Karnataka PGCET 2026 for MBA and MCA is set for May 14, with registrations expected soon via KEA’s portal. This state-level exam opens doors to postgraduate admissions in Karnataka colleges.

Exam Overview

Karnataka PGCET, conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), facilitates admissions to MBA, MCA, ME, MTech, and MArch programs across over 170 institutes. The 2026 edition schedules MBA and MCA exams on May 14 in two shifts (one per course), conducted offline via OMR sheets in English. Each paper lasts 120 minutes with 100 MCQs worth 100 marks total, no negative marking.

Key Dates

Expected timelines include registration from early April to late April 2026, hall tickets in early May, provisional answer keys late May, and results early June. Counselling follows results, likely October-November, involving document verification, option entry, and seat allotment. Full details await the official notification on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

Event	Tentative Date
Registration Start	First week April 2026
Application Last Date	Third week April 2026
Exam (MBA/MCA)	May 14, 2026
Results	First week June 2026

Eligibility Criteria

For full-time MBA/MCA, candidates need a bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/Category-I Karnataka candidates). Part-time MBA requires three years of relevant work experience by July 31, 2026, with the employer within 40 km of the college. Karnataka domicile preferred for reserved seats; all-India candidates eligible.

Application Process

Apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea once live; fees are Rs 650 (General/OBC) or Rs 500 (SC/ST/Category-I). Upload documents, pay via net banking, and edit form later if allowed; expect image specs in the info bulletin.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

MBA

Five sections (20 questions each): Proficiency in English, General Knowledge, Reasoning & Intelligence, Quantitative Analysis, Computer Awareness. Focus on synonyms, current affairs, puzzles, arithmetic, and basics like MS Office.

MCA

Sections include Mathematics, Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning, General English, General Awareness. Emphasizes algebra, programming fundamentals, data interpretation.

Course	Questions per Section	Key Topics
MBA	20 each (5 sections)	English, GK, Reasoning, Quant, Computers
MCA	Varies (5 sections)	Math, Computers, Reasoning, English, Awareness

Preparation Tips

Review the syllabus PDF from KEA, practice past papers for patterns, and take mocks to build speed. Prioritize high-weightage topics like quant and reasoning; aim for 2-hour daily practice. Track updates via KEA’s site or X handle for notifications.

Counselling and Seats

Post-results, centralized online counselling verifies documents, allows option entry, and allots seats merit-based with reservations. GATE qualifiers get priority for MTech; report to allotted college after fee payment. Over 52,000 applied last year for MBA/MCA.