The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the official notification for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 . This is an important announcement for students aiming for admission into professional courses like engineering and pharmacy in Karnataka colleges.
Students can download the full KCET 2026 notification PDF from the official KEA website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in . The notification contains details about eligibility, dates, and new rules for this year’s exam. The online application process for KCET 2026 started on January 16, 2026 .
Important Dates for KCET 2026
Here are the key dates for the KCET 2026 exam:
| KCET 2026 Notification Release | January 2, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Information Brochure PDF Released | January 18, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Online Application Start | January 16, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply for KCET 2026 | February 17, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply with Late Fee | February 18, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Admit Card Release (Tentative) | First week of April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Main Exam Dates | April 23 & 24, 2026 |
Students must complete their application before the deadline. Check the official website for updates.
New Rules and Changes for KCET 2026
KEA has made several new changes for the KCET 2026 session. These updates affect the application and admission process:
- New Candidate Portal: A new online portal is available for applicants to download documents.
- Application Printing: Printing of your final application form depends on KEA’s verification of any special claims (like reservations or study details).
- Verification for Special Claims: If you claim benefits for Kannada medium or rural study, you will first get a ‘claim slip’. This slip needs approval from your college. After college verification, you can print your complete application.
- General Application Printing: Students without specific claims can print their applications after KEA completes its checks.
- Internal Reservation for SC: For Scheduled Castes (SC), internal reservation rules will follow a 2025 government order. Applicants must provide specific certificates as listed in the KCET notification PDF.
- Mandatory Aadhaar Card Verification: Aadhaar card verification is now compulsory. Your name on the Aadhaar card must exactly match the name on your SSLC (Class 10) marks card and other certificates. This is a major new rule.
KCET Exam Details for 2026
The KCET exam is held offline, using a pen and paper method. Students mark answers on an OMR sheet with a black or blue ballpoint pen.
- Each main paper will be 80 minutes long.
- The Kannada language exam for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga students will be for 60 minutes .
- Biology and Mathematics exams are on one day.
- Physics and Chemistry exams are on a separate day.
Students should read the official KCET 2026 notification PDF carefully to understand all rules. Download it from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in .
