KCET 2026 Exam Dates Announced: Check April Schedule, Registration Details, and More
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the exam dates for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026. In a proactive move to streamline the academic calendar, the authority has released a comprehensive schedule that includes KCET alongside other major state-level entrance examinations like PGCET, DCET, and KSET.
According to the official notification, the KCET 2026 will be conducted on April 23 and 24, 2026.
KCET 2026 Exam Schedule
The examination will be held in two sessions daily. Candidates must note the following timing for each subject:
| Date | Morning Session (10:30 AM – 11:50 AM) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM – 3:50 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2026 | Kannada Language Test (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM) | — |
| April 23, 2026 | Physics | Chemistry |
| April 24, 2026 | Mathematics | Biology |
Note: The Kannada Language Test on April 22 is mandatory only for Horanadu and Gadinadu (border) Kannadiga candidates.
Registration and Application Process
The KEA will open the online application portal on January 17, 2026. Prospective candidates can register through the official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Application Fee
- General/2A/2B/3A/3B (Karnataka): ₹500
- SC/ST/Category-1/Female (Karnataka): ₹250
- Outside Karnataka Candidates: ₹750
- Foreign Candidates: ₹5,000
Key Updates for 2026
- OTP-Based Verification: To ensure security and reduce errors, the application process will continue to use OTP-based login or face identification.
- Practical Questions: The KCET syllabus will continue to include practical-based questions to encourage students to focus on laboratory work alongside theory.
- CET Guide: The KEA has released a comprehensive “CET Guide” in both English and Kannada, which will be distributed to students via PU colleges and schools.
Schedule for Other KEA Examinations 2026
For the first time, the KEA has released the dates for other professional and eligibility tests simultaneously:
| Examination | Date of Exam |
|---|---|
| KRIES (Class 6 Entrance) | March 1, 2026 |
| PGCET (MBA/MCA) | May 14, 2026 |
| PGCET (M.E/M.Tech) | May 23, 2026 |
| DCET (Lateral Entry Engineering) | May 23, 2026 |
| MSc Nursing/MPT/Allied Health | July 18, 2026 |
| KSET (Lectureship Eligibility) | October 11, 2026 |
| M-Pharma/Pharm-D | November 21, 2026 |
Important Highlights for Aspirants
- Eligibility: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 2nd PUC/Class 12 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology.
- Documents Required: Keep your SSLC/10th marks card, 12th marks card, study certificates, and caste/income certificates (if applicable) ready for the January registration.
- Support: KEA will set up help desks at government and aided engineering colleges to assist students with “Option Entry” later in the process.
