KEA Introduces Internal Reservation for PG Medical & PG AYUSH Admissions: A Major Shift in Karnataka’s Seat Allotment System

In a significant policy update that could reshape postgraduate medical admissions in Karnataka, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has implemented internal reservation for PG Medical and PG AYUSH courses. This decision aims to ensure a more balanced and equitable distribution of seats among various sub-groups within the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.

The new rule follows the recommendations of the H.N. Nagamohan Das Committee, which classified SC communities into three sub-groups — SCA, SCB, and SCC — for better representation in education and government services.

What has changed?

Until now, SC candidates were treated as one broad category during PG Medical and AYUSH counselling. With the new rule, seat allotment will now consider internal sub-quota within the SC category.

To claim this benefit, candidates must submit:

• Caste certificate mentioning internal reservation sub-category (SCA / SCB / SCC)

• RD number, as proof of verification

These documents must be produced during the KEA verification window.

KEA officials confirmed that as of the latest update, 883 candidates have already submitted their internal-reservation certificates for consideration this year.

Why this matters

The move is being seen as a major step toward social justice, ensuring that the most marginalized sub-groups under the SC umbrella receive their fair share of opportunities.

Healthcare experts say the policy could lead to:

• Fairer representation across SC sub-communities

• Increased accessibility for historically disadvantaged groups

• Better diversity across medical and AYUSH postgraduate programs

Deadline pressure for candidates

KEA opened a special submission window and reminded candidates that failing to submit the correct documents would force the Authority to process their seat allotment based on earlier verified category alone, without internal-reservation benefits.

This adds a layer of urgency for aspirants aiming for PG Medical (NEET-PG based) and PG AYUSH (AIAPGET-based) seats.

Impact on PG AYUSH counselling

This year’s PG AYUSH counselling — covering Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, Yoga & Naturopathy — is already underway. With internal reservation now in place, KEA will incorporate the new sub-quotas while generating the upcoming rounds of seat allotment.

Officials say the updated system will reflect:

• Merit

• Category

• Internal-reservation sub-group

• Seat availability

This is expected to make the seat allotment process more transparent and data-driven.

Reactions

Education analysts believe this reform brings Karnataka in line with evolving social-equity demands. Supporters say it will uplift underrepresented SC groups, while critics argue that it adds pressure to an already complex counselling process.

A senior KEA officer noted, “This move ensures fair representation. Our aim is to classify, verify, and allot seats in a way that benefits all groups equitably.”

What comes next

With the seat-allotment rounds scheduled to continue through December, the real impact of internal reservation will become visible in the coming weeks.

Experts expect this policy to influence:

• Future reservation guidelines in other educational sectors

• How other states approach internal reservation

• The demographic composition of postgraduate medical education