The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the official merit list for NEET UG 2026 counselling. This list contains the ranks and eligibility status of all candidates who appeared for NEET UG 2026 and are eligible for admission to MBBS and BDS programmes in Karnataka. Every candidate who took the exam must check this list immediately to confirm their rank, category placement, and whether they are eligible to participate in the counselling process. The merit list is now live on the official KEA portal and can be accessed by logging in with your credentials.
The Karnataka NEET UG 2026 merit list is now published — check your rank and eligibility status on the KEA portal right away.
What is the Merit List?
The merit list is the official ranking of all NEET UG 2026 candidates in Karnataka, prepared by KEA based on their NEET scores. It determines the order in which candidates will be called for counselling and seat allocation. Your position on this list directly affects which colleges and courses you are eligible to apply for during the counselling rounds.
The merit list includes your rank, NEET score, category (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), and eligibility status. It is the foundation of the entire admission process — without confirmation on this list, you cannot proceed to counselling.
How to Access the Merit List
Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Log in using your NEET registration number and password. Navigate to the UGNEET 2026 section and select 'Merit List' or 'Rank Card'. Your rank, score, category, and eligibility status will be displayed on screen.
Download and save a copy of your merit list for your records. You will need this information when registering for counselling. If you cannot access the portal, contact KEA's helpline or visit the nearest KEA office.
- Portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Login with: NEET registration number and password
- Check: your rank, score, category, and eligibility status
- Save: a copy for counselling registration
What Your Merit List Shows
Your merit list entry will show your NEET rank (the position assigned based on your score), your NEET score, your category (the quota under which you are ranked — General, OBC, SC, ST, or other), and your eligibility status (whether you meet all criteria to participate in counselling). Some lists also show your category rank — your position within your specific category.
The eligibility status is critical: if it shows 'Eligible', you can proceed to counselling. If it shows 'Not Eligible', there may be a document issue or a qualification problem — contact KEA immediately to clarify.
- NEET rank: your overall position
- NEET score: your marks out of 720
- Category: General, OBC, SC, ST, or other
- Category rank: your position within your category (if shown)
- Eligibility status: Eligible or Not Eligible
What to Do If Your Name Is Not on the List
If you took the NEET UG 2026 exam but do not see your name or rank on the merit list, do not panic — there may be a technical issue or a document verification problem. First, check that you are logging in with the correct NEET registration number and that you are viewing the correct merit list (UGNEET 2026, not a previous year).
If you still cannot find your entry, contact KEA's counselling office or visit the official portal's 'Help' or 'Grievance' section immediately. Provide your NEET registration number, roll number, and exam date. KEA will investigate and clarify your status. Do not wait — the counselling schedule moves quickly.
- Double-check your login credentials and the year (2026)
- Contact KEA counselling office with your NEET registration number
- File a grievance on the official portal if needed
- Act quickly — counselling dates are fixed
What Happens After the Merit List Is Published
After the merit list is published, KEA will announce the counselling schedule, which typically includes registration, choice filling (selecting colleges and courses), and seat allotment rounds. Candidates are called for counselling in order of their merit rank. You must register for counselling within the announced deadline using your merit list details.
The merit list remains valid throughout the counselling process. Your rank does not change, but your eligibility for specific seats depends on your choices, category, and the availability of seats in each college and course.
- KEA will announce counselling dates and registration deadline
- Register for counselling using your merit list details
- Fill your choices of colleges and courses in order of preference
- Participate in seat allotment rounds as per your rank
Important Points to Remember
Your merit rank is based solely on your NEET score — it cannot be changed. However, your eligibility for specific seats depends on your category, the quota (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.), and the availability of seats. Different colleges and courses have different cutoff ranks for each category.
Keep your merit list safe and refer to it during counselling registration and choice filling. If there is any discrepancy in your details (name, category, date of birth), report it to KEA immediately — corrections must be made before counselling begins.
- Merit rank is final and based on NEET score only
- Eligibility for seats depends on category, quota, and availability
- Report any errors in your details to KEA immediately
- Use your merit list for all counselling steps
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Where can I find my NEET UG 2026 merit list?
Your merit list is available on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Log in with your NEET registration number and password, navigate to UGNEET 2026, and select 'Merit List' or 'Rank Card' to view your rank and eligibility status.
What does my merit rank mean?
Your merit rank is your position in the overall list of all NEET UG 2026 candidates in Karnataka, based on your NEET score. A lower rank number means a higher score and a better position for counselling. Your rank determines the order in which you are called for seat allocation.
What if my name is not on the merit list?
First, verify that you are logging in with the correct NEET registration number and viewing the 2026 merit list. If you still cannot find your entry, contact KEA's counselling office immediately with your NEET registration number and exam details. There may be a document verification issue that needs to be resolved before counselling.
Can my merit rank change after it is published?
No, your merit rank is final and based on your NEET score. It does not change during counselling. However, your eligibility for specific seats in colleges and courses depends on your category, quota, and the availability of seats — these may vary.
What should I do if there is an error in my details on the merit list?
If your name, category, date of birth, or any other detail is incorrect on the merit list, report it to KEA immediately. Contact the counselling office or file a grievance on the official portal. Errors must be corrected before counselling begins, as they affect your eligibility for seats.
What is the difference between my overall rank and my category rank?
Your overall rank is your position among all candidates in Karnataka. Your category rank is your position within your specific category (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). Both are important — your overall rank determines the order of counselling, and your category rank affects your eligibility for category-specific seats.
What does 'Eligible' or 'Not Eligible' mean on the merit list?
'Eligible' means you meet all criteria to participate in counselling and can apply for seats. 'Not Eligible' means there is an issue — possibly a missing document, a qualification problem, or a verification failure. Contact KEA immediately to clarify and resolve the issue.
When will counselling begin after the merit list is published?
KEA will announce the counselling schedule separately, which typically includes registration, choice filling, and seat allotment dates. Check the official portal regularly for these announcements. You must register for counselling within the announced deadline using your merit list details.
Do I need to download my merit list?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to download and save a copy of your merit list. You will need your rank and other details when registering for counselling and filling your choices. Keep it safe for reference throughout the admission process.
What if I disagree with my NEET score or rank?
If you believe there is an error in your NEET score or rank calculation, contact KEA's counselling office with your NEET registration number and exam details. KEA will review your case. However, note that NEET scores are set by the national authority (NTA), and KEA's merit list is based on those official scores.
Check your merit list on the KEA portal immediately at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in using your NEET registration number and password. Verify that your rank, score, category, and eligibility status are correct. If there are any errors or if you cannot find your entry, contact KEA's counselling office right away — do not wait. Watch the official portal for the counselling schedule announcement, which will include registration and choice-filling dates. Your merit list is your gateway to counselling, so keep it safe and refer to it for all next steps.
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