The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has opened the application window for postgraduate medical degree admissions in the state for the 2026–27 academic year. Candidates who have qualified the NEET-PG 2026 examination can now apply for MD/MS seats across government medical colleges, the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, and private self-financing medical colleges in Kerala. The application portal is live, and the deadline to submit applications is October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM. This is a critical window for MBBS graduates seeking PG admission in Kerala through the state quota, minority quota, and NRI quota pathways.
NEET-PG qualified candidates must apply online by October 16, 2026, 4:00 PM through CEE Kerala's portal; incomplete applications will be rejected without notice.
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The application window for Kerala PG medical admissions 2026 is now open and will close on October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM. All candidates must submit their applications online through the official CEE Kerala website and pay the required application fee via online payment methods during this window.
After paying the application fee, candidates are required to upload all supporting certificates and documents as proof of their claims within the same deadline. The prospectus specifies that defective or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected, and no correspondence will be entertained regarding such rejections. Candidates should ensure all documents are uploaded correctly the first time, as there is no opportunity to correct or resubmit after the deadline passes.
In-service candidates (those currently employed in medical or health services) must also print their Application Acknowledgement Page and send it along with their service details to the head of their respective department. This printout must reach the department head by 5:00 PM on October 16, 2026. Candidates applying for NRI quota seats must upload all required certificates and documents during the online application submission itself.
- Application deadline: October 16, 2026, 4:00 PM
- Submission mode: Online only through CEE Kerala website
- Payment: Online payment of application fee required
- Document upload: All certificates and proofs must be uploaded within the deadline
- No printouts to be sent to CEE; only in-service candidates send acknowledgement to their department head
- Defective applications rejected without notice
Application Fee Structure for NEET-PG Candidates
The application fee varies based on the candidate's category. General category candidates and those applying under the service quota must pay Rs. 1,000. Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories or those eligible for SC/ST benefits pay a reduced fee of Rs. 500.
Service quota candidates who wish to apply for both service quota seats and general category seats must pay an additional Rs. 1,000 on top of their service quota fee, bringing the total to Rs. 2,000. It is important to note that once the application fee is remitted, it will not be refunded under any circumstances, regardless of whether the candidate is selected or rejected during counselling.
- General and Service Quota candidates: Rs. 1,000
- SC/ST and SC/ST-eligible candidates: Rs. 500
- Service Quota candidates applying for General seats also: Additional Rs. 1,000
- Fee is non-refundable once paid
Academic and NEET-PG Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for PG medical admission in Kerala, candidates must possess an MBBS degree or a provisional MBBS pass certificate recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC, formerly MCI). The MBBS qualification must be registered—either permanently or provisionally—with the NMC or the respective state medical council. Critically, candidates must have completed their one-year internship on or before April 30, 2026.
All candidates seeking admission to postgraduate medical degree courses in Kerala for 2026–27 must have qualified the NEET-PG 2026 examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), New Delhi. The minimum qualifying marks vary by category: General and EWS candidates must score at least the 50th percentile, SC/ST/SEBC candidates (including those with disabilities under these categories) must achieve the 40th percentile, and UR PwD/EWS-PwD candidates must score the 45th percentile.
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Admission to such candidates will be granted only after they have obtained registration with the Kerala State Medical Council or the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin Medical Council. This registration is a prerequisite and must be completed before final admission is confirmed.
- Must hold MBBS degree or provisional MBBS pass certificate recognised by NMC
- MBBS qualification must be registered with NMC or state medical council
- One-year internship must be completed by April 30, 2026
- Must have qualified NEET-PG 2026 conducted by NBE
- Minimum qualifying marks: General/EWS 50th percentile, SC/ST/SEBC 40th percentile, UR PwD/EWS-PwD 45th percentile
- Registration with Kerala State Medical Council required before final admission
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50th percentile |
| SC/ST/SEBC (including PwD under these categories) | 40th percentile |
| UR PwD/EWS-PwD | 45th percentile |
Nativity and Eligibility Criteria for Kerala PG Seats
Kerala's PG admission process has specific nativity requirements that determine who is eligible for state quota seats. Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following conditions: they must be an Indian citizen of Kerala origin, or they must be an Indian citizen (as only Indian citizens are generally eligible for professional courses unless otherwise notified by the government).
A significant development affects OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders. Following a Supreme Court of India order dated February 3, 2023, OCI cardholders are now eligible for the same rights previously granted to them. They will be treated at par with Indian citizens and are eligible for both UR (General) category seats and NRI seats during counselling. However, PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI candidates are not eligible for any form of reservation, including communal, special, or disability-based reservations.
Candidates who are children of non-Keralite parents but have obtained their MBBS degree from a medical college in Kerala are also eligible to apply. However, they will not be eligible for communal, special, or persons-with-disability reservation benefits. Additionally, a Kerala High Court judgment dated March 7, 2024, has declared the nativity clause invalid for service quota candidates. This means non-Keralite doctors employed in medical or health services are now eligible to apply under the service quota, removing a previous barrier for such candidates.
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen of Kerala origin, or an Indian citizen
- OCI cardholders are now eligible for UR and NRI seats (as per Supreme Court order, February 2023)
- OCI/PIO candidates not eligible for any reservation benefits
- Children of non-Keralite parents with MBBS from Kerala medical college are eligible but not for reservations
- Non-Keralite service doctors are eligible for service quota (as per High Court judgment, March 2024)
Age Limits for Different Service Quota Categories
Unlike many competitive exams, there is no upper age limit for general PG medical admission in Kerala for 2026–27. However, candidates applying under specific service quota categories face age restrictions designed to ensure adequate service years post-qualification.
Medical Education service quota candidates must not exceed 49 years of age as on December 31 of the year the CEE notification is issued. This age limit is set to ensure that candidates complete a minimum of 10 years of service after finishing their postgraduate course, as stipulated in the Service Quota Rules. This applies to all Medical Education service quota candidates, including those from IIMS Palakkad.
Health Service Quota and Insurance Medical service quota candidates face a stricter upper age limit of 47 years as on December 31 of the year the CEE notification is issued. Like the Medical Education quota, this age restriction is designed to guarantee a minimum of 10 years of service post-completion of the course as per the Service Quota Rules. Candidates in these categories should verify their exact age against the notification date to confirm eligibility.
- General candidates: No upper age limit
- Medical Education service quota: Upper age limit 49 years (as on December 31 of notification year)
- Health Service Quota and Insurance Medical service quota: Upper age limit 47 years (as on December 31 of notification year)
- Age limits ensure minimum 10 years of service post-course completion
Selection Process and Centralised Allotment
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The selection of candidates for PG medical seats in Kerala is based on the NEET-PG 2026 rank list prepared by CEE Kerala, subject to all eligibility conditions being satisfied. Candidates are ranked according to their NEET-PG performance, and seats are allotted in order of merit from this rank list.
Admission to state quota seats in government medical colleges, the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, and all PG medical degree seats (including minority quota and NRI quota) in private self-financing medical colleges in Kerala for 2026–27 will be conducted through a common counselling process. This counselling is conducted by CEE Kerala using a Centralised Allotment Process (CAP), which ensures transparent and merit-based allocation of seats.
The CAP process handles the selection and allotment of all seats, including those reserved under the service quota. This centralised approach ensures that all candidates, regardless of the quota they are applying under, go through a uniform and fair allocation mechanism. Once the allotment process is complete, eligible candidates will be issued a Data Sheet, which can be downloaded from the CEE Kerala website on a date to be notified later.
- Selection based on NEET-PG 2026 rank list prepared by CEE Kerala
- Common counselling conducted by CEE Kerala for all quota categories
- Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) used for seat allocation
- CAP handles state quota, minority quota, NRI quota, and service quota seats
- Data Sheet issued to eligible candidates after allotment (download date to be notified)
What This Means for NEET-PG Aspirants in Kerala
For MBBS graduates planning to pursue an MD or MS in Kerala, this application window is critical. The October 16 deadline is firm, and any delay or incomplete submission will result in automatic rejection. Candidates should begin gathering their documents immediately—MBBS degree certificate, internship completion proof, NEET-PG scorecard, and any certificates related to nativity, caste, or service status—to ensure smooth online submission.
The removal of nativity restrictions for service quota candidates and the inclusion of OCI cardholders in the general and NRI seat categories represent significant policy shifts that broaden access to Kerala's PG medical seats. If you are a non-Keralite doctor working in Kerala's medical or health services, you are now eligible to apply under service quota. Similarly, if you hold an OCI card, you can compete for general seats without reservation restrictions.
The centralised allotment process ensures that merit is the primary driver of seat allocation. Your NEET-PG rank will determine your position in the counselling queue. Candidates should be realistic about their rank and the specialties available at their rank level. The prospectus and detailed seat matrix will help you understand which colleges and specialties are within reach based on your expected rank.
- October 16, 2026, 4:00 PM is the absolute deadline; no extensions
- Gather all documents (MBBS certificate, internship proof, NEET-PG scorecard, nativity/caste/service certificates) before applying
- Non-Keralite service doctors and OCI cardholders now have expanded eligibility
- Merit-based allocation through CAP ensures fair seat distribution
- Understand your NEET-PG rank and realistic specialty/college options before counselling
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
The most critical mistake candidates make is submitting incomplete or defective applications. The prospectus explicitly states that such applications will be rejected summarily without any correspondence or opportunity to correct them. Before clicking submit, verify that every required field is filled, every document is uploaded in the correct format and size, and all claims (such as caste, nativity, or service status) have supporting proof attached.
Another common error is misunderstanding the nativity and eligibility rules. Candidates who do not meet the nativity criteria or who have not completed their internship by the deadline will be ineligible, regardless of their NEET-PG score. Similarly, candidates applying for service quota must ensure they have the correct service status and that their department head receives the printed acknowledgement by the specified time.
Finally, do not assume that you can apply after the deadline or that you can contact CEE to request an extension. The deadline is absolute, and no correspondence will be entertained. Plan your application submission at least 2–3 days before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or internet problems.
- Do not submit incomplete applications; they will be rejected without notice
- Verify all documents are uploaded in correct format and size
- Ensure all claims (caste, nativity, service) have supporting proof
- Confirm nativity eligibility and internship completion before applying
- In-service candidates must ensure department head receives acknowledgement on time
- Do not wait until the last day; submit 2–3 days before the deadline
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the application deadline for Kerala PG medical admissions 2026?
The application deadline is October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM. All applications must be submitted online through the CEE Kerala website by this date and time. No extensions or late submissions will be accepted.
Who is eligible to apply for Kerala PG medical admissions 2026?
Candidates must have a recognised MBBS degree or provisional MBBS pass certificate from the NMC, completed one year of internship by April 30, 2026, and qualified the NEET-PG 2026 examination. They must also meet nativity requirements (Indian citizen of Kerala origin, or Indian citizen, or child of non-Keralite parents with MBBS from Kerala, or non-Keralite service doctor under service quota). OCI cardholders are now eligible for general and NRI seats.
What are the minimum NEET-PG 2026 marks required for Kerala PG admission?
Minimum qualifying marks vary by category: General/EWS candidates need 50th percentile, SC/ST/SEBC candidates (including PwD under these categories) need 40th percentile, and UR PwD/EWS-PwD candidates need 45th percentile.
How much is the application fee, and is it refundable?
General and Service Quota candidates pay Rs. 1,000. SC/ST and SC/ST-eligible candidates pay Rs. 500. Service Quota candidates applying for General seats also must pay an additional Rs. 1,000. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
What documents do I need to upload with my application?
You must upload all supporting certificates and documents as proof of your claims, including MBBS degree certificate, internship completion proof, NEET-PG scorecard, nativity certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and service details (if applying under service quota). All documents must be uploaded within the application deadline.
Are non-Keralite doctors eligible to apply for Kerala PG medical admissions?
Non-Keralite doctors are eligible if they are applying under the service quota (as per a Kerala High Court judgment dated March 7, 2024). Children of non-Keralite parents who obtained their MBBS from a Kerala medical college are also eligible but not for reservation benefits. OCI cardholders are eligible for general and NRI seats.
What is the selection process for Kerala PG medical admissions 2026?
Selection is based on the NEET-PG 2026 rank list prepared by CEE Kerala. Admission is conducted through a common counselling process using a Centralised Allotment Process (CAP), which allocates seats based on merit and eligibility across state quota, minority quota, NRI quota, and service quota seats.
Is there an age limit for PG medical admission in Kerala?
There is no upper age limit for general candidates. However, Medical Education service quota candidates must not exceed 49 years as on December 31 of the notification year, and Health Service/Insurance Medical service quota candidates must not exceed 47 years as on the same date. These age limits ensure a minimum of 10 years of service post-course completion.
If you have qualified NEET-PG 2026 and are planning to pursue an MD or MS in Kerala, begin gathering your documents immediately and submit your application well before October 16, 2026, 4:00 PM. Review the full prospectus on the CEE Kerala website to understand seat availability, specialties, and colleges, and plan your counselling strategy based on your NEET-PG rank.
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