- KEA Registration
- Register online on the KEA portal (https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea).
- Upload documents and pay the registration fee.
- Register online on the KEA portal (https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea).
- Document Verification
- Attend offline document verification at KEA helpline centers (mandatory for eligibility confirmation).
- Attend offline document verification at KEA helpline centers (mandatory for eligibility confirmation).
- Option Entry & Choice Filling
- Fill in your preferred courses and colleges from the available list.
- Fill in your preferred courses and colleges from the available list.
- Seat Allotment
- KEA releases the seat allotment list based on NEET PG rank, category, reservation, and preference.
- KEA releases the seat allotment list based on NEET PG rank, category, reservation, and preference.
- Admission & Reporting
- Confirm your seat, pay the fees, and report to the college within the specified deadline.
- Confirm your seat, pay the fees, and report to the college within the specified deadline.
Types of Seats Available in Karnataka
Karnataka offers a wide range of MD MS seats under different quotas:
- Government Quota
- 50% of seats in government and select private colleges
- Lower fee structure
- Reserved for Karnataka domicile students
- 50% of seats in government and select private colleges
- Private Quota
- Open to all Indian nationals
- Higher fee than government quota
- Available in private and minority medical colleges
- Open to all Indian nationals
- NRI Quota
- Reserved for NRI candidates
- Requires valid NRI sponsorship and documentation
- Higher fees applicable
- Reserved for NRI candidates
- Management Quota
- Available in private and deemed universities
- Open to all NEET PG qualified candidates (including non-Karnataka)
- Available in private and deemed universities
Fee Structure for MD MS Courses in Karnataka
Here’s a general overview of the fee structure for MD MS programs in Karnataka (2025 estimates):
| Type of Seat | Fee Range (per year) |
| Government Quota | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakhs |
| Private Quota | ₹8 – ₹25 lakhs |
| NRI Quota | ₹30 – ₹60 lakhs |
| Deemed Universities | ₹20 – ₹45 lakhs (varies by branch) |
Note: Fees vary by college and specialization (e.g., Radiology, Dermatology, and Orthopedics typically have higher fees).
Top Colleges for MD MS in Karnataka
Some of the most reputed medical colleges in Karnataka for postgraduate studies include:
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Bangalore
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal and Mangalore
- St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore
- Mysore Medical College, Mysore
- JSS Medical College, Mysore
- Rajarajeswari Medical College, Bangalore
- KIMS Hubli and KIMS Bangalore
- Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore
Popular MD MS Specializations in Karnataka
Candidates often opt for the following high-demand branches:
- MD – General Medicine
- MD – Radiodiagnosis
- MD – Dermatology
- MD – Pediatrics
- MS – General Surgery
- MS – Orthopedics
- MS – ENT
- MS – Obstetrics & Gynecology
- MD – Psychiatry
Some colleges also offer less competitive branches like Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology for candidates with moderate NEET PG scores.
Documents Required for KEA Counseling
Here’s a list of documents typically required:
- NEET PG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
- MBBS Marksheets and Degree Certificate
- Internship Completion Certificate
- Medical Council Registration Certificate
- Domicile/Study Certificate (for Karnataka candidates)
- Caste and Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Recent Passport-size Photographs
All original documents must be presented during verification.
Can Non-Karnataka Candidates Apply?
Yes. Non-Karnataka candidates can apply for private and management quota seats in Karnataka medical colleges. However, they are not eligible for government quota seats. They must also have qualified NEET PG.
Final Tips for MD MS Aspirants in Karnataka
- Keep track of KEA counseling dates and announcements on their official portal.
- Understand your eligibility based on your category and domicile status.
- If you’re targeting top clinical branches, aim for a high NEET PG rank.
- Explore deemed universities and management quota options if your rank is lower.
- Don’t forget to research each college’s infrastructure, faculty, patient load, and clinical exposure.
Conclusion
Pursuing a postgraduate medical degree in Karnataka can be a transformative step in your career. With high-quality institutions, diverse specializations, and a transparent counseling process, Karnataka remains a top destination for MD MS aspirants.
Make sure you stay updated, prepare diligently for NEET PG, and take informed decisions during the counseling process. Whether you’re a Karnataka domicile student or an outsider, there’s a wide range of opportunities waiting for you.
If you need personalized guidance or assistance with the KEA counseling process for MD MS admission in Karnataka, feel free to reach out to a trusted education consultant.