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

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

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 28, 2025 05:00 PM IST | #KCET
Upcoming Event
KCET  Result Date : 02 Aug' 2025 - 02 Aug' 2025

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

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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.

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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
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026?

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

2. How much is the application fee for KCET 2026?

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

3. Where can I find official information about KCET 2026?

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

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Questions related to KCET

Have a question related to KCET ?

Hello,

Here are some of the best engineering colleges in Karnataka that accept KCET :

  1. R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore

  2. BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore

  3. PES University (Ring Road Campus), Bangalore

  4. MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore

  5. Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore

  6. SJCE (JSS Science and Technology University), Mysore

  7. The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysore

  8. Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore

  9. NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte

  10. KLE Technological University, Hubli

These colleges offer good placements, faculty, and infrastructure. Admission is based on KCET rank.

Hope it helps !

good afternoon ,with a KCET rank of 38,000, you still have solid chances of getting into private engineering colleges in Bangalore, especially in branches like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or Biotechnology. CSE and AIML might be tougher, but not impossible in later rounds or lesser-known colleges.

Colleges You Can Target in Bangalore

Acharya Institute of Technology    ECE, ME, Civil, Biotech

Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering    ME, Civil, EEE, Biotech

Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology    ME, EEE, Civil, Biotech

BNM Institute of Technology    ME, EEE, Civil

AMC Engineering College    CSE (in later rounds), ME, Civil

Rajarajeshwari College of Engineering    CSE, ECE, ME, Civil

East West Institute of Technology    CSE, ECE, ME, Civil

BGS College of Engineering & Technology    ME, Civil, EEE

These colleges are known to accept ranks in the 35k–45k range, especially under OBC category and in later counselling rounds

The mock seat allotment for KCET 2025 was released on July 21, 2025. Students had time to edit their choices until July 24 (midnight) based on this mock result. The mock round helps candidates understand their possible seat placements. It is not the final allotment actual seats may vary in the final round. The final seat allotment (Round 1) will be announced in August 2025.

Hi

A KCET rank of 30,915 can still offer you a good range of options, especially under the state quota and depending on your category . While top government colleges like UVCE or RVCE may be slightly out of reach at this rank, there are still several good engineering colleges that accept ranks around this range for various branches, especially in core and emerging areas.Some of the colleges you might get into include Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, JSSATE, or Acharya Institute of Technology, in branches like Mechanical, Civil, EEE, or newer programs like AI & ML in less competitive colleges. Counseling plays a huge role here, and choice filling should be done smartly by analyzing previous year cutoff trends.

You can Check last year’s KCET cutoff data round-wise link below:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/kcet-cutoff

Hope you will find it helpful !


Hello Aspirant,

If you got an engineering seat through KCET 2024, and now want to take MBBS through NEET UG 2025, you will need to cancel the engineering seat at KEA before participating in MBBS counselling.

Cancellation Process: You can cancel your KCET seat either through the KEA portal, or you can visit the college to which you were allotted into and request a cancellation letter (apply for a cancellation letter).

Fine/Penalty:

  • If you get your cancellation letter before the commencement of the second academic year, there may be a fine or penalty that you will need to follow as specified in the KEA rules.
  • In most cases after completing one full years worth of studies. you may still pay an entire course fee or a fixed penalty amount, again depending on your college and the KEA' policy.

Contact KEA and your current engineering college for confirmation of the exact penalty (if any) and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if it is necessary for the new MBBS admission.

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