Karnataka’s KEA Announces PG Medical Counselling Timetable, Issues Penalty Chart for Seat Cancelling

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the critical timetable for the 2026 PG Medical and Dental (MD/MS/MDS) admissions. This SEO-optimized guide details all key dates, from initial registration and document verification to seat allotment and final reporting. Crucially, KEA has also published a severe penalty chart for seat cancellation, ensuring serious commitment from aspirants. Learn about the multi-tiered financial consequences of withdrawing seats after the final round. Secure your MD/MS/MDS future responsibly with this definitive guide.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), the nodal agency for postgraduate medical and dental admissions in the state, has issued a highly anticipated official notification outlining the complete PG Medical Counselling timetable for the 2026 academic session. This announcement, critical for thousands of MD, MS, and MDS aspirants across India, provides clarity on the multiple rounds of seat allotment. Beyond the schedule, KEA has also published a detailed Penalty Chart for Seat Cancelling, underscoring a strict commitment policy designed to prevent vacant seats and streamline the admission process. Aspirants must approach this year's counselling with heightened caution and a clear understanding of the financial liabilities tied to their choice filling and subsequent seat acceptance or rejection. This guide serves as a definitive resource, breaking down the key dates, documents, and the severe financial repercussions of non-compliance. Navigating the Karnataka PG Medical admission process requires meticulous planning, and this latest circular from KEA demands immediate attention from all stakeholders to avoid costly mistakes.

Comprehensive Timetable for PG Medical/Dental Aspirants

The 2026 counselling schedule, designed for efficiency, includes multiple phases starting with online registration and concluding with the final mop-up round. Adhering to these dates is non-negotiable for securing a coveted MD or MS seat in Karnataka’s highly sought-after institutions. The entire process is conducted online, minimizing physical presence until the final reporting stage.

• Initial Registration and Fee Payment: The window for new registrations and online payment of the counselling fee is scheduled from December 8, 2025, to December 15, 2025. Only candidates who successfully register and pay the mandatory fee will be eligible for subsequent rounds.
• Mandatory Document Verification: The KEA will conduct a rigorous, scheduled physical document verification process between December 17 and December 24, 2025. Candidates must present all original documents, including NEET PG scorecards, MBBS/BDS degrees, and eligibility certificates. Successful verification is the gateway to option entry.
• First Round (Round 1) Allotment: The first critical phase of option entry (choice filling) will be held from December 28 to December 31, 2025. The results for this initial allotment are expected to be published on January 3, 2026, followed by the seat exercising period.
• Second Round (Round 2) Allotment: This round, which includes newly added seats and seats vacated from Round 1, will begin in the second week of January 2026. This is often the final opportunity for candidates to upgrade their chosen discipline or institution without incurring severe penalties.
• Mop-Up Round and Institutional Round: The final round of allotment, known as the Mop-Up Round, will be conducted in the first week of February 2026 to fill any residual vacant seats. Candidates should note that the rules for seat exit are significantly stricter at this late stage.

Understanding the Steep Financial Penalty Chart

The most significant update from KEA concerns the Seat Cancellation Penalty Chart, a measure implemented to ensure that only genuinely committed candidates block seats, thus minimizing wastage. The penalties are substantial and increase exponentially with the progression of the counselling rounds, imposing a severe financial deterrent against casual exits. Aspirants must acknowledge this risk before entering options.

• Penalty for Round 1 Exit: Candidates who accept a seat in the first round but decide to surrender it before the commencement of the second round will be liable to forfeit their initial deposit fee. This penalty is relatively minor compared to later stages.
• Severe Penalty after Round 2: If a candidate cancels a seat after the results of the second round have been published but before the commencement of the Mop-Up Round, they will be penalized with a fine equivalent to three times the annual tuition fee of the allotted college. For many private medical colleges, this can easily translate to a penalty of upwards of ₹50 Lakhs.
• Mop-Up Round/Institutional Round Cancellation: The strictest penalty applies to candidates who cancel a seat after the Mop-Up or Institutional Round, especially once the academic session has officially begun. In such cases, KEA mandates the candidate to pay a penalty equivalent to five times the annual tuition fee, plus the forfeiture of the entire first-year fee. Furthermore, the candidate may be debarred from participating in KEA counselling for the subsequent two academic years, impacting their entire career timeline.
• Legal Action Clause: The KEA notification explicitly states that if the penalty is not paid, KEA reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings against the candidate to recover the funds, making this a serious legal and financial obligation.

Essential Checklist: Registration and Document Verification

Successfully navigating the KEA counselling process hinges on flawless registration and preparation of required documentation. Any discrepancy during the physical verification stage can lead to the immediate rejection of the candidature, losing the opportunity for a PG Medical seat entirely.

• Registration and Security Deposit: Candidates must complete the online application form and pay the refundable security deposit. This deposit varies based on the category (General/Reserved/Private Seat) and is crucial for entry into the choice-filling portal.
• Required Documents (Originals Mandatory): Aspirants must prepare a comprehensive set of original documents, attested copies, and specific certificates. Key documents include:
  • NEET PG 2026 Rank Card and Admit Card.
  • MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate and Marks Cards of all Professional Years.
  • Compulsory Internship Completion Certificate.
  • Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate issued by MCI/DCI or the State Medical/Dental Council.
  • A valid ID proof (Aadhar Card/Passport).
  • Study Certificates: Specific certificates proving 10 years of study in Karnataka (for Karnataka domicile candidates) or other domicile-related documents.
• Strategic Choice Filling (Option Entry): The option entry process requires maximum prudence. Candidates should list their preferred MD/MS/MDS course and college combinations in strict order of preference. A poorly constructed option list can lead to being allotted a non-preferred seat, triggering the need for a costly exit or acceptance of a sub-optimal choice. Research all college fee structures thoroughly before listing them.

In conclusion, the KEA's release of the PG Medical Counselling Timetable and the stringent Seat Cancellation Penalty Chart sets a serious tone for the 2026 admissions cycle. While the dates offer a structured pathway to securing an MD/MS seat, the associated penalties demand that every choice filled be a fully considered commitment. Candidates must download the official KEA brochure, meticulously review the financial penalty clause, and ensure all documents are ready for verification, minimizing any risk of error or costly withdrawal.

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