The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the KCET 2026 (Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2026) registration process for admission to various professional courses in Karnataka. The online application portal opened on 17th January 2026 and will remain active until 16th February 2026.
This UGCET 2026 entrance examination is for thousands of students aspiring to pursue Engineering, Medical, Dental, Agriculture, Veterinary, Pharmacy, and other professional programs in government and private institutions across Karnataka for the academic year 2026-27.
KCET 2026 Overview
KCET 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to determine the eligibility and merit of candidates seeking admission to first-year undergraduate professional courses. The examination encompasses multiple disciplines and offers a comprehensive platform for Karnataka students to secure seats in prestigious institutions.
| Recruitment Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Courses Offered | Engineering, Medical, Dental, AYUSH, Agriculture, Veterinary, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
KCET 2026 Notification PDF
The KCET 2026 Information Bulletin has been released on the official KEA website. The comprehensive bulletin contains detailed information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, exam pattern, syllabus, reservation policies, and seat allotment process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and thoroughly read the KCET 2026 Notification PDF before starting their application. The bulletin also explains the new application-cum-verification module, document requirements, and various eligibility clauses for claiming government quota seats.
Download KCET 2026 Information Bulletin PDF
KCET 2026: Important Dates
Candidates applying for KCET 2026 must adhere to the official schedule announced by KEA. Missing any deadline may result in disqualification from the admission process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Information Bulletin Release | 17 January 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 17 January 2026 (11:00 AM onwards) |
| Document Verification at Colleges | 20 January 2026 to 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16 February 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 18 February 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | From 10 April 2026 (11:00 AM onwards) |
| Kannada Language Test | 22 April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Examination | 23-24 April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be notified later |
Also Read: NBEMS Fellowship Entrance Test 2026 Notification Out
Courses Available Through KCET 2026
KCET 2026 provides admission opportunities across various professional disciplines:
Engineering & Technology
- B.E./B.Tech in multiple specializations including Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and more
Medical & Dental (Through NEET)
- MBBS, BDS, AYUSH courses (Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy)
Agriculture & Allied Sciences
- B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture
- B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture
- B.Sc. (Hons) Forestry
- B.Sc. (Hons) Sericulture
- B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering)
- B.Tech (Food Technology)
- B.F.Sc (Fisheries)
Veterinary Science
- B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)
Pharmacy
- B. Pharma
- Pharma-D
- 2nd Year B.Pharma (Lateral Entry)
Nursing & Allied Health
- B.Sc. (Nursing)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
- Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO)
- B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences
Other Professional Courses
- Bachelor of Yoga and Naturopathy (BNYS)
- Architecture (Through NATA)
Also Read: NIFTEE 2026 Application Correction Window Notice OUT
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Check Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) UGCET 2026 Eligibility Below:
Age Limit
- Engineering/Technology: Candidates must have completed 17 years as of 31st December 2026
- Pharmacy, Yoga & Naturopathy: Must complete 17 years by 31st December 2026
Educational Qualification
| Course | Subjects Required | Minimum Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering/Technology | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 45% (40% for reserved categories) |
| Farm Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology | No minimum in CET |
| Veterinary Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English | 50% aggregate (40% for reserved) |
| B. Pharma | PCM or PCB | 45% (40% for reserved) |
| Yoga & Naturopathy | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 50% (40% for reserved) |
| B.Sc. Nursing | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English | 45% (40% for reserved) |
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Check Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) KCET 2026 Exam Pattern below:
Examination Schedule
| Date | Day | Session | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 April 2026 | Thursday | 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM | Physics | 60 |
| 23 April 2026 | Thursday | 02:30 PM – 03:50 PM | Chemistry | 60 |
| 24 April 2026 | Friday | 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM | Mathematics | 60 |
| 24 April 2026 | Friday | 02:30 PM – 03:50 PM | Biology | 60 |
| 22 April 2026 | Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Kannada Language Test | 50 |
Subject Combination for Different Courses
| Course | Subjects to Appear |
|---|---|
| Engineering/Technology | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) |
| Farm Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (PCMB) |
| Veterinary, Yoga, B.Sc. Nursing | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) |
| Pharmacy (B.Pharma, Pharma-D) | PCM or PCB (whichever is higher) |
| Medical/Dental/AYUSH | NEET (mandatory KEA registration) |
| Architecture | NATA (mandatory KEA registration) |
Exam Features
- Duration: 80 minutes per subject
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark per question, no negative marking
- Total Questions: 60 per subject
- Medium: English and Kannada
- Mode: Offline (OMR-based)
KCET 2026 Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹500 + Payment Gateway Charges |
| SC/ST/Category-I | ₹250 + Payment Gateway Charges |
Payment Methods: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI
Note: Fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.
How to Apply for KCET 2026
Step 1: Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
Step 2: Click on “CET-2026” under the Admissions section
Step 3: Read the Information Bulletin thoroughly
Step 4: Click on “New Registration” and enter basic details
Step 5: Verify mobile number through OTP (one mobile for one application only)
Step 6: Complete the registration and note down the Application Number
Step 7: Log in using Application Number and Password
Step 8: Fill in personal, academic, and reservation details carefully
Step 9: Upload scanned documents:
- Recent photograph (passport size)
- Signature
- SSLC/10th marks card
- 2nd PUC/12th marks card
- Relevant certificates (if claiming reservations)
Step 10: Review all entered information
Step 11: Pay the application fee online
Step 12: Submit the application
Step 13: Download and print the Claim Certificate
Step 14: Complete document verification at college (if required)
Step 15: Download final application form after verification
Fee Exemption
For SC/ST Candidates
| Income Slab | Fee Exemption |
|---|---|
| Below ₹2.5 lakhs | 100% in all colleges |
| ₹2.5 to ₹10 lakhs | 100% in all colleges |
For Category-I Candidates
| Income Slab | Fee Exemption |
|---|---|
| Below ₹2.5 lakhs | Government college fees waived; private colleges charge difference |
FAQs
Q1. What is KCET 2026?
KCET 2026 (Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2026) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by KEA for admission to professional courses in Karnataka including Engineering, Medical, Dental, Agriculture, Veterinary, Pharmacy, and Nursing programs.
Q2. When does KCET 2026 registration start?
KCET 2026 registration started on 17 January 2026 at 11:00 AM and will continue until 16 February 2026 (11:59 PM).
Q3. What is the application fee for KCET 2026?
General/OBC candidates: ₹500 + gateway charges; SC/ST/Category-I: ₹250 + gateway charges.
Q4. When will KCET 2026 be conducted?
KCET 2026 will be conducted on 23-24 April 2026 across various centers in Karnataka.
Q5. Can non-Karnataka candidates apply for KCET 2026?
Non-Karnataka candidates can apply only for B.Sc. Nursing course. They are not eligible for Engineering and other courses through KCET.
Q6. What is the new verification process in KCET 2026?
KCET 2026 introduces an application-cum-verification module where study details are verified through SATS and reservation details through RD numbers automatically.
Q7. Is document verification mandatory?
Yes, candidates claiming certain reservations must verify documents at their college. Others may be auto-verified through the system.
Q8. What is Supernumerary Quota in KCET 2026?
Supernumerary Quota (SNQ) provides 5% additional engineering seats with tuition fee waiver for students with family income below ₹8 lakhs annually.
Q9. Can I apply for both KCET and NEET?
Yes, candidates appearing for NEET must also register and pay fees for KCET 2026 to participate in KEA counseling for Medical/Dental courses in Karnataka.
Q10. Where can I download the KCET 2026 admit card?
Admit cards will be available for download from the candidate portal on the KEA website from 10 April 2026 onwards.
