KCET 2026 Registration from January 17: Documents & How to Apply

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will commence the KCET 2026 registration process from 17 January 2026 on its official portal cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ for candidates seeking admission through the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). Eligible students must complete the online application form and upload the required documents in prescribed formats to successfully register for the exam. The KCET 2026 is scheduled to be held on 23 and 24 April 2026, with a Kannada language test on 22 April 2026 for qualified candidates as per the official schedule.

KCET 2026 Registration Dates and Timeline

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026 can register for the exam starting 17 January 2026. The registration period is expected to remain open until the fourth week of February 2026, although the exact closing date will be updated on the official website.

Candidates should complete registration well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Documents Required for KCET 2026 Registration

Before beginning the online registration process, applicants should keep scanned copies of essential documents ready in the specified formats and sizes for uploading. These documents help verify identity, academic qualification and eligibility during the application process. Key documents required include:

• SSLC/10th class marks card to enter registration number and date of birth.
• 12th/2nd PUC marks card or provisional marks card.
• Government-issued ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Passport or Driving Licence.
• Recent passport-size colour photograph in JPG/JPEG format (max 50 KB).
• Signature and left-hand thumb impression in JPG/JPEG format (max 50 KB).
• Caste, Income or Domicile certificates (if applying under reservation quotas).
• Study certificates showing "7 years of study in Karnataka" if applicable.
• Application fee payment proof (if required per category).

Candidates are strongly advised to follow the file size and format guidelines to avoid upload errors during the registration process.

How to Apply for KCET 2026 Registration?

Once registration opens on 17 January 2026, candidates can follow these steps to complete the KCET 2026 application form:

1. Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
2. Click on the “KCET 2026 Online Registration” link.
3. Create a User ID and password, or log in if already registered.
4. Enter personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
5. Upload the scanned documents inthe prescribed format and size.
6. Pay the application fee online using debit/credit cards or net banking.
7. Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

It is important for candidates to ensure that all entered details are correct before submission, as certain fields may not be editable later.

Key Points for KCET 2026 Aspirants

• KCET 2026 registration will be conducted online only; no offline submissions are accepted.
• The application fee varies by category and domicile status and must be paid during registration.
• Candidates should verify all entered details and uploaded documents to prevent application rejection.
• The KCET 2026 admit card will be issued to registered candidates and must be downloaded prior to the exam.

The KCET 2026 registration is a crucial first step for students aiming to secure admissions to undergraduate professional courses such as B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Pharm, Agriculture and related fields in Karnataka state colleges and universities.