Targeting MBBS in Karnataka: Check out NIRF-ranked Top Institutes, NEET 2025 State Quota Eligibility Guide
Karnataka- Karnataka, one of India's largest states, has a significant presence in the country's medical education landscape.
To pursue an MBBS degree in India, qualifying the NEET-UG (National Eligibility Entrance Test) is mandatory for all aspirants. NEET serves as the single entrance exam for admission to both government and private medical colleges across the country. Among the various states, Karnataka is considered one of the top choices for MBBS education due to its well-established medical colleges, high number of available seats, and a transparent admission process.
It hosts several reputed institutions, including the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Kasturba Medical College, and St. John’s Medical College.
According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 released by the Ministry of Education, six medical colleges from Karnataka have been ranked among the top medical institutions in India. NIMHANS, Bengaluru, secured the 4th rank with a score of 71.92, followed by Kasturba Medical College, Manipal at 9th position with a score of 67.42. Other colleges in the list include St. John’s Medical College, Kasturba Medical College (Mangalore), JSS Medical College (Mysore), and M.S. Ramaiah Medical College.
Some other top colleges are Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag, Government Medical College, Mysore, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan, Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary and Chikkaballapura Institute of Medical Sciences.
According to the NIRF 2024 rankings, a total of six medical colleges in Karnataka are ranked in the top 50. Below is the list
S.NO. | RANK | INSTITITE | SCORE |
1 | 4 | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore | 71.92 |
2 | 9 | Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | 67.42 |
3 | 28 | St. John's Medical College | 58.03 |
4 | 33 | Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. | 57.12 |
5 | 39 | JSS Medical College, Mysore. | 55.00 |
6 | 46 | M. S. Ramaiah Medical College. | 51.76 |
Meanwhile, to be eligible for the 85 per cent state quota in Karnataka NEET UG, candidates must meet one of the following criteria-
1 7-year study in Karnataka: Studied in a government or recognised school in Karnataka for at least 7 years between Class 1 to 12.
2 Parents studied in Karnataka: Passed Class 11 and 12 from a Karnataka institution, and parents studied in Karnataka for at least 7 years.
3 Kannada/Tulu/Kodava language: Candidate and parents’ mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava, and parents are domiciled in Karnataka.
4 Study outside Karnataka: Students who have studied outside Karnataka or are residing outside Karnataka will undergo a Kannada Language Test.
5 Defence personnel: Parents are defence personnel who served in Karnataka for at least 1 year.
6 Ex-servicemen: Children of ex-servicemen who declared Karnataka as their hometown.
7 Government employees: Parents are central or state government employees who have served in Karnataka for at least 1 year.
8 MPs’ children: Children of MPs elected from Karnataka. These students could have studied their Class 12th anywhere in the country.
9 Migrants from J&K: Parents are migrants from Jammu and Kashmir. Such students and parents should have proof.
10 Kannada medium: Students who have studied 10 full years in Kannada medium need not require any language test; however, they should pass the qualifying examination from any Government or Govt. recognised educational institution within the country.
12 CAPF employees: Parents are employed with the Central Armed Police Force, who have declared Karnataka as their hometown. Proof of domicile of the parents should be obtained from the competent authorities and has to be furnished when asked by the Directorate.
