Distant Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Centres Create Travel Worries for Candidates

The release of the Karnataka PGCET 2026 admit card has brought relief to thousands of MBA, MCA, M.Tech, and M.Arch aspirants across the state. However, for many candidates, the excitement of receiving their hall tickets has quickly turned into concern after discovering that their allotted examination centres are located far from their hometowns.

Reports from students suggest that long-distance travel, accommodation expenses, and logistical challenges have become major issues ahead of the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) recently released hall tickets for the examination scheduled in June 2026.

As candidates prepare for one of Karnataka’s most important postgraduate entrance examinations, concerns regarding distant exam centre allotments have sparked discussions among students and education experts.

Candidates Face Long-Distance Travel Challenges

Many Karnataka PGCET 2026 candidates have reported receiving examination centres located hundreds of kilometres away from their residence. Students from northern districts have been allotted centres in southern Karnataka, while some candidates from coastal and central regions have been assigned venues far from their preferred locations.

For students living in smaller towns and rural areas, reaching the examination venue often requires overnight travel, multiple bus connections, or train journeys. The situation has become especially difficult for candidates who are appearing for the examination while managing jobs or final-year college commitments.

Several aspirants say that they had selected nearby cities while filling out the application form but were surprised to find centres allocated in distant districts after the release of hall tickets.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Conducted Across Multiple Cities

The Karnataka PGCET examination is conducted across numerous districts in the state to accommodate a large number of candidates. According to available information, the examination is being held across around 29 cities and districts in Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Udupi, Ballari, and other locations. Candidates were required to select their preferred exam cities during the application process.

However, the final allotment depends on factors such as seat availability, examination infrastructure, and candidate distribution. As a result, some candidates may not receive their first-choice examination centre.

Financial Burden on Students

One of the biggest concerns raised by candidates is the additional financial burden caused by distant examination centres.

Students travelling long distances may have to spend money on:

• Bus or train tickets
• Hotel or lodge accommodation
• Local transportation
• Food and other travel expenses

For candidates from economically weaker backgrounds, these costs can create additional stress during an already demanding examination period.

Parents have also expressed concern about the safety and convenience of sending students to unfamiliar cities, particularly when examinations are scheduled early in the morning.

Last-Minute Travel Planning Adds Stress

The hall tickets were released only a few days before the examination date, leaving limited time for candidates to arrange transportation and accommodation.

Students who discover that their centre is located far away must immediately begin making travel plans. This can be particularly challenging during periods of high travel demand when bus and train tickets become difficult to obtain.

Many candidates have reported spending considerable time checking transport options instead of focusing entirely on exam preparation.

Education experts believe that such logistical issues can negatively affect a student’s mental readiness and overall performance in the examination.

Requests for Centre Changes Remain Limited

After noticing distant centre allocations, several candidates have attempted to seek changes through official channels. However, examination authorities generally follow strict policies regarding centre allotment after admit cards have been issued.

Available information indicates that once hall tickets are released, requests for examination centre changes are usually not entertained. Candidates are expected to appear at the venue mentioned on their admit card.

This has left many students with no option but to travel to the assigned location, regardless of the distance involved.

Similar Issues Seen in Other Entrance Examinations

The challenge of distant examination centre allotment is not unique to Karnataka PGCET. Similar concerns have been reported in other competitive entrance examinations across India.

Recently, candidates appearing for another Karnataka-based entrance examination reported receiving centres in neighbouring states despite selecting locations within Karnataka. Students expressed frustration over the unexpected travel requirements, highlighting how centre allocation remains a recurring concern in large-scale examinations.

The issue underscores the growing pressure on examination authorities to improve centre management and candidate convenience.

Impact on Exam Performance

Academic experts note that long-distance travel can directly affect a candidate’s examination performance.

Several factors contribute to this:

Physical Fatigue

Candidates travelling overnight often arrive at examination centres tired and sleep-deprived. Fatigue can reduce concentration and problem-solving ability during the test.

Increased Anxiety

Travel uncertainty, unfamiliar surroundings, and concerns about reaching the venue on time can increase stress levels.

Reduced Revision Time

Time spent planning and undertaking travel may reduce the hours available for final revision before the examination.

Unexpected Delays

Traffic congestion, transportation disruptions, or weather-related issues may create additional challenges for candidates travelling long distances.

Experts recommend that students reach their examination city at least one day before the test whenever possible.

Exam Day Guidelines for Candidates

Candidates appearing for Karnataka PGCET 2026 are advised to carefully follow all examination-day instructions.

Authorities have instructed candidates to carry:

• Printed admit card
• Valid photo identification proof
• Required documents mentioned in the hall ticket

Candidates should arrive at the examination centre at least one hour before the reporting time to complete verification procedures smoothly.

Students travelling from distant locations are encouraged to account for possible transportation delays while planning their journey.

Demand for Better Centre Allocation System

The current situation has renewed calls for a more efficient examination centre allocation process.

Students and education stakeholders have suggested several improvements, including:

• Greater priority for preferred examination cities
• Increased number of examination centres in high-demand districts
• Earlier release of centre allotment information
• Additional capacity in major cities
• More transparent allocation procedures

Many believe that these measures could significantly reduce travel-related hardships and improve the overall examination experience.

KEA Continues Preparations for Smooth Conduct of Examination

Despite concerns over centre locations, the Karnataka Examinations Authority has continued preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the PGCET 2026 examination. Hall tickets have been released, examination schedules have been announced, and candidates have been advised to carefully follow all instructions printed on their admit cards.

The examination remains a crucial gateway for admission to postgraduate professional courses in Karnataka, attracting thousands of aspirants every year.

Conclusion

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 examination is an important milestone for students seeking admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech, and other postgraduate programmes. However, the allotment of distant examination centres has become a significant concern for many candidates. Long travel distances, additional expenses, accommodation requirements, and increased stress levels have added to the challenges faced by aspirants.

While authorities aim to accommodate candidates across multiple districts, students continue to seek a more candidate-friendly centre allocation process. As the examination date approaches, candidates are focusing on managing travel arrangements while continuing their preparations. For many, reaching the examination centre on time has become almost as important as preparing for the exam itself.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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