KCET 2026 Exam: The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a premier state-level examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The KCET 2026 exam serves as the gateway for admissions into various professional undergraduate programs, including Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, and B.Sc Nursing. Please note that candidates aspiring for Medical, Dental, Ayurveda, Unani, or Homoeopathy courses must qualify via the NEET exam, while architecture aspirants are required to hold valid JEE Main Paper-2 or NATA scores for KCET 2026 counselling. The KCET 2026 exam was successfully conducted on April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, 2026.
KCET 2026 Exam
The Karnataka Examinations Authority manages the entire registration process for the KCET 2026 exam, providing essential access to B.Tech and other undergraduate professional programs. All official notifications, including exam updates and guidelines, are published on the official KEA website. Candidates are encouraged to monitor these announcements closely to ensure they remain informed. Bookmark this page to receive the latest updates and critical insights regarding the KCET 2026 admission process.
KCET 2026 Overview
To be eligible for admission via the KCET 2026 exam, candidates must complete the registration and application process before the official deadline. Timely submission is mandatory to appear for the entrance test. For accurate news and important announcements, always rely on the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Adhering to all application instructions is crucial to avoid disqualification. Staying updated with our resources will help you navigate exam dates, syllabus requirements, and other vital admission criteria effectively.
| KCET 2026 Exam Overview | |
| Exam | KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) |
| Exam Conducting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Level | State Level |
| Mode Of Application | Online Mode |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Exam Date | 22nd, 23rd, and 24th April 2026 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Courses Offered | Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, B.Sc Nursing etc professional course |
| Official Website | www.kea.kar.nic.in or www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
KCET 2026 Notification
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) released the official notification for the KCET 2026 application process covering professional streams like Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, and B.Sc Nursing. Students can access the detailed notification and admission guidelines by visiting the official KEA websites: www.kea.kar.nic.in or www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The notification PDF is a comprehensive document outlining eligibility criteria and important dates. KEA previously extended application deadlines to ensure maximum student participation.
KCET 2026 Exam Date
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) remains a cornerstone for students targeting engineering, pharmacy, and agricultural courses in Karnataka. Conducted on April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, 2026, the exam evaluates candidates across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, depending on their specific course choice. The examination comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) aligned with the Class 11 and 12 curriculum. Thorough preparation and consistent practice are essential strategies for securing a high rank in the KCET examination.
Check Your KCET 2026 Results Here
KCET 2026 Important Date
The KCET 2026 examination was held on April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, 2026. For the convenience of our readers, we have compiled all the significant dates and milestones related to the Karnataka CET 2026 in the table provided below.
| KCET 2026 Important Dates | |
| Events | Dates |
| KCET 2026 Notification Release Date | 2nd January 2026 |
| KCET Online Application 2026 | 16th January 2026 |
| Last Date to fill out the KCET 2026 Application Form | 27th February 2026 |
| Last Date of Fee Submission | 7th March 2026 |
| KCET Admit Card 2026 | 10th April 2026 |
| KCET Exam Date 2026 | 22nd, 23rd, and 24th April 2026 |
| KCET Result 2026 | 2nd June 2026 (Expected) |
KCET 2026 Application Form
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) concluded the KCET 2026 application window on February 27th, 2026. All applications were processed exclusively through the online portals at www.kea.kar.nic.in and www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
KCET 2026 Application Fee
The submission of the online application is only considered complete once the required application fee has been successfully processed. Payments were accepted via e-Challan through designated banks. Refer to the table below for a breakdown of application fees categorized by student status.
| KCET Application Fee 2026 | |
| Application fee (in Rs) | Category |
| Rs 500 | GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B candidates of Karnataka |
| Rs 200 | CAT- 1 / SC / ST candidates of Karnataka |
| Rs 750 | Candidates studied outside of Karnataka |
| Rs 5,000 | Foreign Candidates |
How to Apply for KCET 2026?
All KCET 2026 applications were processed via the official online portal at www.cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. It is critical to note that failure to adhere to the official application guidelines can lead to immediate disqualification. Please review the step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure your application form is error-free.
- Visit the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in or click on the link below in the article.
- On the homepage, click on ‘UGCET-2026 Online Application’
- A login will display and candidates are required to enter the User ID and Password created by them and log in.
- Candidate must make the payment by following payment methods like Debit card/ Credit card, UPI, BHIM, and Net Banking.
- On successful login, the candidate has to enter details like name, academic details, phone number, test center, etc.
- Then candidates will enter the details and select the “save and next” button.
- Candidates have to upload scanned documents like photographs, signatures, and parent signatures and select the “save and next button” button.
- The scanned photograph and signature must be in JPG/ JPEG format separately.
- 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.
- Take a printout for future reference.
| Documents to be Scanned for KCET 2026 Application | |
| Scanned Documents | Particulars |
| Photograph | Applicants were required to upload a color photograph featuring a plain white background. Mobile-captured photos were permitted, provided they met the specific quality standards outlined by the KEA.
|
| Signature |
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| Left Thumb Impression |
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KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The KCET 2026 eligibility criteria are strictly defined by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. Candidates must meet all specified academic and residential requirements before applying. Any discrepancies identified during the verification process may lead to the cancellation of candidature. Therefore, we highly recommend verifying your eligibility status against the official KEA norms before beginning your application.
| KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria | |
| Age Limit | Applicants 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. |
| Nationality | The Applicants from Karnataka and Jammu Kashmir as well as NRI Candidates also eligible to write KEA CET Exam. |
| Appearing | Those appearing for 12th level can also apply. |
| Minimum Marks | In the qualifying marks, students must have secured 45% marks (40% marks for reserved categories) in PCM/ PCB subjects. |
KCET 2026 Educational Qualification
To qualify for the KCET 2026 entrance exam, candidates must satisfy the mandatory educational qualifications and age-related requirements stipulated by the examination authorities.
| KCET 2026 Educational Qualification | |
| B.E/B.Tech | Candidates should complete the 2nd PUC/ 12th Standard or an Equivalent Examination with minimum of 45% Marks in Physics and Mathematics with Chemistry/ Biology. |
| B.Pharm | Candidates 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 Pharma | Candidates 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 follows a specific structure determined by the KEA. The test is conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format. The question paper features multiple-choice questions with four options each. Candidates are allotted a total of 320 minutes (80 minutes per subject) to complete the paper, which carries a total of 180 marks.
- Each Question carries ONE Mark only.
- NO negative marking for incorrect answers.
| KCET 2026 Exam Pattern | |||
| Subject Name | No of Questions | Total Marks | Test Duration |
| Mathematics/Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 Min |
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 Min |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 Min |
| Total | 180 | 180 | 180 |
Karnataka KCET 2026- FAQs
The KCET 2026 exam was conducted in an offline, OMR-based format.
Ans. The KCET 2026 examination was held on April 23rd and 24th, 2026.
Ans. The KCET 2026 exam provides admission pathways into professional courses, including Engineering, Farm Science, Veterinary, and B.Sc Nursing.
Ans. The registration process for KCET 2026 commenced in January 2026.
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