The KCET authorities will release the official notification for the KCET 2026 exam soon. The KCET exam is conducted for admission to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and other professional degree programs offered in Karnataka colleges.
The KCET authorities will release the official notification for the KCET 2026 exam soon. The KCET exam is conducted for admission to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and other professional degree programs offered in Karnataka colleges. The KCET notification is expected in January 2026 based on the previous year's trends. In this article, we will be covering the key facts about the notification, eligibility, application process, marking scheme, and official rules.
Details in KCET Official Notification
The KCET 2026 notification will contain:
- Detailed eligibility criteria
- Complete schedule and important dates
- Fee structure and payment guidelines
- Reservation and quota information
- Application instructions
- Exam pattern and syllabus links
- Contact details for queries and support
KCET Exam 2026 Overview
KCET exam is an entrance exam for you if you are interested in undergraduate professional courses in Karnataka state. KCET is conducted in a pen-and-paper mode. The score obtained in KCET acts as the base for admission into various state colleges. The KCET exam allows both Karnataka domicile candidates and non-Karnataka candidates. The KCET exam covers subjects studied in classes eleven and twelve. Below is an overview of the KCET exam.
|
Item |
Details |
|
Full Name |
Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
|
Conducting Authority |
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
|
Frequency |
Once a year |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen-Paper OMR) |
|
Purpose |
Admission to UG programs in Karnataka colleges |
|
Admission Based On |
KCET scores + document verification + counselling |
|
Level |
State-level (open to all India) |
KCET 2026 – Important Dates (Tentative)
Based on previous years, the tentative schedule for KCET 2026 is as follows:
|
Event |
Tentative Date |
|
Notification Release |
January 2026 |
|
Online Application Start |
January – February 2026 |
|
Application Correction Window |
February 2026 |
|
Admit Card Issue |
April 2026 |
|
Exam Dates |
April – May 2026 |
|
Provisional Answer Key |
1 week after exam |
|
Objection Window |
3–5 days post key release |
|
Final Answer Key & Result |
June 2026 |
|
Counselling Start |
July – August 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for KCET 2026
If you are applying for KCET 2026, you must fulfil the following requirements:
|
Eligibility Criterion |
Requirement |
|
Nationality |
Must be an Indian citizen. Foreign nationals or NRI candidates may be considered under specific conditions. |
|
Educational Qualification |
Candidates should have completed Class 12 / PUC II or be appearing in 2026 from a recognised board. |
|
Subjects – Engineering |
Physics and Mathematics are mandatory; Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Science as applicable. |
|
Subjects – Pharmacy |
Physics and Chemistry with either Mathematics or Biology. |
|
Minimum Marks |
Typically 45% for the general category and 40% for reserved categories in the qualifying subjects. |
|
Domicile |
Karnataka candidates are eligible for state reservations; non-Karnataka students can apply under open merit. |
|
Age Limit |
As per KEA rules, usually there is no upper age limit for general eligibility. |
KCET 2026 Application Process
The KCET 2026 application process is conducted in online mode. You can complete the registration process by following the steps below:
- Step 1: You must click on 'New User'
- Step 2: You must read all the instructions given and click on 'Proceed to apply online
- Step 3: You must select the 'Nationality'
- Step 4: A 13-digit 'Student Number' will be issued by the PUE Department, where candidates who appear for the 12th PUC exam must enter.
- Step 5: Finally, you must click the 'Submit' button.
KCET 2026 Application Fee
The fee structure generally follows the previous year's trends:
- General / OBC (Karnataka): ₹500
- SC/ST/Cat-1 (Karnataka): ₹250
- Outside Karnataka Candidates: ₹750
- NRI / Foreign Nationals: ₹5,000
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The KCET 2026 exam pattern will be released by the authorities soon, along with the KCET notification.
|
Component |
Details |
|
Mode |
Offline (OMR) |
|
Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology |
|
Marks per Paper |
60 |
|
Total Marks |
180 |
|
Marking Scheme |
+1 for correct answers |
|
Negative Marking |
None |
|
Language |
English / Kannada |
KCET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The KCET syllabus is taken from the PUC I & II (Class 11 & 12) Karnataka Board curriculum. The KCET subject-wise syllabi will be as follows:
Physics: Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics
Chemistry: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry concepts
Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, Probability, Coordinate Geometry
Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Physiology, Ecology, Evolution
The KCET 2026 notification is the first step for admission to undergraduate courses in Karnataka state. While the KCET notification has not been released by the authorities, it is expected to be released in January 2026, followed by the application process, exam conduction, and KCET counselling. Check the KCET eligibility criteria, application steps, and exam pattern from the above data to ensure a smooth application process. Staying informed and prepared will help you complete your application efficiently and be ready for the KCET 2026 exam.
-
Notification expected: January 2026. -
Conducted by: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). -
Mode of exam: Offline (Pen-Paper OMR). -
Purpose: UG admissions in Karnataka colleges.
