The application process for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 begins tomorrow, January 17, 2026. Students who want to join undergraduate courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science in Karnataka must apply for this exam. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts KCET. The main entrance exam will take place on April 23 and 24, 2026.
Students can apply online on the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. KEA will activate the application link tomorrow. Along with the link, KEA will also release a detailed document called the KCET 2026 notification PDF. This document will contain all important information about the exam.
Who Can Apply for KCET 2026?
To apply for KCET 2026, students must meet certain conditions. They should have passed or be appearing for their 2nd PUC (Pre-University Course) or Class 12 exam. In this exam, Physics and Mathematics must be compulsory subjects. Students need a minimum of 45% marks in total for these subjects. For students from reserved categories, the minimum marks required are 40%.
Important Dates for KCET 2026
Here are the key dates for KCET 2026:
| Event | Date |
| KCET 2026 Notification Release | January 2, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Online Application Start | January 17, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply for KCET 2026 (Expected) | February 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Admit Card Release (Expected) | First week of April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Kannada Language Test | April 22, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Main Exam | April 23 & 24, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Answer Key Release (Expected) | April/May 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Result Declaration (Expected) | May 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Counseling Starts (Expected) | June 2026 |
What the Notification Will Cover
The detailed KCET 2026 notification PDF will provide complete information on several important aspects. Students must read this document carefully before applying. It will include:
- Eligibility criteria in full detail.
- The latest syllabus for the exam.
- Exam pattern and marking scheme.
- Step-by-step guide on how to apply online.
- Specific rules for different quotas.
- Information on application fees.
- The final and complete schedule for all exam-related events.
The Kannada Language Test is a special exam for Gadinadu and Horanadu Kannada candidates. This test will be held one day before the main entrance exam, on April 22, 2026.
How to Apply
Students should visit the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, starting tomorrow, January 17, 2026. They will find the link to fill the UGCET 2026 application form there. It is important to complete the application form accurately and submit it before the last date, which is expected to be in February 2026.
Students should keep checking the official KEA website for real-time updates and to make sure they do not miss any important deadlines. Preparing all necessary documents beforehand will help make the application process smooth.
