Are you aiming to clear KCET Exam 2026. If yes, then it is high time that an individual should start preparing and focus on examination schedule. The Karnataka Common Entrance test serves as a gateway to top colleges and universities, making it one of the competitive exams for various courses and disciplines such as B.Tech , B.Arch, B.Vsc and AH and B.Sc. Hons, having a well-structured plan can significantly impact success.
Karnataka examination authority has officially released the examination calendar on its official website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Candidates can take an overview of the eligibility criteria and exam syllabus, information bulletin by using KCET official website.
In this article, we will cover all essential details about KCET 2026, including exam dates, registration, deadlines and key updates. With right strategy and planning you can have a smooth and hustle-free preparation. So, let’s explore more about it in detail about KCET 2026.
Table of Content
• What is KCET 2026?
• KCET Eligibility Criteria
• KCET Application Form
• KCET Exam Pattern 2026
• KCET Admit Card
• KCET Results
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
KCET 2026: Important Highlights
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Exam Dates (Tentative) | 16th – 17th April 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority |
| Frequency | Conducted once a year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Language | English and Kannada |
| Examination Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Counselling | Online |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech, B.Arch, B.VSc & AH, B.Sc. (Hons) |
What is KCET 2026?
Karnataka Common entrance test or called as KCET is conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority. It is conducted for admission to professional under graduation courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, Agricultural courses and Veterinary courses.
The exam is conducted on 16- 17th April 2026. Through KCET exam Candidate are eligible for courses like engineering, agricultural, Pharmacy, Architecture and other courses.
To qualify this exam, Individual should go through the syllabus properly and practice test series or mock test regularly to stay updated with the preparation.
Candidates who wish to take admission to the architecture course through KCET must also clear JEE Mains Paper 2 to take part in the counselling process.
KCET Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are always advised to go through course-wise eligibility criteria through the official website. Here is the overview of course wise Eligibility criteria:-
| Course | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | Candidates must have completed higher secondary education with a minimum of 50% in the science stream (PCM/PCB). English must be one of the mandatory subjects. |
| B.Arch | Candidates must have completed higher secondary education with a minimum of 50% in the science stream (PCM) and qualified JEE Main Paper 2. SC/ST candidates get 5% relaxation. |
| B.VSc & Animal Husbandry | Candidates must have completed higher secondary education with a minimum of 50% in the science stream (PCM/PCB). A practical test will be conducted for B.VSc & AH candidates. |
| B.Pharma | Candidates must have completed higher secondary education with a minimum of 50% in the science stream (PCM/PCB). English must be one of the mandatory subjects. SC/ST candidates get 5% relaxation. |
| Farm Science Courses | Includes: B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, Sericulture, Horticulture, Forestry, Community Science, B.Tech Food Technology, B.Tech Dairy Technology, B.F.Sc Fisheries, B.Sc (Hons) Agri Business Management. Candidates must have completed higher secondary education with a minimum of 50% in the science stream (PCMB). Practical tests are required for agriculture quota candidates, with 50% weightage at the time of admission. |
| Naturopathy and Yoga | Candidates must have cleared the exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects, with English as one of the languages. Minimum 50% marks required in PCB (40% for SC/ST candidates). |
KCET Application form
Karnataka examination authority has officially released the exam calendar for 2026 on their official website https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/. The application form dates are 16th January 2026 to 17th February 2026. Candidates before completing the application form must registration form with correct personal information.
After completion of registration form, candidates can access other important details like uploading of important documents, qualifications and payment of fees.
Candidates must preview the form before the final submission, and it is to be noted that application form is available in online mode only.
The authority does not provide any extension after deadline for any correction in the form.
It is advised to fill in the form as soon as possible and do not wait for the deadline, the last date is 17th February 2026.
Here is the overview of how to fill the application form: –
Go to the official website of KCET exam i.e. https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/
Firstly, register on the registration page by entering the personal details.
After completing the registration form, Individual will receive application number and user Id at registered mobile phone number and email id.
Using login credentials, login to Karnataka examination authority website.
Enter mandatory details and complete details.
Before final submitting the form, Have a final preview of application form.
Pay the fees using Credit card/ Debit card/ UPI.
Finally submit the application form and save it for future reference.
KCET Exam Pattern 2026
Karnataka examination authority officially releases KCET Exam pattern on their official website. Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website and follow the exam pattern at the time of preparation.
Candidates must have a good command over Physics, chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Kannada language is only applicable for Karnataka residents.
It is to be noted that There is no negative marking in this exam and 1 mark is given for every correct answer.
The exam consists of 180 questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology, Kannada (if applicable). From each section there are 60 questions from various topics.
Here is the overview of the KCET exam pattern mentioned below:-
| Section | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 80 Minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 80 Minutes |
| Mathematics / Biology | 60 | 80 Minutes |
| Date (Tentative) | Subjects | Timings | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16th April 2026 | Physics and Chemistry | Physics: 10:30 am – 11:50 am Chemistry: 2:30 pm – 3:50 pm | Physics – 60 Chemistry – 60 |
| 17th April 2026 | Mathematics and Biology | Mathematics: 10:30 am – 11:50 am Biology: 2:30 pm – 3:50 pm | Mathematics – 60 Biology – 60 |
KCET Admit Card
The authority will release KCET admit card 2026 online on their official website on 25th March 2026. Candidates who have successfully submitted the application form can download an admit card by using the application number and the first four characters of the name to download the KCET admit card. Candidates are advised to carry admit card and valid identity proof to the allocated center while taking the exam. In case of any discrepancy, the candidate should contact the examination authority before examination for corrections.
KCET Results
The authority will release KCET results at their official website https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/
Login credentials are required to check KCET results 205. Registration number and first four characters of the name are required as login credentials. The results can be checked through the official website, and it is available in online mode only. Scorecard includes personal details, marks in individual subjects and overall rank. Based on this score, candidates are called for further counselling process.
Conclusion
KCET Exam 2026 is an important step for candidates who wish to secure admission top Karnataka college and university. As the official schedule has been released by the examination authority, candidates should start preparing for the same. As the exam is just around corner, maintaining a focused study plan and strategy is very important and candidate must follow official notification guidelines properly to secure admission in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility criteria for KCET exam 2026 for engineering and medical examinations?
To be eligible for the KCET exam, an individual must have qualified 12th grade under the science stream. Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be mandatory subjects. Biology can be an optional subject for the engineering exam. The candidate must have secured at least 55% aggregate marks.
What is the exam pattern and marking scheme of KCET 2026?
KCET 2026 is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode. The exam consists of 180 questions divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics. Each section has 60 questions. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking. Each section is conducted for 60 minutes.
What is the syllabus for KCET 2026 and what subjects are included?
The KCET syllabus includes Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (optional). These subjects form the core of the KCET exam, and each subject carries equal weightage.
What documents are required for the KCET exam 2026?
The required documents include 10th and 12th mark sheets, a valid ID proof, category certificate (if applicable), and income certificate.
What is the KCET exam date and mode of examination?
KCET 2026 was conducted on 16th April 2026 and 17th April 2026 ( Expected) . The exam was held in offline mode (pen-and-paper) across multiple test centers in four sessions.
