The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will open online applications for the KCET 2026 exam starting January 17, 2026 . Students seeking admission to undergraduate professional courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science in colleges across Karnataka must apply. The KCET 2026 exam is scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2026 .
KCET stands for Karnataka Common Entrance Test. It is a yearly exam for students who want to join various professional degree courses in Karnataka. This state-level entrance exam helps select candidates for different programmes after Class 12.
Key Dates for KCET 2026
| Event | Date |
| KCET Registration Start Date | January 17, 2026 |
| KCET Registration End Date | February last week (Tentative) |
| Kannada Language Test | April 22, 2026 |
| KCET Exam Dates | April 23 & 24, 2026 |
| KCET Result | May 2026 (Tentative) |
Who Can Apply for KCET 2026?
To apply for KCET 2026, students must meet certain rules set by KEA. If these rules are not followed, the application might be rejected later. Here are the main eligibility criteria:
Citizenship and Education
- Students must be Indian citizens .
- They must have either passed or be appearing for their 2nd PUC (Class 12) or an equivalent exam in 2026 .
- For Engineering courses , students must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. They should also have studied one of these subjects as an optional: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Electronics, or Computer Science. English must also be one of the languages studied.
Minimum Marks Needed
- General category students need at least 45% marks in total for the main subjects (Physics, Mathematics, and one optional subject) in their qualifying exam.
- Students from SC/ST/OBC categories (who are from Karnataka) need a minimum of 40% marks in total for the main subjects in their qualifying exam.
Karnataka Domicile Rules
Most students must meet specific domicile rules:
- They must have studied in educational institutions recognized by the Karnataka government for at least seven years between Class 1 and 2nd PUC (Class 12).
- There are also special rules for children of central government employees and defence personnel posted in Karnataka. Students from Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga categories also have separate provisions.
- Students applying under these special categories (like Horanadu/Gadinadu Kannadiga) will need to take a Kannada Language Test . This test is scheduled for April 22, 2026 .
How to Apply for KCET 2026
Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for KCET 2026 online. They should visit the official KEA portal and follow these steps:
- Go to the official KCET website.
- Register and log in using your details.
- Fill out the application form carefully.
Documents Needed for Application
When applying, students must have the following documents ready:
- SSLC (Class 10) marks card.
- 2nd PUC (Class 12) marks card.
- A scanned passport-size photograph , your signature , and your left thumb impression . Each of these images should be in JPG format and no larger than 50 KB .
- Your Domicile Certificate , Caste Certificate , or Income Certificate , if applicable.
- Details for online payment of the application fee using a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
Students must make sure all information provided is correct to avoid any issues later.
