KCET 2026 Exam Overview
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is conducted to determine the eligibility and merit of candidates for admission to the first year / first semester of various full-time professional courses under the Government quota in Government, University, Private Aided, and Private Unaided institutions across Karnataka.
The examination is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for eligible Karnataka candidates, as per official norms applicable for the KCET 2026 admission cycle.
What is KCET 2026?
KCET 2026 is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission to undergraduate professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and allied sciences in Karnataka. The exam serves as the primary gateway for securing Government quota seats in participating colleges across the state.
Courses Offered Through KCET 2026
KCET 2026 is conducted for admission to the following courses:
Medical & Allied Health Courses
- Medical (MBBS – admission through NEET, counselling conducted by KEA)
- Dental (BDS – admission through NEET, counselling conducted by KEA)
- Ayurveda (through NEET, counselling via KEA)
- Homoeopathy (through NEET, counselling via KEA)
- Unani (through NEET, counselling via KEA)
- Naturopathy and Yoga
Engineering & Technology Courses
- Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech)
- Technology programmes offered by participating institutions
- Architecture (B.Arch – subject to NATA qualification)
Farm Science & Allied Courses
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)
- B.Sc. Agriculture
- B.Sc. Sericulture
- B.Sc. Horticulture
- B.Sc. Forestry
- B.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Home Science (BHSc.)
- B.Tech Agricultural Engineering
- B.Tech Food Technology
- B.Tech Dairy Technology
- B.F.Sc. (Fisheries)
- B.Tech Food Science and Technology
- B.Sc. Agricultural Marketing and Cooperation
- B.Pharm and Pharm.D
KCET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative – Based on Recent KCET Cycles)
| Event | Expected Timeline |
| Online registration begins | January 16, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | February 17, 2026 |
| Last date for application fee payment | February 18, 2026 |
| Admit card release (Expected) | April 10, 2026 |
| KCET 2026 examination | Mid–April 2026 |
| Kannada Language Test (Horanadu / Gadinadu candidates) | One day after main exam |
| KCET 2026 result announcement | Last week of May 2026 |
Note: All dates are indicative and will be confirmed through the official KEA notification.
Key Highlights of KCET 2026
- Exam type: State-level entrance examination
- Conducting authority: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
- Participating institutes: Over 220 Government, University, Private Aided, and Private Unaided colleges
- Number of applicants: Over 1 lakh candidates annually
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
- Exam mode: Offline (pen-and-paper)
- Question type: Objective (MCQs)
- Negative marking: None
- Total questions: 180
- Total marks: 180
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
| Physics | 60 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 |
KCET 2026 Application Fee (Based on Recent KEA Pattern)
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
| General / OBC (Karnataka) | 500 |
| SC / ST / Category 1 (Karnataka) | 250 |
| Candidates qualifying Class 12 outside Karnataka | 750 |
Final Guidance for KCET 2026 Aspirants
KCET is a highly competitive examination, with lakhs of students appearing every year. Consistent preparation over two years provides a strong advantage; however, students who are thorough with their PUC syllabus can also perform exceptionally well with focused revision and structured crash-course preparation.
Early planning, syllabus clarity, regular mock tests, and time management are critical to securing a good KCET rank. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official KEA website for notifications, updates, and counselling-related announcements.
How Deeksha Vedantu Helps Students Prepare for KCET 2026
At Deeksha Vedantu, we combine strong academic fundamentals with focused entrance exam preparation to help students excel in KCET. With decades of experience in pre-university education and competitive exam coaching, Deeksha Vedantu offers a structured and student-centric approach tailored specifically for Karnataka board and KCET aspirants.
Students preparing for KCET 2026 benefit from:
- A PUC-aligned curriculum that strictly follows NCERT and Karnataka board requirements
- Integrated coaching that balances board exam preparation and KCET-focused problem-solving
- Experienced faculty who simplify complex concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Regular KCET-style mock tests, chapter-wise assessments, and performance analysis
- Targeted revision programs and crash courses for last-stage KCET preparation
Students looking for dedicated KCET preparation can explore Deeksha Vedantu’s specialised coaching programs here:
👉 https://deekshalearning.com/kcet-coaching/
With the right guidance, consistent practice, and expert mentoring, Deeksha Vedantu helps students approach KCET 2026 with confidence and clarity.
KCET 2026 FAQs
Q1: Is KCET compulsory for engineering admission in Karnataka?
Yes. KCET is mandatory for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate engineering courses under the Government quota in Karnataka. Admissions are based on KCET rank and KEA counselling.
Q2: Is KCET required for MBBS admission in Karnataka?
No. MBBS admissions are conducted through NEET. However, KEA manages the state-level counselling process for NEET-qualified candidates seeking medical seats in Karnataka.
Q3: Can students from other states apply for KCET 2026?
Yes. Students who have completed Class 12 outside Karnataka can apply for KCET, but they must meet KEA eligibility criteria and are generally eligible only for certain courses.
Q4: What is the validity of the KCET 2026 rank?
The KCET 2026 rank is valid only for admissions in the 2026–27 academic year and cannot be carried forward.
Get Social