The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will begin accepting online applications for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET 2026) starting tomorrow, January 17 . Eligible candidates seeking admission to engineering and pharmacy courses can apply via the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Exam Schedule
The KCET 2026 examination is scheduled for April 23 and April 24 . Each exam day will feature two shifts. The morning session runs from 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM , and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 3:50 PM . Each paper will have a duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
On April 23 , candidates will take exams for Physics and Chemistry. The Mathematics and Biology exams are set for April 24 .
Kannada Language Exam
A separate Kannada language exam for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates will occur on April 22 . This specific test will be conducted only at designated centres in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Vijayapura, and Mangaluru districts.
Important Instructions and Eligibility
The KEA has issued specific instructions regarding candidate details and eligibility criteria. Candidates must ensure their name matches exactly across their SSLC marks card, Aadhaar card, and RD certificates. Any discrepancies require immediate correction of the Aadhaar card and RD certificates to align with the SSLC marks card, as stated by the KEA.
Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Category 1 candidates must obtain a separate income certificate with an RD number. SC and ST candidates with an annual family income up to Rs 10 lakh are eligible for a full fee waiver. Category 1 candidates with an annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh will receive a partial exemption from tuition fees, according to the KEA notice.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the KCET 2026 application process:
- SSLC or Class 10 marks card
- Aadhaar card
- Student’s passport-sized photo (JPG format, less than 50 KB)
- Student’s signature (JPG format, less than 50 KB)
- Valid mobile number (with WhatsApp)
- Valid e-mail address
- RD certificates
- Caste and income certificate (if applicable)
- Religious minority certificate (if applicable)
- NCLC certificate with RD number (if applicable)
- Linguistic minority study certificate (Tulu, Tamil, Telugu, Kodava mother tongue) for medical and dental courses (if applicable)
Application Fee
The application fee for KCET 2026 varies by candidate category:
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General | 500 |
| SC, ST | 250 |
| Candidates from outside Karnataka | 750 |
| Candidates from abroad | 5,000 |
Eligible candidates should visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in to complete their application process.