If you registered for Karnataka's NEET UG 2026 medical counselling, the state authority has now fixed the dates for one of the most important steps before you can enter the seat allotment process: document verification. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) announced on August 1, 2026 that verification will take place from August 4 to August 8 at its Malleswaram office in Bengaluru, with online slot booking opening on August 2. This step matters because a candidate who does not book a slot or show up correctly can be blocked from later rounds of seat allotment, even if their NEET score would otherwise qualify them for a seat. Not everyone needs to travel to Bengaluru for this — KEA has clearly listed which categories of candidates are required in person and which ones are exempt.
Newly registered candidates and those claiming reserved categories (NRI, Kannada, rural, linguistic or religious minority, or specific St John's Medical College categories) must book a slot from August 2 and appear in person for verification between August 4 and 8, or risk losing their place in Karnataka NEET UG counselling.
What KEA has announced
KEA runs the state counselling process for MBBS, BDS and other courses that use NEET UG scores for admission to Karnataka's government and private medical colleges. Document verification is the stage where KEA physically checks a candidate's scorecard, identity, and any reservation or domicile claims before allowing them into the option-entry and seat-allotment stages.
For 2026, the notification was issued on August 1. The verification window is set for August 4 to August 8, and it will be conducted at the KEA office on 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bengaluru, except for a specific set of St John's Medical College applicants who report to a separate venue on the college campus.
Who must attend in person
KEA has specified exactly which groups need to show up physically this year. If you fall into any of the categories below, you cannot skip the visit, and no relative or agent is permitted to attend on your behalf.
- Candidates claiming NRI, NRI Ward, or Foreign National category status
- Candidates whose Kannada, Rural, Linguistic Minority, or Religious Minority claims are still pending verification
- Newly registered candidates claiming Kannada-medium, rural, or minority reservation benefits
- St John's Medical College applicants under Categories RC-2 to RC-8
Who does not need to visit
Not every registered candidate has to travel for this round. KEA has exempted a few groups to reduce unnecessary footfall at the verification centres.
- Candidates who have already downloaded their verification slip in an earlier step
- Newly registered candidates who are not claiming any reservation category
- St John's Medical College applicants under Categories RC-1 and RC-9
Verification venues at a glance
Where you go depends on which category you fall under. Double-check your venue before travelling, since the St John's-specific categories report to a different address than the general KEA office.
| Candidate Group | Venue |
|---|---|
| General candidates on the eligible list | KEA Office, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bengaluru |
| St John's Medical College applicants (RC-2 to RC-8) | Medical College Council Room, Ground Floor, St John's Medical College, Koramangala, Bengaluru |
How to book your verification slot
Slot booking is mandatory — walking in without a confirmed slot will not get you inside the venue. The booking window opens on August 2, 2026 on KEA's official portal.
- Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and find the UGNEET 2026 slot booking link
- Log in using your NEET UG roll number and password
- Choose an available date and time between August 4 and 8
- Confirm the booking and download your slot slip — keep both a digital and printed copy
Documents to carry
KEA has pointed candidates to its Information Booklet, dated January 17, 2026, for the full list of required documents. As a general rule, carry originals plus one self-attested photocopy of each document, and do not rely on soft copies alone at the venue.
Typical documents include your NEET UG scorecard and admit card, Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets, a valid photo ID, and any category or reservation certificates relevant to your claim. If you are applying under a Karnataka domicile or Kannada-medium claim, study certificates proving your educational history in the state are essential.
- NEET UG 2026 scorecard and admit card
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
- Government-issued photo identity proof
- Category or reservation certificates (NRI, minority, rural, Kannada-medium, etc., as applicable)
- Study certificates for Karnataka domicile or rural quota claims
- Slot booking confirmation slip
Help desk and what comes next
For any doubts about eligibility, categories, or the booking process, KEA has a helpline number — 080-23460460 — active on weekdays between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. Written queries can be sent to keauthority-ka@nic.in.
Once verification closes on August 8, the next expected milestones are the release of the seat matrix (the list of seats available across colleges and categories) and the opening of option entry, where candidates rank their preferred colleges and courses. Aspirants should keep checking the KEA portal in the days right after August 8 rather than waiting for a separate announcement.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Who exactly needs to attend Karnataka NEET UG 2026 document verification in person?
Candidates claiming NRI, NRI Ward, or Foreign National status; those with pending Kannada, rural, linguistic minority, or religious minority claims; newly registered candidates claiming these reservations; and St John's Medical College applicants under Categories RC-2 to RC-8.
Can I skip document verification if I have no reservation claim?
Yes. Newly registered candidates not claiming any reservation category, those who already have a verification slip, and St John's applicants under RC-1 and RC-9 are exempt from the in-person visit.
When does slot booking open and where?
Slot booking opens on August 2, 2026 on the KEA portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, using your NEET UG roll number and password.
What happens if I don't book a slot before visiting?
You will not be allowed inside the verification venue without a confirmed and downloaded slot booking slip, and missing this step can delay or block your entry into later seat allotment rounds.
Where is the verification held for St John's Medical College applicants?
St John's applicants under Categories RC-2 to RC-8 must report to the Medical College Council Room at St John's Medical College, Koramangala, Bengaluru, while other candidates go to the KEA office in Malleswaram.
What documents should I carry, and in what form?
Carry your NEET scorecard, admit card, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, identity proof, relevant category or domicile certificates, and study certificates if claiming Karnataka reservation — bring originals along with self-attested photocopies, as listed in KEA's Information Booklet.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my category or the process?
You can call the KEA helpline at 080-23460460 on weekdays between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm, or email keauthority-ka@nic.in for a written response.
What comes after the August 4–8 verification window?
KEA is expected to release the seat matrix and open option entry for Karnataka NEET UG counselling once verification closes on August 8, 2026.
If you fall under any of the categories KEA has flagged for in-person verification, mark your calendar for slot booking on August 2 and gather your documents well before your appointment date. Aspirants and parents should keep an eye on the KEA portal right after August 8 for the seat matrix and option-entry window, since that is when actual college and course choices begin.
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