Karnataka DCET 2026 Counselling Schedule Released at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in; Check Document Verification Dates

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 counselling schedule on its official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The notification covers document verification, option entry, and the first round of seat allotment for lateral-entry admissions.

DCET is the gateway for diploma holders seeking lateral entry into the second year of engineering and architecture programmes in Karnataka. The counselling covers government, aided, and private colleges under the state quota.

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Karnataka DCET 2026 Counselling Key Dates

KEA has issued separate schedules for regular candidates and working professional candidates. The dates below are drawn from the official notification dated July 18, 2026.

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Karnataka DCET 2026 Counselling Key Dates

The DCET 2026 Round 1 option-entry and seat-allotment schedule is provided below. Candidates should complete every activity within the prescribed deadline.

Check here: Karnataka DCET 2026 Complete Counselling Schedule PDF

How to Complete Document Verification for DCET 2026?

Document verification is mandatory before candidates can participate in option entry. Candidates must report to the KEA-designated help centre within their allotted time slot. Those who miss the verification process cannot participate in seat allotment.

Candidates should carry the original documents along with two sets of self-attested photocopies. The verification process confirms the candidate’s eligibility, category, and reservation claims before the option-entry facility is activated.

Documents Required at Verification

DCET 2026 admission ticket and application printout

• Diploma marks cards for all semesters
• Diploma passing certificate issued by the Board
• SSLC or equivalent marks card as proof of age
• Study certificates from Class 8 to the final year of diploma
• Category certificate for SC, ST, or OBC candidates
• Income and caste certificate for reservation seats
• Kannada-medium study certificate, if applicable
• Hyderabad-Karnataka regional certificate, if claimed
• PwD certificate issued by the competent authority

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How to Participate in DCET 2026 Option Entry?

The option-entry facility opens on the KEA portal after document verification is completed. Candidates must log in and arrange their preferred colleges and branches in order of priority. A college or branch placed higher in the preference list receives stronger consideration during allotment.

Students should carefully review the seat matrix and previous-year cut-offs before submitting their preferences. Once the option-entry window closes, no changes will be permitted for that counselling round.

Steps to Enter Options Online

• Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
• Log in using the CET number and secret key.
• Open the DCET 2026 option-entry link.
• Select colleges and branches in order of preference.
• Save each option and take a printout after final submission.

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Karnataka DCET 2026 Seat Allotment Process

KEA follows a merit-cum-preference model for DCET seat allotment. The system matches the candidate’s rank with the colleges and branches selected during option entry.

Candidates who receive a seat must complete the required fee payment and download the admission order within the prescribed deadline.

Candidates who are not satisfied with the allotted seat can select from four allotment choices. These options allow candidates to accept the seat, seek an upgrade to a higher preference, retain the allotted seat, or exit the counselling process.

The allotment choice selected by the candidate will determine their eligibility to participate in subsequent counselling rounds.

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Action Plan for Candidates

1. Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and read the full notification.
2. Download the seat allotment handbook released by KEA.
3. Arrange all originals and two photocopy sets in advance.
4. Report to the allotted help centre on the given date.
5. Log in and complete option entry before the deadline.
6. Check the seat matrix and lock preferences carefully.
7. Pay the allotment fee and download the admission order.

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