The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 has been officially scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 24, 2026, for admission to undergraduate professional courses in the state. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will conduct the exam, and registration is set to open from January 17, 2026 on the official portal cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. KEA also stipulates eligibility criteria that applicants must meet before filling out the online form, and adherence is compulsory to avoid rejection of candidature at a later stage.
KCET 2026 Exam Schedule and Registration Dates
Below is the KCET 2026 key schedule, including exam and application dates. Candidates should complete the registration within the stipulated window and adhere to all instructions issued by KEA.
The exam will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across test centres in Karnataka.
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
The KCET 2026 eligibility conditions are defined by KEA and must be fulfilled by candidates to successfully register and sit for the exam. These typically include educational qualifications, age and residency requirements as prescribed by the authority. Key eligibility points for applicants generally include:
- Indian citizenship and domicile requirements were applicable.
- Qualifying examination pass (typically Class 12 or equivalent) with minimum specified marks from a recognised board.
- Fulfilment of KEA domicile/eligibility rules if claiming reservation or special categories.
KEA’s detailed eligibility criteria, including subject and mark requirements for various professional courses (like engineering, agriculture, pharmacy and others), will be available in the official information brochure and must be reviewed before application.
How to Apply for KCET 2026?
Once the KCET 2026 application portal opens:
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and locate the KCET 2026 registration link.
- Register by entering basic details and creating a login.
- Complete the application by filling in personal and academic information and uploading required documents.
- Pay the application fee online and submit before the deadline.
Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit correct details to avoid issues during verification or counselling stages.
After Registration – Next Steps
After successful registration and application submission for KCET 2026, candidates should regularly check the official portal for updates on:
- Admit card release
- Exam day instructions
- Answer key and results
- Counselling schedule
These notifications will be rolled out by KEA on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in as per the exam timeline. Aspiring applicants preparing for KCET 2026 must plan their registration and preparations well ahead of exam dates on April 23–24, 2026.
