KCET 2026 (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is the state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to undergraduate engineering, technology, architecture, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary, and allied professional programmes in Karnataka. Furthermore, KEA conducted the KCET 2026 exam on April 23 and 24, 2026, and the result is expected in the last week of May 2026. Subsequently, qualified candidates participate in centralised counselling for seat allotment across government, aided, and private institutions in Karnataka. 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 final ranks are calculated using 50:50 weightage of KCET marks and 2nd PUC normalised marks.
Latest: KEA released the KCET 2026 final answer key on May 10, 2026. Subsequently, the KCET 2026 result is expected between May 17 and May 28, 2026 on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
KCET 2026 — Overview
What is KCET? KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is the gateway entrance test for undergraduate professional programmes in Karnataka. Furthermore, KEA conducts the exam annually in offline OMR-based pen-and-paper mode. Subsequently, qualified candidates are admitted to B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, Pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm.D), BNYS, B.Sc Nursing, B.V.Sc & AH, Farm Science (B.Sc Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, etc.), and other professional courses through centralised counselling. Therefore, both government and private institutions across Karnataka admit students through this exam. Additionally, KCET 2026 was conducted on April 23 and 24, 2026 across exam centres in Karnataka. Moreover, the final rank uses 50:50 weightage of KCET marks and 2nd PUC PCM/PCB normalised marks.
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KCET 2026 Exam Dates
KEA released the complete exam calendar along with the official notification. Furthermore, candidates should bookmark cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for instant updates. Therefore, the confirmed dates for the 2026 cycle so far appear below. Subsequently, the counselling dates will appear after the result is declared. Additionally, KEA may revise specific events as required.
| Exam Event | Event Date |
|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Exam Date | April 23 and 24, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | April 26, 2026 |
| Objection Window | Till April 30, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release | May 10, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Result Declaration | Expected May 17-28, 2026 |
| Counselling Registration | After result declaration |
| Seat Allotment Round 1 | As per KEA notification |
| Final Round Counselling | As per KEA notification |
KCET 2026 Official Portal – Candidates can access all KCET 2026 services including result, counselling, and seat allotment at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Furthermore, the direct result link will go live once KEA declares the result.
Courses Offered Through KCET 2026
KEA conducts KCET for admission to multiple undergraduate professional programmes. Furthermore, candidates can select their preferred course during counselling based on rank and eligibility. Subsequently, seat allotment depends on rank, category, and course preferences. Therefore, candidates should review the course list carefully.
- Engineering and Technology: B.E. / B.Tech across CSE, AI/ML, Data Science, ECE, EEE, ISE, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Biotechnology, and other branches
- Architecture: B.Arch programmes (with NATA score as additional requirement)
- Pharmacy: B.Pharm and Pharm.D programmes
- Agriculture and Allied: B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Sericulture, Community Science; B.Tech Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Bio-Technology; B.F.Sc Fisheries
- Veterinary Science: B.V.Sc & A.H. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)
- Nursing and Allied Health: B.Sc Nursing, BNYS (Bachelor of Yoga and Naturopathy)
- Other professional programmes as notified by KEA
Application Form and How to Apply
KEA released the KCET 2026 application form online and the registration window has closed. Furthermore, eligible candidates applied by following the steps below. Subsequently, the application process required digital copies of photo, signature, 10+2 mark sheets, passing certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and Karnataka domicile/study certificate. Therefore, smooth completion of the form required advance preparation. Additionally, candidates retained the application number and password for all future logins.
- Visit the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Click on the “KCET 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.
Eligibility Criteria
KEA sets specific eligibility criteria for each course under KCET. 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.
- Educational Qualification: 2nd PUC / 12th passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for engineering; with Biology (PCB) for pharmacy, BNYS, B.Sc Nursing; with relevant subjects for agriculture, veterinary, and allied programmes.
- Minimum Marks: 45% aggregate in PCM/PCB for General category (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I and other reserved categories as per KEA norms).
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Domicile: Karnataka domicile candidates qualify for state quota seats; others compete for management seats and through different counselling categories as per KEA norms.
- Kannada Language Test: Mandatory qualifying test only for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadigas, requiring 12 marks out of 50 to qualify.
- Reservation: As per Karnataka Government reservation policy for SC, ST, Cat-I, Cat-IIA, Cat-IIB, Cat-IIIA, Cat-IIIB, EWS, and PwD candidates.
Exam Pattern
KEA conducts KCET in offline OMR-based pen-and-paper mode across two days. Furthermore, the exam consists of three papers — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology — each carrying 60 marks for a total of 180 marks. Therefore, candidates should plan their preparation accordingly. Subsequently, each correct answer earns one mark with no negative marking as per the standard KCET pattern. Additionally, the rank is calculated using 50:50 weightage of KCET marks and 2nd PUC normalised marks.
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based pen-and-paper) |
| Duration | 80 minutes per paper |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Papers | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (60 marks each) |
| Total Marks | 180 (Engineering: PCM); 180 (Medical/Pharma: PCB) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer; no negative marking (as per standard KCET pattern) |
| Rank Calculation | 50:50 weightage of KCET marks and 2nd PUC normalised marks |
| Language | English and Kannada |
Syllabus and Preparation
The KCET syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka. Furthermore, candidates should revise Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology thoroughly. Subsequently, mock tests and previous year papers help identify weak areas. Therefore, candidates can refer to the detailed syllabus page for subject-wise breakdown. Additionally, daily revision and timed practice with the KCET sample paper are essential for success.
Admit Card, Answer Key, Result
KEA released the KCET 2026 admit card in early April 2026 before the exam. Furthermore, the provisional answer key was released on April 26, 2026, followed by the objection window, and the final answer key on May 10, 2026. Subsequently, the result is expected between May 17 and May 28, 2026. Therefore, qualified candidates will participate in centralised counselling. Additionally, candidates can check the previous year cutoffs to gauge admission chances.
Counselling and Admission
KEA conducts online counselling for qualified candidates after the result is declared. Furthermore, the process involves separate counselling registration, document verification, choice filling, mock allotment, and final seat allotment. Subsequently, KEA conducts three rounds of counselling to fill vacant seats. Therefore, candidates should keep their original certificates including 10+2 mark sheets, passing certificate, KCET admit card, scorecard, photo ID, category certificate, and Karnataka domicile/study certificate ready for verification. Additionally, admissions are offered across government, aided, and private professional institutions in Karnataka.
Quick Overview Table
| Name of Exam | KCET 2026 |
| Full Form | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Level of Exam | State Level |
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Question Type | MCQs (3 papers, 60 marks each) |
| Total Marks | 180 |
| Courses | Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary, Nursing, Allied |
| Eligibility | 2nd PUC / 12th with PCM or PCB |
| Rank Formula | 50:50 (KCET + 2nd PUC) |
| Language | English and Kannada |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Region | Karnataka |
| Type of Exam | Engineering Entrance Exams |
Frequently Asked Questions
KCET 2026 (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is the state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to undergraduate engineering, technology, architecture, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary, and allied professional programmes in Karnataka. Furthermore, KEA conducted the exam on April 23 and 24, 2026. Subsequently, the result is expected in the last week of May 2026.
KEA conducted KCET 2026 on April 23 and 24, 2026 across exam centres in Karnataka. Furthermore, the exam was held in offline OMR-based pen-and-paper mode. Subsequently, the provisional answer key was released on April 26, 2026, and the final answer key on May 10, 2026. Therefore, the result is expected between May 17 and May 28, 2026.
The KCET rank is calculated using 50:50 weightage — 50% from KCET exam scores and 50% from 2nd PUC PCM/PCB normalised marks. Furthermore, this balanced approach evaluates both entrance performance and academic consistency. Subsequently, separate ranks are released for each discipline (engineering, medical, pharma, etc.). Therefore, both the entrance score and PUC marks matter equally for the final rank.
Candidates must have passed 2nd PUC / 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for engineering) or with Biology (for pharmacy, BNYS, B.Sc Nursing) with at least 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I). Furthermore, applicants must be Indian citizens. Subsequently, Karnataka domicile candidates qualify for state quota seats. Additionally, Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadigas must clear the Kannada language test.
KCET consists of three papers — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology — each carrying 60 marks for a total of 180 marks. Furthermore, each paper has 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 80 minutes. Subsequently, candidates earn one mark for each correct answer with no negative marking as per the standard KCET pattern. Therefore, accuracy and coverage matter equally.
KCET scores are accepted at government, aided, and private engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary, and nursing colleges across Karnataka. Furthermore, top engineering colleges include RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, PES University, DSCE, BIT, and SIT Tumakuru. Therefore, candidates should check the participating institution list in the official KEA brochure. Subsequently, seat allotment is based on rank, category, and college preferences.
A KCET score of 120+ out of 180 is generally considered good for engineering admissions, while 140+ is highly competitive for top branches like CSE, AI/ML, and ECE at premier colleges. Furthermore, a rank below 3,000 is needed for core branches at elite colleges. Subsequently, candidates with ranks up to 40,000 can find seats at well-established colleges and branches. Therefore, target a score above 120 for safe admission options.
Previous year question papers for KCET 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 exam, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page to be useful, please share!
Hlo sir in option entry I have given 5 colleges and I got seat in 1st college but I don’t want to go to that college now can I have an other choice to get seat in other colleges in 2nd round if there to which choice in 1to 4 I should claim for plz tell me the ans fast sir?