The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the provisional seat matrix for MBBS programmes under NEET UG 2026 counselling. This document shows the total number of MBBS seats available across all participating colleges in Karnataka, broken down by category (General, SC, ST, OBC, etc.) and by college. The seat matrix is a critical reference for all candidates — it tells you how many seats exist in each category at each institution, which helps you understand your chances and plan your choices during counselling. This is a provisional document; the final seat matrix may be updated if colleges report changes or if seats are cancelled. You must check this matrix before you register for counselling or submit your choice of colleges.
KEA has released the provisional MBBS seat matrix for NEET UG 2026 — check it now on the official portal to see how many seats are available in your category at each college.
What is the MBBS Seat Matrix?
The seat matrix is an official list that shows exactly how many MBBS seats are available in Karnataka for NEET UG 2026 counselling. It breaks down the total seats by college and by category — General, SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), OBC (Other Backward Class), and any other reserved categories that apply in Karnataka.
This matrix is published before counselling begins so that candidates can see the landscape of available seats. It helps you understand how competitive each college and category is likely to be, and it is essential for making informed choices during the counselling process. The matrix is provisional — it may be updated if colleges report changes, if seats are cancelled, or if the state makes adjustments.
Why Does the Seat Matrix Matter to You?
The seat matrix is your roadmap for counselling. By studying it, you can identify which colleges have seats in your category, estimate how many candidates will compete for those seats, and plan a realistic list of choices. Without this information, you would be applying blindly.
If you are from a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC), the matrix shows you exactly how many seats are reserved for your category at each college. This is crucial because reserved seats are separate from general seats — knowing the numbers helps you assess your realistic chances. The matrix also shows you which colleges have very few seats in your category, so you can avoid wasting a choice on a college where your category has only one or two seats.
What Information Does the Seat Matrix Contain?
The seat matrix lists every MBBS college in Karnataka that is participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling. For each college, it shows the total number of MBBS seats and how those seats are divided among categories — General, SC, ST, OBC, and any other applicable reserved categories.
The matrix may also indicate whether seats are in the government quota (filled by the state through KEA counselling), the management quota (filled by the college directly), or the NRI quota (for non-resident Indian candidates). Some seats may be marked as supernumerary (extra seats for specific purposes). The exact structure depends on how KEA has organized the document, so you should read the column headers carefully when you open it.
How to Access the Seat Matrix
The seat matrix has been published on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. You can download it directly from the link provided in this notice. The document is in PDF format and is quite large because it contains data for all colleges and all categories.
To find the information you need, open the PDF and search for your preferred college name or use the table of contents if one is provided. Look for the row or section corresponding to each college you are interested in, and read across to find the number of seats in your category. If you are unsure how to read the matrix, contact KEA's helpline or visit the official portal for guidance.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Download the MBBS seat matrix PDF
- Search for your preferred colleges
- Note the number of seats in your category at each college
Is This the Final Seat Matrix?
No — this is the provisional seat matrix. KEA publishes it early so candidates can prepare, but it may be updated before or during counselling. Colleges may report changes to their seat availability, seats may be cancelled if colleges do not meet regulatory standards, or the state may make adjustments based on policy decisions.
You should check the official portal regularly for any updates or revised versions of the seat matrix. If a revised matrix is published, it will supersede the earlier one. Do not assume the numbers you see today are final — always verify the latest version before you submit your counselling choices.
How to Use the Seat Matrix to Plan Your Choices
Once you have reviewed the seat matrix, use it to create a shortlist of colleges where you want to apply. For each college, note how many seats are available in your category. Colleges with more seats in your category are generally safer choices; colleges with very few seats are riskier.
Compare the seat numbers across colleges to understand the relative competition. For example, if College A has 50 General seats and College B has 10 General seats, College A is likely to be more competitive (more candidates will apply) but also safer (more seats available). Use this analysis to build a balanced list of choices — some ambitious (colleges you hope to get into), some realistic (colleges where your rank is likely to secure a seat), and some safe (colleges where you are very likely to get in).
Remember that the seat matrix shows only the number of seats, not the cutoff rank or merit list. You will need to check the merit list and cutoff information separately to estimate your chances at each college.
Important Notes on Category-Wise Seats
If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC), pay close attention to the category-wise breakdown in the seat matrix. Reserved seats are separate from general seats — you cannot compete for general seats if you are applying under a reserved category, and vice versa. The matrix shows you exactly how many seats are reserved for your category at each college.
Some colleges may have very few reserved seats in your category — for example, only 1 or 2 SC seats. These are high-risk choices because even if your rank is good, you may not get a seat if another candidate with a better rank applies for the same seat. Use the matrix to identify colleges where your category has a reasonable number of seats (typically 3 or more) to improve your chances.
What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Preferred College in the Matrix
If a college you were interested in does not appear in the seat matrix, it means that college is not participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling through KEA. This could happen if the college has lost recognition, is under suspension, or has chosen not to participate in the state counselling process.
In such cases, you should contact KEA directly to confirm the status of the college. You can also check the official portal for a list of recognized colleges participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling. Do not assume a college is available just because it existed in previous years — always verify using the official seat matrix and college list.
Next Steps After Reviewing the Seat Matrix
After you have studied the seat matrix and identified your preferred colleges, wait for KEA to announce the counselling schedule. The schedule will tell you when registration opens, when you can submit your choices, and when allotments will be announced. Mark these dates on your calendar and prepare your documents in advance.
Keep the seat matrix saved on your device or print it for reference during counselling. You may need to refer to it when filling out your choice form to remind yourself of the seat numbers at each college. Also, check the official portal regularly for any updates to the seat matrix or counselling schedule.
2 minute · Free preview
Which MBBS colleges can your NEET rank actually get?
See the real colleges your rank can reach — every state and All India Quota — with official closing ranks and the exact fee for each seat.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the MBBS seat matrix and why do I need to check it?
The seat matrix is an official document that shows how many MBBS seats are available at each college in Karnataka, broken down by category (General, SC, ST, OBC, etc.). You need to check it to understand how many seats exist in your category at each college, which helps you plan realistic choices during counselling and estimate your chances of getting a seat.
Where can I download the MBBS seat matrix?
The seat matrix has been published on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. You can download the PDF directly from the link provided in the notice. The document is large, so it may take a moment to load.
Is the seat matrix final, or can it change?
This is the provisional seat matrix. It may be updated before or during counselling if colleges report changes, if seats are cancelled, or if the state makes adjustments. You should check the official portal regularly for any revised versions and always verify the latest matrix before submitting your counselling choices.
How do I read the seat matrix if I belong to a reserved category?
Look for the column or section in the matrix that shows seats broken down by category. Find your category (SC, ST, OBC, etc.) and note the number of seats available in that category at each college. Reserved seats are separate from general seats, so you can only compete for seats in your category.
What should I do if my preferred college does not appear in the seat matrix?
If a college is not in the seat matrix, it is not participating in NEET UG 2026 counselling through KEA. Contact KEA directly to confirm the status of the college, or check the official portal for a list of recognized colleges participating in this year's counselling.
Can I use the seat matrix to predict my cutoff rank at each college?
No — the seat matrix shows only the number of seats available, not the cutoff rank or merit list. You will need to check the merit list and cutoff information separately to estimate your chances at each college based on your rank.
How many seats should I aim for in my category at a college to have a good chance?
Colleges with more seats in your category are generally safer choices. If a college has only 1 or 2 seats in your category, it is a high-risk choice because even a good rank may not secure a seat if another candidate with a better rank applies. Aim for colleges with at least 3 or more seats in your category for a reasonable chance.
When will counselling begin, and what should I do after reviewing the seat matrix?
KEA will announce the counselling schedule separately. After reviewing the seat matrix, prepare your documents, identify your preferred colleges, and wait for the counselling dates. Check the official portal regularly for the schedule and any updates to the seat matrix.
Does the seat matrix include management quota and NRI quota seats?
The seat matrix may include information about different quota types (government, management, NRI) depending on how KEA has organized it. Read the column headers carefully when you open the document to understand which seats are in which quota. Management and NRI quota seats may be filled through different processes, so verify the details on the official portal.
What if the seat matrix is updated after I have already planned my choices?
If a revised seat matrix is published, check it immediately and update your choice list if necessary. KEA will typically announce any major changes on the official portal, so monitor it regularly. If seats are added or removed, your strategy may need to change, so always use the latest version of the matrix.
The provisional MBBS seat matrix for NEET UG 2026 is now available on the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Download it today, study the seat numbers at your preferred colleges, and use this information to plan your counselling choices. Remember that this is provisional and may be updated, so check the official portal regularly for any revisions. Keep the matrix handy for reference during the counselling process.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.