The KCET application process has started from January 17. The official notification has been released. Candidates can get all the necessary details about the exam at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. There will be an application fee of INR 500 for general category candidates and INR 250 for SC/ST/ and female candidates.
Since the KCET 2026 application is a common application for all courses- Architecture, Engineering, and AYUSH, candidates must register online for KCET 2026.
- Medical, Dental, and AYUSH courses require a valid UGNEET-2026 score, since the admission will be on the basis of NEET rank. However, candidates must compulsorily register for KCET 2026, fill out the application, and pay the fees to become eligible for KEA counselling.
- Similarly, for admission to the Architecture course, candidates should compulsorily qualify in NATA-2026 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and must compulsorily register for KCET 2026, fill out the application, and pay the fees to become eligible for KEA counselling.
- For admission to B.P.T., B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences, BPO courses, selection will be based on PU marks. But they must compulsorily register for KCET 2026, fill out the application, and pay the fees to become eligible for KEA counselling.
“Recent years show that more female candidates register, appear and qualify compared to males, especially in streams like Pharmacy and Nursing. In 2025, around 1.8 lakh girls registered compared to ~1.5 lakh boys.”
Related Articles
Key Summary
- Registrations have been increasing annually with ~10-15% growth in recent years due to increasing interest of students in Engineering, Pharmacy courses.
- In 2025, over 3 lakh candidates registered and appeared for the KCET exam.
- Every year, around 1500-2000 candidates appear for the Kannada Language Test. It is around 0.4-0.8% of total candidates who appear for the KCET exam.
- Candidates are advised to verify that they are fulfilling any one of the Eligibility Clauses before applying for admission to Government seats. For any reason, the fee paid by the candidates will not be refunded.
What is KCET Registration?
KCET registration is the online application process conducted by KEA for admission to professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, veterinary, and agricultural courses.
The registration process includes submitting personal, academic, and category details and paying the application fees.
KCET 2026 Registration Dates
KEA has officially announced the registration and exam dates for KCET 2026. Other key dates will be released with the official notification.
| Particulars | Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Information Bulletin | January 17, 2026 |
| Commencement of registration and filling of the Application Online & payment of application fees | January 17, 2026 |
| Last date to fill the application online | 17th February 2026 |
| Last date to pay the application fees – online | 3rd week of February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1st week of April 2026 |
| COMMON ENTRANCE TEST | April 23 and 24, 2026 |
Also read: KCET 2026 Exam Dates
How to Apply for KCET 2026
KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
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
Architecture course (B.Arch)
- The norms prescribed in COA / NATA/ Admission Rules, and relevant Government orders, apply in determining the eligibility and merit for admission to the Architecture course.
Engineering / Technology courses (B.E. / B.Tech)
- Passed in 2nd PUC / 12th Std / Equivalent Exam with English as one of the Languages
- Minimum of 45% of Marks in aggregate in Physics and Mathematics, along with Chemistry /Bio-Technology / Biology / Electronics / Computer.
- (40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B categorycandidates)
Farm Science courses
- Passed in 2nd PUC / 12th Std / Equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology as optional subjects.
- In the case of Agriculturist Quota, the merit list will be prepared based on 25% marks each, secured in the concerned combinations in II year PUC (PCMB) & CET and 50% marks secured in the Practical Test.
- A minimum of 50% marks in the Practical Examination is required to claim a seat under the Agriculturist Quota.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)
- Passed in 2nd PUC / 12th Std.
- Aggregate minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English subjects.
- (40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates)
- Merit will be based on 50% of the Marks secured in CET (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and 50% of the marks scored in the practical test.
B-Pharma
- Passed in 2nd PUC / 12th Std with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Minimum of 45% of Marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects.
- (40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates)
OR
- Passed in Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India and has secured a minimum of 45% marks. (40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates)
2nd Year B. Pharma
- Passed in Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India
- minimum of 45% marks. (40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates.
Pharma-D
- Passed in 2nd PUC / 12th Std with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
OR
- Passed in Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India.
Naturopathy & Yoga
- Passed in Q.E. with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects, and English as one of the languages
- A minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Q.E. is eligible for admission to Naturopathy & Yoga courses.
- 40% of marks in Q. E. in case of SC, ST, Category–I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) Category candidates.
BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
- Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects and English as one of the languages of study
- A minimum of 40% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Q.E. is eligible for admission to BPT courses.
- 35% of marks in Q. E. in case of SC, ST, Category–I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) Category candidates.
BPO (Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
- Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics as optional subjects, and English as one of the languages
- Minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology / Mathematics subjects in the Q.E.is eligible for admission to BPO courses.
- 45% of marks in Q. E. in case of SC, ST, Category–I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) Category candidates.
B.Sc. AHS
- Passed in Q. E. with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects, and English as one of the languages
- A minimum of 35% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Q.E. is eligible for admission to the BPT and BPO courses.
KCET 2026: Application Fees
The KCET application fee varies across different categories. Apart from the below-mentioned application fee, candidates had to pay an additional bank charge of INR 10. Those paying at the e-post office were charged INR 12 extra. These additional fees are service charges/Bank processing charges. Candidates can check the KCET fee structure in the table below:
| Category of candidates | Application fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Karnataka origin (Gen & OBC) | 500 |
| Karnataka origin (ST & SC) | 250 |
| All Female Candidates of Karnataka | 250 |
| Outside Karnataka | 750 |
| Outside India | 5000 |
KCET 2026: Documents Required
Students should keep the following documents before applying to KCET 2026.
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Candidate’s signature
- Left thumb impression
- Class 10th marks card
- 2nd PUC marks card
- Category certificate, Rural study certificate, and Income certificate (if applicable)
- Kannada medium certificate ( if studied in Kannada from 1st to 10th std.)
- Aadhar card for verification
KCET 2026: Registration Deadlines
The last date to register for KCET 2026 has been announced by KEA. The last day to fill the online application form without the late fee is 17th Feb, 2026.
As per the previous year's trend, the registration deadline had been extended for the benefit of students. For example, in 2025, the registration date was extended for one week.
KCET 2026: Correction Window
KCET Application Forms can be corrected on the official website. The correction window is generally opened after the KCET application form. Candidates can edit the wrongly mentioned claims of reservation, special category, academic information, etc.
Candidates who wish to correct their Name, Father/Mother Name, Date of Birth, 10th/SSLC & 2nd PUC/12th standard register number have to submit a requisition along with relevant documents.
Candidates must submit the edited application forms before the last date of correction. This window can be accessed once, i.e., only one chance of editing the KCET Application Form will be given to the candidates.
Candidates can follow the following steps to edit the Karnataka CET 2026 Application Form:
- Visit the official website and click “Editing CET 2026 Application.”
- Enter your User ID and generate OTP on your registered mobile number
- Edit the fields you want to edit and select the “Declare Button.”
- Click the ‘Submit’ button to make sure that the changes are saved and submitted
- Then print the edited KCET Application form
KCET 2026: Admit Card
The admit card for the KCET 2026 exam is expected to be released in the 1st week of April 2026.
The admit card is the ticket to enter the examination hall. It includes details such as the candidate's details, examination details, and the exam centre details.
- You must carry the printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre.
- You must carry a valid photo ID.
KCET 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What if I miss the registration deadline?
Ans. The applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. However, KEA may extend the deadline for the benefit of students. Students are advised to fill out the application form early to avoid a last-minute rush.
Ques. Do I need to use my own mobile number for registration?
Ans. Yes, you must provide your personal mobile number for OTP verification. One mobile number can be used by only one candidate, and no change of mobile number will be entertained at any stage.
Ques. When will the documents be submitted for special category reservations?
Ans. For special category reservations such as NCC, Sports, Scouts & Guides, Defence, etc., relevant documents/certificates must be submitted separately at KEA after the examination. The dates will be notified later by KEA.
Ques. Is document upload required during KCET 2026 online registration?
Ans. Unlike previous years, candidates do not have to upload any documents during the online application process.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
KCET 2023 application begun on March 2, 2023. The last date to register for KCET 2023 is April 5, 2023. The application process for KCET is conducted completely online. You can check the steps to submit your application fee, eligibility as well as other information from KCET 2023 Registration.