The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is one of the most important state-level entrance examinations for students aspiring to pursue engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary science, and other professional degree courses in Karnataka. The exam is conducted every year by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), and it serves as the primary gateway for admission into government, aided, and private colleges across the state.
With KCET 2026 expected to be held in April 2026, students who are currently in Class 12 or preparing for competitive exams should start planning early. This article provides a complete and updated overview of KCET 2026, including eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, result preparation, and counselling procedure.
What is Karnataka CET (KCET)?
Karnataka CET, commonly known as KCET, is a state-level entrance exam conducted to determine eligibility for admission into various undergraduate professional courses offered by institutions in Karnataka. Admissions are made based on KCET rank, and for engineering courses, Class 12 marks are also considered as per KEA norms.
KCET plays a crucial role for students who want quality education at affordable fees, especially in government and government-aided colleges.
KCET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
The official notification for KCET 2026 is expected to be released in January 2026. Below are the tentative dates based on previous years’ schedules:
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KCET 2026 Notification: January 2026
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Online Application Start: January 17, 2026
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Last Date to Apply: February 17, 2026
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Admit Card Release: April 2026
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KCET 2026 Exam Date: April 23-24,2026
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Result Declaration: May 2026
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Counselling Process: June–July 2026
Candidates are advised to regularly check KEA updates to avoid missing any deadlines.
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for KCET 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set by KEA.
Educational Qualification
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Candidates must have passed or appeared in Class 12 (PUC or equivalent).
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Mandatory subjects include:
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Physics and Mathematics
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Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Electronics
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Minimum Qualifying Marks
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General Category: Minimum 45% aggregate
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SC / ST / Category-1 / OBC (Karnataka): Minimum 40% aggregate
Domicile Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the Karnataka domicile conditions, which are clearly defined in the official notification.
KCET 2026 Application Process
KCET 2026 application form will be available online only on the KEA official website.
Steps to Apply:
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Complete online registration
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Fill in personal and academic details
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Upload photograph and signature
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Pay the application fee
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Submit the form and download confirmation
Application Fee (Expected)
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General / OBC: ₹500
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SC / ST / Category-1: ₹250
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Outside Karnataka candidates: ₹750
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
KCET is conducted in offline mode (OMR-based test).
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Biology (if applicable) | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
Marking Scheme
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Each correct answer carries 1 mark
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There is no negative marking, which allows students to attempt all questions confidently
KCET 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for KCET 2026 is based on the Karnataka PUC Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum.
Major Topics Include:
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Physics: Motion, Thermodynamics, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics
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Chemistry: Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds
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Mathematics: Calculus, Trigonometry, Probability, Matrices, Vectors
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Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Physiology, Ecology
Students should focus primarily on PUC textbooks, as most questions are directly derived from them.
KCET 2026 Admit Card
The KCET 2026 admit card will be released online in April 2026. Candidates must download and print the admit card and carry it to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID proof. Entry to the examination hall will not be permitted without the admit card.
KCET 2026 Result and Rank List
KCET 2026 results are expected to be declared in May 2026. KEA will publish the scorecard and rank list on its official website. For engineering admissions, the final rank is prepared using a 50:50 weightage of KCET marks and Class 12 marks.
KCET 2026 Counselling Process
The counselling process is conducted online and consists of multiple rounds.
Counselling Steps:
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Document verification
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Online option entry
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Seat allotment
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Fee payment
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Reporting to allotted college
Candidates can participate in Round 1, Round 2, and extended rounds depending on seat availability.
KCET 2026 Preparation Tips
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Study from PUC textbooks only
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Solve previous year KCET question papers
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Take regular mock tests
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Focus on accuracy and time management
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Strengthen Mathematics and Physics for higher ranks
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