Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI), Hubballi — previously known as Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hubballi and before that as Karnataka Medical College (KMC) Hubballi — is one of Karnataka's oldest, largest, and most distinguished government medical institutions, established in August 1957. It is ranked among the top 3 government medical colleges in Karnataka and is widely considered the best government medical college in North Karnataka. The name history reflects its evolution: started as Karnataka Medical College (KMC) in 1957 → rechristened Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in 1994–96 (when the KMC Director S.F. Kammar noted that research institute status enables tax exemption on imported medical equipment) → renamed Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in 2024 with Government of Karnataka approval, reverting to its KMC legacy while adding Research Institute status. KMCRI is affiliated with RGUHS, Bengaluru and approved by NMC for 200 MBBS seats (expanded from 150), 170+ PG seats in 20+ departments, and 12 Super-Specialty (DM/M.Ch) seats across 6 departments. The institution has been accorded the status of Institute of Excellence by the Government of Karnataka and is recognized as a WHO Fellowship Training Center and ICMR-approved Clinical Trials Center. KMCRI's 100-acre campus is situated on P.B. Road, Vidyanagar, Hubballi — 580022, approximately 2 km from Hubballi city centre, 3 km from Hubballi Junction Railway Station (major node on Central Southern Railway), and directly accessible via National Highway (Pune-Bengaluru NH-48). Hubballi airport (HBX) is approximately 9 km away. The 3,200 sq.m. Central Library — equipped with a stack room and separate study rooms (each for 100+ students) and 500+ sq.m. of outside study space — serves the student body of 1,197+ students under 228+ faculty. The institution runs KMCRI Hospital — the largest multi-specialty government hospital in North Karnataka with 2,000+ beds — offering specialty and super-specialty services in Cardiology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Urology, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and Surgical Gastroenterology, alongside all general specialties. The hospital also houses a Cardiac Catheterization Lab (designated as a Regional Cardiology Center by GoK), Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) Center (nodal center for HIV care in North Karnataka and surrounding regions), a Trauma Care Center, and a Maternal & Child Health Center. Additionally, the campus houses the Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (DIMHANS), a District Tuberculosis Center, and an Anti-Retroviral Therapy Center. The institution also runs a School of Nursing offering BSc Nursing, Post Basic BSc Nursing, GNM Diploma, and ANM Diploma. KMCRI's NEET 2024 General category AIQ cutoff at Round 1 was AIR 5,184 — reflecting its exceptional reputation among Karnataka government colleges.