KCET 2026 Registration Starts Jan 17 | Exam April 23-24

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will start the registration for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 on January 17, 2026. Students who wish to join various professional courses in Karnataka, such as Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agriculture, must fill out the application form online. The official website for applying is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. The KCET 2026 exam is scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2026.

KCET is an important state-level entrance exam. It helps students get admission into undergraduate degree courses offered by government and private colleges across Karnataka. The KEA manages this exam every year. This year, the registration window opens on January 17. The last date to apply will be announced along with the detailed notification soon.

Important Dates for KCET 2026

Who Can Apply for KCET 2026?

Students who meet the set eligibility criteria can apply for KCET 2026. The KEA will release the full details about age limits, educational qualifications, and other requirements in the detailed notification on January 17. Students are advised to read this notification carefully before applying to ensure they meet all conditions.

Understanding the Application Process

The KCET 2026 application process involves several steps. First, students need to register online. After registration, they will fill out the application form with their personal and academic details. Next, they must upload necessary documents. Finally, students need to pay the application fee. Completing all these steps correctly is important for a successful application.

Documents You Need to Get Ready

Before you start filling the online form, make sure you have the following documents ready. Having them beforehand will make the application process smoother:

• Your SSLC (10th standard) marks card
• Your 2nd PUC (12th standard) marks card
• A scanned copy of your recent photograph
• A scanned copy of your signature
• A scanned copy of your left thumb impression
• Your Domicile certificate (proof of residence in Karnataka), if applicable
• Your Caste certificate, if applicable
• Your Income certificate, if applicable
• Details for online payment (Debit card, Credit card, or Net banking)

How to Apply for KCET 2026 Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to fill out the KCET 2026 application form online:

1. Go to the Official Website: Open your internet browser and visit the KEA official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
2. Find Admissions Tab: On the main page, look for the 'Admissions' section or tab and click on it.
3. Select UGCET 2026: Under the admissions section, you will find an option for 'UGCET 2026'. Click on this. UGCET is another name for KCET.
4. Click on Apply Online Link: You will see a link like 'UGCET Apply Online Link'. Click this to start your application.
5. Register Yourself: A new page will open for registration. Enter all the required details accurately. This will create your login credentials (username and password).
6. Log In: Use the username and password you just created to log in to the application portal.
7. Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all the details in the application form. This includes your personal information, contact details, and academic history.
8. Upload Documents: Upload the scanned copies of your photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and any other required certificates (like marks cards, domicile, caste, or income certificates). Make sure the file size and format match the instructions.
9. Pay the Application Fee: Choose your preferred online payment method (Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking) and pay the application fee.
10. Submit and Save: After completing all steps, submit your KCET 2026 application form. It is very important to save or print the confirmation page for your records.

KCET 2026 Exam Details

The KCET 2026 exam will be held over two days, April 23 and 24, 2026. The exam will be conducted in two shifts each day. For certain candidates, a special Kannada language exam will take place one day earlier, on April 22, 2026. The KEA has announced that the exam will only be held in centers located in four districts: Bengaluru, Belagavi, Vijayapura, and Mangaluru.

Students should regularly check the official KEA website for the latest updates, detailed notification, exact timings, and any other important announcements regarding KCET 2026. This will help them stay informed and prepare well for the exam.