KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus
  • KCET Exam
  • KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus

KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus

Team Careers360Updated on 28 Jul 2025, 05:00 PM IST

KCET 2026 - The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 details will be released on the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Conducted annually by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), the KCET exam provides students with the opportunity to pursue various undergraduate courses, such as Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, and more. The KCET 2026 exam registration is expected to begin in January 2026, while the KCET 2026 exam will be tentatively scheduled in April 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. KCET 2026 Exam Date
  2. KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
  3. KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
  4. KCET 2026 Application Fee
  5. KCET 2026 Preparation Tips
  6. KCET 2026 Admit Card
  7. KCET 2026 Answer Key
  8. KCET 2026 Result & Merit List
  9. KCET 2026 Counseling
KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus
KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus

Through the KCET exam, students can apply for undergraduate courses like B.E./B. Tech, B.Arch, B.Pharm, and other related fields. The KCET 2026 Eligibility criteria details will be given in the official brochure published by the KEA authority. Candidates need to complete their 10+2 education with Physics, Mathematics, and any other science subject to appear for the examination. The KCET 2026 exam pattern consists of objective-type questions for a total of 180 marks, with an allotted time of 80 minutes.

KCET 2026 Exam Date

The KEA authority will announce the KCET 2026 exam dates on its official website. Below are the tentative dates of KCET 2026 exam based on the previous years KCET exam schedule.

Event

Tentative Dates

Application Starts

1st Week of January 2026

Last Date to Apply

3rd Week of February 2026 (11:59 pm)

Last Date to Pay the Fee

3rd Week of February 2026

Final Chance to Apply Online

2nd Week of March 2026

Application Correction

After the Exam

Admit Card Release

1st Week of April 2026

KCET 2026 Exam Date

2nd Week of April 2026

Answer Key Release

April/May 2026

Result Announcement

2nd Week of May 2026

Counseling Starts

1st Week of June 2026

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in taking the KCET 2026 exam must meet the following eligibility criteria, depending on the course they wish to pursue:

Course

Qualification

Marks Requirement

Subjects Required

Appearing Criteria

Additional Requirement

B.Tech

Passed 12th or equivalent from a recognized board

45% overall (40% for reserved categories)

Physics, Mathematics, and one additional science subject

Students in 12th grade can apply

N/A

B.Arch

Passed 12th grade or a 3-year diploma from a recognized institution

N/A

Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Students in 12th grade can apply

Valid NATA 2026 score required

B.Pharm

Passed 12th grade or diploma in Pharmacy

45% overall (40% for reserved categories)

Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics

Students in 12th grade can apply

N/A

B.V.Sc. & A.H.

Passed 10th and 12th grade or equivalent

50% overall (40% for reserved categories)

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English

Students in 12th grade can apply

N/A

KCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The KCET 2026 exam will be conducted offline and will consist of 180 marks. The subject-wise distribution is as follows:

  • Chemistry: 60 Marks

  • Physics: 60 Marks

  • Mathematics/Biology: 60 Marks

Presidency University B.Tech Admissions 2025

Ranked #5 among Top Emerging Engineering Institutes | Key Recruiters : Amazon, Accenture, KPMG, EY, Capgemini etc

GNA University B.Tech Admissions 2025

100% Placement Assistance | Avail Merit Scholarships | Highest CTC 43 LPA

Key Details of the Exam Pattern:

Aspect

Details

Total Marks

180 marks

Marks Distribution

60 marks per subject

Mode of Exam

Offline (Pen and Paper)

Duration

80 minutes (1 hour 10 minutes)

Number of Questions

60 questions per subject

Question Type

Objective-type questions

Marking Scheme

1 mark for each correct answer

Negative Marking

No negative marking

KCET 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for the KCET exam varies depending on the candidate's category, state of origin, and nationality:

Category

Fee

Karnataka Residents (GM/2A/2B/3A/3B)

Rs. 500

Karnataka SC/ST Category-1/Female

Rs. 250

Candidates from Outside Karnataka

Rs. 750

International Candidates

Rs. 5,000

Candidates can make payments through UPI, bank transfer, or demand drafts. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.

KCET 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for the KCET exam can be challenging, but with the right approach, candidates can perform well and secure a seat in prestigious institutions. Here are some preparation tips:

  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus and Exam Pattern:- Download the official KCET syllabus from the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) website to plan your study schedule effectively.

  2. Create a Balanced Study Plan:- Include all subjects in your plan, with equal focus on each. Schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout.

  3. Use NCERT Books:- NCERT books are highly recommended for mastering core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks provide a solid foundation.

  4. Refer to Selective Reference Books:
    Using the right reference books can enhance your understanding and speed up preparation. Some recommended books include:

    • Physics: Physics for Karnataka CET and COMEDK by K.L. Gomber and K.L. Gogia

    • Chemistry: MTG Objective Karnataka CET Chemistry, Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd

    • Mathematics: Mathematics by Dinesh, MTG Objective Karnataka CET Mathematics

    • Biology: Handbook of Biology by Arihant Publications, Trueman's Objective Biology

  5. Practice Previous Papers and Mock Tests:
    Solve past KCET question papers and attempt mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types. Online mock tests and coaching institutes also offer practice sessions.

  6. Stay Positive:
    Maintain a positive mindset during preparation and practice. Confidence plays a crucial role in exam success.

KCET 2025 College Predictor
Use the KCET 2025 College Predictor to estimate your admission chances based on your exam score, category, area type, and more.
Try Now

KCET 2026 Admit Card

The KCET 2026 admit card will be available in the first week of April 2026. Candidates can download it by entering their ID or mobile number on the official KEA website. It is mandatory to carry the admit card to the exam center; without it, you will not be allowed to take the exam.

KCET 2026 Answer Key

After the KCET exam, the KEA will release the official answer key on their website. Candidates can use the answer key to estimate their score. If any discrepancies are found in the answer key, candidates can file a complaint with the KEA.

KCET 2026 Result & Merit List

The KCET 2026 result will be declared in the second week of May 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards from the KEA website. The merit list will also be published based on the exam results.

KCET 2026 Cut-Off

The KCET 2026 cut-off marks will be announced shortly after the results are declared. Candidates must meet the minimum cut-off to qualify for admission. The cut-off may vary by category, gender, and other factors.

KCET 2026 Counseling

The counseling process for KCET 2026 is expected to begin in June or July 2026. Candidates must register online for counseling and submit necessary documents for verification. Participating in the counseling process is essential to secure a seat at one of Karnataka's top institutions.

KCET 2026 Counselling

KCET 2026 counselling will start tentatively from June or July 2026. Candidates have to register online for the counselling and they have to submit documents for verification. Candidates must directly take part in the Counselling session to get seat.

Documents Required During Counselling of KCET 2026:

  1. 10th class mark sheet & certificate
  2. 12th class mark sheet & certificate
  3. Domicile certificate
  4. Caste certificate
  5. Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card)
  6. KCET 2026 scorecard
  7. KCET 2026 admit card
  8. Copy of filled application form
  9. Latest passport-size photograph
Jain University B.Tech Admissions 2025

100% Placement Record | Highest CTC 54 LPA | NAAC A++ Accredited | Ranked #65 in India by NIRF Ranking 2024 | JEE & JET Scores Accepted

Amity University Noida B.Tech Admissions 2025

Among Top 30 National Universities for Engineering (NIRF 2024) | 30+ Specializations | AI Powered Learning & State-of-the-Art Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where can I find official information about KCET 2026?
A:

You can find complete information about the KCET 2026 Exam from the KEA official website. 

Q: How much is the application fee for KCET 2026?
A:

The application fee varies from 250 rupees to 5000 rupees based on categories. 

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026?
A:

Candidates have to pass the 12th Standard Intermediate, and for some courses, it requires the NATA examination also. 

Articles
|
Next
Certifications By Top Providers
Basic Programming using Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
B.Sc in Programming and Data Science
Via Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Understanding Ethnography
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Artificial Intelligence
Via Columbia University, New York
An Introduction to Programming through C++
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Udemy
 1525 courses
Swayam
 817 courses
NPTEL
 773 courses
Coursera
 697 courses
Edx
 608 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to KCET

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to KCET ?

To download challan for KEA CET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test), you need to follow the following steps:

1. Go to the official website of KEA.

2. Go on  the homepage and look for CET-2025 or UGCET section.

3. Click on the link for Download Challan.

4. Then login using your CET Application Number and Date of Birth.

5. And your challan will be generated with all the details.

6. Now you can download & print the challan.

Hello,

Yes, if you already have the SNQ quota, it will continue in the next rounds also.

So, if you get PES RR CS (AI/ML) in the next round, it will also be allotted under the SNQ quota.

You don’t need to apply for SNQ again, it remains the same for all rounds.

Hope it helps!

Hey Param:)

Thanks for reaching out!

In KCET counselling, the SNQ quota seats are fixed separately for every college and branch, and they don't automatically transfer if you upgrade. Right now, you have BMSCE CSE under SNQ, but if you try for PES RR (AI/ML) in the next round, you will get the SNQ benefit there, only if that branch has SNQ seats left and your rank is high enough to secure one. Otherwise, even if you get the seat, it maybe alloted under regular quota and you won't get the tution fee waiver . That's why it's important to select choice-2 while trying for an update, so that your BMSCE SNQ seat remains safe if you don't get the new SNQ seat at PES RR. This way you won't lose the benefit you already hold.

Hope this helps!

Hii Pavan

Yes, you can surely withdraw your admission from JSS AHER. For this you will have to go through the official academic documents or prospectus in order to identify the official last date of admission. Then you may follow the steps given below for withdrawal and refund:

1. Submit a withdrawal request attaching fee and document receipts to the principal or dean in writing via email or in personal.

2. You can expect a refund if within the allowable window likely within 1 month from start and you may receive up to 100% or 90 % refund.

3. Side by side ensure that you complete your KCET official councelling and admission procedure.

That' s all. Hope it helps!

With a KCET rank of 32,189 in 2A category and eligibility for SNQ quota (since your family income is less than 2.5 lakh), your chances of getting Computer Science (CS) branch at SDM Engineering College through SNQ quota are better compared to the general quota because SNQ quota seats are reserved for economically weaker sections. Whether you get a seat in round 2 through SNQ or general quota depends on seat availability and cutoff ranks in both quotas. Typically, candidates with your rank and income will be prioritized for SNQ seats, so your best bet is to choose SNQ quota in counseling to improve chances of CS admission. Keep monitoring opening and closing ranks for SNQ quota for SDM College during counseling rounds.