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Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is a state-level examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to various undergraduate courses like Engineering, Technology, B-Pharm, Pharm-D, and more. The exam is held annually, and candidates who wish to pursue these courses in Karnataka must clear KCET. The application process starts in January 2026 and concludes by February 2026. The exam itself is expected to take place in April 2026.
KCET exam is a pen-and-paper-based test featuring multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject will have a dedicated session of 80 minutes. The exam is conducted in English, and candidates can choose their exam centres from various locations across Karnataka. The result is expected in May 2026, followed by an online counselling process starting in June 2026.
And the KCET eligibility Criteria varies based on the course chosen, but for most courses, candidates must have passed the 12th grade with specific subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, and English. The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category and place of residence.
KCET offers a structured preparation strategy with a defined syllabus that aligns with the PUC curriculum. There are recommended books for each subject to help students prepare effectively. Furthermore, mock tests and answer keys will be made available to assist candidates in their preparation.
Candidates must stay updated with the official notifications and ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria for a smooth application and exam process.
A simplified overview of the KCET 2026 presented in a below to quickly understand the key details about the exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Full Name of Exam | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Short Name | KCET |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Exam Frequency | Once every year |
| Application Start Date | January 2026 (tentative) |
| Application End Date | February 2026 (tentative) |
| Last Date to Pay Fees | February 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Release Date | April 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam Dates | April 2026 (tentative) |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
| Exam Level | State-level examination |
| Languages Offered | English |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Fee (General) | INR 500 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper based) |
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective type) |
| Duration Per Subject | 80 minutes |
| Counselling Mode | Online counselling process |
| KCET Pattern | Pen and Paper mode with MCQs |
| Helpdesk Number | 9741388123 |
| Number of Applicants | Around 2.16 lakh |
| Number of Test Takers | Over 1 lakh |
| Courses Offered | Engineering, Technology, B-Pharm, Pharm-D, Yoga and Naturopathy, Farm Sciences |
Below is the tentative schedule for KCET Exam 2026. These dates have been prepared based on the schedule for KCET 2025 and may change after the official notification is released. Students should use this as a guideline and start their preparations.
| Event | KCET 2026 Dates (Tentative) |
| Release of KCET 2026 Application Form | 23rd January 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit KCET 2026 Application | 24th February 2026 |
| Final Date to Pay Application Fee | 25th February 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Kannada Language Test | 15th April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Main Exam (English Medium) | 16th to 17th April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Admit Card Availability | 7th April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Result Announcement | 3rd week of May 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Counselling Begins | June 2026 |
Also Check: KCET 2026 Dates
To be eligible for KCET 2026, candidates must meet specific criteria based on the course they are applying for. If a candidate fails to meet any condition, their application will be rejected immediately:
Getting started with KCET 2026 admission process begins with a simple online registration. This step creates your official login credentials, which you'll use throughout the application and counselling stage:
Check: KCET Registration 2026
After completing the registration, candidates need to fill out KCET 2026 application form using their login credentials. Follow these steps given below:
To complete KCET 2026 application, candidates must pay a fee based on their category and location. The fee structure is listed below:
| Candidate Location | Category | Application Fee |
| Within Karnataka | General / OBC | INR 500 |
| Within Karnataka | Female | INR 250 |
| Within Karnataka | SC / ST | INR 250 |
| Outside Karnataka | All Categories | INR 750 |
| Outside India | All Categories | INR 5000 |
Candidates appearing for KCET 2026 need to download their admit cards from the official website. The hall ticket will display the exam centre details, registration number, and key exam-day guidelines. Without KCET admit card, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the exam under any circumstances. It is important that all candidates keep their admit cards safe, as they will need it throughout the entire admission process.
While filling out KCET 2026 application form, candidates can choose their preferred exam centres from across Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority reserves the right to cancel any centre if needed. Candidates applying under Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga clauses must take the test only in Bangalore. All candidates are advised to arrive at the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the exam begins. The list of KCET exam centres are given below:
| Centre Names | Centre Names | Centre Names |
| Bangalore | Mandya | Karwar |
| Bagalkot | Krishnarajpet | Kollegal |
| Kundapura | Chamarajnagar | Bidar |
| Doddaballapur | Bijapur | Bhadravathi |
| Jamakhandi | Shimoga | Sirsi |
| Karkala | Mysore | Basavakalyan |
| Channapatna | Bhalki | Sagar |
| Ramanagara | Kumta | Tumkur |
| Tiptur | Dandeli | Davangere |
| Koppal | Bellary | Chitradurga |
| Madikeri | Raichur | Hospet |
| Chikmagalur | Hassan | Mangalore |
| Belgaum | Gadag | Kolar |
| Puttur | Chikodi | Haveri |
| Gulbarga | Moodabidri | Athani |
| Hubli | Yadgir | Ujire |
| Gokak | Dharwad | Chikkaballapur |
| Udupi | – | – |
KCET syllabus 2026 gives students a clear and organized structure to follow while preparing for the exam. It covers important topics from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, based on the first and second-year PUC (Pre-University College) curriculum in Karnataka. For 2026, the exam authority has added new units to match the updated JEE Main and NEET syllabi. This update helps students prepare more efficiently by aligning KCET with other national-level entrance exams and ensuring they focus on key concepts that matter most. Check out the table given below to get the detailed KCET syllabus 2026:
| KCET 2025 Subjects | KCET Syllabus PDF Link |
| I PUC | Download KCET 2026 I PUC Syllabus PDF |
| II PUC | Download KCET 2026 II PUC Syllabus PDF |
KEA will conduct KCET 2026 in pen-and-paper mode. The exam will have three sessions, and candidates must understand the pattern well to plan their preparation effectively:
| Particulars | Details |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for every correct answer; no negative marking |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-paper based test) |
| Number of Sessions | Session 1: Mathematics Session 2: Physics Session 3: Chemistry |
| Medium of Language | English or Kannada |
| Duration per Session | 1 hour 20 minutes for each subject session |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) with 4 answer choices per question |
| Total Questions | 180 questions overall |
| Questions per Subject | Mathematics – 60 Physics – 60 Chemistry – 60 |
Check: KCET Exam Pattern 2026
To prepare effectively for KCET 2026, students should choose books that clearly explain key topics as per the official syllabus. It is important to use books that match the PUC syllabus and build strong conceptual understanding:
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| Mathematics | - Mathematics for 1st Year PUC by Dr. PG Umarani - CET by Bosco MCQ, Mathematics by Dinesh - NCERT Maths Books for Class 11 and 12 |
| Physics | - Fundamentals of Physics by S. Chand - Physics for 1st Year PUC by AS Govind - NCERT Physics Books for Class 11 and 12 - Physics for CET & COMEDK - Pradeep’s Fundamental Physics (Class 11 & 12) - Physics for CET and COMEDK by K.L. Gomber and K.L. Gogia |
| Chemistry | - Pradeep’s New Course Chemistry - NCERT Chemistry Books for Class 11 and 12 - Chemistry for 1st Year PUC by Somashekara Prasad - Modern’s ABC of Chemistry, Part 1 & 2 by S.P. Jauhar |
To do well in KCET 2026, students should plan their preparation carefully, practice regularly and focus on the most important chapters. Here is a step-by-step guide based on the tips of KCET 2025 toppers:
Start your preparation by reading the NCERT Class 11 and 12 books thoroughly. Prajwal S (KCET Rank 171) says, “I started serious preparation from the very first PUC with a clear goal. NCERT Basics gave me the strong foundation I needed.”
At least look at the last 8-10 years of KCET question papers to see which chapters are asked frequently. Karan Koder (top topper) mentions, “The structured practice and conceptual clarity of the previous year question papers helped me stay confident.”
Divide your daily schedule based on your strengths and weaknesses. Example: Physics (1.5 hrs), Chemistry (1 hr), Maths/Biology (2 hrs), Revision (1 hr). Gagan V Rai (rank 5534) suggests, “Consistency and discipline in following a daily plan have made the biggest difference for me.”
Prioritize chapters that usually have high marks:
Take 2-3 full-length mock tests every week in exam situations. Dhinesh Arunachalam (rank 3) says, “Mock tests are your best friend. They help identify weak areas and improve speed.”
Maintain short notes, formula sheets and reaction flowcharts. Bhavesh Jayanti (topper) says, “Revision was the key. Short notes and focusing on previous mistakes made my preparation more effective.”
Don’t leave any topic unclear. Ask teachers, attend doubt sessions, or use reliable online resources. Strong fundamentals save time and boost confidence during exams.
Keep a notebook of mistakes from mock tests or practice papers. Revise this notebook weekly to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Candidates can take KCET 2026 mock test for free, which helps them understand the exam pattern and identify the topics with more weightage. These mock tests follow the official KCET syllabus and give candidates a clear idea of the type of questions they can expect. As of now, there is no official KCET mock test released by KEA, but students can find many free mock tests on trusted educational platforms for effective practice.
KCET answer key 2026 will be released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority on its official website shortly after the exam is conducted. Candidates will be able to download the provisional answer key in PDF format and compare their responses with the correct answers provided. This will help them estimate their probable scores before the official results are declared. If candidates find any discrepancies in the provisional answer key, they will also have the option to raise objections within the given time frame. After reviewing all the objections, the authority will release the final answer key.
The official authority will publish KCET results 2026 online through the website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates can check their results by entering their application number and the first four letters of their name. The result will show the subject-wise marks, total score, and the rank secured by the candidate. To view the result, candidates need to visit the official website, enter the required details, and submit the form. After that, they can download the result and take a printout for future use.
KCET 2026 counselling process will be a mix of online and offline procedures. After the results are announced, candidates must register and select their preferred colleges and courses through the admission portal. They can only apply for the counselling session after checking their merit rank and confirming their eligibility. Candidates will need to upload their documents for verification by the authorities. Seat allocation will be based on the candidate's merit rank and the preferences they set for courses and colleges. Finally, candidates must visit the college to complete the admission process and submit their documents.
The official KCET 2026 cutoff will be announced after the counselling round. For reference, the KCET 2025 cutoffs are shared below. Please note that the table highlights only the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) cutoffs, as it is the most in-demand branch among students. However, KEA releases the branch-wise cutoffs for each college during counselling.
| Institute / College | Branch | Closing Rank 2025 (General) |
| R. V. College of Engineering Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 234 |
| M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 1100 |
| PES University (Ring Road Campus) Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 1365 |
| BMS College of Engineering Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 1720 |
| University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering | Computer Science and Engineering | 3473 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 4149 |
| Bangalore Institute of Technology Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 5036 |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology Tumkur | Computer Science and Engineering | 7683 |
| Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 11,715 |
| MVJ College of Engineering Bangalore | Computer Science and Engineering | 24,794 |
| Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology Tumkur | Computer Science and Engineering | 27,919 |
| SJC Institute of Technology Chickballapur | Computer Science and Engineering | 63,049 |
| Ghousia Engineering College Ramanagara | Computer Science and Engineering | 67,325 |
| Kalpataru Institute of Technology Tiptur | Computer Science and Engineering | 69,525 |
| Tontadarya College of Engineering Gadag | Computer Science and Engineering | 60,918 |
| Dr. T. Thimmaiah Institute of Technology Bangarapet | Computer Science and Engineering | 79,830 |
Also Check: KCET Cutoff 2025
Many reputed colleges in Karnataka will offer admission through KCET 2026 based on candidates' ranks. Around 252 institutes will take part in the counselling process. Here are some of the top engineering colleges you can aim for:
Also Read: KCET Preferred Colleges 2026
Ans: To be eligible for KCET 2026, candidates must have completed their 12th grade (2nd PUC) with specific subjects depending on the course. For engineering courses, candidates must have studied Physics, Mathematics, and English in their 12th grade and must score at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories). Other courses, like B-Pharma and B.V.Sc., have separate requirements that candidates must meet. Detailed eligibility can be found on the official KCET website.
Ans: KCET 2026 will be conducted in offline mode, meaning it will be a pen-and-paper-based exam. The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across three subjects: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Each subject will have its own session, and candidates will have 1 hour 20 minutes to complete each session.
Ans: To apply for KCET 2026, candidates need to visit the official website of KEA and register online. After registration, candidates must log in using their credentials, fill out the application form, pay the required application fee, and upload necessary documents. The application process is entirely online. Make sure to check the application dates and submit your form before the last date.
Ans: Yes, candidates can make corrections to their KCET 2026 application form. KEA will open a correction window in March 2026, where candidates can modify any details they might have entered incorrectly. It is important to ensure all information is correct before submitting, but the correction window provides an opportunity to fix errors.
Ans: KCET 2026 exam will have a total of 180 questions, with 60 questions each from Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The exam will be held in three separate sessions, one for each subject. The questions will be objective type (MCQs), with one mark awarded for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in KCET exam.
Ans: As of now, there is no specific age limit mentioned for KCET 2026. However, candidates must meet the educational qualification requirements to be eligible for the exam. It is always advisable to check the official KCET notification for any updates or changes related to age criteria or other eligibility conditions.
Ans: For KCET 2026 counselling, candidates will need to upload several documents for verification. These include a valid photo ID, class 12th marksheet, KCET 2026 admit card, and category certificate (if applicable). Candidates should ensure that they have all necessary documents ready before the counselling process begins to avoid any delays.
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