Bengaluru, January 17, 2026 – The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) officially opened online registration for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 today, marking the start of the admission process for various undergraduate professional courses across the state.

KCET remains one of the most important state-level entrance examinations for students seeking admission to government, aided, and private colleges in Karnataka, particularly in major educational hubs like Bangalore, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi.

Courses Covered Under KCET 2026

The examination facilitates admissions to the following undergraduate professional degree programs:

• B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering)
• B.Pharm and Pharm.D (Pharmacy)
• B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Sc (Horticulture), B.Sc (Forestry), B.Sc (Sericulture)
• B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering), B.Tech (Food Technology), B.Tech (Dairy Technology)
• B.V.Sc & A.H. (Veterinary Science)
• B.Sc (Nursing)
• BPT (Physiotherapy)
• BAMS, BHMS, BUMS (Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani)
• Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences

Admissions are merit-based and governed by KCET ranks, category-wise reservations, and seat matrices released by KEA.

Registration Process and Important Dates

Candidates can now apply through the official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Key steps include:

• Filling the online application form
• Uploading required documents
• Payment of application fee
• Final submission and printout of confirmation page

Application Fee (as per previous patterns, subject to official confirmation):

• General and OBC: ₹500
• SC/ST/Category-1: ₹250
• Candidates outside Karnataka: ₹750

The registration window is expected to remain open until mid-February 2026 (tentative last date: February 17, 2026). Applicants are strongly advised to complete the process early to avoid technical issues during the closing days.

Examination Schedule

KCET 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on April 23 and 24, 2026 in two sessions each day. The subjects include:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics (for Engineering aspirants)
• Biology (for medical, agriculture, pharmacy, and allied courses)

A separate Kannada language test will also be conducted for candidates claiming eligibility under the Kannada-medium quota.

Next Steps After Registration

After successful registration, candidates should:

• Regularly check the official KEA website for updates
• Download the admit card (expected in April 2026)
• Prepare according to the latest syllabus and exam pattern
• Stay informed about the subsequent counseling and seat allotment process (tentatively beginning in June/July 2026)

With registrations now live, thousands of students across Karnataka and beyond are encouraged to apply promptly and prepare diligently for this important gateway to professional education in the state.

For the most accurate and updated information, candidates should refer only to the official KEA website and notifications. All the best to every KCET 2026 aspirant!

  KCET 2026, kea