There has been a significant drop this year in Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 with the Round 1 cutoff dropping by more than 12,000 ranks compared with last year. The lower participation in Kerala Counselling and uncertainty around private medical college fees are among the factors that may have influenced many medical aspirants.
Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026: Major Update
Almost 11,000 less students participated in Kerala NEET UG Counselling session 2026-27 compared to previous year. Last year, the Round 1 closing rank was around 62,000, whereas this year the cutoff reached approximately 74,540.
This marks the major difference of around 12,362 ranks. The corresponding score mentioned in the counselling analysis is approximately 512 marks, with a Kerala State Rank of 5,714.
It can be considered a best chance for students who missed out a seat last year to get a better option in Kerala during 2026-27 counselling process.
For MBBS Admission in Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026-27
Get in Touch with Team Get My University
Call us on +917678676001
Or
Write us at info@getmyuniversity.com |
Which Kerala Medical Colleges Saw Major Cutoff Drops?
1. Karuna Medical College - Drop of more than 18,000 ranks.
2. Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College - Rank Difference of approx 12,900 ranks.
3. Palakkad Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) - showed a decline of more than 12,000 ranks in analysed data
There were some medical colleges which experienced a very significant decline in the closing ranks. However, not every college witnessed a decline.
One Kerala Medical College Where Cutoff Increased
1. Dr. Moopen's Medical College in Wayanad
There was only one medical college of Kerala whose cutoff moved upwards by approx 4505 ranks. This shows that college-wise preference plays an important role in Kerala counselling. Students should therefore avoid assuming that the overall cutoff trend will apply equally to every medical college.
Why is Kerala NEET Cutoff Dropping?
There could be several reasons behind the decline in Kerala NEET UG Round 1 Cutoff:-
1. Lower Student Participation
2. Students Considering a Drop
3. MCC and other State Counselling
4. Uncertainty of Private Medical College Fees
Kerala NEET UG 2026 College-wise Cutoff Variation
| Name of College | Approx Cutoff Change |
| Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute | 1,587 rank drop |
| Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences | 2,900 rank drop |
| Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College | 12,900 rank drop |
| Karuna Medical College | 18,000+ rank drop |
| Dr. Moopen's Medical College | ~4,505 rank increase |
Kerala NEET UG 2026 Expected Round 2 Score
On the basis of current counselling trend discussed in the analysis, students scoring 490-495 marks can expect a seat for Round 2, particularly for colleges where the cutoff is likely to move further.
The current Round 1 benchmark discussed is around 512 marks.
Therefore, students in the 490–495 marks range should carefully participate in Round 2 rather than assuming that they have no chance.
However, expected cutoffs are not guaranteed and can change depending on:
- Seat vacancies
- Student withdrawals
- Upgradation
- Choice filling
- Other state counselling results
- MCC allotments
- College preferences
Kerala NEET UG 2026 Rank-wise MBBS Chances
Medical aspirants who understand their chances on the basis of rank can consider the following expectation:-
| NEET Rank | Round 2 Expectation | Round 3 Expectation |
| 90,000–95,000 | Good possibility in available options | Better opportunity |
| 95,000–1,00,000 | Possible, depending on college | Reasonable possibility |
| 1,00,000–1,50,000 | Difficult/Risky | Possible in later rounds |
| 1,50,000+ | Very difficult | Highly risky |
Kerala NEET UG Counselling Reporting Rules
If a student receives a seat in a particular round and does not report the allotted college as required, they may lose their contribution in the counselling process.
Student must be careful while doing Kerala NEET UG Counselling Reporting. If a student receives a seat in a particular round and does not report to the allotted college, they may lose their contribution in the counselling process. Therefore, students should carefully read the latest official counselling instructions before deciding whether to accept, upgrade or exit.
Also Read: MBBS in Kerala: Required Budget and NEET Score
Conclusion
Kerala NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 2 brings a promising opportunity for students, especially after the significant cutoff drop seen in Round 1. Candidates in the 490–495 marks range and higher-rank brackets should not lose hope and should participate strategically in Round 2. However, cutoff trends are only indicative, so students must consider college-wise vacancies, fees, preferences and the latest counselling rules before making their final decision.