The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will open registration for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET 2026) tomorrow, January 17 . Eligible candidates must apply online through the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in . KCET, also known as Karnataka UGCET 2026, serves as the gateway for admissions to various undergraduate programs in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and allied fields across colleges in Karnataka.
KCET 2026 Exam Schedule
The KCET 2026 examination will take place on April 23 and April 24 . The exam includes two shifts daily. The morning session runs from 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM . The afternoon session is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 3:50 PM . Each paper will have a duration of one hour and 20 minutes.
A separate Kannada language test is set for April 22 . This specific test caters to Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates. The Physics and Chemistry examinations are scheduled for April 23 . Mathematics and Biology examinations will follow on April 24 .
Application Fee Details
Application fees for KCET 2026 vary based on the candidate’s category and origin. Karnataka candidates belonging to GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B categories must pay Rs 500 . Candidates from SC, ST, and Category 1 within Karnataka are required to pay Rs 250 .
Applicants who have studied outside Karnataka will pay Rs 750 . Candidates applying from outside India face a fee of Rs 5,000 .
KCET 2026 Key Examination Highlights
The KCET 2026 exam will be conducted in offline mode. The table below outlines additional important details regarding the examination process:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
| Exam Level | State Level Exam |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Mode of Counselling | Online |
| Participating Colleges | 217 |