Karnataka PGCET 2026 Draft Seat Matrix OUT; 58,000+ Seats for MBA, MCA, M.Tech via KEA Counselling

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) today, 9 September 2026, released the draft seat matrix for Karnataka PGCET 2026, outlining over 58,000 seats available for admission to various postgraduate programs. This crucial document, available on the KEA website, is a vital step for candidates seeking admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch courses across colleges in Karnataka.

The release of the draft seat matrix precedes the counselling process, which is expected to commence from September to November 2026, based on previous patterns. This matrix provides a detailed breakdown of available seats under government quota in universities, government engineering colleges, and private institutes, serving as the primary gateway for thousands of aspiring postgraduate students.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026: Seat Matrix Details and Scope

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 draft seat matrix details over 58,000 seats to be filled through KEA counselling for postgraduate courses. These seats are distributed across MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch programs in various institutions throughout Karnataka. The PGCET examination is the main channel for students aiming for government quota seats, with some private universities also accepting PGCET scores for specific admissions.

The seat matrix is particularly significant for Karnataka candidates who meet specific study or domicile conditions, as many seats under the government quota are reserved for them. Also, category-wise reservations apply for SC, ST, Category I, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and various special categories. Non-Karnataka candidates are eligible to appear for the exam but are typically considered for a limited number of seats with different reservation rules.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring for postgraduate admissions through Karnataka PGCET 2026 must meet specific eligibility requirements for their chosen program. These criteria ensure that only qualified individuals are considered for admission to the competitive courses.

• MBA: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration from a recognized university. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required for the General category, while SC, ST, and Category I candidates from Karnataka need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
• MCA: A Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration is mandatory, with Mathematics studied at either the 10+2 or degree level. Generally, a 50% aggregate is required, with a 45% relaxation for reserved categories.
• M.Tech/M.E.: Candidates need a B.E. or B.Tech. degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering branch. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required for the General category, and 45% for SC/ST/Category I candidates. GATE score holders may receive preference or exemption in certain cases.
• M.Arch: A B.Arch degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories) is required, along with a valid NATA or PGCET performance.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026: Expected Timeline

The KEA typically releases the PGCET notification and detailed schedule several months before the examination. Based on the 2024 pattern, the registration process and exam dates for 2026 are anticipated as follows:

Karnataka Pgcet 2026: Application Process and Examination Mode

The application form for Karnataka PGCET 2026 will be available exclusively in online mode on the official KEA website. Candidates must complete the application process and submit the required fees through the online portal. No offline application forms will be accepted by the authority.

The PGCET examination is conducted annually by the KEA and typically runs in either offline or computer-based test (CBT) mode, depending on the specific year and course. In 2024, the MBA, MCA, and several M.Tech papers were conducted as CBT. The KEA will release detailed instructions regarding the examination mode and other important guidelines in its official notification.

Comparison with KCET 2026 Seat Matrix

The release of the PGCET 2026 draft seat matrix follows the earlier publication of the draft engineering seat matrix for the 2026-27 academic year under the KCET 2026 counselling process. The KEA had released the KCET draft seat matrix on June 2, 2026, with the final matrix published on June 20, 2026, before option entry commenced. The KCET 2026 Round 1 final seat allotment was released on July 15, 2026, and Round 2 option entry is currently underway as of July 2026.

The KCET 2026 seat matrix covered over 86,000 seats across various programs including Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture, Nursing, and Farm Science, with Engineering (BE/BTech) alone accounting for over 66,000 quota seats. For KCET, all seats in government engineering colleges are filled through KEA under the government quota. In aided colleges, 95% of approved seats are filled via KEA, with 5% reserved under the management quota. Unaided engineering colleges fill 45% of seats through KEA, 30% through COMEDK, and the remaining 25% under management and NRI quotas.

Written by Aayush Kukreja

Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.

View all posts →