KCET 2026 Exam Dates, Registration & Documents Released

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released important updates for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 . Students planning to join engineering and other professional courses in Karnataka should note these details. The KEA has announced the full exam schedule and listed all the documents needed to apply. Registration for KCET 2026 will begin on January 17, 2026 . The exams will take place from April 22 to April 24, 2026 .

The KCET is a state-level exam. It helps students get admission to various undergraduate courses. These include Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary Sciences in colleges across Karnataka. Knowing the exam dates and having your documents ready will help you apply smoothly.

KCET 2026: Important Dates at a Glance

Here are the key dates for the KCET 2026 :

• Registration Start Date: January 17, 2026
• KCET Kannada Language Test: April 22, 2026
• KCET Engineering Exams: April 23 and 24, 2026

KCET 2026 Detailed Exam Schedule

The table below shows the exact dates and times for each subject in the KCET 2026 exam:

How to Apply for KCET 2026 Online

Students can fill the KCET 2026 application form online. The official website for applying is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea . Follow these simple steps to apply:

• Step 1: Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea .
• Step 2: Look for the KCET 2026 registration link. This link will be active from January 17, 2026 .
• Step 3: Click on the registration link and create your account. You will need to provide your mobile number and email ID.
• Step 4: Fill in the application form carefully with all your personal and academic details.
• Step 5: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents. Make sure they meet the specified size and format.
• Step 6: Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit card, or debit card.
• Step 7: Review your application form one last time before submitting.
• Step 8: Download and print a copy of your submitted application form for future reference.

Documents Required for KCET 2026 Application

Before you start applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. These documents will be needed to complete your application. Keeping them prepared will save you time and avoid mistakes.

Common Documents for All Candidates

These documents are mandatory for every student applying for KCET 2026 :

• SSLC/Class 10th Marksheet: This proves your age and academic record.
• Aadhar Card: For identity verification.
• Student’s Photograph: A recent passport-size photo.
• Student’s Signature: A clear scan of your signature.
• Mobile Number (with WhatsApp): For important updates and communication.
• Email ID: For registration and receiving official notifications.

Documents for Specific Categories (If Applicable)

Some students might need extra documents depending on their background or for special reservations:

• Kannada Medium Study Certificate: If you studied in Kannada medium from Class 1 to 10, this certificate is required to claim benefits.
• Rural Area Study Certificate: If you studied in rural areas of Karnataka from Class 1 to 10, this certificate helps in claiming reservation.
• NCLC Certificate with RD number: General category students who want to claim reservation for studying in rural areas need this. It confirms non-creamy layer status.
• Caste Certificate (with internal reservation details - Category-A/B/C) with RD number: Required for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates to claim caste-based reservation.
• Caste Certificate with RD number: For Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Category-1 students to claim caste-based reservation.
• Income Certificate with RD number: SC, ST, and Category-1 candidates need this to prove their income for specific benefits.
• 371(J) Kalyana Karnataka Certificate with RD number: Students from the Kalyana Karnataka region (under Article 371(J)) need this to claim regional reservation benefits.

Students must check the official KCET 2026 notification on the KEA website for full details and any further updates. Making sure all documents are correct and ready before registration is very important for a successful application.