KCET 2026 Registration Date Announced: Key Details and Preparation Guide

January 4, 2026

Aspiring engineers, pharmacists, agriculturists, and other professional course seekers in Karnataka have reason to mark their calendars! The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the schedule for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026. This state-level entrance exam is the gateway to undergraduate programs in engineering, technology, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary science, and more across government and private institutions in the state.

Important Dates for KCET 2026

• Registration Starts: January 17, 2026
• Kannada Language Test (for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates): April 22, 2026
• Main KCET Exams: April 23 and 24, 2026

The exams will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode with two sessions each day:

• Session 1: 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM
• Session 2: 2:30 PM to 3:50 PM

Subject-wise Schedule:

• April 23: Physics (morning) and Chemistry (afternoon)
• April 24: Mathematics (morning) and Biology (afternoon)

The Kannada language test on April 22 will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, exclusively at centers in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Vijayapura, and Mangaluru.

How to Apply for KCET 2026

The application process will go live on the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.

Steps to Register:

1. Visit the official website.
2. Click on the “CET 2026 Online Registration” link.
3. Register with basic details (including SSLC details, contact information, etc.).
4. Verify your login via OTP or face identification.
5. Fill in personal, academic, and category details.
6. Upload required documents (photograph, signature, etc.) in the specified format.
7. Pay the application fee online.
8. Submit and download the confirmation page.

Application Fee (based on previous patterns; confirm on official notification):

• General/OBC: ₹500–₹750 (varies for candidates from outside Karnataka)
• SC/ST/Category-I: ₹250–₹500
• Candidates from outside India: Higher fees may apply

KEA emphasizes Aadhaar or DigiLocker verification to minimize errors in details like name and date of birth.

Eligibility Criteria Highlights

• Candidates must have passed PUC II (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Computer Science/Electronics.
• Minimum marks: 45% aggregate (40% for reserved categories) in relevant subjects.
• Appearing candidates for 2026 qualifying exams are also eligible.

For specific courses like B.Pharm or Farm Sciences, additional criteria apply—refer to the official brochure.

Preparation Tips as Registration Nears

With registration opening in just two weeks, now is the perfect time to gear up:

• Syllabus: Based on PUC I and II curriculum, including practical components introduced recently.
• Exam Pattern: 60 MCQs per subject, 80 minutes each, no negative marking.
• Resources: Solve previous years’ papers, focus on high-weightage topics in Physics (Mechanics, Electricity), Chemistry (Organic, Physical), and Math/Biology.
• Stay updated via the official site for the detailed notification and brochure.

This early announcement gives students ample time to plan. Don’t miss the registration window—apply promptly starting January 17!

For the latest updates, bookmark cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.

Good luck to all KCET 2026 aspirants! Your dream college in Karnataka awaits. 🚀