Karnataka PGCET 2026 Draft Seat Matrix Released: Over 58,000 Seats for PG Admissions via KEA Counselling

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the draft seat matrix for Karnataka PGCET 2026 on 9 September 2026, on its official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This crucial release outlines the distribution of over 58,000 seats for admission to various postgraduate programs across Karnataka.

The draft seat matrix is a pivotal step for thousands of aspirants seeking admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch courses, as it precedes the commencement of the KEA counselling process, which is anticipated to run from September to November 2026.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026 Seat Matrix: Key Details

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has specified that over 58,000 seats will be filled through the KEA counselling for postgraduate courses. The draft seat matrix, now accessible on the KEA website, provides a full breakdown of available seats across various disciplines, including MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch programs. For M.Tech admissions, the KEA has allocated 90% of seats for Karnataka candidates, with the remaining 10% reserved for non-Karnataka candidates, as per the official guidelines.

In aided colleges, 95% of the approved seats are designated for KEA counselling, while 5% fall under the management quota. Unaided engineering colleges follow a different distribution, filling 45% of seats through KEA, 30% through COMEDK, and the remaining 25% under management and NRI quotas. This structure ensures a broad spectrum of admission pathways for eligible candidates.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring for postgraduate admissions through Karnataka PGCET 2026 must meet specific eligibility requirements for each program. For MBA, a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration from a recognized university is mandatory, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks for the General category and 45% for SC, ST, and Category I candidates from Karnataka.

For MCA, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration and have studied Mathematics at either the 10+2 or degree level. M.Tech and M.E. aspirants are required to possess a B.E. or B.Tech. degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering branch. M.Arch candidates need a B.Arch degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories), along with a valid NATA or PGCET performance.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026: Important Dates

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has outlined a tentative schedule for the Karnataka PGCET 2026 process, from application to counselling. The official notification was expected in late March–early April, with online applications commencing in April. The examination for MBA and MCA courses was tentatively planned for mid-May 2026, with M.Tech and M.Arch exams scheduled around the same weekend or nearby dates.

Karnataka Pgcet 2026 Counselling Process

The counselling process for Karnataka PGCET 2026 is expected to commence from September to November 2026, following the release of the draft seat matrix. The application form for PGCET 2026 was made available only in online mode on the KEA website. Based on the 2024 pattern, the final answer key and PGCET 2026 results were likely released in August–September. Option entry for PGCET 2026 was conducted in August 2026, followed by mock seat allotment in the same month. The first round provisional and final allotments for PGCET 2026 were released in the first week of September 2026.

How to Check Karnataka Pgcet 2026 Seat Allotment Result

Candidates can check their Karnataka PGCET 2026 seat allotment result by following a straightforward process on the official KEA website. This step is crucial for securing admission to their desired postgraduate programs.

1. Go to the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Locate and click on the link for Karnataka PGCET seat allotment result 2026.
3. Enter your PGCET number and other required login details.
4. Click on the ‘Submit’ button to view your seat allotment result.
5. Download and print the result for future reference and admission formalities.

Background: KCET 2026 Admissions

The KEA’s release of the PGCET 2026 draft seat matrix follows its recent activities for undergraduate admissions. The KCET 2026 draft seat matrix was released on June 2, 2026, with the final seat matrix published on June 20, 2026. The KCET 2026 Round 1 final seat allotment was released on July 15, 2026, and Round 2 option entry was underway as of July 2026. The KCET 2026 seat matrix covered over 86,000 seats across various programs, with Engineering (BE/BTech) alone accounting for over 66,000 quota seats, demonstrating the scale of admissions managed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority and the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Karnataka.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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