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

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

Team Careers360Updated on 09 Oct 2025, 04:46 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 registration 2026 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 Highlights
  2. KCET 2026 Exam Date
  3. KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
  4. KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
  5. KCET 2026 Syllabus
  6. KCET 2026 Application Fee
  7. KCET 2026 Preparation Tips
  8. KCET 2026 Mock Test
  9. KCET 2026 Best Books
  10. KCET 2026 Admit Card
  11. KCET 2026 Exam Centres
  12. KCET 2026 Answer Key
  13. KCET 2026 Result & Merit List
  14. KCET 2026 Counselling
  15. KCET 2026 Participating Institutes
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. Find below more information, including KCET exam date 2026, syllabus, pattern, results, and more.

KCET 2026 Exam Highlights

Parameter

Details

Full Exam Name

Karnataka Common Entrance Test

Short Exam Name

KCET

Conducting Body

Karnataka Examinations Authority

Frequency Of Conduct

Once a year

Exam Level

State Level Exam

Languages

English +1 more

Mode Of Application

Online

Application Fee

Offline : 500 +1 more

Mode Of Exam

Offline

Mode Of Counselling

Online +1 more

Participating Colleges

217

Exam Duration

4 Hours

KCET 2026 Exam Date

The KEA authority will announce the KCET 2026 exam dates on its official website. The dates are inclusive of KCET 2026 registration date, exam dates, results dates, counselling dates and more. Below are the tentative dates of the KCET 2026 exam based on the previous years' KCET exam schedule.

CET Exam Date 2026

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. Find below the KCET 2026 eligibility criteria.

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 Syllabus

The authority will release the KCET 2026 syllabus online on the official website. The syllabus will be released in a PDF format available for download. The Karnataka CET syllabus 2026 is based on the first and second-year PUC syllabus as determined by the Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka State. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

KCET 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for the KCET exam varies depending on the candidate's category, state of origin, and nationality. Candidates must pay the fees along with the KCET application form 2026.

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 Sample Papers
Get exam-ready for KCET 2026 with this ebook containing full-length sample papers based on the latest syllabus and pattern.
Download Now

KCET 2026 Mock Test

Mock tests are replicas of the actual exam papers, where the structure and pattern are similar to the original ones. Candidates can prepare for the KCET exams by attempting the KCET mock test by Careers360. The KCET mock test is based on the exam pattern of KCET.

KCET 2026 Best Books

To prepare for the KCET 2026 exams, candidates should check the best books for KCET. Find below the list of books for the subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Subject

Best Books for KCET 2026 Preparation

Physics

- NCERT Physics Textbooks (Class 11 & 12)

-Physics for Karnataka CET and COMEDK

-Physics for 1st Year PUC by AS Govind

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

- Fundamentals of Physics by S. Chand

- Pradeep’s Fundamental Physics (Class 11 and 12)

Chemistry

- NCERT Chemistry Textbooks (Class 11 & 12)

- Modern’s ABC of Chemistry (Part 1 and Part 2) by S.P. Jauhar

- Chemistry for 1st Year PUC by Prof. Somashekara Prasad

- Pradeep’s New Course Chemistry

Mathematics

- NCERT Mathematics Textbooks (Class 11 & 12)

- CET by Bosco

MCQ by Asit Das Gupta

Mathematics for 1st Year PUC BY Dr PG Umarani

- Mathematics by Dinesh


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 centre; without it, you will not be allowed to take the exam.

KCET 2026 Exam Centres

Authority releases the KCET 2026 exam centres online on the official website. The exam centres list will display the names of the cities where the KCET exam is scheduled. While filling in the application form, candidates can choose the test centre according to Karnataka's KCET 2026 exam centres. Check the complete list of KCET exam centres from the following table.

KCET Exam Centres

Exam Centre

Exam Centre

Exam Centre

Bagalkot

Chitradurga

Mangalore

Jamakhandi

Davangere

Moodabidre

Bangalore

Dharwad

Puttur

Doddaballapur

Hubli

Ujire

Belgaum

Gadag

Mysore

Athani

Gulbarga

Raichur

Chikodi

Hassan

Ramanagara

Gokak

Haveridte

Channapatna

Bellary

Kanwar

Shimoga

Hospet

Dandeli

Bhadravathi

Bidar

Kumta

Sagar

Basavakalyan

Sirsi

Tumkur

Bhalki

Kolar

Tiptur

Bijapur

KGF

Udupi

Chamarajanagar

Koppal

Karkala

Kollegal

Madikeri

Kundapura

Chikkaballapur

Mandya

Yadgir

Chikmagalur

Krishnarajapet


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 Counselling

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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KCET 2026 Participating Institutes

Karnataka Examinations Authority will release the KCET participating institutes 2026 list online. The list will provide the names of the top engineering colleges accepting the KCET score. Since the 2026 list is not out yet, candidates can check the previous year’s participation institute lists. Candidates can check the list of KCET colleges in the table below.

KCET College list

College codes

University Visveswaraya College of Engineering

E001

S K S J T Institute of Engineering

E002

B M S College of Engineering

E003

Dr. Ambedkar Institute Of Technology

E004

R. V. College of Engineering

E005

M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology

E006

Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering

E007

Bangalore Institute of Technology

E008

P E S University (Formerly PESIT)

E009

Islamia Institute of Technology

E010

M V J College of Engineering

E011

Sir M.Visveswaraya Institute of Technology

E012

Ghousia Engineering College

E013

S J C Institute of Technology

E014

Dr.T.Thimmaiah Institute of TechnologyOorgaum

Post, Kolar Gold Field (KGF), Bangarapet

E015

Siddaganga Institute of Technology

E016

Sri Siddartha Institute of Technology

E017

Kalpatharu Institute of Technology

E018

Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering.

E021

The National Institute of Engineering

E022

P E S College of Engineering

E023

Malnad College of Engineering

E024

Tontadarya College of Engineering

E028

Maratha Mandal Engineering College

E029

KLE Technological University (Formerly BVBCET)

E030

Basaveshwara Engineering College

E031

R.T.E Socity`s Rural Engineering College

E032

Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Institute of Technology.

E033

Sri Dharmasthala ManjunatheswaraCollege of Engineering

E034

Anjuman Engineering College

E035

K L E Dr. M S Sheshagiri College ofEngineering and Technology

E036

K.L.S. Gogte Institute of Technology

E037

B L D E A`s V.P. Dr. P. G. HallakattiCollege of Engg. and Tech.

E038

Hira Sugar Institute of Technology

E040

P D A College of Engineering

E041

Khaja Banda Nawaz College of Engineering

E042

Gurunanak Dev Engineering College

E043

Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology

E044

Rao Bahadur Y.Mahabaleswarappa Engineering College

E045

H K E`s S L N College of Engineering

E046

Malnad College of Engineering

E047

B M S College of Engineering

E048

Basaveshwara Engineering College

E049

N M A M Institute of Technology

E053

K V G College of Engineering

E054

The National Institute of Engineering

E056

Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering.

E057

P E S College of Engineering

E058

P D A College of Engineering

E059

Dr. Ambedkar Institute Of Technology

EO60


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. 

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Questions related to KCET

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to KCET ?

Hello,

To be eligible for KCET under the EWS quota, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must be an Indian Citizen.
  • Your family's gross annual income should be below the specified limit set by the government.
  • you should also possess an EWS certificate issued by the competent authority.

The following link provides you more details on eligibility, seats, and how to apply:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/snq-quota-in-kcet-2025

I hope this answer helps you!


Hi there,

Yes, your daughter is still allowed to go for the vacancy round in KCET counselling.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) after the third round, typically holds a vacancy round, which is an extended or special round, to fill those seats that are left unallocated due to withdrawals or unreported admissions.

As her KCET rank is 34,000, she still has quite a good shot of attaining a seat, especially in private or newly established engineering colleges, or in branches that have lesser demand.

Just frequently visit the official KEA website for the latest updates about the vacancy or casual round schedule, and be all set with the documents so that she can participate at the earliest when the portal goes live.

Hope it helps!!!
Thank you.

Hello,

you can find KCET questions on laws of motion on Careers360

This resource includes MCQs that covers various topics such as friction, motion with connected blocks over a pulley, and applications of Newton's laws to scenarios like objects in lifts.

Follow the link to get KCET questions on laws of motion:

https://engineering.careers360.com/exams/jee-main/newtons-laws-of-motion-practice-question-mcq

I hope this answer helps you!


Hello candidate,

Here is a link attached where you can find the KCET sylabuss wise weightage , clock on the link given below

KCET Chapter Wise Weightage 2026 - High Scoring Topics... Read more at: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/kcet-chapter-wise-weightage

Thank you.

Hello,

It's unlikely you'll get a veterinary college in Bangalore with a KCET rank of 5000, even with the ST caste and CRPF quota, as the general cutoff is often around 1200, and even special category quotas typically don't extend that far.

I hope it will clear your query!!