Karnataka AYUSH Counselling 2026 Guide (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS)

Quick summary

If you are aiming for AYUSH UG seats in Karnataka in 2026, you will usually deal with two counselling systems:

• KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) - for Karnataka state counselling and seats allotted through KEA (UGAYUSH/UGNEET portal).

• AACCC (Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee) - for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and seats in Central Universities, National Institutes, and many Deemed Universities.

• You must qualify for NEET (UG) 2026 and then apply in the right portal(s) based on the seat type you want.

Important dates you can plan around

NEET (UG) 2026 dates are announced by NTA. KEA counselling dates for Karnataka AYUSH will be published later on the KEA UGNEET/UGAYUSH page after NEET results and state notifications.

Who conducts AYUSH counselling for Karnataka in 2026?

1) KEA - Karnataka state counselling 

KEA conducts common counselling for admission to UG Medical, Dental, and AYUSH seats in Karnataka as per state notifications and seat matrix. In KEA updates, AYUSH allotments are typically shown under 'UGAYUSH' within the UGNEET section.

2) AACCC - All India counselling for AYUSH 

AACCC (Government of India) runs online counselling for AIQ-UG AYUSH seats and for many seats in Central Universities, National Institutes, and Deemed Universities. If you are targeting AIQ seats or CU/NI seats, you must register separately on AACCC.

Courses covered

• BAMS (Ayurveda)

• BHMS (Homoeopathy)

•  BUMS (Unani)

• BSMS (Siddha)

Note: Some counselling rounds may also include B.Pharm (ITRA) in AIQ counselling depending on the year and notifications.

Eligibility checklist 

• You should always verify eligibility in the latest KEA bulletin and NTA bulletin. This section is a practical checklist to reduce mistakes.

• NEET (UG) 2026 qualified - you must have a valid All India Rank and meet the qualifying criteria.

• Class 12 / 2nd PUC with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English - minimum aggregate requirements depend on category and rules.

• Karnataka candidates can claim reservation as per state rules. Non-Karnataka candidates are generally not eligible for reservation and may be eligible only for notified seats.

• If you plan to claim any special category (HK region, minority, etc.), keep proof ready before verification.

Seat types you will see 

• Government quota seats (including government and aided institutions, subject to seat matrix)

• Private college seats (including management quota as notified)

• Minority seats (if applicable, as per seat matrix)

•  NRI and other special quota seats (as notified)

• Stray vacancy rounds and special stray rounds (end-stage rounds to fill leftover seats)

Apply for AACCC AYUSH Counselling 2026 – Check Eligibility & Process
Check here: AACCC AYUSH Counselling 2026

KEA Karnataka AYUSH counselling 2026 - step-by-step process

Step 1 - Qualify NEET (UG) 2026

Apply, appear, and download your scorecard and All India Rank.

Step 2 - Track KEA notifications for UGNEET/UGAYUSH

KEA publishes round-wise schedules, seat matrices, and links for registration, option entry, and fee payment.

For more information: NEET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin 

Step 3 - Register and link NEET details in KEA portal

Create a login, enter details carefully, and link your NEET roll number as per KEA instructions.

Step 4 - Document verification and claim certificates

Upload or present required certificates. Keep originals ready for college reporting.

Step 5 - Check eligible list and seat matrix

Verify your details in the eligible list and study the seat matrix (government, private, NRI, etc.).

Step 6 - Choice filling 

Fill options in the correct priority. This is the biggest ranking decision for your seat.

Step 7 - Mock allotment 

Use mock allotment to adjust priorities before final allotment.

Step 8 - Seat allotment rounds

KEA publishes provisional/final allotment lists and an allotment result for your login.

Step 9 - Pay fees and download admission order

Pay within the deadline, and download the admission order / confirmation slip.

Step 10 - Report to the allotted college

Report within the reporting window with originals and fee receipts.

Step 11 - Mop-up and stray vacancy rounds 

AYUSH often runs multiple stray rounds. Missing a deadline here can cost the seat.

Why you must watch stray vacancy rounds closely

In recent KEA cycles, UGAYUSH counselling continued with multiple stray and special stray rounds. That means you should keep monitoring KEA updates even after Round 2, because seats can reopen later with short deadlines.

Apply for KCET Counselling 2026 – Check Eligibility & Step-by-Step Guide
Check here: KCET Counselling Guide 2026

Documents required for Karnataka AYUSH counselling (KEA) - checklist

Exact requirements can vary by quota and category. Keep these ready early so you do not panic in option entry week.

•         NEET (UG) 2026 admit card and scorecard

•         SSLC / 10th marks card (DOB proof)

•         2nd PUC / 12th marks card

•         Study certificate (as applicable)

•         Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if claiming reservation

•         Income certificate (if claiming fee benefits or reservation-linked benefits)

•         Domicile / eligibility clause proof (Karnataka candidates) if required

•         Minority certificate (if applying under minority quota, as notified)

•         NRI documents (passport, sponsor documents) if applying under NRI quota

•         Passport-size photos (same as application)

•         Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)

Smart choice filling tips 

• Start with your real preference order - college + course + location, then adjust using last year's cutoffs as a reference.

• Do not fill random options just to increase count. Every option can become an allotment.

• If you are considering private seats, calculate the total cost (tuition, hostel, deposit) before locking choices.

• Never miss the fee payment deadline. Many candidates lose seats due to late payment.

• Keep your phone number and email active - KEA often sends updates and OTPs.

KEA vs AACCC - which one should you apply for?

Apply to KEA if you want Karnataka state counselling seats and AYUSH seats allotted through KEA. Apply to AACCC if you want AIQ AYUSH seats or CU/NI/Deemed seats covered by AACCC. Many serious candidates apply to both to keep options open, but you must manage timelines carefully.

Apply for Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026 – Check Eligibility & Complete Guide
Check here: Karnataka NEET Counselling 2026

Do I need NEET for BAMS/BHMS/BUMS/BSMS in Karnataka?

Yes. Admission to UG AYUSH courses is linked to NEET qualification as notified each year. Keep your NEET All India Rank ready.

Are non-Karnataka candidates eligible for AYUSH seats in Karnataka?

Many years, non-Karnataka candidates have not been eligible for reservation and are eligible only for seats notified for them. Always check the latest KEA bulletin for your exact clause.

What is a stray vacancy round?

It is an end-stage round to fill seats that remain vacant after regular rounds. Deadlines are short and rules are stricter.

Should I wait for Round 2 only?

No. AYUSH often continues into mop-up, stray, and even special stray rounds. Keep checking updates until admissions close.

Where do I verify official notifications?

Use the official KEA website for Karnataka rounds, the official AACCC website for AIQ AYUSH rounds, and the NTA NEET website for NEET exam notices.

Need help choosing colleges and options?

CollegesInfo by Onecity helps students compare AYUSH colleges, understand fees and seat types, and prepare a safe option list. If you want a shortlist based on your NEET score and budget, contact our team.