✍️ KCET 2026 Notification – Apply Online, Exam Date, Eligibility, Fee & Complete Details

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has officially released the KCET 2026 Notification for students seeking admission into various Undergraduate (UG) professional courses in Karnataka. Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is one of the most important state-level entrance examinations conducted every year for admission into government and private colleges under the state quota.

Students who have completed PUC / Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board are eligible to apply for KCET 2026 through online mode only. The application process, exam dates, eligibility conditions, fee structure, exam pattern and counselling details are explained clearly in this article.

If you are planning to pursue Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary, Nursing or other professional courses in Karnataka, KCET 2026 is a crucial examination.

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📌 KCET 2026 – Overview

KCET is conducted by KEA on behalf of the Government of Karnataka to provide admissions to deserving candidates based on merit.

• Exam Authority: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)

• Exam Name: Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026

• Exam Level: State Level

• Courses Offered: UG Professional Courses

• Mode of Application: Online

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)

• Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

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📚 What is KCET 2026?

KCET 2026 is a state-level common entrance test conducted for the academic year 2026–27. Through a single online application, candidates can apply for multiple professional courses offered by colleges across Karnataka.

Admissions are granted based on KCET rank, reservation rules, and counselling conducted by KEA.

Courses Offered Through KCET 2026

• Engineering & Technology

• Architecture

• Bachelor of Yoga & Naturopathy (BNYS)

• B.Sc Nursing

• Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H.)

• Farm Science courses (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, Sericulture)

• Biotechnology & Food Technology

• B.Pharmacy, Pharma-D, 2nd Year B-Pharmacy (Lateral Entry)

• Medical, Dental & AYUSH courses (through NEET counselling by KEA)

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🎓 KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions before applying:

Educational Qualification

• Applicants should have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics / Biology as prescribed for the course

• Must have passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 or equivalent

• General Category: Minimum 45% aggregate marks

• SC / ST / Reserved Category: Minimum 40% aggregate marks

• Qualifying examination must be from a recognized board or university

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 17 years

• Maximum Age: No upper age limit (as per KEA rules)

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💰 KCET 2026 Application Fee

The application fee varies according to category and domicile:

Fee must be paid online before the last date.

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📅 KCET 2026 Important Dates

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⏰ KCET 2026 Exam Schedule

The examination will be conducted over two days:

📘 23 April 2026

• Physics: 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM

• Chemistry: 2:30 PM – 3:50 PM

📗 24 April 2026

• Mathematics: 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM

• Biology: 2:30 PM – 3:50 PM

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📝 KCET 2026 Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Marks: 240

• Subjects & Marks:

  • Physics – 60

  • Chemistry – 60

  • Mathematics – 60

  • Biology – 60

• Duration: 80 minutes per subject

• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer

• Negative Marking: No negative marking

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📄 Documents Required for KCET 2026

Candidates should keep the following documents ready while applying:

• SSLC / 10th Marks Card (DOB proof)

• PUC / 12th Marks Card

• Passport size photograph

• Signature

• Aadhaar Card

• Caste / Income Certificate (if applicable)

• PwD Certificate (if applicable)

• NRI / OCI Certificate (if applicable)

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🖥️ How to Apply for KCET 2026?

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea

2. Click on New Registration / Apply Online

3. Create login using valid details

4. Fill personal, educational and course details

5. Upload required documents

6. Pay application fee online

7. Submit form and download confirmation page

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❓ KCET 2026 FAQs

Q1. Who conducts KCET exam?
👉 Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)

Q2. Is KCET compulsory for engineering admission in Karnataka?
👉 Yes, KCET is mandatory for government quota seats.

Q3. Can other state students apply for KCET 2026?
👉 Yes, but reservation benefits apply as per KEA norms.

Q4. Is there negative marking in KCET?
👉 No, there is no negative marking.

Q5. KCET exam language?
👉 English and Kannada.

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📢 Final Note

Students are advised to apply before the last date and regularly check the official KEA website for updates regarding admit card, answer key, results and counselling schedule.