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The KCET 2026 (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) official notification was released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on January 2, 2026. This state-level entrance exam is the gateway for admission into undergraduate professional courses like Engineering, Technology, B.Pharma, Agriculture (Farm Science), and Veterinary Science in Karnataka.
Latest News: The KCET 2026 online application process will begin on January 17, 2026. KEA has also released a new “CET Guide” to help students fill out the form without errors.
KCET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | January 2, 2026 |
| Start of KCET 2026 Registration | January 17, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| Kannada Language Test (Horanadu/Gadinadu) | April 22, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Exam Date | April 23 & 24, 2026 |
| Announcement of Result | May 2026 |
KCET 2026 Quick Links
- KCET 2026 Syllabus (New)
- Previous Year Question Papers
- Apply Online: KCET 2026 Registration
- Check Category-wise Cut Off
- Admit Card
- Result
- Sample Papers
- Answer Key
KCET 2026 Exam Schedule (Subject-wise)
The exam will be conducted in two sessions daily. Each subject carries 60 marks with a duration of 80 minutes.
| Date | Morning (10:30 AM – 11:50 AM) | Afternoon (2:30 PM – 3:50 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2026 | Physics | Chemistry |
| April 24, 2026 | Biology | Mathematics |
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Candidate must be an Indian Citizen.
- Academic: Must have passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- Minimum Marks: 45% aggregate in optional subjects (40% for SC/ST/OBC Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B).
- Domicile: Must meet one of the KEA eligibility clauses (e.g., 7 years of study in Karnataka).
Documents Required for Application
Before the registration link opens on Jan 17, ensure you have scanned copies of:
- SSLC/10th Marks Card (for date of birth verification).
- Recent Passport size color photograph (5-40 KB).
- Candidate’s Signature & Left-hand thumb impression (5-40 KB).
- Caste/Income Certificate RD Number (if claiming reservation).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The online registration is scheduled to begin on January 17, 2026, on the official KEA website.
No, there is no negative marking. Each correct answer earns 1 mark.
Yes, following the change introduced in 2025, KCET 2026 will continue to include practical-based questions from the PUC curriculum.
No. Admission to MBBS/BDS/AYUSH is strictly through NEET UG 2026 scores, though the counseling for Karnataka seats is conducted by KEA.
The fee is ₹500 for GM/OBC, ₹250 for SC/ST/Female (Karnataka), and ₹750 for candidates from outside Karnataka.
Contact KEA
Karnataka Examinations Authority,
Sampige Road, 18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore – 560012.
Phone: 080 – 23460460
Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
KCET – Overview
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | KCET |
| Full Form of KCET | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Organizing Body | KEA |
| Full Form of KEA | Karnataka Examinations Authority |
| Type of Exam | Common Entrance Exam |
| Level of Exam | State |
| Region | Karnataka |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Courses Where Admission is Through KCET | Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Bachelor of Yoga and Naturopathy (BNYS), Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.), Farm Science courses i.e., [i.e., Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.), 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] B. Pharma, Pharma-D and 2nd year B-Pharma (Lateral Entry) course |
| Colleges Where Admission is Through KCET | Government, University, Private Aided, Private Un-Aided Professional Educational Institutions |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Class 12th |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective) |
| Number of Questions | 60 per paper |
| Total Marks | 60 marks per paper |
| Marking Scheme | +1, 0 |
| Exam Duration | 80 minutes per paper |
| Subjects in Question Paper | Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology |