The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the dates for KCET 2026. Students who wish to join engineering (B.E/B.Tech) courses in colleges across Karnataka can start applying from January 17, 2026 . The application process will be completely online on the KEA official website, which is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ .
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is an important exam held every year. It helps select students for various professional courses offered by different colleges in the state. Only students who meet the set eligibility rules can apply for the exam.
Important Dates for KCET 2026
Here are the key dates for KCET 2026 that all students should remember:
| Event | Date |
| KCET Registration Starts | January 17, 2026 |
| KCET Registration Ends | 4th week of February 2026 (Expected) |
| Kannada Language Test | April 22, 2026 |
| KCET Exam Dates | April 23 & 24, 2026 |
| KCET Result | May 2026 (Tentative) |
Documents Needed for KCET 2026 Registration
Before filling out the online application form, students must get certain documents ready. It is important to have scanned copies of these documents in the correct format and size. Keep these handy to avoid any delays:
- 10th Class (SSLC) Marks Card: This proves your basic academic qualification and date of birth.
- 12th Class (2nd PUC) Marks Card: This shows your marks in intermediate education.
- Government ID Proof: A valid ID like your Aadhaar Card , Passport, or Driving License. This is for identity verification.
- Recent Passport-size Colour Photograph: A clear photo of yourself.
- Your Signature: A scanned image of your handwritten signature.
- Left-Hand Thumb Impression: A clear scanned image of your left thumb impression.
Note: The photograph, signature, and thumb impression must be in JPG/JPEG format and should not be larger than 50 KB in size.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable): For students seeking reservation benefits.
- Income Certificate (if applicable): For students seeking reservation benefits based on income.
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable): Proof that you belong to Karnataka.
- Karnataka Study Details: Information about your studies in Karnataka for at least seven years . This is important for state quota benefits.
- Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking Details: For paying the application fees online.
How to Apply for KCET 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Students can follow these simple steps to complete their KCET 2026 application online:
- Visit the KEA Website: Go to the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ .
- Find Application Link: Look for the link that says "UGCET-2026 Online Application" or similar. Click on it.
- Create Account: If you are a new user, you will need to create a new User ID and password. Remember these details for future logins.
- Log In: Use your newly created User ID and password to log in to the application portal.
- Fill Application Form: Carefully fill in all your personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information. Make sure all details are correct.
- Upload Documents: Upload the scanned copies of all the required documents. Ensure they meet the size and format mentioned earlier (JPG/JPEG, max 50 KB for photo/signature/thumb impression).
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the required application fee using your debit card, credit card, or net banking. Some options might also include paying through a bank challan (offline mode).
- Submit and Print: After paying the fee and checking all details, submit the application form. It is a good idea to download and print a copy of the filled application form for your records.
Students must make sure to complete all steps before the registration end date. Applying early is always a good idea to avoid last-minute rush or technical issues.
