The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has released the tentative vacancy position for MBBS and BDS courses as of 17 October 2026. This document lists all available seats across government and private medical and dental colleges in Kerala that will be filled through KEAM 2026 counselling. The vacancy list shows seat availability by college, course, and reserved category — essential information for candidates preparing to participate in the upcoming counselling rounds. This is a snapshot of vacancies at a specific point in time; the actual number of seats available during counselling may change based on admissions, withdrawals, and other factors.
Kerala has released the tentative seat vacancy list for MBBS and BDS across 4 government and 40+ private colleges, showing exactly how many seats are open in each category at each institution as of 17 October 2026.
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This is a tentative vacancy position — a snapshot of available seats in MBBS and BDS programmes across Kerala's medical and dental colleges as of 17 October 2026. It is published by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) to give candidates visibility into seat availability before counselling begins.
The word 'tentative' is important: these numbers are not final. Seats may increase or decrease as candidates join or withdraw, as colleges report admissions, or as the state adjusts allocations. However, this list gives you a realistic picture of where seats are available and in which categories.
Government vs. Private Colleges
Kerala has 4 government medical colleges offering MBBS and 7 government dental colleges offering BDS. These are listed separately in the vacancy document and typically have lower fees and higher prestige, though competition for these seats is intense.
The majority of seats — across 40+ private self-financing colleges — are in the private sector. Private colleges charge significantly higher fees but may have more available seats and lower cutoffs than government institutions. Both government and private seats are filled through the same KEAM counselling process.
- Government MBBS colleges: Idukki, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta
- Government BDS colleges: Alappuzha, Kozhikkode, Kannur, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram
Understanding the Vacancy Table: Columns Explained
Each row in the vacancy list represents one seat allocation. The columns tell you: which college, what course (MBBS or BDS), which reserved category that seat belongs to, and how many seats are available in that category at that college.
For example, a row showing 'Al Azhar Medical College, Thodupuzha | MBBS | AM | 5' means Al Azhar has 5 MBBS seats reserved for the AM (Anglo-Indian/Muslim) category. If a college has multiple rows, it means it has seats in different categories.
- College Type: Government or Private Self-Financing
- College Code: Internal identifier used by CEE
- College Name: Full name and location
- Course Code: MM (always, for MBBS/BDS)
- Course: MBBS or BDS
- Category: Reserved category code (explained below)
- Seat: Number of vacancies in that category
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Reserved Categories: What the Codes Mean
Kerala's KEAM counselling allocates seats across multiple reserved categories. Each category code represents a specific group eligible for that seat. Understanding which categories you fall into is crucial — you can only be allotted a seat in a category you are eligible for.
The most common categories are SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), OBC (Other Backward Class), and general/unreserved seats. Some colleges also have seats for specific communities (e.g., AM for Anglo-Indian/Muslim, AC for Christian, BH for Buddhist, EZ for Ezhava, etc.). If you do not hold a valid category certificate for a seat, you cannot claim it.
- SM: Scheduled Caste (Muslim)
- SC: Scheduled Caste
- ST: Scheduled Tribe
- MU: Muslim (unreserved)
- AM: Anglo-Indian/Muslim
- EZ: Ezhava
- MM: Muslim (general)
- VK: Viswakarma
- NR: No Reservation (general/unreserved)
- AC: Christian
- BH: Buddhist
- LA: Latin Christian
- KN: Kannada
- EW: Economically Weaker Section
- DV: Divyang (Person with Disability)
- BX: Backward Christian
- PT: Parsi
- XS: Specific category (check college prospectus)
MBBS Seats: College-by-College Breakdown
Kerala's MBBS programme is offered at 4 government colleges and 25+ private colleges. Government colleges have very few vacancies (typically 1–2 seats per college), reflecting their small intake and high demand. Private colleges have significantly more seats available, ranging from 1 to 14 seats per category.
The largest MBBS vacancy holders are private colleges like Mount Zion Medical College (Pathanamthitta), Palakkad Institute of Medical Sciences, and Kerala Medical College (Palakkad), each with multiple seats across different categories. If you are aiming for a private MBBS seat, these colleges have higher availability.
- Government MBBS: 4 seats total (1 per college)
- Private MBBS: 100+ seats across 25+ colleges
- Highest vacancy: Mount Zion (14 seats), Palakkad Institute (14 seats), Kerala Medical College (10 seats)
BDS Seats: College-by-College Breakdown
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is offered at 7 government dental colleges and 20+ private dental colleges. Government BDS colleges have very limited vacancies (1–2 seats each), while private dental colleges have more availability. Some private dental colleges like Al Azhar Dental College, Azeezia College of Dental Science, and Sri Sankara Dental College have 10–16 seats in popular categories.
BDS typically has lower cutoffs than MBBS, making it a viable option for candidates who narrowly miss MBBS seats. The vacancy list shows that BDS seats are distributed across many more colleges and categories than MBBS, giving candidates more options.
- Government BDS: 8 seats total across 7 colleges
- Private BDS: 150+ seats across 20+ colleges
- Highest vacancy: Al Azhar Dental (10 seats SM), Azeezia Dental (16 seats SM), Sri Sankara Dental (10 seats SM)
How to Use This Vacancy List During Counselling
This vacancy list is your roadmap during KEAM counselling. Before you register or fill your choice of colleges, cross-reference your NEET rank, category, and preferred course against this list. Identify colleges where seats are available in your category and where your rank is likely to secure admission.
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Remember: this is a tentative list. During counselling, the actual number of available seats may change. However, it gives you a realistic baseline. If a college shows 0 seats in your category, you cannot be allotted there. If it shows multiple seats, your chances depend on your rank relative to other candidates in that category.
- Step 1: Identify your category (SC, ST, OBC, general, or community-specific)
- Step 2: Note your NEET rank and expected cutoff for your category
- Step 3: Cross-reference this vacancy list to find colleges with available seats in your category
- Step 4: Prioritize colleges based on seat availability, location, and your rank
- Step 5: Use this information to fill your choice of colleges during counselling registration
Important: This Is a Snapshot, Not a Final Allocation
The vacancy position is dated 17 October 2026. Between this date and the start of counselling, seat numbers may change. Candidates who have already joined may withdraw, colleges may report additional admissions, or the state may adjust allocations. Do not assume the exact numbers in this list will remain unchanged.
However, the relative distribution — which colleges have more seats, which categories have more availability — is likely to remain stable. Use this list to understand the landscape, not as a guarantee of exact seat counts.
- Vacancies can increase if candidates withdraw after joining
- Vacancies can decrease if colleges admit candidates through other channels (management quota, NRI seats, etc.)
- The state may adjust allocations based on admissions data
- Always check the latest vacancy list released closer to your counselling round
Category Certificates: A Critical Requirement
To claim a seat in any reserved category, you must hold a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority in your state. For example, if you want to claim an SC seat, you must have an SC certificate. If you want to claim an EZ (Ezhava) seat, you must have an EZ certificate. Without the correct certificate, your application will be rejected, even if seats are available.
Ensure your category certificate is valid, issued after the prescribed date (usually 1 April of the previous financial year), and matches the category code used in the vacancy list. If you are unsure about your category or do not have a certificate, apply for one immediately — do not wait until counselling begins.
- SC/ST certificates: Issued by District Magistrate or Taluk Officer
- OBC certificates: Issued by District Magistrate or Taluk Officer
- Community certificates (EZ, AC, BH, etc.): Issued by District Magistrate or Taluk Officer
- Economically Weaker Section (EW): Issued by District Magistrate or Taluk Officer
- Divyang (DV): Issued by Chief Medical Officer or authorized medical officer
- Certificate must be issued on or after 1 April 2025 (or as per state guidelines)
What Happens Next: Counselling Timeline
This vacancy list is released to help you prepare. The actual counselling process — registration, choice filling, allotment — will follow a schedule announced by CEE. Typically, counselling happens in multiple rounds: first round (merit-based), second round (if seats remain), and spot round (if needed).
Keep checking the CEE Kerala website (cee.kerala.gov.in) for announcements on counselling dates, registration windows, and allotment schedules. This vacancy list will be updated after each round to reflect remaining seats.
- Counselling registration: Date to be announced by CEE
- Choice filling: Candidates select colleges and courses in order of preference
- Allotment: CEE allocates seats based on rank, category, and choice
- Reporting: Candidates report to allotted college with documents
- Subsequent rounds: If seats remain, additional rounds are conducted
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What does 'tentative vacancy' mean? Will the exact numbers change?
Tentative means these are the available seats as of 17 October 2026, but they may change before or during counselling. Seats can increase if candidates withdraw, or decrease if colleges admit students through other channels. Use this list to understand the general landscape, but always check for updates closer to your counselling round.
I have an SC certificate. Can I apply for any seat marked 'SC' in the list?
Yes, if your SC certificate is valid and issued on or after 1 April 2025 (or as per state guidelines). However, you can only be allotted an SC seat if your rank qualifies for it during counselling. The vacancy list shows that seats exist; your rank determines whether you get one.
What is the difference between 'SM' and 'SC' categories?
SM stands for Scheduled Caste (Muslim) — a specific sub-category within SC reserved for Muslim candidates who are also SC. SC is the general Scheduled Caste category. If you are SC but not Muslim, you should apply for SC seats, not SM. Check your certificate to confirm your exact category.
I see 'NR' (No Reservation) seats. Can anyone apply for these?
Yes, NR seats are unreserved and open to all candidates, regardless of category. However, these seats are highly competitive because they are open to the entire merit pool. Your rank must be strong enough to secure an NR seat.
Why do some colleges have many seats and others have only 1?
Seat availability depends on the college's total intake, how many students have already joined, and how many have withdrawn. Government colleges typically have very few vacancies because they have small intakes and high demand. Private colleges often have more seats because they have larger intakes and may have higher withdrawal rates.
If a college shows 0 seats in my category, can I still apply?
No. If a college does not appear in the vacancy list for your category, there are no seats available for you in that category at that college. You can only be allotted a seat in a category where vacancies exist. Focus on colleges that show available seats in your category.
How do I know which colleges are government and which are private?
The vacancy list clearly marks each college as 'Govt' (government) or 'Private Self Financing' (private). Government colleges are typically cheaper and more prestigious but have very few seats. Private colleges charge higher fees but have more seats available.
Can I get a seat in a category I don't have a certificate for?
No. To claim a reserved seat, you must have a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority. Without the correct certificate, your application will be rejected, even if seats are available. Ensure your certificate is valid and matches the category code before counselling.
What should I do if I don't see my preferred college in this list?
If your preferred college does not appear in the vacancy list, it means there are no vacancies in MBBS or BDS at that college as of 17 October 2026. Either all seats are filled, or the college is not participating in KEAM counselling. Check the CEE website for the full list of participating colleges.
When will the next vacancy list be released?
The vacancy list is typically updated after each counselling round to show remaining seats. The exact schedule will be announced by CEE Kerala. Check cee.kerala.gov.in regularly for updates.
I have a disability. Are there seats reserved for me?
Yes. The vacancy list includes 'DV' (Divyang) category seats for candidates with disabilities. To claim a DV seat, you must have a valid disability certificate issued by a Chief Medical Officer or authorized medical officer. Check the list for colleges offering DV seats in your preferred course.
How many total MBBS and BDS seats are available in Kerala?
Based on this vacancy list, there are approximately 100+ MBBS seats and 150+ BDS seats available across government and private colleges in Kerala. However, these are vacancies as of 17 October 2026; the total intake is higher, but many seats are already filled.
This vacancy list is your essential reference for KEAM 2026 counselling. Download or bookmark it, identify colleges with available seats in your category, and cross-reference your rank against the cutoffs you expect. Remember: this is a snapshot dated 17 October 2026, and numbers may change. Keep checking cee.kerala.gov.in for updates and the official counselling schedule. Ensure your category certificate is valid and ready before counselling registration opens.
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