The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has made public the provisional state merit list for NEET PG 2026, containing 5,665 candidates. This list is a critical checkpoint for every MBBS graduate who applied for postgraduate medical admission in Kerala—it shows your NEET rank, application details, and qualifying status. However, the list includes important markers and remarks that you must understand carefully before the next phase of counselling. If your entry carries a 'Withheld' tag or a hash symbol (#), or if you appear in a separate 'Not Qualified' list of 20 candidates, you need to know what that means and what to do next.
Check your NEET rank, application number, and any special markers ('Withheld' or '#') in the provisional merit list immediately; candidates with these flags or in the 'Not Qualified' list must follow CEE Kerala's further instructions carefully.
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Unlock My College ListWhat the Kerala NEET PG 2026 Merit List Contains
The provisional merit list released by CEE Kerala is a PDF document that lists 5,665 candidates who applied for NEET PG 2026 in the state. Each entry includes your serial number, application number, roll number, NEET roll number, and your NEET rank. This is the official record that determines your eligibility and position for the upcoming counselling and seat allocation process.
Alongside the main merit list, CEE Kerala has also published a separate list of 20 candidates marked as 'Not Qualified'. This distinction is important: if your name appears in the main list, you have cleared the qualifying threshold; if you are in the 'Not Qualified' list, your candidacy for Kerala PG seats may be affected. The document is provisional, meaning it is subject to review and final approval by the screening committee.
Understanding 'Withheld' Status and the Hash Symbol (#)
Some candidates will see their entry marked 'Withheld' in the merit list. This flag typically indicates that your candidacy is under review or that there is a pending issue—such as a document verification problem, a discrepancy in your application, or a query raised by the screening committee. If your entry is withheld, you must not assume you are disqualified; instead, you should carefully read any remarks or notes attached to your entry and await further communication from CEE Kerala.
A hash symbol (#) placed against your NEET rank means you are provisionally included in the merit list, subject to the final decision of the screening committee. This is different from a clear inclusion. Candidates marked with '#' should monitor official updates from CEE Kerala closely, as the screening committee may request additional information or clarification before your status is confirmed. Do not ignore this marker; it signals that your position is conditional.
How to Access and Download the Merit List
To check your status in the provisional merit list, visit the official website of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala (cee.kerala.gov.in). Look for the link to the 'Kerala State Merit List of NEET PG 2026 (Provisional)' PDF. Once you open the document, you can search for your entry using your application number, roll number, or NEET roll number. The PDF is searchable, so use your browser's find function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to locate your details quickly.
After finding your entry, note down your NEET rank, check whether any special markers or remarks are attached to your name, and download the PDF to your device for safekeeping. This document will be important for future reference during counselling, seat allocation, and admission. Save it in a secure location and do not rely solely on a screenshot; keep the original PDF.
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- Visit cee.kerala.gov.in
- Search for the NEET PG 2026 provisional merit list link
- Open the PDF document
- Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) to search by application number, roll number, or NEET roll number
- Verify your NEET rank and check for any remarks or special markers
- Download and save the PDF for future use
What Each Column in the Merit List Means
The merit list is organized in columns that provide specific information about each candidate. The serial number is simply the order in which your entry appears in the list. Your application number is the unique identifier assigned to you when you registered for NEET PG counselling in Kerala. Your roll number is your examination roll number, and your NEET roll number is the national roll number issued by the NEET PG exam authority. Your NEET rank is the most critical piece of information—it determines your position in the merit order and your eligibility for seat allocation.
Some entries will also have remarks or notes in an additional column. These remarks might explain why an entry is withheld, what condition applies to a provisionally included candidate, or any other relevant information. Always read these remarks carefully, as they often contain instructions or warnings about your candidacy. If a remark is unclear, contact CEE Kerala directly for clarification.
- Serial number: Your position in the list
- Application number: Your unique counselling registration ID
- Roll number: Your exam roll number
- NEET roll number: Your national NEET PG roll number
- NEET rank: Your merit position (critical for seat allocation)
- Remarks: Any special conditions, flags, or notes about your candidacy
What 'Not Qualified' Means and What to Do
If your name appears in the separate list of 20 candidates marked 'Not Qualified', it means you have not met the qualifying criteria set by CEE Kerala for NEET PG 2026. This could be due to several reasons: your NEET score may fall below the qualifying cutoff, you may not have met the eligibility requirements (such as citizenship or educational qualification), or there may be a disqualifying issue identified during document verification. Being marked 'Not Qualified' is a serious matter and typically means you will not be eligible for seat allocation in Kerala.
If you believe your 'Not Qualified' status is an error, you should immediately contact CEE Kerala with supporting documents and request a review. The merit list is provisional, so there may be a window for appeals or clarifications. Check the official website for any notice about the appeal process, deadlines, and the contact details of the grievance redressal cell. Do not delay; act quickly if you wish to challenge this status.
- Not Qualified status means you do not meet the qualifying criteria
- Possible reasons: NEET score below cutoff, eligibility issues, or document discrepancies
- You will likely not be eligible for seat allocation in Kerala
- Contact CEE Kerala immediately if you believe this is an error
- Look for an appeal or review process on the official website
- Provide supporting documents to support your appeal
Why the Merit List Is Provisional and What Comes Next
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The merit list is labeled 'provisional' because it is not yet final. CEE Kerala's screening committee will review all entries, verify documents, and resolve any pending issues before issuing the final merit list. During this period, some candidates may be moved from 'Withheld' to 'Qualified', some provisionally included candidates (marked with '#') may be confirmed, and some entries may be removed if disqualifying issues are found. This is a normal part of the admission process and does not mean your candidacy is in doubt—it simply means the process is ongoing.
After the final merit list is released, CEE Kerala will announce the schedule for counselling and seat allocation. Candidates in the final merit list will be called for counselling in order of their NEET rank. During counselling, you will be offered seats based on your rank, your choices of speciality and college, and the availability of seats. If you are marked 'Withheld' or provisionally included, ensure you resolve any pending issues before counselling begins, as you may not be able to participate if your status is not confirmed.
- Provisional status means the list is subject to review and final approval
- CEE Kerala's screening committee will verify documents and resolve pending issues
- Some entries may change status before the final list is released
- The final merit list will be released after the screening process is complete
- Counselling and seat allocation will follow the final merit list
- Candidates will be called for counselling in order of NEET rank
Important Remarks and Conditions to Watch For
The merit list PDF includes a note on the final page that explains the meaning of special symbols and markers used in the document. The hash symbol (#) is specifically explained as indicating provisional inclusion subject to the screening committee's decision. This note is crucial—read it carefully, as it clarifies the exact status of your candidacy. If your entry carries any remark or symbol, cross-reference it with this explanatory note to understand what it means for you.
Some candidates may see remarks such as 'Pending verification', 'Document issue', 'Rank under review', or similar notes. These remarks are not rejections; they are flags indicating that your file requires further attention. In most cases, these issues can be resolved by submitting additional documents or clarifications to CEE Kerala. Contact the office promptly if you see such a remark, and ask what specific action is needed from you.
- Read the explanatory note on the final page of the merit list PDF
- Understand what each symbol and marker means for your candidacy
- Remarks like 'Pending verification' are not rejections—they require action
- Contact CEE Kerala if you see a remark against your entry
- Ask specifically what documents or clarifications are needed
- Resolve pending issues before counselling begins
Practical Steps to Take After Checking the Merit List
Once you have checked the merit list and understood your status, take the following steps. First, save the merit list PDF and any related documents to your computer and phone. Second, if your entry is clear (no 'Withheld' status, no '#' symbol, and no remarks), note your NEET rank and prepare for counselling by researching specialities and colleges. Third, if your entry has any flag or remark, contact CEE Kerala immediately to understand what is required and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Monitor the official CEE Kerala website regularly for updates on the final merit list, counselling schedule, and any notices about appeals or clarifications. Set a reminder to check the website at least twice a week. If you have any doubts about your status or the next steps, do not hesitate to call or email CEE Kerala's office. Clarity now will save you from confusion and missed deadlines later. Finally, prepare a list of your preferred specialities and colleges based on your NEET rank, as you will need this information during counselling.
- Save the merit list PDF and related documents securely
- Note your NEET rank and qualifying status
- If your entry is clear, begin researching specialities and colleges
- If your entry has flags or remarks, contact CEE Kerala immediately
- Monitor the official website for updates on the final merit list and counselling schedule
- Prepare a list of your preferred specialities and colleges
- Do not miss any deadlines or notices from CEE Kerala
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What does it mean if my entry is marked 'Withheld' in the Kerala NEET PG 2026 merit list?
A 'Withheld' status means your candidacy is under review by CEE Kerala's screening committee. This could be due to a document verification issue, a discrepancy in your application, or a pending query. It is not a rejection. You should read any remarks attached to your entry carefully and contact CEE Kerala to understand what is needed to resolve the issue. Once resolved, your status should be updated in the final merit list.
What does the hash symbol (#) next to my NEET rank mean?
The hash symbol (#) indicates that you are provisionally included in the merit list, subject to the final decision of the screening committee. This means your candidacy is conditional and may be confirmed or changed after the committee completes its review. You should monitor official updates from CEE Kerala closely and be prepared to provide any additional information if requested.
I am in the 'Not Qualified' list. What should I do?
If you are marked 'Not Qualified', it means you have not met the qualifying criteria for NEET PG 2026 in Kerala. This could be due to a NEET score below the cutoff, eligibility issues, or document discrepancies. You should immediately contact CEE Kerala with supporting documents and request a review or appeal. Check the official website for information about the appeal process and deadlines. Act quickly, as there may be a limited window for appeals.
How do I find my entry in the merit list PDF?
Visit cee.kerala.gov.in and look for the link to the 'Kerala State Merit List of NEET PG 2026 (Provisional)' PDF. Open the document and use your browser's find function (Ctrl+F on Windows or Cmd+F on Mac) to search for your application number, roll number, or NEET roll number. The PDF is searchable, so this will quickly locate your entry.
Is the merit list final, or can it change?
The merit list is provisional and subject to change. CEE Kerala's screening committee will review all entries, verify documents, and resolve pending issues before releasing the final merit list. Some candidates may move from 'Withheld' to 'Qualified', some provisionally included candidates may be confirmed, and some entries may be removed if disqualifying issues are found. The final merit list will be released after this review process is complete.
What should I do if I see a remark or note against my entry in the merit list?
Read the remark carefully and cross-reference it with the explanatory note on the final page of the merit list PDF. If the remark indicates a pending issue (such as 'Pending verification' or 'Document issue'), contact CEE Kerala immediately to ask what specific action is needed from you. Resolve the issue as quickly as possible, as it may affect your eligibility for counselling and seat allocation.
When will counselling begin after the merit list is released?
CEE Kerala will announce the counselling schedule after the final merit list is released. The provisional merit list does not include a counselling date. Monitor the official website regularly for updates. Candidates will typically be called for counselling in order of their NEET rank. Ensure your status is confirmed (no 'Withheld' or provisional flags) before counselling begins.
Can I appeal if I disagree with my status in the merit list?
Yes, if you believe your status is incorrect, you can appeal to CEE Kerala. Check the official website for information about the appeal process, deadlines, and the contact details of the grievance redressal cell. Submit supporting documents with your appeal and explain why you believe your status should be changed. Act quickly, as there may be a limited window for appeals before the final merit list is released.
Check the merit list immediately on cee.kerala.gov.in, verify your NEET rank and any special markers, and resolve any pending issues with CEE Kerala without delay. Monitor the official website closely for updates on the final merit list and counselling schedule, as the next phase of your PG admission journey depends on these timelines.
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