Karnataka KCET 2026 Registration Begins: Direct Link, Important Dates

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially kicked off the registration process for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026. Starting from January 16, 2026, eligible candidates can apply for the state-level entrance exam to secure admissions into undergraduate professional programs including Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and B.Sc Nursing across various government and private colleges in Karnataka.

Aspirants are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline of February 17, 2026, to avoid last-minute technical glitches.

Important Dates for KCET 2026

Staying updated with the schedule is crucial for every applicant. Here are the key dates announced by KEA:

Eligibility Criteria

Before filling out the form, candidates must ensure they meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Academic Qualification: Applicants must have passed or be appearing in the 2nd PUC / Class 12 or equivalent exam with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
• Minimum Marks: At least 45% aggregate marks in optional subjects (40% for SC/ST and Category-1 candidates).
• Domicile: Candidates should fulfill the Karnataka domicile conditions (typically studying in the state for at least 7 years).

Application Fee Structure

The registration fee varies based on the candidate’s category and residential status:

• GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (Karnataka): ₹500
• SC, ST, Category-1 (Karnataka): ₹250
• Candidates from Outside Karnataka: ₹750
• International/NRI Candidates: ₹5,000

Step-by-Step Registration Process

To register for the Karnataka CET 2026, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. New Registration: Click on the “UGCET 2026 Online Application” link. Select “New User” and enter basic details such as your SSLC register number and mobile number to generate a User ID and Password.
3. Fill Application Form: Log in using your credentials and provide personal, academic, and reservation details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression (all under 50 KB in JPG format).
5. Payment: Pay the application fee through the online portal using UPI, Credit/Debit cards, or Net Banking.
6. Final Submission: Review all details carefully. Once submitted, download and print the confirmation page for future reference during counseling.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

The KCET 2026 will be conducted in an offline (Pen-and-Paper) mode using OMR sheets. The exam consists of three papers: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Each subject carries 60 marks with a duration of 80 minutes. Notably, there is no negative marking in the examination.