After the completion of the third round of Common Entrance Test (CET-2025) counselling, the state government has given permission for seven new nursing colleges and seat expansion for 90 nursing colleges, resulting in more than 1,500 government quota for nursing posts sanctioned for these colleges remaining vacant.
KEA allots the government quota by conducting a total of three rounds of CET counseling for medical, engineering, nursing and other professional courses. The remaining seats after the cleaning round are returned to the respective schools. These positions are converted into management positions by schools and assigned to students.
Accordingly, a total of 32,164 nursing seats were available for 2025-26 in 661 nursing colleges across the state, including 34 government nursing colleges with 10,293 government quota and 21,871 private quota.
KEA completed the seat allotment process on 15 September 2025 round. At that time, a total of 8,808 government quota seats were filled and 1,485 seats remained vacant. Of the available private quota seats, only 3,821 seats were filled and 18,050 seats remained vacant.
Permission for seven new universities
However, the state government has given permission for seven new nursing colleges after 15 September 2025 and sanctioned 1,784 government quota for these colleges. Apart from this, it has also given permission to upgrade seats for a total of 90 nursing colleges.
“On the request of the higher authorities, we have decided to conduct an extended round of counseling and call for applications on October 3, 2025 to fill up a total of 3,269 government quota nursing posts, including 1,485 quota posts remaining after the collection round and 1,784 posts available again in the seven new colleges. During this time, only 270 students have been given an extension of four days. Out of 360 students, they were given option of entry and seats,” said H. Prasanna, executive director, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
He further stated, “Students were not informed about the extended round held for nursing posts and were unaware of it. Hence, a large number of students could not opt for the posts.”
Students and parents are protesting
Parents and students are concerned about the development.
“During CET counselling, I didn’t get govt quota of nursing seat in the college of my choice. So I applied for B.Sc. But KEA again announced extended circular counseling for seats on 3rd October. When I asked about it, they said that counseling is being done to fill the seats available in newly started colleges, but I would also get fresh permission if I get fresh seat in good college. My dream of studying nursing was dashed due to the negligence of the government and the granting of permission for a new college after the deadline. The government takes such decisions to facilitate private colleges,” claims student Kirti Prasad.
“II PUC and CET results will be known in April and May. Consultation processes will start from July. In such a situation, why is the government waiting for permission for new colleges till September?” asked Paramashiva, the parent.
“It would be more beneficial for the students if permission is given for new colleges in April, May or June. The fee for government quota nursing seats is only ₹ 10,000 and apart from few colleges there is a lot of demand for government quota seats in other colleges. Ministry of Medical Education gives permission for new nursing colleges and upgrading seats on the recommendation of complete of these health sciences RGUHS University is asking for complete Rajiv Gandhi University). processes first, the authorities do not react properly. Because of this, eligible poor and deserving students are deprived of nursing posts,” admitted a KEA official.
Published – 23 Oct 2025 20:51 IST
