Karnataka PGCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling Schedule Out at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in; Check How to Complete Option Entry

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026 Round 1 counselling schedule on the official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The schedule was issued on September 15, 2026. It applies to candidates seeking admission to postgraduate professional courses across Karnataka.

The counselling covers Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Technology (MTech) and Master of Architecture (MArch) programmes. Candidates who qualified the PGCET 2026 examination are eligible to participate in the Round 1 counselling process.

The official schedule PDF is available at the KEA portal. Candidates must download the document to view the exact dates for each stage of the counselling process.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling Key Highlights

Stages of Karnataka PGCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling

The KEA counselling process runs in a fixed sequence. Each stage has a deadline set by the authority. Candidates must complete every stage on time to hold their allotted seat.

• Web option entry through the candidate login
• Mock seat allotment based on entered preferences
• Option modification window after mock allotment
• Round 1 provisional seat allotment result
• Selection of Choice 1, Choice 2, Choice 3 or Choice 4
• Payment of admission fee for the allotted seat
• Downloading of the admission order
• Reporting to the allotted college with documents

How to Complete Option Entry for Karnataka PGCET 2026 Round 1?

Web option entry is the most important step in the counselling process. Candidates must list their preferred colleges and courses in order of priority. Seats are allotted only based on the options entered and merit rank.

1. Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Click on the PGCET 2026 option entry link on the homepage.
3. Log in using the PGCET 2026 application number and password.
4. Select preferred courses and colleges from the drop-down list.
5. Arrange the choices in order of preference from most to least preferred.
6. Save the entries and submit the final option list before the deadline.
7. Take a printout of the submitted option entry for future reference.

What Are Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3 and Choice 4 in KEA Counselling?

After Round 1 seat allotment, candidates must select one of the four choices. Each choice decides the next action for the candidate. The four choices are explained below.

• Choice 1: Accept the allotted seat as final. The candidate exits the counselling process.
• Choice 2: Accept the allotted seat but stay in the process. The candidate can try for a better seat in the next round.
• Choice 3: Reject the allotted seat and try again in the next round.
• Choice 4: Exit the counselling process fully. The candidate forfeits the seat and any further participation.

Documents Required at the Time of Reporting

Candidates must carry all original documents along with a set of self-attested photocopies. Missing documents may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.

• PGCET 2026 admit card and score card
• Qualifying degree marks card and provisional certificate
• Class 10 marks card as proof of date of birth
• Study certificates from Class 1 to the qualifying degree
• Aadhaar card and category certificate, if applicable
• Domicile certificate for Karnataka candidates
• Fee payment receipt and admission order

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Download the Round 1 schedule PDF from the KEA portal without delay.
2. Note down every date and deadline mentioned in the schedule.
3. Complete the web option entry well before the last date.
4. Review the mock allotment carefully and modify options if needed.
5. Arrange the admission fee and keep documents ready for reporting.