Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test

Karnataka PGCET 2026 is an important state-level exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). This exam helps students get admission to postgraduate courses like MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.Arch, and M.E. It is held once a year and is taken offline, which means students will go to exam centers to write the test on paper. To apply, students need to fill the form online on the official website starting in May 2026. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, and students get 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete it. The questions are in English, and each correct answer gives one mark. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students can attempt all questions without worry. After the exam, results will be declared in September 2026. Students with good scores will get a chance to join their preferred course through counselling, which starts in October. The counselling process includes document verification and seat allocation based on the student’s rank and choices. This exam is a gateway for many students to pursue higher studies in Karnataka.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Highlights 

Karnataka PGCET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). It offers admission to postgraduate courses like MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.Arch, and M.E. The exam is held offline, while the application process is conducted online through the official website.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Important Dates

This section outlines the tentative schedule for Karnataka PGCET 2026, covering key events such as the release of the application form, admit card issuance, exam date, answer key publication, result declaration, and the start of counselling. Candidates should keep track of these dates for timely preparation.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

For MBA Courses:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized board.
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST, and Category-I Karnataka candidates).
• Part-time MBA applicants must have at least 3 years work experience by 31st July 2026.

For MCA:

• Bachelor’s degree in BCA, Computer Science Engineering or B.Sc./B.Com./B.A. with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level.
• Minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in graduation.

For M.E./M.Tech/M.Arch:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories).
• Valid GATE score is mandatory.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Form

The application form for Karnataka PGCET 2026 will be released in the fourth week of May 2026 and can only be filled online. Applicants are required to enter personal details, academic information, and phone number, and upload a scanned passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format. A correction facility may be available after registration to make any necessary modifications. The last date to submit the application form and pay the fee is the third week of June 2026. It is advised that applicants print and save a copy of the submitted form for future reference.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official website link.
2. Register as a new user with basic details.
3. Receive user ID on registered mobile number.
4. Login and fill the application form with personal, communication, and education details.
5. Upload passport-size photographs and signatures.
6. Verify details and agree to declaration.
7. Pay the application fee online.
8. Take a printout of the submitted form for future use.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern has not yet been revised and is expected to remain the same as the previous year. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam is conducted offline and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam duration is 150 minutes and is conducted in English. Each correct answer carries one mark, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without penalty.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Syllabus

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 Syllabus has not yet been revised and is expected to remain the same as the previous year. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 syllabus varies according to the course applied for. It covers a wide range of topics designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen field. Below is a detailed overview of the syllabus for MBA, MCA, and M.Arch programs.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation Tips

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
• Prepare a balanced study schedule covering all subjects.
• Stick to the timetable and revise regularly.
• Take mock tests to evaluate progress.
• Make concise notes of important topics for quick revision.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Admit Card

The Karnataka PGCET Admit Card 2026 can be downloaded online. To get the admit card, candidates need to enter their application number and date of birth. It will be available from the fourth week of July 2026 for all students who have successfully registered for the exam. On the exam day, candidates must bring their admit card with them because without it, they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. The admit card will have important information like the candidate’s name, exam center, date, and time of the test.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Result

After the exam, the authorities will check all answer keys and objections before announcing the Karnataka PGCET 2026 result. The result will be published online in the fourth week of September 2026 as a merit list. For MBA and MCA courses, the merit list will be based only on the entrance exam scores. For M.E., M.Tech, and M.Arch courses, the merit list will be prepared using GATE scores.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Cut Off

The cut off rank shows the last rank allowed for admission to a particular college and course in each category from the previous year. There will be separate cut off lists for PGCET and GATE qualified students. After the exam, students can check the cut off scores online. These scores depend on the courses and colleges chosen by students and their exam ranks.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling

Counselling for Karnataka PGCET 2026 will start online in October 2026. Students who score enough marks can participate in document verification and seat allotment based on their ranks. Seats for MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech, and M.Arch will be given according to merit and the order of choices made by students during registration. Seats will be confirmed only after document verification.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 FAQs