KCET Registration 2026

KCET Recruitment 2026 Registration Open Apply Now

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has altered the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET 2026) test dates to avoid a collision with the National Defence Academy (NDA) exams. According to the updated timetable, KCET 2026 will now be held on April 18 and 19, 2026.

The application for KCET 2026 began today and will continue until February 10. The application form, notification, and other eligibility information are available at the KEA's official websites, kea.kar.nic.in and cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has changed the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET 2026) test dates to avoid overlapping with the National Defence Academy (NDA) exams. According to the new schedule, KCET 2026 will now take place on April 18 and 19, 2026. Previously, the tests were scheduled for April 20 and 21, 2026. The application for KCET 2026 began today and will run until February 10.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) to shortlist candidates for admission to engineering, veterinary, and pharmacy institutions.

Highlights

Exam	Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET)
Organiser	Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
KCET Registration Dates	January 10 to February 10, 2026
KCET Application form	Online
KCET Exam Dates	April 18 and 19, 2026
Educational Qualification	Class 12 or PUC
Official website	cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Important Dates

Particulars	Dates
KCET 2026 Application Form (Out)	January 10, 2026
Last Date to Fill KCET 2026 Application Form	February 2, 2026
Last Date to Pay KCET 2026 Application Fees	February 14, 2026
Hall Ticket Download	April 5, 2026 onwards
KCET Exam Date 2026 (Revised)	April 18 – 19, 2026
KCET Kannada Language Test (ONLY for Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates)	April 20, 2026
KCET Practical Examination for UG course applicants for Agriculture / Horticulture / Veterinary Universities under “Agriculturist Quota”	April 24, 2026
KCET Result 2026	May 5, 2026

Application Process

Candidates can follow these steps mentioned below  to apply for the KCET exam 2026

• Access the official KCET portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
• Locate the exam window on the homepage.
• Search for the KCET registration link.
• Clicking on the link opens the KCET application form.
• Fill out the KCET application form with all personal and academic information.
• Upload the relevant documents, including photographs and signatures.
• Pay the application fees.
• Submit your KCET application form.
• Download and print the application form for future reference.

Application Fees

GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B applicants from Karnataka:	500/-
CAT-1 / SC / ST applicants from Karnataka:	200/-
Candidates studying outside Karnataka:	750/-
Foreign applicants pay:	5000/-

Every year, around 2 lakh individuals apply for the KCET entrance exam for admission to BTech and BArch courses at various participating institutes throughout Karnataka. The entrance exam will be administered offline. The KEA is also in charge of preparing KCET results and performing KCET counseling.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for KCET 2026 change by course. Students are recommended to check the eligibility for their individual courses on the official website. The general exam criteria are outlined below.

Nationality	Indian
Educational Qualifications	Qualified 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized university.
Mandatory Subjects	PCM/PCB, English
Minimum age:	17 years

Exam Pattern

The KCET Exam Pattern 2026 will evaluate applicants' understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. To assist students further, the essential highlights of the KCET 2026 exam pattern are provided here.

Examination Mode	Pen-paper based Examination
Medium of Language	English or Kannada
Exam Duration	1 hour 20 minutes for each session
Question Type	MCQs
Total Number of Questions	180 Questions
Number of Questions per Subject	60 Questions
Marking Scheme	For every correct answer, one mark will be awarded.
Negative Marking	There is no negative marking in the exam.

Preparation tips for the KCET Exam

Although a preparation method for any exam varies by candidate, based on the amount of time allowed to study, a candidate's retention power, and so on.

However, a broad overview of KCET 2026 preparation suggestions is offered in the section below, as mentioned by numerous toppers over the years. Candidates can try to incorporate some of the following points into their preparation method as well.

• Create a preparation approach based on your weak areas and stick to it. Spend more time on subjects that demand significant improvement.
• Before beginning preparation for KCET 2026, students should take a diagnostic test and have it appraised by a mentor.
• Assess the diagnostic test errors and discover areas of strength and weakness.
• Attempt past years question papers. Try as many past years question papers as possible. This will enhance kids' confidence.
• Avoid doing any last-minute preparation. Trust your instincts and concentrate on revision rather than acquiring new material.