The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the NEET UG 2026 Karnataka merit list for candidates who qualified in the current NEET UG cycle and selected Karnataka in their NTA application. Multiple outlets report that the list includes a total of 69,170 qualified candidates and presents their marks and ranks for review. KEA places the score information in a format accessible on its official website, including a downloadable PDF score list that candidates can check for their details. The authority also communicates that an all-India topper for the list, reported as the candidate with All India Rank (AIR) 20, is ranked first in the Karnataka state merit order. KEA states that this merit list is a key step toward the counselling process, as it determines the state merit order for eligible candidates who opted for Karnataka during application. Candidates included in the list are expected to be considered in the forthcoming Karnataka counselling and seat allotment process, subject to the state’s admission guidelines. KEA advises candidates to download and verify their entries from the published score list and follow further counselling updates on its website.