Karnataka Common Entrance Test

KCET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and related fields in Karnataka. Eligible candidates must be Karnataka residents who have passed Class 12 with required subjects and minimum marks. The application process is held online and includes registration, form filling, document upload, and fee payment. KCET also provides a correction window to fix mistakes after submission. Admit cards are released before the exam, and candidates must appear for written tests along with a Kannada language test if applicable. Category-based application fees, document specifications, and eligibility relaxations are clearly defined. KCET uses a structured process to ensure fair selection based on academic eligibility and exam performance, making careful application and preparation essential for students aiming for professional courses in Karnataka.

KCET 2026 Registration Dates

KCET 2026 registrations run from January to February, with fee payment due by late February, admit cards in early April, exams in mid-April, and the Kannada language test scheduled in April. The table below outlines key registration, admit card, and examination milestones for KCET 2026.

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

As per the KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria, candidates must be citizens of Karnataka and should have passed the 12th standard (2nd PUC) or an equivalent examination with English as one of the compulsory subjects. They must have secured a minimum of 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science combined. For SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates, a 5% relaxation is provided, meaning they require a minimum of 35% marks in the qualifying subjects. Applicants should be 17 years of age by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for appearing in KCET 2026.

Step-by-Step KCET 2026 Registration Process

Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the KCET 2026 application process:

• Registration: The first step is to visit the KCET official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and click on the "New User? Click Here for KCET registration 2026" link. Students will need to provide personal details, including their name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number, and create a password. Once registered, you will receive an application number and user ID via email and SMS.
• Filling the Application Form: After registration, log in using the credentials to complete the application form. Students will need to provide detailed information, including their personal details, educational qualifications, and communication preferences. You will also need to select your preferred exam centres during this stage.
• Uploading Documents: They are required to upload scanned copies of several documents, including a recent passport-sized photograph, their signature, their left thumb impression, and their parents’ signature or thumb impression. Ensure that all files are in JPG or JPEG format and meet the specified size requirements.
• Payment of Application Fee: The application fee varies depending on your category:

Students can make the payment online using net banking, credit or debit cards, or via an offline bank challan.

• Final Submission: Before final submission, candidates must double-check all the information provided in their application. After ensuring that everything is correct, submit the form. It is important to print a copy of your application form for future reference.

List of Documents Required for KCET 2026 Registration Form

Here is a list of documents required for the KCET 2026 registration form and application process:

• A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
• Scanned the signature of the candidate.
• Scanned image of the left thumb impression of the candidate.
• Scanned signature or left thumb impression of the candidate's parent/guardian.
• A copy of the mark sheet from your 10th-grade examination for proof of date of birth.
• A copy of the marksheet from your 12th-grade (Pre-University College) examination, showing the subjects studied.
• SC/ST/CAT-1 candidates need to provide their caste certificate issued by the competent authority in Karnataka.
• An income certificate issued by the competent authority if you belong to an economically weaker section (EWS) or if you are claiming benefits based on income.
• For candidates from Karnataka, proof of residency or a domicile certificate may be required.
• Though not mandatory, the Aadhaar card may be used for identity verification purposes.
• If you studied outside Karnataka, you may be required to provide an eligibility certificate from a recognised board or university.
• Candidates who claim rural status must upload a rural status certificate.
• Any other documents specified by KEA based on your category or eligibility (e.g., proof of Kannada medium, if applicable).

Documents Uploading Specifications in KCET 2026 Application Form

While filling out the application form for KCET 2026, students were required to upload the necessary documents, including a passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, marksheets, etc. However, students should also ensure that these documents are uploaded in the correct dimensions to avoid disqualification. Given below are the size specifications that candidates are required to follow when uploading documents:

KCET 2026 Application Correction Window

The KCET 2026 Application Correction Window allows candidates to make necessary corrections to their application forms after submission. This window is typically provided to ensure that any mistakes in the details entered during the application process can be rectified before the final submission and the subsequent steps.

Steps to Make Corrections in the KCET 2026 Application Form

Candidates must follow a specific process to make corrections to the KCET 2026 application form. Here’s how you can correct your details:

Access the Correction Portal

• Go to the official KEA website: kea.kar.nic.in.
• Navigate to the KCET 2026 section and locate the link for the "Application Correction" portal.

Login to Your Account

• Enter your KCET application number and password that was created during the initial registration process.
• This will give you access to your submitted application form.

Make Necessary Corrections

• Once logged in, you can proceed to edit the details that are allowed to be corrected.
• The application form contains several sections, such as personal details, contact information, educational qualifications, exam preferences, and so on. The correction window allows candidates to edit or update several of these details.

Review and Confirm the Changes

• After making corrections, review all the fields to ensure the accuracy of the information.
• Double-check the details to avoid any further errors, as after the correction window closes, no further changes will be permitted.

Submit the Corrected Application

• Once you have verified all corrections, submit the updated application.
• Make sure to download and save a copy of the corrected application form for your records.

Details that Can Be Corrected in the KCET 2026 Application Correction Window

Not all fields in the KCET 2026 application form can be edited. Here are the fields that are generally allowed for correction:

• Personal Information: Name, father’s/mother’s name, date of birth, gender, and nationality can be corrected if there are errors.
• Educational Details: Changes in marks, qualifications, and board/stream info can be updated.
• Reservation Category: Incorrect category selection (General, OBC, SC/ST) can be corrected.
• Address and Contact: Errors in the communication address, email, or phone number can be updated.
• Course Preferences: Incorrect course or college selections can be changed.
• Documents Upload: Candidates can update/upload corrected documents (e.g., photograph, signature, category certificate).
• Examination Centre: Incorrect exam centre choices can be modified.

How to Recover the KCET 2026 Login Password?

If you have forgotten your KCET 2026 login password, follow these steps to recover it:

• Visit the Official KCET Website: Go to the official Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
• Click on 'Login': On the homepage, look for the login section and click on the "Login" button.
• Select 'Forgot Password': Below the login fields, you will see a "Forgot Password" link. Click on it.
• Enter Required Details: You will be asked to enter details like:

• Your Application Number
• Date of Birth
• Security Code (as shown on the screen)

• Submit the Details: After entering the correct details, click on the "Submit" button.
• Receive Reset Link: Once your details are verified, a password reset link will be sent to your registered email ID or mobile number.
• Reset Your Password: Open the email or SMS and click on the link to reset your password. Enter a new, strong password and confirm it.
• Log in with a New Password: After resetting your password, you can log in to the KCET portal with your new credentials.

KCET 2026 FAQs

What is the registration period for KCET 2026?

KCET 2026 registration is conducted from January to February 2026 through the official KEA website.

What is the last date for KCET 2026 application fee payment?

The KCET 2026 application fee payment deadline falls in the third week of February 2026.

When will the KCET 2026 admit card be released?

The KCET 2026 admit card is released in the first week of April on the KEA official portal.

Who is eligible to apply for KCET 2026?

KCET 2026 applicants must be Karnataka residents, have passed Class 12 with required subjects, secured minimum qualifying marks, and be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.

What is the minimum qualifying percentage for KCET 2026 eligibility?

General category candidates need 45% aggregate in relevant subjects, while SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates require 35% to be eligible for KCET 2026.

What is the application fee for KCET 2026 for different categories?

The KCET 2026 fee is INR 500 for General candidates, INR 250 for SC/ST/CAT-1, INR 750 for candidates studied outside Karnataka, and INR 5,000 for foreign applicants.

What documents are mandatory for KCET 2026 registration?

Candidates must upload a passport-size photograph, signature, thumb impressions, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, category certificates (if applicable), and domicile or eligibility proof for KCET 2026.

Can candidates edit their KCET 2026 application after submission?

Yes, KCET 2026 provides an application correction window allowing candidates to edit permitted details before the final processing stage.

What details can be corrected during the KCET 2026 correction window?

Personal details, educational information, reservation category, contact details, exam centre choice, course preferences, and uploaded documents can be corrected in KCET 2026.

How can candidates recover their KCET 2026 login password?

KCET 2026 password recovery is done through the “Forgot Password” option on the KEA website using application number, date of birth, and security verification.