Karnataka CET (KCET) Notification OUT, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Direct Link

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has commenced the online registration process for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 on January 16, 2026. This state-level entrance examination facilitates admissions to undergraduate professional courses including Engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Pharmacy (B.Pharma), Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and other allied programmes across institutions in Karnataka.

Apply for KCET: Direct Link

Here is the direct link to apply for KCET Registration: Apply Here

KCET Registration Details and Deadlines

According to the official updates from KEA, candidates can apply through the dedicated portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. The registration window remains open until February 17, 2026, without late fee. The authority has issued guidelines emphasising the use of the official website to avoid fraudulent sites.

Registration Start Date: January 16, 2026
Last Date to Apply (without late fee): February 17, 2026
Application Correction Window: Tentatively February 20 to 23, 2026 (details to be confirmed)

Candidates are required to complete Aadhaar-based authentication during the process to ensure data integrity and prevent proxy entries. The authority has also expanded examination centres in rural areas to minimise travel for examinees.

Steps to Apply for KCET

Applicants must follow these steps to submit the KCET 2026 application form:

Visit the official KEA portal cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Register using email and mobile number to generate login credentials.
Log in and fill personal, academic, and category details.
Upload scanned copies of photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, 5-40 KB, JPG/JPEG), signature (3.5 cm x 1.5 cm, 5-40 KB), and other documents.
Pay the application fee online.
Submit the form and retain the confirmation page.

Essential documents include Class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar card or government-issued ID, and applicable certificates for reservation categories.

Karnataka CET Application Fee Structure

The fee varies based on category and domicile:

General and OBC candidates (Karnataka domicile): Rs. 500
SC/ST/Category-1 candidates: Rs. 250
Candidates from outside Karnataka: Rs. 750

KCET Eligibility Criteria

According to the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), candidates must fulfil the following eligibility conditions to appear for KCET 2026 and secure admission to undergraduate professional courses in Karnataka.

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizen
Educational Qualification	Passed or appearing in 2nd PUC / Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Electronics
Minimum Marks in Qualifying Exam	General / OBC: 45% aggregate in Physics, Mathematics and one optional subject SC / ST / Category-1: 40% aggregate in the same subjects
Domicile Requirements for Government Quota Seats	Karnataka domicile OR studied in Karnataka for a minimum of 7 years (Class 1 to 12) OR parents who have resided in Karnataka for 7 years
Age Limit	No upper age limit specified
Other Requirements	Valid KCET 2026 score required for counselling and seat allotment

KCET Exam Pattern

The KCET 2026 will be conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode. The examination pattern, as outlined by the Karnataka Examinations Authority, includes objective-type questions with no negative marking.

Parameter	Details
Mode of Examination	Offline (Pen and Paper)
Medium of Question Paper	English and Kannada
Total Papers	Three (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Biology)
Subjects for Engineering	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Subjects for Other Courses	Physics, Chemistry, Biology (for Pharmacy, Agriculture, etc.)
Questions per Paper	60 multiple-choice questions
Marks per Paper	60 marks (1 mark per question)
Total Marks	180 marks
Duration per Paper	80 minutes
Negative Marking	No negative marking
Type of Questions	Objective multiple-choice with four options

Syllabus

The KCET 2026 syllabus is based on the Karnataka State Pre-University Education Board curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, aligned with NCERT standards. The Karnataka Examinations Authority has confirmed that the syllabus remains unchanged from previous years.

Subject	Class 11 Topics (Key Highlights)	Class 12 Topics (Key Highlights)
Physics	Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work Energy Power, Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics, Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves	Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices
Chemistry	Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, Some p-Block Elements, Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques, Hydrocarbons, Environmental Chemistry	Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-Block Elements, d and f Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols Phenols and Ethers, Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life
Mathematics	Sets and Functions, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Mathematical Reasoning, Statistics and Probability	Relations and Functions, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry, Linear Programming, Probability
Biology	Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology	Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and Its Applications, Ecology and Environment

The authority has not announced further details yet regarding any modifications to the syllabus for KCET 2026.

Written by Abhijeet Chatterjee

Abhijeet Chatterjee is a professional Content and Copy specialist with over five years of experience in crafting compelling content around the Edtech domain. His portfolio includes notable work for companies such as PhysicsWallah, Roar Media, Jagran Josh, etc. Academically, Abhijeet holds a Master's in Mass Communication, where he was awarded a gold medal for his outstanding performance. He has also qualified for the UGC NET in Mass Communication, demonstrating his expertise and a deep understanding of the field. His academic foundation is built on a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Beyond his professional work, Abhijeet is an avid writer and a cinephile. His personal interests include scriptwriting, film criticism, and reading novels.

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