KCET 2026 Exam: The Karnataka Common Entrance Test commonly known as (KCET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). The KCET 2026 exam will be conducted for the candidates willing to take admission to professional courses like Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, B.Sc Nursing, etc. Candidates willing to pursue Medical or Dental or Ayurveda or Unani or Homoeopathy courses must qualify National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam whereas candidates willing to take admission into Architecture course through KCET must have qualified for the JEE Main Paper-2 or NATA to participate in KCET 2026 counselling. KCET 2026 is expected to be conducted in April 2026 as announced at the official websites www.kea.kar.nic.in or www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

KCET 2026 Exam 

The KCET 2026 Exam Registration is expected to be conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority for admissions into various courses, including B.Tech. The KCET 2026 notification has been made available for the aspirants through the official website. The candidates who are going to appear for the exam need to stick to the latest notifications. The notification PDF will contain all the information regarding the upcoming exam. Bookmark this article to stay tuned with all the latest updates regarding the KCET 2026 exam.

KCET 2026 Overview

Students who want to join courses through the KCET 2026 exam must first register and fill out the application form before the last date. Only those who complete this process can take the entrance exam. To stay updated with the latest news and important announcements about KCET 2026, candidates should regularly check the official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Missing the deadline may result in losing the chance to appear for the exam. It is important to read all instructions carefully before applying. Keeping track of updates will help students stay informed about exam dates, syllabus, and other essential details.

KCET 2026 Exam Overview
ExamKCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)
Exam Conducting BodyKarnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
LevelState Level
Mode Of ApplicationOnline Mode
Mode of ExamOffline (OMR Based)
Exam Duration3 hours
Courses OfferedEngineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, B.Sc Nursing etc professional course
Official Websitewww.kea.kar.nic.in or www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

KCET 2026 Notification

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has released the Notification for the KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2026 application for Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, B.Sc Nursing, etc professional courses. This is to inform all the students that they can check the KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2026 notification by visiting the official website of KEA www.kea.kar.nic.in or www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The notification PDF includes all the important dates, eligibility, etc, regarding the KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2026 Admission Process. For the Benefit of students, KEA has extended the dates several times to apply and register for KCET 2026. 

KCET 2026 Exam Date

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is an important exam for students seeking admission to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and other professional courses in Karnataka. The exam will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for a total of 150 marks. KCET test students on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, depending on their chosen course. The questions are multiple-choice (MCQs) and are based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus. This exam helps students get admission to colleges based on their scores. Proper preparation and practice are important to score well in KCET.

KCET 2026 Important Date

The KCET 2026 Exam is expected to be held in April 2026. All the KCET 2026 important dates have been updated in the table below for the convenience of the candidates. Check all important dates for the Karnataka CET 2026 exam from the table below.

KCET 2026 Important Dates
EventsDates
KCET 2026 Notification Release DateJanuary 2026
KCET Online Application 2026January 2026
Last Date to fill out the KCET 2026 Application FormFebruary 2026
Last Date of Fee SubmissionFebruary 2026
KCET Admit Card 2026April 2026
KCET Exam Date 2026April 2026
Kannada language Test: (Only for Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates)April 2026
KCET Result 2026to be notified

KCET 2026 Application Form

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will open the KCET 2026 Application Window for the KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2026 in February 2026. The candidates planning to appear for the KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2026 can check the KCET 2026 Application forms in online mode at the official website of the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), i.e., www.kea.kar.nic.in or www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. According to the released notification, the KCET 2026 Exams are expected to be conducted in April 2026.

KCET 2026 Application Fee

The Submission of the Online Application will be completed only after the successful payment of the Application Fee. Applicants can pay the Fee using an e-Challan drawn from the Prescribed Bank. The Application fee to be paid by different categories of students has been tabularized below.

KCET Application Fee 2026
Application fee (in Rs)Category
Rs 500GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B candidates of Karnataka
Rs 200CAT- 1 / SC / ST candidates of Karnataka
Rs 750Candidates studied outside of Karnataka
Rs 5,000Foreign Candidates

How to Apply for KCET 2026?

The KCET 2026 application form will be filled only through “Online” mode through the website www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates must know that not complying with the instructions of the KCET 2026 application form shall result in disqualification. Follow the steps given below to fill out the KCET 2026 Application form.

  1. Visit the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in or click on the link below in the article.
  2. On the homepage, click on ‘UGCET-2026 Online Application’
  3. A login will display and candidates are required to enter the User ID and Password created by them and log in.
  4. Candidate must make the payment by following payment methods like Debit card/ Credit card, UPI, BHIM, and Net Banking.
  5. On successful login, the candidate has to enter details like name, academic details, phone number, test center, etc.
  6. Then candidates will enter the details and select the “save and next” button.
  7. Candidates have to upload scanned documents like photographs, signatures, and parent signatures and select the “save and next button” button.
  8. The scanned photograph and signature must be in JPG/ JPEG format separately.
  9. Candidates have to draft printouts carefully and verify the entries made by them if any changes are required they can log in a number of times before selecting the declaration.
  10. Take a printout for future reference.
Documents to be Scanned for KCET 2026 Application
Scanned DocumentsParticulars
Photograph

The photograph should be colored with a white background. Mobile photos will also be allowed.

  1. File Size: 5 to 40 KB
  2. File Dimension: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
  3. File Format: jpg/jpeg
Signature
  1. File Size: 5 to 40 KB
  2. File Dimension: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm
  3. File Format: jpg/jpeg
Left Thumb Impression
  1. File Size: 5 to 40 KB
  2. File Dimension: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm
  3. File Format: jpg/jpeg

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria have been specified by the Karnataka Examination Authority. Only the candidates who qualify for all the aspects mentioned as per the KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria must fill out the application form to appear in the exam. In case of any discrepancies or mismatches of information, the candidatures would be canceled. So, the candidates are recommended to ensure that they are eligible for the KCET 2026 in all aspects before filling out the application form.

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age LimitApplicants whose Age above 17 years only eligible to apply for this Karnataka CET Exam. Candidates of Special Category can get Age exception of 5 to 6 years.
NationalityThe Applicants from Karnataka and Jammu Kashmir as well as NRI Candidates also eligible to write KEA CET Exam.
AppearingThose appearing for 12th level can also apply.
Minimum MarksIn the qualifying marks, students must have secured 45% marks (40% marks for reserved categories) in PCM/ PCB subjects.

KCET 2026 Educational Qualification

Candidates willing to appear for the KCET 2026 Exam must possess the below-mentioned educational qualifications to be eligible for the exam.

KCET 2026 Educational Qualification
B.E/B.TechCandidates should complete the 2nd PUC/ 12th Standard or an Equivalent Examination with minimum of 45% Marks in Physics and Mathematics with Chemistry/ Biology.
B.PharmCandidates should pass 12th Std/Inter or an Equivalent test with English and should get minimum of 45% Marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology subjects, or PCM subjects.
2nd Year B. Pharma (Lateral Entry)Candidates should complete a Diploma in Pharmacy with minimum of 45% Marks from an educational institution that is approved by the Pharmacy Examination Council of India.
D PharmaCandidates should clear 2nd PUC/12th Std or an Equivalent test with minimum of 45% Marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology subjects or PCM subjects. OR needs to qualify for a Diploma in Pharmacy test from an educational institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India.

KCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The KCET 2026 exam pattern has been specified and released by the exam conducting authorities. The exam will be held in offline mode (Pen and Paper-based) exam. The KCET 2026 exam question paper will contain multiple-choice questions having four alternatives. Candidates will have 320 minutes altogether, 80 minutes for each subject to attempt the paper. The paper will be of a total of 180 marks.

  1. Each Question carries ONE Mark only.
  2. NO negative marking for incorrect answers.
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Subject NameNo of QuestionsTotal MarksTest Duration
Mathematics/Biology606080 Min
Physics606080 Min
Chemistry606080 Min
Total180180180
Karnataka KCET 2026- FAQs

The KCET 2026 exam will be conducted in offline (OMR) based mode.

Ans. The KCET 2026 Exam Date will be announced by the exam authorities in April 2026.

Ans. The Courses offered through the KCET 2026 exam are Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, B.Sc Nursing etc professional course.

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the KCET 2026 exam.

Ans. KCET 2026 Registration are expecteed to begin from January 2026.

Important Links