Maharashtra vs Karnataka MBBS Fees & Cutoff (NEET 2026)
- Tasmiya Shaikh
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Introduction
Choosing the right state for MBBS admission can be the difference between securing a government seat and paying crores in private fees. Among all Indian states, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the two most preferred destinations for MBBS, attracting lakhs of NEET aspirants every year.
This detailed comparison of Maharashtra vs Karnataka MBBS fees and cutoff will help you understand:
Which state has lower NEET cutoffs
Where MBBS fees are more affordable
Which state offers better government quota options
Which is safer for average NEET rankers in 2026
Overview: Maharashtra vs Karnataka MBBS Admission
Factor | Maharashtra | Karnataka |
Total MBBS Seats | High | Very High |
Govt Colleges | Many | Moderate |
Private Colleges | Limited | Very High |
Govt Quota in Private | Yes | Yes (Major Advantage) |
NEET Competition | Very High | High but flexible |
MBBS Fees Comparison: Maharashtra vs Karnataka
MBBS Fees in Maharashtra (2026)
College Type | Annual Fees |
Government Colleges | ₹1.03 – 1.3 lakh |
Private Colleges | ₹15 – 25 lakh |
Govt Quota in Private | ₹6 – 9 lakh |
Hostel + Mess | ₹1.2 – 2.5 lakh |
Key points:
Very affordable government colleges
Private MBBS is expensive
Limited private colleges = higher competition
MBBS Fees in Karnataka (2026)
College Type | Annual Fees |
Government Colleges | ₹65,000 – 1.2 lakh |
Private Colleges (Private Quota) | ₹10 – 25 lakh |
Govt Quota in Private | ₹3.5 – 5 lakh |
Hostel + Mess | ₹1 – 2 lakh |
Key points:
Lowest government quota fees in private colleges
Large number of private medical colleges
More flexibility during counselling rounds
NEET Cutoff Comparison: Maharashtra vs Karnataka
Government College NEET Cutoff (General Category)
State | Safe NEET Rank (Approx) |
Maharashtra | 8,000 – 18,000 |
Karnataka | 15,000 – 25,000 |
Maharashtra government colleges are more competitive due to fewer seats and high domicile demand.
Government Quota in Private Colleges (Game-Changer)
State | Safe Rank Range |
Maharashtra | 50,000 – 75,000 |
Karnataka | 55,000 – 85,000 |
This is where Karnataka clearly gains an edge for average NEET rankers.
Which State Is Better for Average NEET Rank?
Choose Maharashtra If:
Your rank is under 20,000
You are targeting government colleges only
You prefer studying within the state
Choose Karnataka If:
Your rank is between 40,000 – 85,000
You want government quota seats in private colleges
You need more counselling flexibility
For most students scoring between 450–550 marks, Karnataka offers safer options.
Counselling & Domicile Rules (Important)
Factor | Maharashtra | Karnataka |
Domicile Required | Yes | No |
Other State Students | Limited | Allowed |
Govt Quota in Private | State-based | Open to all |
Mop-up Opportunities | Limited | Very High |
Karnataka counselling is more forgiving in later rounds.
Final Verdict: Maharashtra vs Karnataka MBBS Fees & Cutoff
There is no universal winner — the better state depends on your NEET rank and budget.
Top rankers → Maharashtra government colleges
Average rankers → Karnataka government quota seats
Budget-focused students → Karnataka
High competition tolerance → Maharashtra
Smart counselling matters more than marks.
FAQs
1. Which state has lower MBBS fees, Maharashtra or Karnataka?
Karnataka has lower fees due to affordable government quota seats in private colleges.
2. Is Karnataka better for average NEET rank students?
Yes. Karnataka offers more opportunities between 50,000–85,000 ranks.
3. Can Maharashtra students apply in Karnataka?
Yes. Karnataka does not require domicile for government quota seats.
4. Which state has higher NEET cutoffs?
Maharashtra government colleges have higher cutoffs than Karnataka.
5. Which state is safer during mop-up rounds?
Karnataka offers more mop-up and stray vacancy opportunities.
CTA
Want to make smarter NEET counselling decisions?
Explore our detailed state-wise college guide for average NEET ranks and check the NEET 2026 cutoff analysis to understand which colleges are realistically within your reach.
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