The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). It is held once a year for admission into various undergraduate programs such as BTech, BPharma, DPharma, Agriculture, and Veterinary courses. The exam will be conducted in offline mode (pen and paper) and consists of multiple-choice questions from subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each paper will be 80 minutes long, with no negative marking. A separate Kannada language test is conducted for candidates from Horanadu and Gadinadu regions.
The application process will be conducted online starting from the fourth week of January 2026, and the exam is tentatively scheduled for the third week of April 2026. Candidates must meet course-wise eligibility criteria to apply. After the results, KEA will conduct online counselling in June 2026 based on candidates’ ranks and preferences for college/course allotment.
KCET 2026 Highlights
Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is a state-level exam conducted by KEA for admission to BTech, BPharma, DPharma, Agriculture, and Veterinary courses. The exam is held once a year in offline mode. Key details are listed below.
Particulars | Details |
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Exam Name | KCET |
Exam Full Form | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
Level of Exam | State-level entrance exam |
Mode of Exam | Offline (pen and paper mode) |
Mode of Application | Online |
Mode of Counselling | Online mode |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Courses Offered |
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KCET 2026 Important Dates
The KCET 2026 exam schedule includes important dates for application, admit card, exam, results, and counselling. Knowing these dates helps candidates plan their preparation and admission process on time. Below is the tentative timeline for all key events.
Events | Dates 2026 (Tentative) |
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Online application form available | 4th week of January 2026 |
Last date to submit application form | 4th week of February 2026 |
Last date to pay the fee | 4th week of February 2026 |
Last date for submission of documents | 4th week of February 2026 |
Application correction | 4th week of February 2026 |
Admit card | 2nd week of April 2026 |
KCET 2026 exam date | 3rd week of April 2026 |
Answer key release | 4th week of April 2026 |
Declaration of Result | 3rd week of May 2026 |
Counselling starts | June 2026 |
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for KCET 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen course. These criteria include academic qualifications, minimum marks, and specific subject combinations. Below is a stream-wise breakdown of the KCET 2026 eligibility for BTech, BPharma, BArch, Agriculture, and Veterinary courses.
Streams | Eligibility Criteria |
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BTech |
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BArch (Architecture Course) |
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BPharma |
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Agriculture and Farm Sciences |
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Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) |
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KCET 2026 Application Process
Candidates applying for KCET 2026 must carefully follow the application instructions. The application process will be conducted only through online mode, starting from the fourth week of January 2026. Applicants must use a valid mobile number and email ID, as all communication will be sent via SMS or email. Before registering, candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. While filling the form, details like name, address, date of birth, category, and educational qualifications must be entered accurately. Applicants also need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and necessary certificates in the specified format. The last date to submit the application form will be in the fourth week of February 2026. After submission, a correction window will be provided to make any necessary changes. It is advised to keep at least three printouts of the submitted application form for future reference.
How To Apply
- Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
- Fill out basic personal details.
- Log in with username and password to fill out the KCET application form 2026.
- Enter educational qualification, address and other details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the KCET registration fee (For UR INR 500, For SC/ ST candidates INR 250, NRI candidates INR 5000).
- Cross-check all details and click on “submit”.
KCET 2026 Syllabus
The KCET 2026 syllabus is based on the topics covered in the Class 11 and 12 Science stream. It includes important subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Understanding the subject-wise syllabus helps candidates prepare effectively for the exam and focus on key concepts.
Subjects | Topics |
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Physics |
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Chemistry |
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Biology |
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Mathematics |
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KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The KCET 2026 exam pattern includes multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Each subject paper is of 80 minutes and carries 60 marks. There is no negative marking. A separate Kannada language test is held for specific candidates from the Horanadu and Gadinadu regions.
Subject | Questions | Duration | Total Marks | Marking Scheme |
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Physics | 60 questions | 80 minutes | 60 marks | +1 mark for each correct answer and no negative marking |
Chemistry | 60 questions | 80 minutes | 60 marks | |
Mathematics/Biology | 60 questions | 80 minutes | 60 marks | |
Kannada (Candidates from Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga) | 60 questions | 60 minutes | 50 marks |
KCET 2026 Admit Card
The KCET 2026 admit card will be released in the second week of April 2026. Candidates must download it from the official KEA website to appear for the exam. The admit card will include important details such as the candidate’s name, exam date, time, centre address, and instructions to follow on the exam day.
Steps to Download KCET 2026 Admit Card:
- Go to the official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Click on the “KCET 2026 Admit Card” or “Download Hall Ticket” link.
- Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth, and the captcha code.
- Check all details like your name, exam centre, date, and time.
- Click on the “Download” button and save/print the admit card.
KCET 2026 Result
The KCET 2026 result will be announced in the third week of May 2026 on the official KEA website. Candidates can check their result by entering their registration number and name. The result will show subject-wise scores, total marks, and qualifying status. It is important to download and save the scorecard for counselling.
Steps to Check KCET Result 2026 :
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
- Click on "KEA UGCET Result" link.
- Enter your registration number and first four letters of your name.
- View and verify your KCET 2026 scorecard.
- Download and save it for future use.
KCET 2026 Counselling
KCET Counselling 2026 will begin in the last week of June 2026 on the official website – cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Qualified candidates must register online and complete document verification at KEA centres in Bangalore. After that, they can fill in their college and course preferences for seat allotment.
Simple Steps for KCET 2026 Counselling:
- Register online using CET number and password.
- Visit the KEA centre in Bangalore for document verification.
- Select your preferred courses and colleges.
- Check seat allotment based on your rank and choices.
- Pay the admission fee and confirm your seat.
KCET 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is KCET 2026 and who conducts it?
Ans. KCET 2026 is the Karnataka Common Entrance Test conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission to BTech, BPharma, DPharma, Agriculture, and Veterinary courses.
Ques. What is the mode of the KCET 2026 exam?
Ans. KCET 2026 will be conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode.
Ques. When will the KCET 2026 application form be released?
Ans. The KCET 2026 application form is expected to be available in the fourth week of January 2026.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026 BTech admission?
Ans. Candidates must have passed 12th with English, Physics, and Mathematics, scoring at least 45% for the general category and 40% for reserved categories.
Ques. What is the KCET 2026 syllabus based on?
Ans. The KCET 2026 syllabus is based on Class 11 and 12 topics from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
Ques. What is the KCET 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. KCET 2026 will consist of 60 questions per subject, each carrying 1 mark. There is no negative marking and each paper lasts 80 minutes.
Ques. When will the KCET 2026 admit card be available?
Ans. The KCET 2026 admit card will be released in the second week of April 2026 on the official KEA website.
Ques. How can I check my KCET 2026 result?
Ans. Candidates can check their KCET 2026 result by visiting cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and entering their registration number and name.
Ques. When will KCET 2026 counselling begin?
Ans. KCET 2026 counselling is expected to start in the last week of June 2026.
Ques. Is there any Kannada language test in KCET 2026?
Ans. Yes, a separate Kannada language test will be conducted for candidates from Horanadu and Gadinadu regions.