KCET, NEET, COMEDK: Complete Exam Guide 2026
Verified eligibility criteria, exam patterns, important dates, and step-by-step application guides for all major Karnataka entrance exams. Official sources: KEA, NTA, COMEDK.
What is KCET 2026 and Who is Eligible?
KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to government quota seats in professional courses at Karnataka colleges. KCET is the primary route for Karnataka domicile students to secure engineering, pharmacy, and architecture seats at significantly lower fees than management quota. KCET 2026 is expected in April 2026.
Official source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). All dates are tentative for 2026. Verify on the official website.
How to Apply for KCET 2026: Step-by-Step
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01
Register on KEA official portal
Visit kea.kar.nic.in and create an account. Upload your photograph and signature as per the specifications. Have your Aadhaar or student ID ready.
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02
Fill the KCET application form
Enter your 10th and 12th marks, select exam centres in Karnataka, and choose the correct subject combination (PCM for Engineering, PCB for B.Sc/Pharmacy).
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03
Pay the application fee
Pay โน650 (General) or โน500 (reserved categories) online via net banking, UPI, or debit card. Download and save the payment confirmation.
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04
Download admit card
Admit card is released 2 weeks before the exam on kea.kar.nic.in. Print it and carry it with a valid government photo ID to the exam centre.
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05
Appear for KCET 2026
Appear for the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology papers on the exam date. Reach the centre 45 minutes early. Answer all 60 questions per paper.
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06
Register for KCET counselling
After results, register on the KEA counselling portal. Enter your college preferences in merit order. College2U counsellors guide you on optimal preference ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions โ KCET 2026
KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2026 is conducted by KEA for government quota seats in Karnataka engineering, pharmacy, and B.Sc colleges. Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM/PCB, minimum 45% (40% for SC/ST), Karnataka domicile or 10 consecutive years of study in Karnataka.
KCET has 3 papers: Physics (60 MCQ), Chemistry (60 MCQ), and Mathematics or Biology (60 MCQ). Each question carries 1 mark. No negative marking. Total: 180 marks per combination. Duration: 3 hours total across papers.
RVCE CSE: KCET rank below ~1,500 (general merit). MSRIT CSE: below ~2,500. BMS College ECE: below ~4,000. Cutoffs change each round. Use College2U's rank predictor for the latest round-wise estimates.
Get expert guidance for KCET 2026
College2U counsellors specialise in KCET 2026 strategy โ college preference ordering, round-by-round seat analysis, and document preparation. Book a free 30-minute session before the counselling portal opens.