The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is expected to release the official notification for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 soon. This important announcement for students looking to join undergraduate courses in Karnataka is likely to be made in the first week of January 2026 . Following the notification, the online application forms for KCET 2026 will become available. Students who wish to apply for various professional courses in the state must keep an eye on the official KEA website, which is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/indexnew .
What is the KCET Exam?
The KCET exam is an annual entrance test conducted by the KEA. Its main purpose is to select students for admission into full-time undergraduate (UG) degree programs offered in colleges across Karnataka. These programs include Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science. The exam is a crucial step for students from Karnataka who aim to pursue higher education in these fields within the state. The question paper for KCET 2026 will follow an objective format, meaning students will answer multiple-choice questions. These questions will cover subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB), depending on the course applied for. A key feature of the KCET exam is that there will be no negative marking for incorrect answers, which means students will not lose marks for wrong attempts.
Key Tentative Dates for KCET 2026
Students should note these expected dates for KCET 2026. These dates are provisional and based on past exam schedules. The official notification will confirm the final dates.
| Event | Expected Dates |
| KCET 2026 Notification Release | First week of January 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Application Start Date | Last week of January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply for KCET 2026 | Third week of February 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Admit Card Release | First week of April 2026 |
| KCET 2026 Exam Dates | Mid- April 2026 (tentatively April 16–17 ) |
| KCET 2026 Result Declaration | Second or third week of May 2026 |
Steps to Apply for KCET 2026
The application process for KCET 2026 will be completely online. Candidates must follow these steps carefully to ensure their application is submitted correctly:
- Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the KEA official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/indexnew , for KCET registration. Look for the direct link to the KCET 2026 application form.
- Step 2: Register and Fill Application Form: First-time users will need to register by providing basic details. After registration, log in using the created credentials. Then, fill out the application form with all necessary personal, contact, and academic information. Make sure all details are accurate.
- Step 3: Upload Required Documents: Candidates must upload scanned copies of important documents. These typically include a passport-size photograph, signature, and academic certificates. Ensure that these documents are in the specified format and size as mentioned in the official instructions.
- Step 4: Pay Application Fee: The final step is to pay the application fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using debit card, credit card, or net banking. Paying the fee completes the registration process and validates the application.
Important Details in the Official Notification
Once the KEA releases the KCET 2026 notification, students should read it carefully. The notification will contain crucial information that includes:
- Detailed eligibility criteria, explaining who can apply for the exam.
- The complete syllabus for all subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology).
- Specific guidelines for uploading documents, including file formats and sizes.
- The exact structure of the application fee for different categories.
- Information about exam centers across Karnataka.
- Instructions for the counselling process after results are declared.
Students are advised to regularly check the official KEA website for the latest updates and the release of the KCET 2026 notification to ensure they do not miss any deadlines.