KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam Dates (Out), Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus
KCET 2026 - Karnataka Examination Authority has announced the KCET 2026 exam date online. According to the notification, the KCET 2026 exam will be conducted from April 23 to 24, 2026, while the Kannada language exam is scheduled for April 22, 2026. Candidates can check the KCET exam date 2026 on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The KCET 2026 registration will commence from January 17, 2026. Candidates can find the complete details of KCET 2026 in this article. Aspirants must meet the KCET 2026 eligibility criteria for the exam registration process. Candidates need to complete their 10+2 education with Physics, Mathematics, and any other science subject to appear for the examination. Find below more information, including KCET exam date 2026, syllabus, pattern, results, and more. It provides students with the opportunity to pursue various undergraduate courses, such as Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, and more.
Also Check: KCET 2026 mock test
This Story also Contains
- KCET 2026 Exam Highlights
- KCET Exam Important Dates 2026
- KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- KCET 2026 Registration
- KCET 2026 Exam Centres
- KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
- KCET 2026 Syllabus
- KCET 2026 Preparation Tips
- KCET 2026 Mock Test
- KCET 2026 Best Books
- KCET 2026 Admit Card
- KCET 2026 Exam Date
- KCET 2026 Answer Key
- KCET 2026 Result & Merit List
- KCET 2026 Cut-Off
- KCET 2026 Counselling
- KCET 2026 Participating Institutes
The KCET 2026 exam pattern consists of objective-type questions for a total of 180 marks, with an allotted time of 80 minutes. Through the KCET exam, students can apply for undergraduate courses like B.E./B. Tech, B.Arch, B.Pharm, and other related fields.
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 Exam Important Dates 2026
Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
Application Starts | January 17, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | 3rd Week of February 2026 |
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 | April 23 and 24, 2026 Kannada language: April 22, 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 Registration
KEA will commence the KCET 2026 application process on January 17, 2026. The authority will activate the KCET 2026 registration link on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates must complete the KCET 2026 registration to attempt the KCET exam. The steps to apply for the KCET 2026 exam are given below.
- Visit the official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and fill out basic details such as SSLC register number, SSLC Passing year, guardian name, mother's name, email, contact number, and password. This creates the KCET 2026 Login details.
- Once the basic login is completed, candidates must pay the KCET 2026 application fee.
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.
- Once the basic registration and fee payment is completed, candidates must enter other details such as their educational qualifications, reservation category, choice of exam centres, PUC Student Number (if applicable) and other required details. Once all details are entered, candidates must save and submit the application form.
- Scanned images of the candidate's photograph, signature and left thumb impression, along with the guardian's left thumb impression, must be uploaded.
- Candidates must verify all details and finally submit the KCET 2026 application form. Once the application form is submitted, a confirmation page is generated. Candidates must keep this confirmation page for future reference.
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 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
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 Subject-wise Syllabus | |
|---|---|
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:
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.
Create a Balanced Study Plan:- Include all subjects in your plan, with equal focus on each. Schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout.
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.
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
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.Stay Positive:
Maintain a positive mindset during preparation and practice. Confidence plays a crucial role in exam success.
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 Date
KEA has announced the KCET 2026 exam dates on its official website. The dates are inclusive of the 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.
KCET 2026 Answer Key
After the KCET exam, the KEA will release the official KCET 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:
- 10th class mark sheet & certificate
- 12th class mark sheet & certificate
- Domicile certificate
- Caste certificate
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card)
- KCET 2026 scorecard
- KCET 2026 admit card
- Copy of filled application form
- Latest passport-size photograph
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 |
|---|---|
E001 | |
E002 | |
E003 | |
E004 | |
E005 | |
E006 | |
E007 | |
E008 | |
E009 | |
E010 | |
E011 | |
E012 | |
E013 | |
E014 | |
E015 | |
E016 | |
E017 | |
E018 | |
E021 | |
E022 | |
E023 | |
E024 | |
E028 | |
E029 | |
E030 | |
E031 | |
E032 | |
E033 | |
E034 | |
E035 | |
K L E Dr. M S Sheshagiri College ofEngineering and Technology | E036 |
E037 | |
B L D E A`s V.P. Dr. P. G. HallakattiCollege of Engg. and Tech. | E038 |
E040 | |
E041 | |
E042 | |
E043 | |
E044 | |
E045 | |
E046 | |
Malnad College of Engineering | E047 |
B M S College of Engineering | E048 |
Basaveshwara Engineering College | E049 |
E053 | |
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)
Candidates have to pass the 12th Standard Intermediate, and for some courses, it requires the NATA examination also.
The application fee varies from 250 rupees to 5000 rupees based on categories.
Aspirants will be able to find complete information about the KCET 2026 Exam from the KEA official website, when released.
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Questions related to KCET
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
KCET for (https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/kset2025) 2025. To verify the payment confirmation, click the link; it will direct you.
Enter the allotted CET number and other given details, such as DOB, as such.
After the verification of details, it will direct you to the fee payment section or confirmation slip; just search
Hello,
Quitting the pharmacy college after joining the academic session will highly affect the career, and risks will be imposed from both KEA and the side of the college.
You may be imposed to pay penalties and also forced to face the ineligibility for future exams and post deadlines.
KEA
Hello,
Yes, you can appear for the 2nd PUC exam 2 in 2026 to improve your marks, as Karnataka allows multiple attempts for the PUC exams, and the Karnataka Examination Authority considers your best scores for KCET ranking. Since you passed in 2025, you can apply for the repeater/improvement exam
HELLO,
UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THE ADMISSION OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026 WILL BE BASED ON THE RANK OF NEET. HIGHER RANK ON NEET, 40% TO 50% ON HIGHER SECONDARY WITH ENGLISH AS AN AMANDATORY SUBJECT IS REQUIRED.
THANK YOU
Hello aspirant,
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) releases broad cutoffs every year, although the KCET engineering cutoff varies greatly depending on the particular engineering branch, college, and candidate category. For instance, OBC cutoffs may be approximately 3,000, SC/ST categories may reach 15,000 or higher in elite universities, and general cutoffs
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