Karnataka PGCET 2026 is the state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E. / M.Arch programmes in Karnataka. Furthermore, KEA releases the application form, admit card, and result on the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Subsequently, qualified candidates participate in centralised counselling for seat allotment across participating colleges and universities. Therefore, this page covers all key details including exam dates, application process, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and counselling. Moreover, candidates can download previous year question papers from aglasem.com for preparation. Additionally, the exam is held in offline OMR mode across centres in Karnataka.
Latest: KEA will release the Karnataka PGCET 2026 official notification on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Subsequently, the application form will open as per the schedule announced by KEA.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 — Overview
What is Karnataka PGCET? PGCET stands for Postgraduate Common Entrance Test. Furthermore, it is the gateway entrance examination for graduates seeking admission to postgraduate professional programmes — MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E. / M.Arch — in Karnataka. Subsequently, KEA conducts the test annually for candidates seeking these specialisations. Therefore, both government and private universities and colleges in Karnataka admit students through this exam. Additionally, the test is offline (OMR-based) and held across centres in Karnataka. Moreover, the seat allotment is done through online counselling by KEA based on rank.
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Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Dates
KEA releases the complete exam calendar along with the official notification. Furthermore, candidates should bookmark cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ for instant updates. Therefore, the tentative dates below are based on past cycle trends. Subsequently, the actual schedule will appear once KEA releases the official brochure. Additionally, the application portal usually opens for around 30-40 days.
| Exam Event | Event Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per KEA |
| Application Form Start | Expected mid-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Expected mid-2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | As per KEA |
| Admit Card Release | Few days before exam |
| Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Date | Expected mid-2026 |
| Answer Keys Release | Within a week of exam |
| Result Declaration | As per KEA |
| Counselling Schedule | As per KEA |
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Direct Link – Candidates can apply online as per its release by KEA at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Furthermore, the direct application link becomes active once KEA releases the official notification.
Courses Offered Through Karnataka PGCET 2026
KEA conducts the entrance test for admission to multiple postgraduate professional programmes. Furthermore, candidates can select their preferred course based on their eligibility. Subsequently, seat allotment depends on rank, category, and course preferences. Therefore, candidates should review the course list carefully.
- MBA: Master of Business Administration in participating universities and colleges
- MCA: Master of Computer Applications
- M.Tech / M.E.: Master of Technology / Master of Engineering across specialisations — Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, and other branches
- M.Arch: Master of Architecture
- Other postgraduate programmes as notified by KEA
Application Form and How to Apply
KEA releases the application form online once the official notification is published. Furthermore, eligible candidates can apply by following the steps below. Subsequently, they should keep digital copies of photo, signature, qualifying degree mark sheets, passing certificate, GATE/CAT/MAT scorecard (if applicable), category certificate (if applicable), and Karnataka domicile/study certificate ready before starting. Therefore, smooth completion of the form requires advance preparation. Additionally, candidates should retain the application number and password for all future logins.
- Visit the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Click on the “Karnataka PGCET 2026 Online Application” link on the homepage.
- Register with name, email, mobile, and create a password.
- Login with the credentials received via email/SMS.
- Fill personal, academic, course preference, and category details accurately.
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online via the available payment gateway.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for records.
Application Fee
The application fee varies by category and domicile status. Furthermore, candidates must pay the fee online during application submission. Subsequently, the fee is non-refundable once paid. Therefore, applicants should verify their eligibility before payment. Additionally, the exact fee will be confirmed in the official brochure.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Karnataka) | As per KEA notification |
| SC / ST / Cat-I (Karnataka) | Reduced fee as per KEA |
| Outside Karnataka | Higher fee as per KEA |
Eligibility Criteria
KEA sets specific eligibility criteria for each course under PGCET. Furthermore, candidates must meet every criterion to be considered for admission. Subsequently, the authority verifies eligibility during counselling. Therefore, applicants should review the conditions carefully before applying.
- MBA Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC) from a recognised university.
- MCA Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level, and at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC).
- M.Tech / M.E. Eligibility: BE / B.Tech in the relevant branch with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC), or equivalent.
- M.Arch Eligibility: B.Arch with at least 50% aggregate, valid Council of Architecture registration.
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Domicile: Karnataka domicile candidates qualify for state quota seats; others compete for management/CET seats as per KEA norms.
- Reservation: As per Karnataka Government reservation policy for SC, ST, OBC, Cat-I, Cat-IIA, Cat-IIB, Cat-IIIA, Cat-IIIB, EWS, and PwD candidates.
Exam Pattern
KEA conducts the entrance test in offline OMR-based pen-and-paper mode. Furthermore, separate question papers are set for MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., and M.Arch streams. Therefore, candidates should plan their preparation accordingly. Subsequently, each correct answer earns marks as per the KEA marking scheme. Additionally, the duration varies as per KEA notification.
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based pen-and-paper) |
| Duration | As per KEA notification |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | As per KEA notification |
| Papers | Separate for MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., M.Arch |
| Language | English |
Syllabus and Preparation
The syllabus varies by chosen stream. Furthermore, MBA covers aptitude and management subjects, MCA covers mathematics and computing, M.Tech / M.E. covers branch-specific engineering subjects, and M.Arch covers architectural design and theory. Subsequently, mock tests and previous year papers help identify weak areas. Therefore, candidates can refer to the detailed syllabus page for stream-wise breakdown. Additionally, daily revision and timed practice are essential for success.
Admit Card, Answer Keys, Result
KEA releases the admit card a few days before the exam. Furthermore, the answer keys appear within a few days after the test, followed by an objection window. Subsequently, the result is declared based on the final answer keys. Therefore, qualified candidates participate in centralised counselling. Additionally, tie-breaking rules apply when candidates have equal scores.
Counselling and Admission
KEA conducts online counselling for qualified candidates after the result is declared. Furthermore, the process involves separate counselling registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification at the allotted college. Subsequently, multiple counselling rounds may take place to fill vacant seats. Therefore, candidates should keep their original certificates including qualifying degree mark sheets, passing certificate, PGCET admit card, scorecard, photo ID, category certificate, and Karnataka domicile/study certificate ready for verification. Additionally, admissions are offered across government, aided, and private universities and colleges in Karnataka.
Quick Overview Table
| Name of Exam | Karnataka PGCET 2026 |
| Full Form | Postgraduate Common Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Level of Exam | State Level |
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Question Type | MCQs |
| Courses | MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., M.Arch |
| Eligibility | Relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university |
| Language | English |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| Region | Karnataka |
| Type of Exam | University Entrance Exams |
Frequently Asked Questions
Karnataka PGCET 2026 is the state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., and M.Arch programmes in Karnataka. Furthermore, the test is open to graduates with the relevant eligibility. Subsequently, KEA conducts the exam annually and publishes all updates on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
PGCET covers admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E. across various engineering branches, and M.Arch programmes. Furthermore, KEA conducts separate question papers for each stream. Therefore, candidates should choose the stream matching their qualification. Subsequently, seat allotment is done through centralised counselling.
Eligibility depends on the chosen stream. Furthermore, MBA requires any Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate, MCA requires a Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics, M.Tech requires BE/B.Tech in the relevant branch, and M.Arch requires B.Arch with COA registration. Subsequently, the minimum aggregate is 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC). Additionally, Karnataka domicile candidates qualify for state quota seats.
The entrance test is conducted in offline OMR-based pen-and-paper mode. Furthermore, separate question papers are set for MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., and M.Arch streams. Subsequently, each paper consists of multiple-choice questions covering stream-specific subjects. Therefore, accuracy is critical for a strong score. Additionally, the duration varies by stream.
Candidates can apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ once KEA releases the application form. Furthermore, the process involves registration, filling personal, academic, and course preference details, uploading photo, signature, and supporting documents, paying the application fee, and submitting the form. Subsequently, an edit window is provided for corrections. Therefore, applicants should save the application number and password for future use.
Karnataka PGCET scores are accepted for admission at government, aided, and private universities and colleges across Karnataka offering MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., and M.Arch programmes. Furthermore, KEA conducts centralised counselling for seat allotment. Therefore, candidates should check the participating institution list in the official brochure. Subsequently, seat allotment is based on rank, category, and college preferences.
Candidates with valid GATE scores (for M.Tech) or CAT/MAT scores (for MBA) may get preference in seat allotment as per KEA norms. Furthermore, the entrance route may differ between GATE-qualified and PGCET-qualified candidates. Therefore, candidates should check the latest KEA notification for the exact admission process. Subsequently, KEA conducts its own PGCET for non-GATE/non-CAT candidates.
Previous year question papers for Karnataka PGCET are available for free download at aglasem.com. Furthermore, candidates can practice with these papers to understand the question style and difficulty level. Therefore, mock practice with previous year papers builds speed and accuracy. Subsequently, candidates should solve them under timed conditions for best results.
If you have any questions about this entrance test, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page to be useful, please share!
Sir I have applied for MBA course , I have entered all details but my 3rd year marks is not visible after how many days they leave edit option sir so that we can edit it
sir while selecting i have selected both MCA and MBA, i have a doubt whether there will be a separate paper for both or what exactly it is please clarify, exam fees says 650 but for me it showed 1300 is it ill be having 2 set of papers for MCA and MBA on the same day
clause of principle and gazetted officer signature is not visible in application form is it necessary to sign now when it will be used
Principal clause is necessary to sign it now mam
Sir can i pay the after last date of fees
Hi Jyothi,
NO, you have to pay the fee before the last date.
Sir please extend the fees pay
Hello maam/sir
I paid my fees on 30/6/2020 last date in the bank.I received candidate copy with seal and UTR no. But, it was not updated on the link and today the link is closed. Will I be able to attend the exam? Please let me know ASAP!
Please help me out what can be done . I have done the fees payment. But didn’t reveire any message on my mail or number . What does it mean .
I have done all the payments and application fillings and my date exam is on sep 10 offline but where will i get the updates for the centre of examination centre ??
Hi
Those who have filled the form will get exam center in the hall ticket