KEA Tightens Caste Certificate Rules for NEET PG 2025 Counselling

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued fresh instructions for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates participating in Karnataka NEET PG 2025 Counselling. As per the latest notice, submission of an original caste certificate with internal reservation details has now been made compulsory before seat allotment. This decision directly impacts all SC aspirants seeking admission to postgraduate medical courses under the state quota for the 2025 admission cycle.

Original Caste Certificate Now Mandatory for SC Category Seat Allotment

KEA has clarified that every SC candidate must submit an original caste certificate mentioning SCA, SCB or SCC classification along with RD number. This document must be obtained from the local Tahsildar office and submitted within the prescribed deadline. Failure to submit the original certificate will result in seat allotment based strictly on the category recorded during document verification. KEA has clearly stated that no change of category will be permitted at this stage under any circumstances. The authority further explained that since internal reservation details were not available during the early stages of PG medical document verification, seat allotment in previous mock rounds was carried out based on candidate declarations. The updated rule now ensures that internal reservation benefit is granted only after verification of the original certificate.

Submission Deadline and Consequences for Non-Compliance

SC candidates have been instructed to submit the required certificate to the KEA office on or before 11/26/2025. Candidates who miss this deadline will lose eligibility for internal SC reservation benefits and will be considered only under the originally verified category. This move is aimed at improving transparency and avoiding category-related discrepancies during final seat allotment. KEA has cautioned that late submission will not be entertained under any condition once the final allotment process begins.

Karnataka NEET PG 2025 Mock Allotment and Seat Allocation Timeline

With the second round of mock allotment already published, candidates are currently reviewing their allotment status. This phase is critical for revising preferences before final seat allocation. Candidates are being allowed to revise, add, delete or rearrange choices after checking mock allotment results, even if they had not filled choices earlier, provided the counselling fee has been paid. The upcoming official counselling schedule is as follows:

• Provisional Seat Allotment Result: 11/27/2025 after 11 AM
• Final Seat Allotment List: 11/28/2025 after 11 AM
• Last Date for Submission of Original SC Certificate: 11/26/2025

These dates are crucial for candidates aiming to secure a postgraduate medical seat within the Karnataka state quota.

Impact on Karnataka NEET PG 2025 SC Candidates

The new directive places a significant compliance responsibility on SC candidates. Submission of the correct document now directly determines eligibility under internal reservation and final merit-based seat allocation. Candidates are advised to verify certificate details well in advance to avoid last-minute rejection. The updated guideline strengthens document verification standards and is expected to reduce post-allotment disputes related to category claims.

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