KCET Exam 2026: Exam Dates, Application From (Jan), Syllabus, Pattern & 2025 Counselling Cutoff

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.

KCET Exam Highlights 2026

A simplified overview of the KCET 2026 presented in a below to quickly understand the key details about the exam:

KCET Exam Date 2026

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.

Also Check: KCET 2026 Dates

KCET Exam Eligibility 2026

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:

• To apply for B.E./B.Tech , candidates must have passed 2nd PUC/12th with Physics, Mathematics, and English, securing at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories).
• For B.Arch , candidates should have completed 2nd PUC/12th or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics, and admission will be based on NATA scores instead of KCET.
• Applicants for Farm Science courses must have passed 2nd PUC/12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• For B.V.Sc. & A.H., candidates need to pass 2nd PUC/12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, with a minimum of 50% marks, and must also take a practical test along with KCET.
• To be eligible for B-Pharma, candidates must have scored at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) in 2nd PUC/12th with Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics.
• For 2nd Year B-Pharma (Lateral Entry), candidates must hold a Diploma in Pharmacy from a recognized institution.

KCET Registration 2026

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:

• Step 1: Browse the official KEA website.
• Step 2: On the home page click on “UGCET-2026 Online Application”.
• Step 3: On the new page, click on “New User? Click Here to Register” to start the registration process.
• Step 4: Enter all required details such as name, date of birth, email, and mobile number carefully in the registration form.
• Step 5: Once submitted, you will receive your application number and user ID via SMS and email. You have to give a password for your account.
• Step 6: Click on the “Final Submit” option to complete your registration.

Check: KCET Registration 2026

KCET Application Process 2026

After completing the registration, candidates need to fill out KCET 2026 application form using their login credentials. Follow these steps given below:

• Step 1: Browse the official KCET website to start the application process.
• Step 2: Click on the “UGCET-2026 Online Application” link to start filling out your application.
• Step 3: Log in with the user ID and password to access your application form.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee using any of the available online payment options.
• Step 5: Fill in all the required details in the application form and click “Save and Next”.
• Step 6: Upload your photograph, signature, and your parent's signature as specified in JPG/JPEG format.
• Step 7: Double-check all the entered information and click “Final Submit” to submit your application.
• Step 8: Download the application form. Take a printout for future reference.

KCET Application Fees 2026

To complete KCET 2026 application, candidates must pay a fee based on their category and location. The fee structure is listed below:

KCET Admit Card 2026

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.

KCET Exam Centres 2026

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:

KCET Exam Syllabus 2026

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 Exam Pattern 2026

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:

Check: KCET Exam Pattern 2026

KCET Exam Books 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:

How to Prepare for KCET 2026?

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 with NCERT Basics

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.”

Solve previous year question papers

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.”

Create a smart study plan

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.”

Focus on important chapters

Prioritize chapters that usually have high marks:

• Physics → Electrochemistry, Thermodynamics
• Chemistry → Biochemistry, Chemical Bonding
• Maths → Calculus, Coordinate Geometry
• Biology → Genetics, Human Physiology

Practice mock tests regularly

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.”

Use quick revision tools

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.”

Clear doubts quickly

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.

Track progress and learn from mistakes

Keep a notebook of mistakes from mock tests or practice papers. Revise this notebook weekly to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

KCET Mock Tests 2026

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 Keys 2026

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.

KCET Exam Results 2026

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 Counselling 2026

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.

KCET Cutoff 2026

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.

Also Check: KCET Cutoff 2025

KCET Participating Colleges 2026

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:

• University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering
• B M S College of Engineering
• Ambedkar Institute of Technology
• V. College of Engineering
• Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering
• Bangalore Institute of Technology
• Islamiah Institute of Technology
• M V J College of Engineering
• Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology

Also Read: KCET Preferred Colleges 2026