KCET (Karnataka Examination Authority Common Entrance Test)

KARNATAKA EXAM AUTHORITY COMMON ENTRANCE TEST (KCET2026)

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission into various undergraduate professional courses in Karnataka. It serves as a gateway for thousands of students aspiring to pursue degrees in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary science, and allied fields offered by government and private colleges across the state.

KCET 2026 is expected to be conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper based) over two days in April 2026. The exam includes objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, depending on the candidate's course choice. Each subject paper consists of 60 questions, totaling 180 marks, with a duration of 80 minutes per paper. The question papers are available in English and Kannada.

Eligibility for KCET requires candidates to have passed the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) 2nd year (or equivalent) with minimum prescribed marks — generally 45% aggregate in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology for general category candidates, with relaxation for reserved categories. Candidates must have completed their education from recognized Karnataka institutions or fulfill domicile conditions as stipulated by KEA.

The application process for KCET 2026 would be fully online, with registration expected in the last week of January 2026 through the official KEA portal. Candidates must fill in personal and academic details, upload scanned documents, and pay the application fee online. Admit cards are anticipated to be released about two weeks before the exam, in April 2026.

A notable feature of KCET is that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The exam assesses candidates' understanding of core concepts as per the Karnataka PUC syllabus. After the examination, results are declared online, usually in May, providing the scorecards and rank lists. Candidates who qualify then participate in the counseling process where seats are allotted based on merit, reservation policies, and choice filling.

KCET 2026 holds immense importance for students seeking admission to prestigious courses within Karnataka without having to appear for national-level exams. Preparation requires focused study of the PUC syllabus, regular practice of previous years’ papers, and time management skills.

KCET 2026 is a key examination conducted annually by KEA, enabling admission to professional courses in Karnataka with a transparent, merit-based process involving application, examination, results, and counseling stages. Candidates are advised to regularly check official KEA notifications for updates and detailed instructions

KCET 2026 Exams Highlights

KCET 2026 Exam Dates

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria of KCET 2026 specify conditions of nationality, academic qualification marks obtained in the Qualifying Exam (QE) as well as a domicile. As per KCET eligibility criteria, candidates must be citizens of India. Candidates who have passed or are appearing for class 12 or any other equivalent examination from an institution recognized by the state government can apply for the entrance test.  

• Candidates should be of Indian Nationality.
• Candidates should pass the qualifying examination listed in KCET 2025 Notification. The candidates who passed from Karnataka State Open University are not eligible.
• The candidates who are appearing in the qualifying examination i.e. 2nd PUC / 12th Std. in 2025 whose result is awaited are also eligible to apply and appear in the exam, however, he/she will not be eligible for admission unless they pass the qualifying examination with the required pass percentage of marks.
• Eligibility, admissions, and allotments made to and by the colleges shall be subject to approval by MCI / DCI / AICTE / COA / CCIM / Government / concerned University / Apex Bodies etc

 Click Here For KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

KCET 2026 Application Process

KCET 2026 application form will be released online by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) around the last week of January 2026. The application process is entirely online; no offline submission is available. Candidates must register first, fill in personal, academic, and communication details, upload necessary scanned documents like photographs, signatures, and thumb impressions, and pay the application fee online. The submission window typically closes by the last week of February 2026.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Application Process

KCET 2026 Admit Card

The KCET 2026 admit card is an essential document issued by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) that allows eligible candidates to appear for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). It serves as a hall ticket containing vital information about the candidate and the exam. The admit card will be released online about 15 days prior to the exam date, expected in April 2026.

Steps to Download KCET 2026 Admit Card

1. Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in or kea.kar.nic.in.
2. Look for the link labeled “KCET 2026 Admit Card” or “UGCET 2026 Hall Ticket.”
3. Enter the required credentials—typically the application number/registration number and date of birth or password.
4. Complete the captcha verification if prompted.
5. Submit the details to view the admit card.
6. Check all details on the admit card carefully.
7. Download the admit card PDF and take multiple printouts for exam day and future admission procedures.

Details Mentioned in the KCET 2026 Admit Card

• Candidate’s Name
• Registration/Application Number
• Roll Number
• Date of Birth
• Photograph and Signature of the Candidate
• Exam Date and Time
• Exam Centre Name and Address
• Reporting Time for the Exam
• Instructions and Guidelines for Exam Day
• Space for Invigilator’s Signature
• List of Documents to Carry

KCET 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus for the KCET 2026 entrance exam will be based on the 1^st and 2^nd PUC syllabi prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka State. The syllabus is comprised of the subjects Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Syllabus

KCET 2026 Exam Pattern

• The exam will be held in 2 days in 4 different sessions for four subjects.
• Each paper/subject exam is held for 80 minutes.
• The examination will be conducted in Offline Mode: Pen and paper Based Test (OMR).
• NO NEGATIVE MARKING.
• All questions are of objective type only.
• The question paper in each subject will be in 16 different versions.
• Each paper/subject is held for 60 marks.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Exam Pattern

KCET 2026 Result

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 results will be declared by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on their official websites like cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and kea.kar.nic.in. The results will be published a few weeks after the examination, usually expected in the third or fourth week of May 2026.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Results

KCET 2026 Cut-Off

The KCET 2026 cut-off is the minimum score or rank that applicants must achieve on the KCET exam in order to be admitted to a variety of professional courses in Karnataka, such as engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, etc. The number of applicants, exam difficulty, seat availability, and category-specific reservation procedures are some of the variables that affect the cut-off each year.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Cut Off

KCET 2026 Counselling

Based on KCET exam results, KCET 2026 counseling is a critical procedure for admission to professional courses in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) usually administers it online, with a probable commencement date of June or July 2026. Candidates who pass the KCET exam must verify their eligibility, register for counseling on the official KEA website, and finish document verification online or at designated locations.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Counselling

KCET 2026 Preparation Tips

• Understand the complete KCET syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
• Create a balanced and regular study schedule covering all subjects.
• Focus on conceptual clarity and foundational knowledge from Karnataka PUC textbooks.
• Make concise notes and formula sheets for quick revision.
• Practice previous years’ question papers and sample papers regularly.
• Take timed mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
• Identify weak areas through tests and work on improving them consistently.
• Avoid last-minute learning of new topics; prioritize revision before the exam.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management.
• Follow official notifications and exam guidelines carefully.
• Stay confident and positive throughout the preparation journey.

These tips will help structure preparation efficiently and boost performance in KCET 2026.

Click Here For KCET 2026 Preparation Tips

KCET 2026 General Instructions

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to various professional degree courses in Karnataka. To ensure smooth and fair conduct of the exam, candidates must comply with important general instructions issued by KEA.

1) The Candidates, who wish to apply for KCET, must apply online only.

2) It is advised to visit your allotted Examination Centre well before so that you can take the examination tension-free.

3) It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure that they are answering the correct Question Booklet of the branch for which they are eligible for admission.

4) Candidates must return both the Question Paper Booklet and OMR Answer Sheet after the test. Other pages in the OMR sheet can be taken by the candidate for reference to his/her answers.

5) The Question booklet code, Hall Ticket Number, and other details must be entered correctly and properly on the OMR Answer Sheet, in the Test. Otherwise, ranks declared, if any will be cancelled subsequently in such cases.

6) Candidate must carry Black/Blue Ball Point Pens, to mark the answers.

7) Affix a recent colour photograph (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm) in the box provided on the Filled in Online Application Form and get it attested by a Gazetted Officer / Principal of the college where studied.

8) The candidate has to submit the filled-in Online Application Form at the time of verification of documents.

KCET 2026 Exam FAQs

Q1. When will KCET 2026 application form be released?

Ans. The application form is expected to be available online in the last week of January 2026.

Q2. How do I apply for KCET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must register and fill the application form online on the official KEA website, upload required documents, pay the fee, and submit the form before the deadline.

Q3. What is the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must have passed 2nd PUC or equivalent with minimum required marks in relevant subjects and fulfill domicile requirements of Karnataka.

Q4. What is the exam mode and duration?

Ans. KCET is an offline, pen-and-paper exam conducted over two days. Each subject paper is usually 80 minutes long.

Q5. What subjects are tested in KCET?

Ans. The subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology depending on the course applied for.