Karnataka PGCET 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to MBA, MCA, ME, MTech and MArch courses in Karnataka. The Karnataka PGCET MBA and MCA exam is being held today, 14 June 2026, in offline mode across centres in Karnataka, while the ME/MTech/MArch paper was conducted on 13 June 2026. More than 60,000 candidates have registered this year for around 30,000 seats across various PG programs in Karnataka.

  • Provisional Answer Key: Karnataka PGCET 2026 provisional answer key is expected by 17 June 2026. Last year, KEA released the answer key 3 days after the exam.
  • Objection Window: Candidates can raise objections to the answer key for around 3 days after release by paying Rs 500 per question. The objection fee is refunded if your challenge is accepted.
  • Result Declaration: Karnataka PGCET 2026 result is expected by the first week of July 2026. In 2025, the result was declared on 1 July 2025.
  • Counselling Process: KEA counselling for around 30,000 seats across MBA, MCA and ME/MTech programs is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026.

What is Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Karnataka PGCET 2026 is a state-level post graduate entrance test conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The exam is held every year to admit candidates to MBA, MCA, ME, MTech, MArch and MPlanning courses in government, aided and unaided private professional institutions across Karnataka. It is one of the most important PG entrance tests in South India.

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam is conducted in offline mode (OMR-based) on a single day for each stream. The MBA and MCA paper is held on 14 June 2026, while the ME/MTech/MArch paper was conducted on 13 June 2026. Each paper carries 100 marks for MBA and MCA, and 75 marks for ME/MTech, with a duration of 150 minutes.

Around 60,000 candidates appear for Karnataka PGCET every year. The exam offers admission to over 30,000 seats spread across more than 220 institutions affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Bangalore University, Mysore University, Mangalore University, Karnatak University Dharwad and several private universities. You should be aware that Karnataka PGCET is the gateway to government quota and private quota seats under the KEA counselling.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Highlights

Karnataka PGCET 2026 is a state-level offline exam. The table below shows the most important details you should check before appearing for the exam.

Particulars Details
Exam Name Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (Karnataka PGCET) 2026
Conducting Body Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Exam Level State Level (Karnataka)
Frequency Once a year
Courses Offered MBA, MCA, ME, MTech, MArch, MPlanning
Exam Mode Offline (OMR-based pen and paper)
Exam Duration 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)
Total Questions 100 for MBA/MCA; 75 for ME/MTech/MArch
Total Marks 100 for MBA/MCA; 75 for ME/MTech/MArch
Marking Scheme 1 mark per correct answer; no negative marking
Medium of Exam English
Number of Test Cities 10+ cities across Karnataka
Official Website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Important Dates

KEA released the Karnataka PGCET 2026 notification in April 2026. The exam window is split across two days for different streams. The table below shows the complete schedule with upcoming events first and past events at the bottom.

Event Date
Provisional Answer Key Release 17 June 2026 (Expected)
Objection Window for Answer Key 17 June 2026 - 19 June 2026 (Expected)
Final Answer Key Release Last week of June 2026 (Expected)
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Result First week of July 2026 (Expected)
Document Verification Second week of July 2026 (Expected)
Counselling Registration Third week of July 2026 (Expected)
Option Entry and Seat Allotment Last week of July 2026 onwards (Expected)
MBA / MCA Exam (Today) 14 June 2026
Notification Release (Over) 14 April 2026
Application Form Start (Over) 14 April 2026
Last Date for Application (Over) 12 May 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment (Over) 14 May 2026
Application Correction Window (Over) 16 May 2026 - 18 May 2026
Admit Card Release (Over) 6 June 2026
ME / MTech / MArch Exam (Over) 13 June 2026

Source: KEA Karnataka PGCET 2026 Notification

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

You should check the Karnataka PGCET 2026 eligibility before applying. KEA has set different criteria for each course. There is no upper age limit for Karnataka PGCET 2026.

For MBA

  • You must have a Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration in any discipline from a recognised university.
  • Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/Category 1 candidates of Karnataka).
  • Final year students can also apply provisionally.

For MCA

  • You must have a Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration with Mathematics or Statistics or Business Mathematics or Computer Science as one subject.
  • BCA, BSc (Computer Science / IT) or BE/BTech candidates are also eligible.
  • Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories of Karnataka).

For ME / MTech / MArch / MPlanning

  • You must have a BE/BTech/BArch degree or AMIE qualification in the relevant discipline.
  • Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/Category 1 of Karnataka).
  • For MArch, you should have completed BArch with valid Council of Architecture registration.

Domicile and Reservation

Karnataka PGCET 2026 is open to candidates from all states of India. However, the reservation benefit under Karnataka quota is available only to candidates who satisfy the Karnataka domicile rules as specified by KEA. Outside Karnataka candidates can compete for general merit and management quota seats.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Process

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 application window closed on 12 May 2026, with the correction window ending on 18 May 2026. The entire process was online. If you are planning to apply for the next cycle, you should know the following steps.

  • Registration: Visit the official KEA portal and click on the Karnataka PGCET registration link. Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number and email.
  • Login Credentials: You will get a User ID and password on your registered email. You should save these for future logins.
  • Application Form: Fill in your personal details, communication address, parental details, qualifying examination details and category.
  • Course Selection: Choose the course (MBA, MCA, ME/MTech, MArch) you want to apply for. You can apply for more than one course by paying separate fees.
  • Document Upload: Upload your scanned photograph, signature and left thumb impression as per the size specifications.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online via net banking, debit/credit card or UPI. Offline challan payment was also available till 14 May 2026.
  • Print Acknowledgement: Take a printout of the filled application and fee receipt for future reference.

No fresh application is accepted after the closing date. You should not wait for the last day to apply, as the KEA portal often slows down due to heavy traffic.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Fee

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 application fee varies based on your category and whether you are a Karnataka domicile candidate. The fee is non-refundable. The table below shows the category-wise fee.

Category Application Fee
General Merit (GM) / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B (Karnataka) Rs 800
SC / ST / Category-1 (Karnataka) Rs 400
Outside Karnataka Candidates Rs 1,600
Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir / Outside India Rs 5,000

If you want to apply for more than one course (for example, MBA and MCA), you should pay the fee separately for each course. The fee can be paid online or through a bank challan. You should be aware that KEA has not announced any waiver this year for any category.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam pattern is different for MBA, MCA and ME/MTech papers. KEA conducts the exam in offline (OMR) mode with multiple choice questions. The duration for every paper is 150 minutes.

Karnataka PGCET MBA Exam Pattern

Section Number of Questions Marks
Proficiency in English Language 30 30
General Knowledge 30 30
Test of Reasoning and General Intelligence 20 20
Quantitative Analysis 20 20
Total 100 100

Karnataka PGCET MCA Exam Pattern

Section Number of Questions Marks
Mathematics 60 60
Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning 20 20
Computer Awareness 10 10
General Awareness 10 10
Total 100 100

Karnataka PGCET ME / MTech / MArch Exam Pattern

Particulars Details
Mode of Exam Offline (OMR-based)
Number of Questions 75
Total Marks 75
Duration 150 minutes
Subjects Discipline-specific (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, etc.)

There is no negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026. You should attempt every question even if you are not sure of the answer.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Syllabus

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 syllabus is based on the qualifying degree level for each course. KEA does not release a separate detailed syllabus document. You should refer to the standard graduation-level topics for each section.

Karnataka PGCET MBA Syllabus

  • Proficiency in English: Reading comprehension, sentence correction, synonyms and antonyms, fill in the blanks, idioms and phrases, vocabulary based questions.
  • General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian and world history, geography, economy, politics, business, sports and important national/international events.
  • Reasoning and General Intelligence: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, blood relations, coding-decoding, series, statement and conclusions, syllogism.
  • Quantitative Analysis: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, percentage, profit-loss, time-speed-distance, data interpretation and probability.

Karnataka PGCET MCA Syllabus

  • Mathematics: Set theory, algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, probability and statistics.
  • Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning: Number series, alphabet series, analogy, classification, blood relations, direction sense, statement and assumption.
  • Computer Awareness: Basics of computers, computer organisation, programming logic, operating systems, internet and networks, MS Office.
  • General Awareness: Current affairs, basic GK, Indian and international events.

Karnataka PGCET ME / MTech / MArch Syllabus

The syllabus for ME/MTech/MArch is based on the GATE syllabus for the relevant discipline. You should focus on core subjects studied during your BE/BTech. KEA releases stream-wise syllabus on the official website.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Admit Card

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 admit card was released on 6 June 2026. You can still download it from the official KEA website if you have not done so. The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.

Steps to Download Karnataka PGCET 2026 Admit Card

  • Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  • Click on the "PGCET 2026 Admit Card" link on the homepage.
  • Enter your User ID, password and date of birth.
  • Click on "Submit" to view your admit card.
  • Verify all the details printed on the admit card, including your name, photograph, exam centre, date and time.
  • Download the admit card and take 2-3 printouts on A4 paper.

Details on Karnataka PGCET 2026 Admit Card

  • Candidate’s name and roll number
  • Father’s name and date of birth
  • Category and gender
  • Photograph and signature
  • Course applied for (MBA / MCA / ME / MTech / MArch)
  • Exam centre name and full address
  • Exam date, reporting time and exam time
  • General instructions and dress code

If there is any mismatch in the admit card details, you should contact KEA immediately. The admit card should be preserved till the counselling process is over.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 MBA and MCA exam is being conducted today, 14 June 2026, in two sessions across centres in Karnataka. The ME/MTech/MArch paper was held yesterday on 13 June 2026. If you are appearing today, you should follow the exam day rules carefully.

Things to Carry on Exam Day

  • Printed copy of the Karnataka PGCET 2026 admit card.
  • One original photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, passport or voter ID).
  • Two recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the application).
  • Blue or black ball point pen for marking OMR sheet.
  • Transparent water bottle (if allowed at your centre).

Reporting Time and Exam Schedule

Session Course Reporting Time Exam Time
Morning MBA 9:00 AM 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Afternoon MCA 1:30 PM 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Items NOT Allowed Inside Exam Hall

  • Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices or any electronic gadget.
  • Calculator, log tables, slide rule, mathematical or drawing instruments.
  • Printed material, notes or any text book.
  • Wallets, handbags, pouches or large jewellery.
  • Caps, sunglasses or any face covering.

You should reach the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time to avoid last-minute rush. Candidates reporting after the gate closing time will not be allowed to enter the hall.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Answer Key

KEA will release the Karnataka PGCET 2026 provisional answer key within 3 to 4 days of the exam. The answer key for the MBA and MCA paper is expected by 17 June 2026, while the ME/MTech/MArch answer key is also likely in the same window. You can download the answer key set-wise from the official portal.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Answer Key Objection Process

  • Download the provisional answer key for your course from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  • Tally your responses with the official answer key.
  • If you find any wrong answer, you can submit an objection through the online portal.
  • The objection fee is Rs 500 per question, payable online.
  • You should attach proof or reference (textbook page, official document) along with the objection.
  • KEA’s expert committee reviews every objection. If accepted, the answer key is revised and the fee is refunded.

Karnataka PGCET Answer Key Release Trend

Year Exam Date (MBA/MCA) Answer Key Date
2026 14 June 2026 17 June 2026 (Expected)
2025 15 June 2025 18 June 2025
2024 9 June 2024 12 June 2024
2023 9 July 2023 12 July 2023

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Result

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 result is expected to be declared by the first week of July 2026. In 2025, the result was announced on 1 July 2025, around 16 days after the exam. KEA publishes the result in the form of a rank list course-wise.

Steps to Check Karnataka PGCET 2026 Result

  • Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
  • Click on the "Karnataka PGCET 2026 Result" link.
  • Enter your application number and date of birth.
  • Your scorecard will be displayed on the screen.
  • Download and take a printout for use during counselling and document verification.

Details on Karnataka PGCET 2026 Scorecard

  • Candidate’s name and roll number
  • Course applied (MBA / MCA / ME / MTech)
  • Section-wise marks obtained
  • Total marks out of 100 (or 75 for ME/MTech)
  • Karnataka PGCET 2026 rank
  • Qualifying status

To qualify in Karnataka PGCET 2026, you must score at least 50% in the exam (40% for SC, ST and Category-1 candidates of Karnataka). Only qualified candidates are eligible to participate in the KEA counselling process.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Cutoff

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 cutoff will be released after the counselling rounds are over. The cutoff is the last rank at which admission was offered to a specific course and college under a particular category. KEA publishes the cutoff round-wise on its official portal.

Factors Affecting Karnataka PGCET Cutoff

  • Total number of candidates appeared and qualified
  • Difficulty level of the question paper
  • Total number of seats available in each college
  • Popularity of the course and college
  • Reservation policy of Karnataka
  • Previous year cutoff trends

Karnataka PGCET Previous Year Cutoff (MBA - Top Colleges)

College Name Closing Rank (GM 2025)
BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore 1,250
RV Institute of Management, Bangalore 1,800
PES University, Bangalore 2,400
MS Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore 2,750
Department of Management Studies, Bangalore University 3,200
Visvesvaraya Technological University Belgaum 4,500

Karnataka PGCET Previous Year Cutoff (MCA - Top Colleges)

College Name Closing Rank (GM 2025)
RV College of Engineering, Bangalore 120
PES University, Bangalore 180
BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore 240
NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte 650
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore 900

Source: KEA Karnataka PGCET Previous Year Cutoff

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling is conducted by KEA in online mode. The counselling is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026. Only candidates who have qualified in the exam can register for counselling.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling Process

  • Registration: Qualified candidates must register for counselling on the KEA portal by paying the registration fee.
  • Document Verification: You should upload scanned copies of class 10, class 12, graduation marksheets, category certificate, domicile certificate and PGCET scorecard.
  • Option Entry: You can enter your choice of colleges and courses in order of preference. There is no limit on the number of options.
  • Mock Allotment: KEA releases a mock seat allotment based on your options. You can revise your choices once.
  • First Round Allotment: The actual first round seat allotment is published. You can choose to accept, modify or reject the allotted seat.
  • Fee Payment and Reporting: Accepted candidates must pay the admission fee online and report to the allotted college within the deadline.
  • Second and Third Rounds: Vacant seats are filled in subsequent rounds based on revised options.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling Options

Option Meaning
Choice 1 Satisfied with allotted seat. No further participation.
Choice 2 Confirm allotted seat but want better seat in next round.
Choice 3 Not satisfied. Want only a better seat in next round.
Choice 4 Cancel allotted seat and exit counselling.

KEA’s seat allotment is based on merit, category, course, college preference and seat availability. You should carefully fill your option entry as it directly affects the seat you get.

Top Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET 2026 Score

Karnataka PGCET 2026 score is accepted by more than 220 colleges across the state. These include government, aided and private institutions affiliated to VTU, Bangalore University, Mysore University, Mangalore University and other state universities.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET

College Name Location
BMS College of Engineering Bangalore
RV Institute of Management Bangalore
MS Ramaiah Institute of Management Bangalore
PES University Bangalore
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering Bangalore
Department of Management Studies, Bangalore University Bangalore
Visvesvaraya Technological University Belagavi
NMAM Institute of Technology Nitte

Top MCA Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET

College Name Location
RV College of Engineering Bangalore
PES University Bangalore
BMS College of Engineering Bangalore
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering Bangalore
NMAM Institute of Technology Nitte
BNM Institute of Technology Bangalore

Top ME / MTech Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET

  • University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bangalore
  • BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore
  • RV College of Engineering, Bangalore
  • MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore
  • PES University, Bangalore
  • Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bangalore
  • National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysore
  • Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation Tips

If you are planning to appear for Karnataka PGCET in the next cycle, you should start preparing early. The Karnataka PGCET exam is moderate in difficulty but has a wide syllabus. Here are some preparation tips that can help you score well.

  • Understand the Syllabus: Go through the official syllabus for your course. Make a list of strong and weak topics.
  • Make a Study Plan: Divide your preparation into three phases - concept building, practice and revision. Allot fixed hours daily for each section.
  • Solve Previous Year Papers: KEA repeats the question pattern every year. Solving 5-7 years of question papers helps you understand the difficulty and topic weightage.
  • Time Management: Practice solving the paper in 150 minutes. Aim to spend less than 90 seconds per question.
  • Focus on High-Weightage Topics: For MBA, focus on English and General Knowledge. For MCA, Mathematics carries 60% of the marks, so this is the most important section.
  • Attempt All Questions: Since there is no negative marking, you should attempt every question even if you have to guess.
  • Take Mock Tests: Take at least 15 to 20 full-length mock tests in the last month before the exam.
  • Stay Updated: Read newspapers and current affairs every day. General Knowledge questions are mostly from the last 6 months.

Recommended Books for Karnataka PGCET 2026

Subject Book Title
Quantitative Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
Verbal Ability Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Reasoning A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
General Knowledge Manorama Yearbook
MCA Mathematics Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal
Computer Awareness Computer Awareness by Arihant Publications

FAQs

Ques. When is Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam?

Ans. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 MBA and MCA exam is being held today, 14 June 2026, in offline mode. The ME/MTech/MArch exam was held on 13 June 2026. Both papers were conducted in offline OMR-based mode for 150 minutes.

Ques. Who conducts Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Ans. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). KEA is also responsible for conducting Karnataka CET, KCET counselling and various other state level entrance examinations in Karnataka.

Ques. Is there any negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026. You will get 1 mark for every correct answer. You should attempt every question, even if you have to guess, because there is no penalty for wrong answers.

Ques. What is the qualifying mark in Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Ans. The qualifying mark for Karnataka PGCET 2026 is 50% for General category candidates. For SC, ST and Category-1 candidates of Karnataka, the qualifying mark is 40%. Only candidates who score the qualifying mark can attend the KEA counselling process.

Ques. When will the Karnataka PGCET 2026 result be declared?

Ans. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 result is expected to be declared by the first week of July 2026. In 2025, the result was announced on 1 July 2025. You can download your scorecard from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in by entering your application number and date of birth.

Ques. Can outside Karnataka candidates apply for PGCET 2026?

Ans. Yes, candidates from outside Karnataka can apply for Karnataka PGCET 2026. However, they will be eligible only for general merit and management quota seats. Reservation benefits under Karnataka quota are available only to candidates with valid Karnataka domicile.

Ques. What is the application fee for Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Ans. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 application fee is Rs 800 for general category Karnataka candidates and Rs 400 for SC, ST and Category-1 Karnataka candidates. Outside Karnataka candidates pay Rs 1,600, while candidates from Jammu & Kashmir or outside India pay Rs 5,000.

Ques. How many colleges accept Karnataka PGCET score?

Ans. More than 220 colleges across Karnataka accept Karnataka PGCET 2026 score for admission. These include institutions affiliated to VTU, Bangalore University, Mysore University, Mangalore University and various other state universities. Top colleges include BMS, RV, PES, MS Ramaiah and Dayananda Sagar.

Ques. Is Karnataka PGCET easier than MAT or CMAT?

Ans. Yes, Karnataka PGCET MBA is considered easier than MAT and CMAT. The questions are based on graduation level concepts and there is no negative marking. A good score can fetch you admission in top Karnataka MBA colleges including BMS and RV.

Ques. How can I prepare for Karnataka PGCET MBA in 3 months?

Ans. You should spend the first month on concept building, the second month on practice papers and the third month on revision and mock tests. Focus more on English and General Knowledge, as together they carry 60% of the total marks.

Ques. Can I get a seat in BMS College through Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Ans. Yes, BMS College of Engineering accepts Karnataka PGCET scores for MBA and MCA admissions. The MBA closing rank for BMS in the General category was around 1,250 in 2025. To get a seat, you should aim for a rank under 1,500 in Karnataka PGCET 2026.

Ques. When will Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling start?

Ans. Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling is expected to start in the third week of July 2026. The counselling is conducted in online mode and includes registration, document verification, option entry, mock allotment and final seat allotment. You should keep your original documents ready.

Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article is based on the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) notification and previous year trends. Candidates are advised to visit the official KEA website for the latest updates on Karnataka PGCET 2026.