The KCET will be conducted on 23 and 24 April 2026. Kannada Language Test will be conducted on 22nd April for Kannadigas from Horanadu and Gadi Nadu.
The KCET 2026 registration deadline has been extended again to 27 February 2026 from 17th February, 2026. The KEA has again extended the KCET fee payment deadline to 7 March 2026 from 3 March 2026.
As per KEA, nearly 3,15,713 candidates have registered so far for the KCET 2026.
The KCET exam 2026 is a pen-and-paper and MCQ-type exam written by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for professional courses admission. By KCET, admission can be taken in any of the following professional courses in Karnataka, such as:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Pharma (B.Pharma, D.Pharma, 2nd year B.Pharma)
- Veterinary Science
- Farm Science (B.Sc. Agriculture, Sericulture, etc.)
- Allied Health Sciences, Nursing, Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, BPT, BPO, etc.
For Medical and Dental courses, KCET registration is still required, even though admission is via NEET. Similarly, the Architecture Course will require NATA-2026.
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Key Summary
- KCET is an entrance test for engineering, pharmacy, veterinary and agricultural courses, which is administered by KEA.
- The exam will be held on 23 and 24 April 2026, and results will probably be declared in May 2026.
- When compared to 2020 (₹650), registration fees have slightly increased to 2025 (₹800) for the general category.
- KCET applications are increasing every year, and the number of students seeking admission is about 2.6 lakh by 2025.
- Competition has been growing as the reappearing candidate’s percentage in 2025 has already risen to 26% as compared to 18% in 2020.
- The qualification is 45% marks in Class 12 (40% in case of the reserved categories) and certain subject-groups, depending on the course.
- KCET assesses three subjects (PCM/PB) of 60 questions each, each of which is rated at 180 marks and takes 4 hours.
- In 2026, the cutoffs are set to change, with the highest-ranking engineering colleges demanding between 1,500-6,500.
- What is KCET?
- KCET 2026 Tentative Dates
- KCET Registration Fees (2020-2025 Trends)
- How many Candidates have registered for KCET? (2025–2023)
- KCET Reappearance Trends (2020-2025)
- KCET 2026: Courses & Subjects
- KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026
- KCET Exam Pattern 2026
- KCET Exam Centres 2026
- What is the KCET Syllabus 2026?
- KCET Exam 2026 Resources
- KCET 2025 Paper Analysis
- KCET 2026: Result
- KCET 2026: Counselling
- KCET Overview 2026 FAQs
What is KCET?
Karnataka Common Entrance Test is a state entrance examination that is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). This exam enables the candidates to secure admission into professional courses such as Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy and other courses in Karnataka. It is among the most competitive exams in which candidates have an opportunity to get higher education in the state.
Based on the stream of choice, KCET assesses the learning of candidates in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
- Conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
- Provides engineering, agriculture, veterinary courses and pharmacy courses.
- For Karnataka candidates and non-Karnataka candidates.
- Various subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- Admissions based on KCET rank and counselling.
KCET 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Short Exam Name | KCET |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Level | State Level Exam |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Mode of Counselling | Online |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Courses Offered | Engineering & Technology, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharma), Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharma), Agriculture (Farm Science), and Veterinary courses |
Read More: KCET Seat Matrix
KCET 2026 Tentative Dates
The KCET 2026 exam date is 23 and 24 April 2026. The official notification has been released on 17 January, 2026. You should follow the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) website for definitive dates and to complete the application process.
| 2026 | Event |
|---|---|
| January 17, 2026 | Release date of the KCET notification |
| January 17, 2026 | KCET Application Form Date |
| February 27, 2026, till 11:59 PM (Closed) | Last date for Registration for KCET |
| 7 March 2026(Extended) | Last date to pay Fees |
| March 2026 | Application Correction Facility |
| April, 2026 | KCET Admit Card |
| April 23 and 24 (Final) | Exam Dates |
| April, 2026 | Provisional Answer Key |
| April, 2026 | Answer Key objection Window |
| April, 2026 | Final KCET Answer Key |
| May, 2026 | Offline KCET Document verification |
| May, 2026 | KCET Mark entry Start Date |
| May, 2026 | KCET Final Result |
To help you plan better, here’s a year-wise overview of KCET exam dates and important events from 2025 to 2023, so you can get a clear idea of the usual schedule.
| Year | KCET Exam Date(s) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | April 16 & 17 (Kannada language test on April 15) |
| 2024 | April 18 & 19 (Kannada test on April 20) |
| 2023 | May 20 & 21 (Kannada language exam on May 22) |
Ques: How to find these changes in the dates of the KCET exam each year?
Ans. The KCET exam timetable will be based on the school timetable and state board examination tests and exams conducted nationally, such as the JEE or NEET. KEA makes sure that it does not clash and manipulates schedules. That is why KCET is traditionally conducted in July or August, but nowadays it is arranged mainly in April or May.
Ques: When will the KCET results be announced?
Ans. The KCET results are normally announced one month following the exam. For example, the April 2025 exam declared results in May, whereas older years with later exams showed results in later months. The candidates should anticipate the results of the KCET 2026 to come in May or June, depending on the KEA schedule.
KCET Registration Fees (2020-2025 Trends)
- The fee for the KCET registration has been revised; the registration fees for the General category have been revised from 650 INR in 2020 to 800 INR in 2025, and the fee for non-Karnataka candidates has been revised from 750 INR to 900 INR in order to accommodate the higher level of processing.
- Whereas fees for SC/ST/OBC categories remained the same at 500 INR during all those years.
- Increased fee reflects the surging costs of carrying on offline tests, holding on to digital infrastructure, and executing government decisions.
| Year | General Category (Fees in INR) | SC/ST/OBC(Fees in INR) | Outside Karnataka(Fees in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 650 | 500 | 750 |
| 2021 | 650 | 500 | 750 |
| 2022 | 700 | 500 | 800 |
| 2023 | 750 | 500 | 800 |
| 2024 | 750 | 500 | 800 |
| 2025 | 800 | 500 | 900 |
Ques: What are the differences between the registration fees of the categories at KCET?
Ans. The cost of registering at KCET is quite varied so that every candidate can afford it. To enhance inclusivity in higher education, reserved category students like SC, ST and OBC pay reduced fees of 500 INR as compared to 800 INR. Both policy-based and administrative factors of the KEA influence the fees paid by general and outside Karnataka candidates.
Ques: Can KCET fees be refunded in case of withdrawal of a candidate?
Ans. Registration fees at KCET are mostly not refundable, whether a candidate is present to take the exam or not. Over the years, KEA has upheld the policy in order to make the application process smooth. As such, only after a candidate is sure of appearing during the exam should they complete their registration to prevent losing money with no benefits.
How many Candidates have registered for KCET? (2025–2023)
According to the data, KCET registrations have increased by 8.3% from 2024 to 2025 and by around 18% compared to 2023. This increase in the number of registrations is because of growing interest in engineering and professional courses in Karnataka.
| Year | Number of Candidates Registered |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.6 lakh |
| 2024 | 2.4 lakh |
| 2023 | 2.2 lakh |
Ques. What is the increasing trend of applicants in KCET every year?
Ans. The demand to study engineering, pharmacy, veterinary and agricultural programs in Karnataka has been the primary cause of increased KCET applicants. Students are more inclined to attend KCET due to the state quota advantage and the low cost of education than the private universities. Increasing college intake and government policies also contribute to increasing registrations.
Ques: Does increased registration make KCET more competitive?
Ans. Yes, increasing registrations means tougher competition since the number of aspirants rises faster than the available seats. With over 2.6 lakh candidates expected in 2025, securing top ranks becomes challenging. Students must prepare strategically, as higher participation directly influences cutoffs, seat allocation, and admission chances in top Karnataka colleges.
KCET Reappearance Trends (2020-2025)
The table indicates that there is a consistent growth of the recurring candidates in the years 2020 to 2025. Up by 18% in 2020 to 26% in 2025, making a 44% growth over the years. This is an indication that the number of students who are reappearing for KCET wants to improve their scores and ranks, to get good college.
| Year | Approx. % of Reappearing Candidates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 26% |
| 2024 | 25% |
| 2023 | 23% |
| 2022 | 22% |
| 2021 | 20% |
| 2020 | 18% |
Ques: How come there is a reappearance of many students in KCET?
Ans. Students re-attend the KCET to get higher rankings and secure a place in a better college or department, such as Computer Science and Electronics. As there is no age restriction at KCET, most applicants resort to a second attempt to better prepare and maximise the opportunities of the leading professional institutions.
Ques: Is reappearing an indicator of better chances of admission in KCET?
Ans. Yes, redoing can also give them a much better chance of admission, provided the candidates are better prepared and score higher compared to the previous time. Between 50 and 75 per cent of students in reattempt seem to improve their noticeable rank. Nonetheless, they have to be studied regularly, the mistakes of the past should be learned, and mock examinations should be practised because each year the competition increases with the number of candidates.
KCET 2026: Courses & Subjects
Details of Subjects to appear in CET-2026 for various Professional Courses are given below:
| For Admission to 1st Year | Subjects to appear inCET-2026 |
|---|---|
| Engineering / Technology courses | PCM |
| Farm Science courses(B.Sc. Agriculture, Sericulture, Horticulture, etc. | PCMB |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Naturopathy & Yoga and B.Sc. (Nursing) | PCB |
| B-Pharma, 2nd Year B. Pharma, Pharma-D | PCM or PCB |
For other courses, candidates have to take an entrance exam
| Medical, Dental and AYUSH | UGNEET | Candidates must compulsorily register For CET-2026, fill out the application andpay the fees to become eligible toparticipate in the counselling. |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | NATA |
| For admission to B.P.T., B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences, BPO courses -Selection is based on PU Marks | NO Entrance Exam – but they must compulsorily register for CET-2026 and Fill out the application and pay the fees to become eligible to participate in the counseling |
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026
KCET 2026 eligibility criteria specify the minimum educational qualifications and other conditions required to apply for the exam. Candidates must ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements before applying for the exam.
General Eligibility
- Must be an Indian citizen
- No upper age limit, but a minimum of 17 years for some courses like B.Pharm.
- Passed or appearing in the 2nd PUC from a recognised board.
Course-wise Academic Eligibility
| Course | Qualifying Exam & Subjects Required | Minimum Aggregate Marks (Relevant Subjects) | Reserved Category Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Arch | 2nd PUC + valid NATA score | As per COA/NATA rules | As per COA/NATA rules |
| B.E. / B.Tech | 2nd PUC with Physics + Mathematics + Chemistry/Bio-Tech/Biology/Electronics/Computer | 45% | 40% (SC/ST/Cat-1/2A/2B/3A/3B) |
| B.Pharm / Pharma-D | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Mathematics OR Diploma in Pharmacy | 45% | 40% |
| B.V.Sc & A.H | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Biology + English | 50% | 40% |
| Farm Sciences (B.Sc Agri/Horti/Forestry/Sericulture etc.) | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics + Biology | No minimum (but merit-based) | No minimum (merit-based) |
| Naturopathy & Yoga | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Biology + English | 50% | 40% |
| BPT (Physiotherapy) | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Biology + English | 40% | 35% |
| BPO (Prosthetics & Orthotics) | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Mathematics + English | 50% | 45% |
| B.Sc AHS (Allied Health Sciences) | 2nd PUC with Physics + Chemistry + Biology + English | 35% | As per category rules |
Also Read: KCET 2026 Detailed Eligibility Criteria
KCET Exam Pattern 2026
The KCET exam pattern will be similar to that of the previous years, and has three parts: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology with 60 marks each on a question.
- Mode of Exam: Offline ( Pen and Paper)
- Medium of exam: English and Kannada.
- Number of Sessions: 4 sessions in total: one for each subject.
- Total Questions: Each Session: 60 MCQs and 1 hour 20 minutes ( 80 Minutes) per section.
- Total Mark: (PCM): 180 marks ( 60 per subject x 1 mark each)
- Question Type: MCQs with 4 options and 1 correct answer.
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer and no negative marking for wrong answers.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 mins |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 mins |
| Maths/Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 mins |
| Total | 180 | 180 | 4 hrs |
Ques: What is the pattern of the KCET 2026 marking scheme?
Ans. The marking scheme of KCET 2026 is simple. Every right answer will be one mark, and there is no negative point for being wrong. This will motivate the students to solve all the questions without fear of losing points, and make time management and precision the same in getting more points in the examination.
Ques: How long will each subject of KCET 2026 take?
Ans. The subject papers on KCET 2026 are Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics / Biology- each subject paper is 80 minutes. The exam has a total of 4 hours in duration in the sessions. Candidates should be able to properly manage their time on each paper because all subjects are given equal weight, and each subject has 60 questions with 60 marks each.
Read more: KCET Paper Analysis
KCET Exam Centres 2026
The exam centres will be released on the official website. Candidates can choose exam centres from the list given by KCET for 2026 during the registration process.
| Exam Centre (City/District) | Exam Centre (City/District) | Exam Centre (City/District) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | Chitradurga | Mangalore |
| Bagalkot | Davangere | Moodabidre |
| Doddaballapur | Dharwad | Puttur |
| Belgaum | Hubli | Ujire |
| Athani | Gadag | Mysore |
| Chikodi | Gulbarga | Raichur |
| Gokak | Hassan | Ramanagara |
| Bellary | Haveri | Channapatna |
| Bidar | Kanwar | Shimoga |
| Basavakalyan | Kumta | Bhadravathi |
| Bhalki | Sirsi | Sagar |
| Bijapur | Kolar | Tumkur |
| Chamarajanagar | Koppal | Tiptur |
| Kollegal | Mandya | Udupi |
| Chikkaballapur | Krishnarajpet | Karkala |
| Chikmagalur | Madikeri | Kundapura |
| Yadgir | – | – |
What is the KCET Syllabus 2026?
KCET syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd PUC (Class 11 and 12) curriculum of the Karnataka State Board.
| Subject | Topics Covered (Class 11 & 12 PUC – Karnataka State Board) |
|---|---|
| Physics |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Biology |
|
Check:
- KCET 2025 April 16 Physics Question Paper with Solutions
- KCET 2025 April 16 Chemistry Question Paper with Solutions
Ques: How is the KCET syllabus decided?
Ans. The KCET curriculum is completely based on the Class 11 and 12 (1st and 2nd PUC) curriculum as prescribed by the Karnataka State Board. It has topics from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, which makes it comply with state education standards. The exact preparation of the students should be referred to the PUC textbooks.
Ques: Could KCET be prepared using the NCERT books?
Ans. Yes, the NCERT books can give a very good background in preparation for KCET because the syllabus is very similar. Nevertheless, Karnataka State Board PUC textbooks should be preferred by students since KCET requires strict adherence to the syllabus. Conceptual knowledge may be enhanced with the help of using both sources, and the accuracy of responding to state-level examination questions can be increased.
Check: KCET Chapter-Wise Weightage
KCET 2025 Paper Analysis
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Kannada | Moderate | Download PDF |
| Physics | Easy to Moderate | Download PDF |
| Chemistry | Moderate | Download PDF |
| Biology | To be Updated | Download PDF |
| Mathematics | To be Updated | Download PDF |
Ques. How was the level of difficulty of the KCET 2025 subjects?
Ans. In KCET 2025, Physics was easy to moderate, and Chemistry and Kannada were moderate. The difficulty levels of Biology and Mathematics need to be updated. On the whole, the paper had a proper mix, and students with good preparation managed well.
Ques. Where can the students download the KCET 2025 question papers?
Ans. Students can download the question papers for Kannada, Physics, and Chemistry from the given PDF links. Biology and Mathematics papers will be uploaded later. These PDFs are practice-friendly, revision-friendly, and good to see the exam pattern and type of questions being asked.
KCET Exam 2026 Resources
If you are preparing for the KCET exam 2026, then it is very important to know which KCET resources you need to follow that will make a difference. Below, we have mentioned some recommended resources that you need to follow:
| Resource Type | Why It’s Important | How to Use Effectively |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT & State Board Textbooks (PU1 & PU2) | KCET is based primarily on the NCERT + Karnataka State Board syllabus. Questions focus on concept clarity, not advanced JEE topics. | Study each chapter thoroughly, revise multiple times, and ensure strong fundamentals. |
| Personal Short Notes | Useful for quick revisions, especially in the last month before the exam. Helps consolidate concepts in your own words. | Prepare handwritten notes while studying; keep them concise and organized for easy last-minute reference. |
| PYQs (Previous Year Questions) | Reveals question trends, commonly repeated topics, and difficulty levels. Helps focus on high-weightage areas. | Solve at least 10 years’ PYQs, practice topic-wise and subject-wise to strengthen weak areas and improve retention. |
| Mock Tests | Builds speed, accuracy, and time management under real exam conditions. Identifies mistakes before the actual test. | Take regular full-length mocks with strict time limits (80 min/paper). Analyze errors after each test to improve performance. |
| State Board Textbooks (PU1 & PU2) | Official PDF Download |
|---|---|
| NCERT ( Class 11 and 12) | Official PDF Download |
KCET Previous Year Questions
KCET past question papers are also useful in preparation because they enable students to know the patterns of questions.
| Year | Availability of Question Papers | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Available on the KEA website | Official Link: Click Here |
| 2025 | Available on the KEA website | Official Link: Click Here |
Or you can check: KCET 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
| KCET 2025 Paper | Download PDF | Solutions PDF |
|---|---|---|
| KCET 2025 Kannada Question Paper with Answer Key | Download | Check Solution |
| KCET 2025 Physics Question Paper | Download | Check Solution |
| KCET 2025 Chemistry Question Paper | Download | Check Solution |
| KCET 2025 Biology Question Paper | Download | Check Solution |
| KCET 2025 Mathematics Question Paper | Download | Check Solution |
Ques: How has the KCET past year's paper assisted in preparation?
Ans. Answering KCET past year papers enables students to know the level of difficulty of the exam, commonly asked topics and distribution of questions. Those give information regarding time management and speed of problem-solving. Frequency also helps one to build confidence, overcome fear of exams, and helps students to know areas of strength and weaknesses so that they can devise specific strategies of preparation.
Ques: Are the KCET past year question papers in both English and Kannada?
Ans. The previous year's question papers of KCET are in English as well as Kannad,a just like the real exam. This assists the candidates in preparing in the language of their choice. KEA publishes official papers annually, and bilingual solved papers are frequently published by coaching institutes to aid the aspirants of different academic backgrounds.
KCET Mock Test
Ques: How significant are KCET mock tests in preparation?
Ans. KCET practice tests allow the candidates to practice under the actual exam environment, gain time management skills, and gain confidence. They indicate both strengths and weaknesses, and allow focused preparation. Frequent drilling with the help of mock tests could really boost the scores by increasing the speed of problem-solving and accuracy, which is extremely important in the context of KCET, which is highly competitive and time-constrained.
Ques: What are the places Where can the students find KCET mock tests?
Ans. The KCET Mock exam can be accessed online at the official KEA site or at the numerous coaching schools, which provide online practice and offline mock exams. These materials contain past year questions, sample papers and full-length practice exams. It is strongly suggested that in order to master the exam patterns and perform better in the timed environment, it is highly recommended to practice various mock tests.
KCET 2026: Result
The result is usually declared one month after the exam was conducted. In 2025, it was declared 37 days after the exam. The result for the Kannada Language Test will be announced separately by KEA. The candidates appearing for the Language test require a minimum of 12 marks out of 50 to qualify.
The overall pass percentage was 88.36% in 2025 with 2,75,677 qualified candidates.
| Particular | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Result | May 2026 |
KCET 2026: Counselling
The online counselling will start after the declaration of results, following the document verification. After that, candidates will enter options for preferred colleges and courses. The process will include multiple rounds, such as initial allotment, upgradation, etc.
KCET Overview 2026 FAQs
Ques. Is KCET tougher than CUET?
Ans. KCET is specialised in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, making it competitive to engineering and medical aspirants in Karnataka. CUET, on the other hand, is multisubject and serves central universities. KCET is more difficult in the case of engineering admissions because it focuses on problem-solving abilities and the mastery of the subject matter.
Ques. What is the number of times KCET is done every year?
Ans. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is the organiser of KCET, held once a year. As compared to JEE Main, which also has two sessions per year, KCET has one attempt. This is one chance that candidates must study well since the exam is used to decide who will take professional courses in colleges in Karnataka during that particular academic year.
Ques. Is it possible to use KCET scores beyond Karnataka?
Ans. KCET is used only to make admissions in professional colleges in Karnataka. Out-of-state students are eligible to apply as long as they fulfil domicile requirements. In contrast to other exams like JEE Main, KCET does not offer national recognition and is therefore region-specific to Karnataka-based universities and state-authorised professional institutions.
Ques. What is the exam language of KCET?
Ans. KCET is conducted in English and Kannada languages, with a choice given to the candidates on their preferred medium. Those students who feel at ease with the Kannada language enjoy the advantage of regional language assistance, whereas other students can choose English. Such a bilingual solution will be fair and accessible to all students who will be appearing in the Karnataka state entrance exam.
Ques. What age limit does KCET 2026 have?
Ans. No maximum age requirement exists to feature in KCET 2026. Nevertheless, the candidates should meet the educational requirements of eligibility, like passing Class 12 with subject groupings. There can be minimum age requirements for professional courses, such as veterinary science; however, in most cases, age is not a major problem for KCET aspirants.
Ques. Is the Kannada language test mandatory?
Ans. Yes, if you are a Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidate. If you have studied Kannada for 7 years, you are exempt from the test.
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