The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the official merit list for NEET UG 2026. This list contains the names and scores of all candidates who selected Karnataka as their state of choice in their NTA application form. The merit list is now live on the KEA portal and candidates can access it to verify their rank, score, and eligibility status. This is a critical document — your position on this list determines your counselling sequence and seat allocation in the upcoming rounds. Every NEET UG 2026 candidate who applied with Karnataka as their state must check this list immediately to confirm their details are correct.
The Karnataka NEET UG 2026 merit list is now published; check it immediately on the KEA portal to verify your rank, score, and eligibility for counselling.
What is this merit list?
This is the official merit list released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for NEET UG 2026. It contains the names, roll numbers, scores, and ranks of all candidates who selected Karnataka as their state of choice when they filled out their NTA application form.
The merit list is the foundation of the entire counselling process in Karnataka. Your position on this list — your rank — determines the order in which you will be called for seat allocation during counselling rounds. If your name and details are not on this list, or if there is an error, you must report it immediately to KEA before counselling begins.
Who appears on this list?
Every candidate who appeared for NEET UG 2026 and selected Karnataka as their state of choice in the NTA application is included on this merit list. This includes candidates from all categories — General, OBC, SC, ST — and all domicile statuses.
If you took NEET UG 2026 but did NOT select Karnataka in your NTA form, you will not appear on this list. You would instead appear on the merit list of the state you selected. If you selected multiple states, you will appear on the merit lists of all those states.
How to access the merit list
The merit list is published on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. You can download the full list as a PDF document. The list is organized by rank — candidates are listed in order from rank 1 downward.
To find yourself on the list, you can use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac) and search for your roll number or name. Write down your rank number — you will need it for all future counselling steps.
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Locate the NEET UG 2026 merit list link
- Download the PDF
- Search for your roll number or name
- Note your rank and score
What information does the merit list show?
The merit list displays your rank, roll number, name, NEET score, and category. This information is essential for counselling. Your rank determines when you will be called for seat selection — lower rank numbers are called first.
The list also helps you understand the competition. By seeing the scores and ranks of other candidates, you can estimate your chances in different colleges and courses based on your rank and category.
- Your rank (most important for counselling order)
- Your roll number
- Your name
- Your NEET score
- Your category (General, OBC, SC, ST)
What to do if your details are wrong or missing
If you do not find your name on the merit list, or if your name, score, roll number, or category is incorrect, you must contact KEA immediately. Do not wait — errors must be corrected before counselling begins, or you may lose your seat.
Contact KEA through the official portal or visit the KEA office in person with your NEET admit card, score card, and any supporting documents. Keep a record of your complaint and the date you filed it. KEA will issue a corrected merit list if errors are found.
- Check the merit list carefully for your name and details
- If missing or incorrect, contact KEA immediately
- Bring your NEET admit card and score card
- Keep a record of your complaint
- Do not proceed to counselling until the error is fixed
Why the merit list matters for counselling
Your rank on this merit list is the single most important factor in counselling. Candidates are called for seat selection in rank order — rank 1 is called first, then rank 2, and so on. When it is your turn, you will be offered available seats based on your rank, category, and the colleges and courses you have chosen.
If you do not appear on the merit list, you cannot participate in counselling and cannot be allotted a seat. This is why verifying your presence and details on the merit list is your first and most critical task after NEET results are announced.
Merit list and category-wise seats
The merit list is used to fill seats in each category separately. For example, General category seats are filled by candidates on the General merit list in rank order, OBC seats are filled by OBC candidates in rank order, and so on. Your category is determined by the category certificate you submitted with your application.
If you belong to a reserved category (OBC, SC, ST), you will compete for seats in your category. You may also be eligible to compete for General seats if you meet the criteria, depending on Karnataka's counselling rules. Check the counselling prospectus for the exact rules on category-wise seat allocation.
Next steps after checking the merit list
Once you have verified your name, rank, and details on the merit list, the next step is to prepare for counselling registration. KEA will announce the dates for counselling registration, document verification, and seat selection. These dates will be published on the KEA portal.
Keep your NEET score card, admit card, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and all other required documents ready. You will need to submit these during counselling registration. Start preparing your college and course preferences now — you will need to rank them during seat selection.
- Verify your details on the merit list
- Gather all required documents
- Prepare your college and course preferences
- Watch for counselling registration dates on the KEA portal
- Register for counselling as soon as the portal opens
Important: Do not ignore errors on the merit list
Many candidates assume that if they took NEET, they will automatically appear on the merit list. This is not true. If you selected Karnataka in your NTA form but do not appear on this merit list, or if your details are wrong, you must act immediately. Waiting until counselling begins is too late.
Common errors include wrong category, wrong name spelling, missing roll number, or score mismatch. Even a small error can prevent you from being called for counselling or can result in the wrong seat being offered. Report any discrepancy to KEA in writing and keep proof of your report.
- ⚠️ Do not assume you are on the list — check yourself
- ⚠️ Report errors immediately, do not wait for counselling
- ⚠️ Keep written proof of any complaint you file
- ⚠️ Verify your category, name, and score carefully
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
How do I find my name on the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 merit list?
Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, download the merit list PDF, and use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F) to search for your roll number or name. Your rank, score, and category will be displayed next to your name. Write down your rank — you will need it for counselling.
What if my name is not on the merit list?
If you took NEET UG 2026 and selected Karnataka in your NTA application, you should appear on this list. If you do not, contact KEA immediately with your NEET admit card and score card. Do not wait — errors must be corrected before counselling begins, or you will not be able to participate.
Does my rank on this merit list determine my seat in counselling?
Yes. Your rank is the primary factor in counselling. Candidates are called for seat selection in rank order — lower ranks are called first. When it is your turn, you will be offered available seats based on your rank, category, and your college and course preferences.
I selected multiple states in my NTA form. Will I appear on merit lists for all of them?
Yes. If you selected Karnataka and other states, you will appear on the merit lists of all those states. You can participate in counselling in any or all of those states, but you can accept only one seat. Once you accept a seat in one state, you must withdraw from counselling in other states.
What should I do if my score or category on the merit list is wrong?
Contact KEA immediately with your NEET score card and category certificate. File a written complaint and keep a record of the date and reference number. KEA will investigate and issue a corrected merit list if an error is found. Do not proceed to counselling until the error is corrected.
When will counselling registration begin after the merit list is published?
The merit list has been published on 30 July 2026. KEA will announce the dates for counselling registration, document verification, and seat selection on the official portal. Check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in regularly for these dates.
What documents do I need to bring for counselling after checking the merit list?
You will need your NEET score card, admit card, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, and any other documents specified in the counselling prospectus. Gather these now and keep them safe. You will submit them during counselling registration.
Does appearing on the merit list guarantee me a seat?
No. Appearing on the merit list means you are eligible to participate in counselling. Whether you get a seat depends on your rank, category, the number of available seats, and your college and course preferences. Candidates with higher ranks (lower numbers) have better chances of getting their preferred colleges.
Can I check the merit list for other states or categories?
This merit list shows only candidates who selected Karnataka. If you want to see merit lists for other states, you must visit those states' counselling portals. Each state publishes its own merit list based on candidates who selected that state.
What is the difference between the merit list and the allotment list?
The merit list (published now) shows all eligible candidates ranked by their NEET score. The allotment list (published later) shows which seats have been assigned to which candidates after counselling rounds. The merit list determines the order in which you are called; the allotment list shows the final seat you receive.
Check the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 merit list immediately on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Verify that your name, roll number, score, and category are correct. If you find any error or your name is missing, contact KEA without delay — errors must be corrected before counselling begins. Once you have confirmed your details, gather all required documents and watch the KEA portal for counselling registration dates.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.