Everything you need to know about the KCET Exam 2026: tentative dates, application process, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus breakdown, and smart preparation plan to score higher.
The KCET 2026 exam is a gateway to admission into undergraduate professional courses like engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and allied streams in colleges across Karnataka. If you are planning to take the KCET 2026 exam, read this article to get all the important information, like important dates, KCET eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus breakdown, and smart preparation.
KCET 2026 Key dates
While the official notification is yet to be released, the KCET 2026 tentative schedule has been mentioned below as per the previous years' trends.
|
Event |
Tentative Date (2026) |
|
Notification Release |
January 2026 |
|
Online Application Form Start |
January 2026 |
|
Application Form Closing |
February 2026 |
|
Application Correction Window |
February 2026 |
|
Admit Card Release |
March 2026 |
|
KCET Exam Date |
April 2026 |
|
Result Declaration |
May 2026 |
|
Counselling & Seat Allotment |
June – July 2026 |
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for KCET 2026, you must fulfil certain conditions. The KCET 2026 eligibility criteria are as follows:
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Academic Qualification |
Class 12 / 2nd PUC passed with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (for engineering) OR Physics, Chemistry & Biology (for medical/allied courses). |
|
Minimum Marks |
At least 45% marks in the qualifying exam (General category); 40% marks for reserved categories. |
|
Domicile Criteria |
Candidate must be a Karnataka resident or satisfy KEA’s eligibility clauses (e.g., studied in Karnataka for a specified period). |
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The authorities will release the KCET 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme on the official website. The authorities will release the KCET 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme along with the KCET 2026 information brochure. The KCET 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme are as follows:
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline (pen-and-paper based) |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Subjects Tested |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (as applicable) |
|
Duration |
Each subject paper is conducted separately, usually for 80 minutes |
|
Marking Scheme |
+1 mark for every correct answer; No negative marking |
KCET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The KCET syllabus is based on the Karnataka 1st PUC (Class 11) and 2nd PUC (Class 12) syllabi. The KCET 2026 syllabus overview subjects, along with important topics, have been mentioned below:
|
Subject |
Important Topics |
|
Physics |
Motion in a Straight Line & Motion in a Plane, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power, Gravitation, Oscillations & Waves, Thermodynamics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics |
|
Chemistry |
Basic Concepts of Chemistry, States of Matter & Thermodynamics, Equilibrium & Chemical Kinetics, Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, Periodic Classification of Elements, Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers), Biomolecules & Polymers |
|
Mathematics |
Algebra (Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series), Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Differential & Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Matrices and Determinants |
|
Biology |
Diversity of the Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Genetics & Evolution, Biotechnology, Ecology & Environment |
Preparation Strategy for KCET 2026
Daily & Weekly Study Plans
- Study 6–8 hours a day, dividing time equally among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or Biology).
- Rotate 3 subjects across the week so you cover everything without overload.
- Keep weekends for mock tests and in-depth revision.
- Make a realistic timetable and stick to it daily.
High-Weightage Topics
- In Physics, give extra time to Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Modern Physics.
- In Chemistry, focus on Thermodynamics, Chemical Bonding, and Organic Reactions.
- In Mathematics, prioritise Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry.
- In Biology, revise Human Physiology, Genetics, and Ecology more often.
Attempt Mock Tests
- Solve previous year papers to get familiar with the exam style.
- Attempt timed mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
- Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement.
- Use the fact that there’s no negative marking to attempt every question.
Revision Techniques
- Prepare short notes for formulas, reactions, and key definitions.
- Use flowcharts, tables, and mnemonics to simplify difficult topics.
- Revise a little every day instead of leaving it for the last week.
- Keep a quick-reference notebook for last-minute review before the exam.
The KCET Exam 2026 is a good opportunity for you if you are seeking admission to top professional colleges in Karnataka. Start preparing early, focusing on basic concepts, and then move on to reference books, solve past papers, and revise regularly. Planning your KCET preparation strategically will help you achieve a good score. Stay updated about the notifications and announcements released by the authorities on the official website.
-
Gateway to UG courses in Karnataka. -
No negative marking in the exam. -
Syllabus from Karnataka 1st & 2nd PUC. -
Offline, MCQ-based exam format.
