Karnataka is home to top-ranked medical colleges like KMC Manipal, St. John’s Medical College, BMCRI, and MS Ramaiah. Admissions are based on NEET, with cutoffs ranging widely across categories. Government colleges charge around ₹1–2 lakh, while private colleges cost ₹8–10 lakh annually. These institutions offer MBBS, MD, MS, and super-specialty courses along with excellent placement opportunities, making Karnataka a leading hub for medical education in India.
Karnataka is one of the most sought-after destinations for medical education in India. Known for its advanced infrastructure, research opportunities, and high-quality academics, the state is home to some of India’s best MBBS colleges. Institutions like Kasturba Medical College (Manipal), St. John’s Medical College (Bangalore), MS Ramaiah Medical College (Bangalore), and Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI) attract thousands of aspirants every year. Admissions are primarily through NEET, and cutoffs vary across categories and colleges.
Highlights
Medical colleges in Karnataka offer a wide range of undergraduate (MBBS), postgraduate (MD/MS), and super-specialty programs (DM/MCh). The state is particularly popular among Indian as well as international students due to its well-established institutions and strong placement opportunities in government and private hospitals.
| Particulars | Details |
| Number of Colleges | 60+ medical colleges |
| Ownership | Mix of Government and Private |
| Annual Fee (UG) | Govt: ₹1–2 lakh |
| Top Colleges | KMC Manipal, St. John’s, MS Ramaiah, BMCRI, JSS Medical College, Kasturba Mangalore |
| Top Exams | NEET UG, NEET PG |
| Admission Process | NEET score + state counseling (KEA) |
| Specializations Offered | MBBS, MD, MS, DM, MCh, Nursing, Paramedical |
Top Medical Colleges in Karnataka: NIRF Ranking 2024
The NIRF rankings 2024 reflect the best medical institutions in Karnataka.
| College Name | NIRF 2022 | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| JSS Medical College, Mysore | 19 | 20 | 22 |
| Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore | 21 | 22 | 24 |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore | 30 | 32 | 31 |
| BMCRI, Bangalore | 38 | 37 | 39 |
Top Medical Colleges in Karnataka: Admissions
Admission to Karnataka medical colleges is NEET-based and conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
Eligibility:
- Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English (minimum 50% marks for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC).
- Must qualify NEET UG for MBBS and NEET PG for MD/MS.
- Minimum age: 17 years.
Admission Process:
- Qualify NEET (UG/PG).
- Register for Karnataka state counseling via KEA.
- Choice filling & seat allotment.
- Fee payment & reporting to the college.
Top Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka
| College Name | Fees (MBBS) | NIRF 2024 Rank |
| BMCRI, Bangalore | ₹1.2 lakh (entire course) | 39 |
| Mysore Medical College | ₹1.2 lakh | 44 |
| Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli | ₹1.3 lakh | 52 |
| Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences | ₹1.3 lakh | 60+ |
Top Private Medical Colleges in Karnataka
| College Name | Fees (MBBS) | NIRF 2024 Rank |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | ₹9.5 lakh per year | 10 |
| Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore | ₹9 lakh per year | 24 |
| St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore | ₹6.3 lakh per year | 14 |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore | ₹10 lakh per year | 31 |
| JSS Medical College, Mysore | ₹8.2 lakh per year | 22 |
Top Medical Colleges in Karnataka: Courses Offered
- Undergraduate (UG): MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, BPT.
- Postgraduate (PG): MD (General Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, Anesthesia, Dermatology), MS (General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology).
- Super-specialty: DM (Cardiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology), MCh (Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery).
- Allied Health: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Paramedical programs.
Top Medical Colleges in Karnataka: Cutoff 2025
The NEET cutoff for Karnataka varies every year based on difficulty level, category, and number of applicants.
| College Name | NEET 2024 Closing Rank (General) |
| KMC Manipal | ~40,000 |
| St. John’s Medical College | ~35,000 |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College | ~48,000 |
| BMCRI Bangalore | ~2,000 |
| JSS Medical College | ~50,000 |
Placements & Salary Packages
Medical colleges in Karnataka provide strong placement opportunities through internships, residencies, and direct hospital recruitments.
| College Name | Average Salary Package | Top Recruiters |
| KMC Manipal | ₹12–14 LPA | Apollo, Fortis, Manipal Hospitals |
| St. John’s Medical College | ₹10–12 LPA | Narayana Health, AIIMS, Max Healthcare |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College | ₹9–11 LPA | Fortis, Columbia Asia, Medanta |
| BMCRI Bangalore | ₹15–18 LPA | Government & research hospitals |
Conclusion
Karnataka is a hub for medical education, offering some of India’s best MBBS colleges like KMC Manipal, St. John’s, and BMCRI. With affordable fees in government colleges and advanced facilities in private institutions, Karnataka is an excellent choice for aspiring doctors. Students must prepare well for NEET 2026 to secure admission in these top-ranked colleges.
Read Also:
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- Eras Lucknow Medical College & Hospital – Admission, Courses, Fees & Facilities (2026)
- Top Medical Colleges in Maharashtra: Ranking, Fees, Admission, NEET UG Cutoff
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the No. 1 medical college in Karnataka?
Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal is ranked as the No. 1 medical college in Karnataka and consistently appears in the top 10 of NIRF rankings.
2. How many medical colleges are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka has over 60 medical colleges, including government and private institutions, offering MBBS, MD/MS, and super-specialty courses.
3. What is the NEET cutoff for KMC Manipal?
The NEET 2024 cutoff for Kasturba Medical College, Manipal was around 40,000 rank (General category).
4. What is the MBBS fee in government medical colleges of Karnataka?
Government medical colleges like BMCRI Bangalore and Mysore Medical College charge around ₹1–2 lakh for the entire MBBS course.
5. What is the MBBS fee in private medical colleges in Karnataka?
Private colleges like KMC Manipal and MS Ramaiah Medical College charge between ₹8–10 lakh annually for MBBS.
6. Is Karnataka good for MBBS?
Yes, Karnataka is one of the most popular states for MBBS with world-class colleges, affordable government fees, and strong hospital tie-ups for placements.
7. Which is the best private medical college in Karnataka?
Kasturba Medical College (Manipal and Mangalore), MS Ramaiah Medical College, and JSS Medical College are considered the best private colleges.
8. What is the cutoff for BMCRI Bangalore?
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has a very high cutoff, with General category closing ranks around 2,000 in NEET 2024.
9. How many government MBBS seats are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka offers around 3,750 government MBBS seats across its state-run medical colleges.
10. What is the stipend for MBBS interns in Karnataka?
MBBS interns in Karnataka government medical colleges typically earn a stipend between ₹20,000–30,000 per month.
11. Which entrance exam is required for MBBS in Karnataka?
Admission to MBBS in Karnataka is done through the NEET UG exam, followed by counseling conducted by KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority).
12. What is the highest package for MBBS graduates in Karnataka?
MBBS graduates from top colleges like BMCRI and KMC Manipal can earn starting packages of ₹12–18 LPA, depending on specialization.
13. Which city in Karnataka has the best medical colleges?
Bangalore is the top hub with institutions like BMCRI, St. John’s Medical College, and MS Ramaiah Medical College.
14. What is the duration of MBBS in Karnataka colleges?
The MBBS course in Karnataka lasts 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of academics and a 1-year compulsory internship.
15. Do Karnataka medical colleges offer hostel facilities?
Yes, almost all government and private colleges provide separate hostels for boys and girls with affordable accommodation.