KEA Releases KCET 2026 Bell Timings for April 22, 23, and 24; Essential Guide for Candidates

The KEA has announced a 7-bell schedule for the KCET 2026 exams on April 22-24 to ensure disciplined time management for candidates. Students must report early, as entry is strictly barred after the exam begins at the third bell.

With the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 just around the corner, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the detailed bell timing schedule.

This year, the crucial entrance exam is set to take place on April 22, 23, and 24.

For thousands of students aspiring for seats in Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agricultural courses, understanding these timings is as important as the preparation itself.

The bell system is designed to maintain a uniform flow across all centers and ensure that candidates manage their 80-minute sessions effectively.

KCET 2026 Exam Calendar

The examination is spread across three days, starting with the language proficiency test followed by the core subjects:

April 22: Kannada Language Test (for Gadinadu and Horanadu Kannadiga candidates).
April 23: Physics (Morning) and Chemistry (Afternoon).
April 24: Mathematics (Morning) and Biology (Afternoon).

Understanding the 7-Bell System

KEA follows a strict 7-bell protocol to guide students through the examination process. Whether you are appearing for the morning shift (starting at 10:30 AM) or the afternoon shift (starting at 2:30 PM), the intervals remain the same.

Bell Number	Morning Session	Afternoon Session	Significance
1st Bell	10:20 AM	2:20 PM	Candidates enter the hall and occupy seats.
2nd Bell	10:30 AM	2:30 PM	Distribution of question papers begins.
3rd Bell	10:40 AM	2:40 PM	Exam Starts. Candidates can open the seal and start answering.
4th Bell	11:10 AM	3:10 PM	First Caution: 30 minutes have passed.
5th Bell	11:30 AM	3:30 PM	Second Caution: 20 minutes remaining.
6th Bell	11:45 AM	3:45 PM	Final Warning: Only 5 minutes left.
7th Bell	11:50 AM	3:50 PM	Exam Ends. Stop writing and hand over OMR sheets.

Important Instructions for Exam Day

Beyond just the timings, KEA has highlighted several “must-follow” rules to avoid disqualification:

Strict Entry Policy: No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall after the third bell (10:40 AM / 2:40 PM). It is highly recommended to reach the center at least 60 minutes before the session starts.
OMR Precautions: Students must use a blue or black ballpoint pen only. Ensure that the Version Code on the question paper matches what you shade on the OMR sheet.
Mandatory Documents: You must carry a printed copy of your KCET 2026 Admit Card and a valid Government ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or DL).
No Exit Rule: No student is permitted to leave the examination hall until the final bell rings and the invigilator completes the OMR collection process.

What’s New in 2026?

This year, KEA has integrated Aadhaar-linked verification to ensure transparency. Candidates are reminded that their names on the admit card must match their SSLC marks cards and Aadhaar details. Additionally, for engineering aspirants, the 50:50 weightage rule (50% CET marks and 50% 2nd PUC marks) remains the standard for merit ranking.

As the countdown begins, students should familiarize themselves with these timings to ensure a stress-free experience on the big day.

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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