KCET Registration 2026 has been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, architecture, veterinary, and other professional courses in Karnataka colleges through the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET).
KCET 2026 Registration Overview
KCET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by KEA for undergraduate professional courses under the state quota. The KCET 2026 application form is available online on the KEA portal, with the registration deadline extended multiple times.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Admission Level | State-level entrance exam for UG professional courses |
| Courses Offered | Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Architecture, Veterinary and others |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
What is KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)?
KCET is a state-level entrance exam by KEA for admission to UG professional courses in government, aided, and private institutions in Karnataka. Scores are used for B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharm, D.Pharm, agriculture, veterinary, architecture, and allied programs under the state quota.
Admitting institutions include government engineering colleges, aided colleges, and private ones affiliated to universities like VTU. The process includes registration, exam, results, ranks, document verification, option entry, seat allotment, and reporting via KEA counselling.
KCET Registration Date 2026
KEA released the KCET 2026 schedule and extended the application deadline multiple times due to candidate requests.
| Event | KCET 2026 Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | January 16–17, 2026 | Released |
| Original Last Date to Apply | February 17, 2026 | Released |
| First Extension – Last Date | February 22, 2026 | Released |
| Final Extension – Last Date to Apply | 11:59 pm on February 27, 2026 | Released |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 5:30 pm on March 3, 2026 | Released |
| Application Correction Window | Open (details as per KEA; some sources mention till March 30, 2026) | Announced |
| Admit Card Release | Expected a few weeks before exam | Expected |
| KCET 2026 Exam Dates | April 23 and 24, 2026 (Core Subjects); Kannada Language Test on April 22, 2026 | Released |
| Result Date | To be announced | TBA |
KCET Application Form 2026
The application is online-only via the KEA portal. Complete registration and fee payment by the deadlines to avoid rejection.
How to Apply Online for KCET 2026
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Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
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Click on the “UGCET-2026 / CET-2026 Registration” link.
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Register as a new candidate with basic details, mobile, email, and generate login credentials.
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Log in and fill out the application form with personal, academic, category, exam centre, and course details.
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Upload passport-size photo, signature, left thumb impression, and supporting documents (e.g., caste/income certificates) in specified formats.
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Pay the fee online (debit/credit card, net banking, UPI).
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Submit and download the confirmation page and fee receipt.
KCET Application Fee 2026
Fees vary by category (exact amounts from the official brochure/notification).
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General / OBC (Karnataka candidates): Higher slab for GM/2A/2B/3A/3B - Rs. 500/-.
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SC / ST / Category-1 (Karnataka): Concessional/lower fee - Rs. 250/-.
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Outside Karnataka (Rs. 750/-) / NRI / Foreign: Separate/higher fees as per rules - (Rs. 1000/-).
Refer to the KCET 2026 information bulletin for precise figures.
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility includes qualifications, subjects, marks, and Karnataka domicile clauses (A, B, C, etc.).
Educational Qualification & Subjects
- Passed/appearing in 2nd PUC/Class 12 or equivalent with required combinations (e.g., Physics & Mathematics compulsory + Chemistry/Biology/Biotech/Computer Science/Electronics for engineering).
Minimum Marks
- Typically 45%–50% aggregate in qualifying exam for General (relaxed to 40%–45% for reserved categories); varies by course.
Domicile / Eligibility Clauses
- Candidates must meet Karnataka-specific conditions (e.g., study/residence years, parent service/study in state).
Course-wise Brief
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Engineering: Physics, Math + optional science subject.
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Pharmacy: Physics & Chemistry + Math/Biology.
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Agriculture/Veterinary: PCB/PCMB combinations as specified.
Documents Required for KCET Registration
Prepare scanned copies:
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SSLC/Class 10 marks card (DOB proof).
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2nd PUC/Class 12 marks card.
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Photo, signature, left thumb impression.
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Caste/category/income certificates (if applicable).
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Study/domicile/eligibility certificates.
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Aadhaar or other IDs as required.
KCET Application Correction Window 2026
KEA provides a correction window post-submission for editing certain fields (e.g., personal/academic details). Dates and editable fields are notified on the portal; some updates indicate it's open (check official notices for exact period, possibly till March 30, 2026, in recent mentions). No changes after the deadline.
KCET Exam Pattern 2026
Offline, MCQ-based with no negative marking.
| Paper / Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes | 1 mark per correct answer; No negative marking |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes | 1 mark per correct answer; No negative marking |
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes | 1 mark per correct answer; No negative marking |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes | 1 mark per correct answer; No negative marking |
| Kannada Language Test | As per the scheme | As per the scheme | Separate | As notified |
KCET Admit Card 2026
Released online before exams. Carry printed copy + photo ID.
Steps to Download:
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Visit https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
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Click the “KCET 2026 Admit Card” link.
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Log in with application number/password/DOB.
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Download and verify details; print.
KCET Result 2026
Declared online with scores/ranks. Used for counselling registration.
KCET Counselling Process 2026
Online by KEA: document verification, option entry, seat allotment (multiple rounds), fee payment, and reporting.
