KCET 2026: LATEST UPDATE
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). It is also referred to as KEA UGCET (Karnataka Undergraduate Common Entrance Test). Karnataka Examination Authority has released official notification for KCET 2026 exam its on official website. Interested candidates can apply online application form 17/01/2026 to 16/02/2026. KCET 2026 exam will be held on between 23/04/2026 & 24/04/2026 and KCET 2026 exam in Kannada language (ONLY for Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates) will be held on 22/04/2026.
OVERVIEW
Karnataka Common Entrance Test commonly known as KCET is organized by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). It is conducted for admission to professional courses like Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharma), Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharma), Agriculture courses (Farm Science), and Veterinary courses. KCET is held for candidates who want to take a variety of courses in engineering, science and agriculture, etc. offered by various institutes in the state of Karnataka. This entrance exam is organized to allow eligible candidates admission to various undergraduate courses in Karnataka.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) |
Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
Admission Purpose | For admission into various engineering, agriculture & pharmacy courses/colleges) |
Exam Level | State Level |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Date | Offline (Pen and Paper Format) |
Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/ |
IMPORTANT DATES
Along with the official notification, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the KCET 2026 exam dates. According to the released schedule, the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 will be conducted on 23 April and 24 April 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully check the official notification on the KEA website for detailed and updated exam schedule information.
Events | Dates |
KCET 2026 Notification Release Date | 17/01/2026 |
KCET application form 2026 start date | 17/01/2026 |
Last date to fill of KCET 2026 application form | 16/02/2026 |
Last date to pay the application fee | 18/02/2026 |
KCET 2026 Admit Card | 10/04/2026 |
KCET 2026 Exam Date | 23/04/2026 to 24/04/2026 |
Date of Kannada language Test: (ONLY for Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates) | 22/04/2026 |
KCET 2026 result date | To be notified |
Commencement of document upload for KCET counselling | To be notified |
PROGRAM OFFERED
UGCET 2026 (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) covers a wide range of undergraduate professional programmes through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The common application includes:
1. Engineering & Technology: B.E./B.Tech (including Bio-Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Dairy Technology, etc.)
2. Architecture: B.Arch (requires NATA/JEE Main Paper 2)
3. Pharmacy: B.Pharm, Pharm-D, 2nd year B.Pharm (Lateral Entry)
4. AYUSH & Allied: Bachelor of Yoga & Naturopathy (BNYS), B.Sc (Nursing), BPT (Physiotherapy), BPO (Prosthetics & Orthotics), B.Sc Allied Health Sciences (e.g., Radiotherapy, Respiratory Care, Emergency, Renal Dialysis, Operation Theater, Cardiac Care, Imaging, Anaesthesia, etc.)
Farm Sciences/Agriculture & Veterinary: B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Forestry, Community Science; B.Tech (Food Technology, Agri. Engineering); B.V.Sc & A.H (Veterinary), B.F.Sc (Fisheries), B.Sc (Agriculture Marketing & Co-op), etc.
TOP COLLEGES & SEATS
KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to various UG professional courses. Here are some of the most sought-after colleges in Karnataka that admit through KCET — based on past rankings, cutoffs, placements and reputation:
Top Engineering Colleges Accepting KCET
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi
R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE), Bangalore
M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bangalore
B.M.S. College of Engineering (BMSCE), Bangalore
PES University, Bangalore
Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumkur
NMAM Institute of Technology (Nitte), Karkala
Other KCET Colleges
IIIT Bangalore
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore
Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT)
New Horizon College of Engineering (NHCE), Bangalore
Government Engineering Colleges (KCET)
University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bangalore
Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore
Several Government Engineering Colleges in Haveri, Hassan, Mandya, Raichur, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru also admit via KCET.
Seats
KCET 2026 seat details have not been released yet, as the counselling process takes place after the exam. Candidates can expect general seat-related information to be published on the official KEA website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in), including details for engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses, reservation categories such as GM, SC, ST, Cat-1, and updated rules like allotment of special category seats in Round 1. The detailed seat matrix, showing college- and course-wise seat availability, will be released by KEA during counselling and will determine seat allotment based on rank, choice preferences, and document verification.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates planning to apply for the exam must first ensure that they meet the KCET 2026 eligibility criteria. Aspirants seeking admission to universities or institutes in Karnataka through KCET are required to satisfy the minimum eligibility conditions prescribed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), the conducting body of the exam.
Nationality
1. Candidates applying for KCET Examination must be a citizen of India & domicile of Karnataka.
2. All Candidates of Indian Origins (PIO) /Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can also apply for the examination.
Age Limit
The minimum age to apply for the KCET is 17 years. There is no limit on maximum age.
Educational Qualification
Course | KCET Academic Eligibility Criteria |
Architecture Course (B.Arch) | Candidate must qualify National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) Candidate must also satisfy the eligibility criteria laid down by the Council of Architecture (COA) |
Engineering/Technology Courses (B.E. / B.Tech) | Candidate must have passed 2nd PUC/12th class or equivalent exam with English as one of the languages Candidate must also have scored at least 45% marks in aggregate in Physics, Maths & Chemistry/BioTechnology/Biology/Electronics/Computer For SC, ST category candidates, the minimum marks is 40% |
Farm Science Courses, which include: B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture B.Sc. (Hons) Sericulture B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture B.Sc (Hons) Forestry B.Tech (Bio-Technology) B.Sc.(Hons) Community Science B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering) B.Tech (Food Technology) B.Tech (D. Tech) B.F.Sc (Fisheries) B.Sc. (Hons) Agri. Business Management |
Candidate must have passed 2nd PUC/12th class or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology as optional subjects Candidate must secure at least 50% marks in practical exam to claim seat under Agriculturist Quota |
Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) | Candidate must have passed 2nd PUC / class 12th with an aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English subjects For SC, ST category candidates, the minimum marks are 40% Merit list will be prepared based on 50% of marks secured in CET (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) and 50% of marks scored in the practical test |
B. Pharma | Candidate must have cleared 2nd PUC / class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Maths and secured at least 45% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry & Biology For SC, ST category candidates, the minimum marks are 40% OR Candidate must have cleared Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India by securing a minimum of 45% marks For SC, ST category candidates, the minimum marks are 40% |
2nd Year B. Pharma
| Candidate must have cleared Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India by securing a minimum of 45% marks For SC, ST category candidates, the minimum marks are 40% |
Pharma-D | Candidate must have cleared 2nd PUC / class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Maths OR Candidate must have cleared the Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India |
Naturopathy & Yoga | Candidate must have passed the qualifying exam with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as optional subjects and English as one of the languages Candidate must also have secured at least 50% marks (aggregate) in Physics, Chemistry and Biology For SC, ST category candidates, the minimum marks are 40% |
BPT | Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as optional subjects and English as one of the languages of study and obtained an aggregate minimum of 40% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects in the Q. E. is eligible for admission to BPT courses. 35% of marks in Q. E. in case of SC, ST, Category–I and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A and 3B) Category candidates Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics as optional subjects and English as one of the languages of study and obtained an aggregate minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics subjects in the Q. E. is eligible for admission to BPO courses. 45% of marks in Q. E. in case of SC, ST, Category–I and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A and 3B) Category candidates. |
BPO | Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics as optional subjects and English as one of the languages of study and obtained an aggregate minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics subjects in the Q. E. is eligible for admission to BPO courses. 45% of marks in Q. E. in case of SC, ST, Category–I and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A and 3B) Category candidates. |
B.Sc ASH
| Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as optional subjects and English as one of the languages of study and obtained an aggregate minimum of 35% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects in the Q. E. is eligible for admission to BPT and BPO courses. |
EXAM PATTERN
KCET Examination will be held as an Objective Type Offline Pen & Paper based Test. Question paper will contain a total of 180 Questions and 180 Marks, being 1 mark for each question. The total duration of the examination will be 240 Minutes. The Section-wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below :-
Test Mode | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
Objective Type Offline Pen & Paper Based Test | Physics | 60 Q | 60 x 1 = 60 Marks | 80 Minutes |
Chemistry | 60 Q | 60 x 1 = 60 Marks | 80 Minutes |
Mathematics/ Biology | 60 Q | 60 x 1 = 60 Marks | 80 Minutes |
Total | 180 Q | 180 Marks | 240 Minutes |
Kannada Language Test
Number of Questions: 50
Marks: 50
Duration: 60 minutes
Marking Scheme
Correct Answer: +1 mark
Incorrect Answer: No negative marking
Unattempted: 0 mark
Important Notes
Kannada Language Test is mandatory only for candidates claiming eligibility under Horanadu/Gadinadu quota
Marks obtained in KCET are used for ranking and counselling, along with qualifying exam eligibility
Final seat allotment depends on rank, reservation category, and choice filling
SYLLABUS
The authorities have stated that the Karnataka CET 2026 syllabus is prescribed according to the first and second year PUC curriculum set by the Department of Pre-University Education, Government of Karnataka. The KCET 2026 syllabus PDF will be made available online on the official website, from where candidates can download the subject-wise syllabus for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Syllabus for KCET exam is given below:
Name of Test | Topic |
Physics | I PUC |
Physical World & Units and Measurement |
Motion in a Straight Line & Motion in a Plane |
Laws of Motion & Work, Energy & Power |
Systems of Particles and Rotational Motion Gravitation |
Mechanical Properties of Solids & Fluids |
Thermal Properties of Matter |
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Oscillations & Waves |
II PUC |
Electric Charges and Fields |
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance |
Current Electricity |
Magnetism and Matter |
Electromagnetic Induction |
Alternating Current |
Electromagnetic Waves |
Ray Optics and Optical Instruments |
Wave Optics |
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter |
Atoms & Nuclei |
Semiconductor Electronics & Communication Systems |
Chemistry | I PUC |
Some basic concepts of chemistry |
Structure of atom |
Classification of elements and Periodicity in properties |
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure |
States of Matter - Gases and Liquids |
Thermodynamics |
Equilibrium |
Redox reactions |
Hydrogen |
s-Block elements |
Some p-Block elements |
Organic chemistry - some basic principles & Techniques |
Hydrocarbons |
Environmental chemistry |
II PUC |
Solid state & Solutions |
Electrochemistry |
Chemical Kinetics |
Surface Chemistry |
General Principle and Processes of Isolation of elements |
p-Block elements |
d and f block elements |
Co-ordination compounds |
Halo alkanes and Halo arenes |
Alcohols, Phenols, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic acids and Ethers |
Biomolecules and polymers |
Organic compounds containing nitrogen |
Chemistry in everyday life |
Mathematics | I PUC |
Sets, Relations & Functions |
Trigonometric Functions |
Principle of Mathematical Induction |
Complex numbers and Quadratic equations Linear Inequalities |
Permutations and Combination |
Binomial Theorem |
Sequence & Series |
Straight Lines & Conic Sections |
Introduction to 3D-Geometry |
Limits & Derivatives |
Mathematical Reasoning |
Statistics & Probability |
II PUC |
Relations & Functions |
Inverse Trigonometric functions |
Matrices |
Determinants |
Continuity and Differentiability |
Application of Derivatives |
Integrals & Application of Integrals |
Differential Equations & Vector Algebra |
Three Dimensional Geometry, Linear Programming & Probability |
Biology | I PUC |
Living World |
Plant Kingdom |
Body fluids and Circulation |
Photosynthesis in Higher Plants |
Breathing and Exchange of Gases, Digestion and Absorption |
Plant Growth and Development & Respiration in Plants |
Morphology of Flowering Plants, Anatomy and Flowering Plants |
Biomolecules, Cell Cycle and Cell Division |
Locomotion and Movement |
Excretory Products and their Elimination |
II PUC |
Microbes in Human Welfare |
Reproduction in Organisms |
Biotech: Principles and Processes & Environmental Issues |
Biotech: Application, Biodiversity and Conservation |
Organism and Population & Ecosystem |
Reproductive Health, Human Reproduction & Evolution |
SELECTION PROCESS
1. KCET Application & Examination
Candidates must first register online and appear for the KCET 2026 examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
2. Result Declaration & Rank List
After the exam, KEA releases the KCET results and rank list. Rankings are prepared based on KCET scores (along with qualifying examination criteria as prescribed).
3. Document Verification
Qualified candidates must participate in document verification, either online or at designated KEA centres, to confirm eligibility, category, and reservation claims.
4. Online Counselling (Option Entry)
Candidates who complete verification can enter their preferred colleges and courses through the online counselling portal.
5. Seat Allotment
KEA conducts seat allotment in multiple rounds based on:
KCET rank
Reservation category
Candidate’s choices
Availability of seats
6. Fee Payment & Seat Confirmation
Candidates allotted a seat must pay the prescribed fee online and confirm their admission choice within the given deadline.
7. Reporting to the Allotted College
Finally, candidates must report to the allotted institute with original documents to complete the admission process.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Registration: Go to the Official Website and then click the link 'New Registration'. On the home page of KCET, provide a valid email address, mobile number, and password. all communications regarding KCET will be sent to the email address provided at the time of registration.
2. Filling up the KCET application form: Candidates need to fill their personal, academic, and contact details in the KCET application form and note down system-generated application number. They also have to create a password that will be used for future logins. Below are the details that the candidates should fill in the application form.
Basic details: Here, candidates need to fill in the category, nationality, personal details, select exam centres, date of birth, gender, father's name or mother's name, address, etc.
Educational qualification, work experience & languages: Here, candidates need to enter details of their graduation such as year of passing, college, percentage of marks, grade (if any). They are also required to enter their work experience. Candidates are also required to enter the languages they can read, write and speak.
Preferences: Candidates need to enter the preferences of banks where they wish to work upon selection. SC/ST/Minority candidates can opt for pre-exam training in this part
3. Upload of Prescribed Documents & Images (Photographs and Scanned Signatures): Upload photographs, signatures, and thumb impressions as per specification. Images that are not as per prescribed specification shall not be considered and may lead to rejection of the application.
Photo, Signature, and Thumb Impression Details
Particulars | File Size | Dimension |
Photo | 5 KB to 40 KB | 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm |
Signature | 5 KB to 40 KB | 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm |
Left Thumb Impression of Candidate and Left Thumb Impression/Signature of Parent/Guardian (Mandatory) | 5 KB to 40 KB | 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm |
4. Choose your Test City Pay the Examination Fee: While applying, candidates have to select any four cities of their choice. The efforts will be made to allow the city of examination to the candidates in order of choice opted by them in their online Application Form. However, due to administrative/logistic reasons, a different city can be allotted. The candidates can pay the application fees in online mode only. For online payment, candidates can pay through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net Banking/Paytm/UPI.
Quota/Category | KCET Application Form Fee |
Karnataka Origin Candidates (Gen & OBC) | INR 500/- |
Karnataka Origin Candidates (ST & SC) | INR 250/- |
All Female Candidates of Karnataka | INR 250/- |
Candidates from Outside Karnataka | INR 750/- |
Candidates from Outside India | INR 5000/- |
5. Print the Confirmation page: The last step is to take printouts of the confirmation page, after successful payment of KCET application fees.
EXAM ENTERS
Candidates will have to appear for the 'Common Entrance Test - 2026' in a test centre located at Bengaluru, Belagavi, Bijapura, Mangalore Centres Only.
ADMIT CARD
The KCET 2026 admit card will be released on April 10, 2026. Candidates can download it from the official KEA website by using their application ID or registered mobile number. Carrying the admit card to the examination centre is compulsory, as entry will not be permitted without it.
Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to download admit card for the KCET exam:
1- Visit the Official Website
2- Click on the tab indicating “KCET admit card’’
3- Fill in the Application Number and Date of Birth. Click on Submit button
4- KCET Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
5- Click on “Download KCET Admit Card”.
EXAM RESULT
The KCET 2026 result is expected to be announced around the second week of June 2026. Candidates will be able to download their scorecards from the official KEA website. Along with the results, the merit list will also be released based on the candidates’ performance in the examination.
Candidates can check their result by following the steps listed below:
1- Go to the Official Website
2- Click the result link of KCET.
3- The registration page for entering the data opens in a new tab.
4- Enter the registration number and password (date of birth).
5- Submit the data.The result is displayed on the screen.
6- Please read the data printed on it carefully.
7- Take a printout of it and keep it safely for further use.
COUNSELLING PROCESS & CUTOFFS
KCET 2025 cutoffs differed widely depending on the college, engineering branch (such as CSE, ECE, Mechanical), and reservation category (General, SC, ST, etc.). In top institutions like RV College of Engineering (RVCE), CSE closed at very low ranks (around 500–600), while mid- and lower-tier colleges saw closing ranks extend from the thousands to even tens of thousands. Cutoffs also changed across counselling rounds. For accurate, round-wise cutoff details, candidates should refer to the official PDFs released by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) on its website.
Counselling Process
The KCET 2026 counselling process is likely to commence in June or July 2026. To participate, candidates must complete the online registration and submit the required documents for verification. Taking part in the counselling process is mandatory to secure admission to one of Karnataka’s leading institutions.
KCET 2026 Counselling
KCET 2026 counselling is expected to begin tentatively in June or July 2026. Candidates are required to register online for counselling and present their documents for verification. Only those who participate in the counselling process will be eligible for seat allotment.
Documents Required for KCET 2026 Counselling
10th class marksheet and certificate
12th class marksheet and certificate
Domicile certificate
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Identity proof (such as Aadhaar card)
KCET 2026 scorecard
KCET 2026 admit card
Copy of the filled application form
Recent passport-size photograph
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click Here
For Official Notification- Click Here