Best Medical College in Karnataka 2026 – Top MBBS Colleges, Fees, Rankings & NEET Cutoff
Best medical college in Karnataka in 2026 is one of the most important decisions for NEET aspirants planning to pursue MBBS in India. Karnataka is widely regarded as one of the top destinations for medical education due to its excellent infrastructure, highly experienced faculty, modern hospitals, and a large number of government and private medical colleges.
Every year, thousands of students from across India compete for MBBS seats in Karnataka through NEET UG counselling. With more than 70+ medical colleges, including government, private, and deemed universities, Karnataka offers diverse options for students with different budgets and NEET scores.
In this detailed guide, we will cover:
- Top government and private medical colleges in Karnataka 2026
- MBBS seat availability
- NEET cutoff trends
- Fee structure
- Admission process
- Why Karnataka is the best choice for MBBS
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Why Choose Karnataka for MBBS in 2026?
Karnataka has consistently remained one of the most preferred states for medical education in India. Here are the key reasons why students choose Karnataka for MBBS:
1. High Number of Medical Colleges
Karnataka has one of the highest numbers of MBBS colleges in India, offering thousands of seats every year in both government and private institutions.
2. Quality Education & Infrastructure
Most medical colleges in Karnataka are equipped with:
- Advanced laboratories
- Large teaching hospitals
- Modern classrooms
- Experienced faculty
3. Affordable Government College Fees
Government medical colleges in Karnataka offer very low MBBS fees compared to private colleges, making them ideal for meritorious students.
4. Strong Clinical Exposure
Cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, and Mangalore provide excellent patient inflow, giving students rich clinical experience.
5. Transparent NEET Counselling
Admission to MBBS colleges in Karnataka is conducted through a well-structured and transparent counselling process based on NEET scores.
Types of Best Medical College in Karnataka
Before selecting the best medical college in Karnataka, it is important to understand the different types of institutions available:
- Government Medical Colleges
- Private Medical Colleges
- Deemed Universities
- Minority Medical Colleges
Each type has different fee structures, cutoff ranges, and admission policies.
Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Government medical colleges are the most preferred due to their low fees, high academic reputation, and strong clinical exposure.
List of Best Medical College in Karnataka Government
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Bangalore
- Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore
- Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli
- Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Mandya
- Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Hassan
- Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbarga
- Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga
- Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur
- Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar
- Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi
Bangalore Medical College and Reasearch Institute
MYSORE MEDICAL COLLEGE AND RESEARCH INTITUTE
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences
Best Medical College in Karnataka Fees (Govt.)
- Annual Tuition Fee: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000
- Hostel & Miscellaneous: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000
- Total MBBS Cost (5.5 years): ₹1–2 lakhs approx.
NEET Cutoff for Government Colleges (Expected 2026)
- General Category: 610 – 680 marks
- OBC: 590 – 620 marks
- SC/ST: 450 – 520 marks
Best Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Private medical colleges in Karnataka are known for their excellent facilities, experienced faculty, and international-level hospitals. Many top-ranked private colleges attract students from all over India.
Top Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka
- St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore
- JSS Medical College, Mysore
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bangalore
- AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore
- Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore
- Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore
- SDM College of Medical Sciences, Dharwad
ST.JOHN’S NATIONAL ACADMEY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Kasturba Medical College,Manipal
SDM College of Medical Sciences &Hospital
Private Medical College Fees (Approx.)
- Tuition Fee: ₹8 – ₹15 lakhs per year
- Hostel & Other Charges: ₹1 – ₹2 lakhs per year
- Total MBBS Cost: ₹60 – ₹90 lakhs approx.
NEET Cutoff for Private Colleges (Expected 2026)
- General Category: 450 – 600 marks
- Management Quota: 300 – 450 marks
Top Deemed Medical Universities in Karnataka
Deemed universities offer high-quality education with modern infrastructure but come with higher fees.
Best Deemed Medical Colleges in Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
- JSS Medical College, Mysore
- Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar
- Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore
Fees in Deemed Universities
- Annual Fee: ₹18 – ₹25 lakhs
- Total MBBS Cost: ₹90 lakhs – ₹1.2 crore
MBBS Seats in Karnataka 2026
Karnataka offers more than 11,000 MBBS seats, distributed among government, private, and deemed colleges.
Seat Distribution (Approx.)
- Government Colleges: 3,500+ seats
- Private Colleges: 5,500+ seats
- Deemed Universities: 2,000+ seats
NEET UG 2026 Cutoff – Karnataka (Expected)
NEET cutoff changes every year depending on:
- Number of candidates
- Difficulty level of exam
- Seat availability
Expected NEET Cutoff Range
| Category | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 610 – 680 |
| OBC | 580 – 620 |
| SC/ST | 450 – 520 |
| Private Colleges | 300 – 550 |
Admission Process for MBBS in Karnataka 2026
Admission to MBBS colleges in Karnataka is conducted through NEET UG counselling.
Step-by-Step Admission Process
- Appear in NEET UG 2026
- Qualify NEET with required cutoff
- Register for counselling
- All India Quota (AIQ)
- State Quota (Karnataka)
- Choice filling & locking
- Seat allotment
- Document verification
- College reporting & admission confirmation
Documents Required for MBBS Admission
- NEET Admit Card & Scorecard
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
- Transfer Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- ID Proof
- Passport-size photographs
Government vs Private Medical Colleges – Comparison
| Feature | Government | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Very Low | High |
| NEET Cutoff | Very High | Moderate |
| Infrastructure | Good | Excellent |
| Seat Availability | Limited | More Seats |
| Competition | Very High | Medium |
Which Is the Best Medical College in Karnataka in 2026?
The best medical college in Karnataka depends on your:
- NEET score
- Budget
- Location preference
Best Overall Choices:
- Best Government College: Bangalore Medical College
- Best Private College: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
- Best Affordable Option: State Government Colleges
Conclusion
Karnataka continues to be a top destination for MBBS in India in 2026. With world-class government and private medical colleges, transparent admission processes, and strong academic standards, it offers excellent opportunities for NEET aspirants.
If you are aiming for the best medical college in Karnataka 2026, start preparing early for NEET, understand cutoff trends, and choose your college wisely based on merit and affordability.
