As the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 approaches, thousands of Class 12 students across Karnataka are preparing for one of the most important exams of their academic journey. KCET serves as a gateway to prestigious undergraduate programmes in engineering, agriculture, veterinary sciences, pharmacy, and allied professional courses offered by top colleges in the state.
At Deeksha, we understand how crucial this exam is for students and parents alike. With focused guidance, structured preparation, and expert mentoring, we help students approach KCET 2026 with confidence and clarity.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about KCET 2026, including exam dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus overview, preparation strategies, and expert tips to maximise your score.
What Is KCET?
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority. KCET is conducted annually to facilitate admission into various undergraduate professional courses offered by government and private institutions across Karnataka.
KCET 2026 is to assess students in the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
The questions are based on the Karnataka PUC syllabus, making conceptual clarity and syllabus alignment critical for success.
Related: Practice for KCET with previous year question papers.
KCET 2026 Important Dates
While the official KCET 2026 notification is yet to be released, based on reliable reports and previous year trends, the timeline is as follows:
KCET 2026 Schedule
- Notification release: Early January 2026
- Online registration start: Around 17 January 2026
- Last date to apply: February 2026
- Admit card release: First week of April 2026
- Kannada Language Test (for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates): 22 April 2026
- Physics and Chemistry exams: 23 April 2026
- Mathematics and Biology exams: 24 April 2026
- Result declaration: Second week of May 2026
- Counselling process: June 2026
All dates mentioned above are indicative and will be officially confirmed through KEA notifications.
Courses Covered Through KCET 2026
KCET 2026 is conducted for admission into the following undergraduate professional programmes in Karnataka:
- Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech)
- Farm Science and agriculture-related degrees
- Pharmacy courses such as B.Pharm and D.Pharm
- Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)
- B.Sc. Nursing and select allied health programmes
Important Clarification
KCET is not a medical entrance examination. Admissions to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programmes require qualification in NEET, while B.Arch admissions generally require NATA or JEE Main (Paper 2) scores.
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have completed Class 12 (PUC or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology as core subjects
- Minimum aggregate marks required are generally 45% for General category candidates and 40% for reserved categories
- Candidates must meet domicile and eligibility conditions prescribed by KEA
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in KCET
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
KCET 2026 is to be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode with multiple-choice questions.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Physics | 60 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 |
| Biology | 60 | 60 |
Each paper is typically conducted for 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is no negative marking.
KCET 2026 Preparation Timeline (Month-by-Month Plan)
This preparation timeline is designed assuming the KCET 2026 exam is likely in April 2026, based on previous year trends.
June – August 2025: Foundation Phase
- Complete basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology
- Align preparation strictly with the PUC syllabus
- Focus on understanding formulas, definitions, and core concepts
- Start light problem-solving alongside theory
September – November 2025: Concept Strengthening Phase
- Complete remaining syllabus portions
- Begin topic-wise MCQ practice
- Focus on accuracy rather than speed
- Start revising completed chapters regularly
December 2025 – January 2026: Application & Consolidation Phase
- Revise the full syllabus at least once
- Practice previous years’ KCET question papers
- Begin taking sectional mock tests
- Complete KCET 2026 application as soon as registration opens
February 2026: Intensive Practice Phase
- Shift focus to full-length mock tests
- Improve speed and time management
- Analyze mock test performance to identify weak areas
- Strengthen high-weightage chapters
March 2026: Final Revision Phase
- Focus on formulas, reactions, diagrams, and shortcuts
- Revise notes and error logs from mock tests
- Avoid learning new topics at this stage
- Maintain a calm and consistent revision routine
April 2026: Exam Readiness Phase
- Attempt a few final mock tests
- Revise only key concepts and formulas
- Ensure all exam-related documents are ready
- Maintain proper sleep and exam-day discipline
How Deeksha Helps You Prepare for KCET 2026
At Deeksha, our KCET-focused programmes are designed to align seamlessly with both board exams and entrance preparation. Through structured study plans, regular mock tests, previous year question analysis, and expert mentoring, we help students build accuracy, speed, and confidence.
Our crash courses focus on high-yield topics, rapid revision, and exam-oriented strategies, ensuring students are well-prepared during the final stretch before KCET 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions – KCET 2026
Q1. What is the KCET exam conducted for?
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority. KCET 2026 is conducted for admission into undergraduate professional courses such as engineering, agriculture, veterinary sciences, pharmacy, and select allied health programmes in Karnataka.
Q2. Which courses come under KCET 2026?
KCET 2026 is conducted for admission to:
- Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech)
- Farm Science and agriculture-related degrees
- Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)
- Pharmacy courses such as B.Pharm and D.Pharm
- B.Sc. Nursing and certain allied health programmes
Admissions to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses require NEET qualification and are not granted through KCET alone.
Q3. Is KCET 2026 difficult?
KCET is generally considered moderate in difficulty. The questions are based on the Karnataka PUC syllabus, making consistent study, conceptual clarity, and regular practice the key factors for scoring well.
Q4. Who is eligible to apply for KCET 2026?
Candidates must have completed Class 12 (PUC or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology as core subjects. The minimum qualifying marks are usually 45% for General category candidates and 40% for reserved categories, subject to KEA guidelines.
Q5. Is KCET easier than JEE?
Yes, KCET is usually considered easier than JEE. While JEE focuses on advanced-level problem solving, KCET tests syllabus-based understanding aligned with the PUC curriculum.
Q6. Are Class 12 marks considered in KCET 2026?
Class 12 marks are used only to verify eligibility. KCET rank is calculated solely based on KCET exam scores.
Q7. Is KCET enough for MBBS admission?
No. KCET is not sufficient for MBBS admission. Candidates must qualify NEET to be eligible for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses.
Q8. How many subjects can a candidate write in KCET 2026?
Candidates can appear for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The subjects considered for ranking depend on the course applied for (PCM for engineering, PCB for agriculture and allied courses).
Q10. What is a good KCET 2026 rank?
A good KCET rank depends on the course and college preference. Generally, a rank below 5,000 is considered competitive for top engineering colleges, while agriculture and pharmacy courses may have higher cut-off ranks.
Final Thoughts
KCET 2026 is a major stepping stone toward a successful professional career in Karnataka. With timely planning, disciplined preparation, and the right guidance, students can significantly improve their chances of securing admission into top colleges.
Staying updated with official KEA announcements and following a structured preparation strategy will help you navigate every stage of the KCET 2026 journey smoothly.
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