Karnataka introduces 15% NRI quota in MBBS seats; fees fixed at Rs 25 lakh in govt medical colleges

Fulfilling its long-standing demand, the Karnataka government has introduced a 15% NRI quota in the government medical colleges, following the NMC’s approval to add 400 seats in eight medical colleges. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will implement the new NRI reservation policy and revised seat matrix in the round 2 NEET UG counselling.

As per the revised seat matrix, 12 medical seats have been added to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum (JNMC Belgaum), 40 seats to Farooqui Dental College, Mysore, and 50 seats to BGS Global Dental College.

Additionally, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved the addition of 400 MBBS seats in 8 government medical colleges, which will also be included in the Karnataka NEET UG round 2 counselling 2025.

The state government has fixed the MBBS fees for the 15% NRI quota at Rs 25 lakh, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, minister of medical education announced. The Karnataka NEET UG option entry has also been activated for candidates to edit their preferences and avail the NRI quota if eligible.

“Non-NRI candidates can also register their preferences/choices for the 'Q' seats in these colleges. The NRI seats that remain unfilled will be converted into 'Q' seats and allotted,” H Prasanna, IAS executive director of KEA said.

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The Karnataka government had proposed for 5% supernumerary seats under the NRI quota in 22 government-run medical colleges to raise funds for development and research programmes. Education activists and students had opposed this proposal and called it “illegal” and as an act of "financial and moral bankruptcy”.

Of the total 396 seats notified for AYUSH courses on September 4, 79 seats are reserved for the NRI category. Candidates will be allowed to enter, edit, or modify their preferences by 1 pm today, September 8.

“The options considered for the second round of seat allotment will be displayed on the candidates' login portal. Those who have secured a seat in the first round and paid the fee for Choice-2 and those who have paid a caution deposit of Rs 1 lakh for choice-3 can reorder their preferences /options/remove them if not required and add only new colleges,” the KEA said.