The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is all set to conduct the KCET 2026 exam. Around 3.30 lakh students are expected to take the test to get into engineering and other professional courses across Karnataka. The Kannada Language Test will start on April 22, followed by the main KCET exam on April 23 and April 24. The exam will be held in 745 centres across the state. KEA has put strict security measures in place to ensure the exam is fair for everyone.
Exam Security Measures
KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna explained that the KEA will use several methods to check if the right student is taking the exam. These include:
- Scanning QR codes on the hall tickets.
- Taking a live photo of each candidate at the exam centre.
- Using CCTV cameras inside the classrooms.
- Setting up mobile jammers to stop any unfair communication.
Mr. Prasanna said, "These steps are to make sure that only the actual candidates who applied for the exam are allowed to sit for it."
Dress Code and OMR Sheet Tips
There was some confusion about the dress code due to rumours on social media. Mr. Prasanna clarified that the rules are simple and meant to prevent cheating, not to trouble students. Candidates should wear simple, comfortable clothes and avoid:
- Clothes that cover the whole body.
- Large shoes or accessories.
He added, "The rules are not meant to trouble students, but to protect hardworking candidates and ensure a fair examination."
KEA also advised students to practice filling out OMR sheets. This is important for students who are not used to marking answers on bubble sheets. They should pay attention to filling the correct version code, question paper series, CET number, and signing properly to avoid any problems during checking.
No Negative Marking and Improvement Exam Results
Good news for students: KCET does not have negative marking. This means students can try to answer as many questions as they can without worrying about losing marks. KEA also mentioned that students who did not perform well in some PUC subjects can still get their ranks based on their improvement exam results. Students should not be afraid to take the CET even if they fear failing.
Important Exam Day Guidelines
Students must follow these guidelines on the exam day:
- Reach the exam centre much before the reporting time.
- Check the exact building and block mentioned on your hall ticket.
- Do not bring personal items like food, water bottles, or electronic devices.
- Drinking water will be available at the exam centre.
KEA has asked both students and parents to watch the full video message on the KEA YouTube channel for more details and to follow all instructions for a smooth exam process.
