KCET 2026 Overview
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). It is the gateway for admission into various undergraduate courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary programs in government and private colleges across Karnataka.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) |
| Full Form | KCET |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Level | State Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Courses Offered | B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Sc (Agri), BVSc |
Application Fee
₹500 (GM/OBC) | ₹250 (SC/ST)
Total Questions
180 MCQs (60 per subject)
KCET 2026 Important Dates
Stay updated with the latest schedule released by KEA for the 2026 academic session.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for KCET 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility conditions:
| Nationality | Candidate must be an Indian Citizen. |
| Academic Qual. | Must have passed 2nd PUC / 12th Std with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. |
| Optional Subjects | Chemistry / Bio-Technology / Biology / Electronics / Computer Science. |
| Min Marks | General: 45% aggregate in PCB/PCM. SC/ST/OBC: 40% aggregate. |
| Domicile | Candidate must have studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka (Class 1 to 12). |
KCET 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for KCET 2026 is based on the First and Second Year PUC syllabus prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka State.
Mathematics
Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Probability.
Physics
Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism.
Chemistry
Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry, Polymers.
Biology
Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Human Physiology.
Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Duration | 80 Minutes per subject |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Number of Subjects | 3 (PCW) or 4 (PCMB) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, No negative marking |
KCET 2026 Counselling Process
The counselling process is conducted online by KEA for seat allotment. TurtleEdu provides premium assistance during these critical stages:
- Step 1: Document Verification: Candidates must attend verification centers with original documents.
- Step 2: Choice Filling: Entering the list of preferred colleges and branches.
- Step 3: Mock Allotment: A trial round to check the possibility of getting a seat.
- Step 4: Real Allotment: Final seat allotment based on rank and preferences.
- Step 5: Reporting: Confirming the seat and reporting to the college.
Top colleges participating in KCET include:
KCET 2026: The Ultimate Admission Roadmap
Navigating the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) process requires precision. In 2026, the competition for Engineering and Medical seats in Bangalore is at an all-time high. This guide breaks down the complex journey from registration to final reporting.
Phase 1: Preparation
February – April: Focus on syllabus completion and previous year question papers.
Phase 2: Examination
April 18-20: The D-Day. Focus on Biology/Math (Day 1) and Physics/Chemistry (Day 2).
1. Registration & Application
The KEA portal typically opens in January/February. Candidates must ensure their **RD Numbers** (Caste, Income, Domicile) are updated and linked to their Aadhar. Errors in the RD number are the #1 reason for document verification failure.
2. The "Secret Key" & Document Verification
Once results are out in May, KEA will announce the schedule for document verification. You will receive a **Verification Slip** which contains your **Secret Key**. Do not share this key with anyone! It is the only way to log into the Option Entry portal.
3. Strategic Option Entry (The Winning Move)
This is where most students fail. Option entry isn't just about picking colleges; it's about the Priority Order. KEA's computer algorithm processes your choices from 1 to 100+. If you qualify for Choice 5, the computer will NEVER look at Choice 6-100. Our experts recommend entering at least 150 options to ensure you get the best possible seat for your rank.
Top 50 Engineering Colleges Fee Structure 2026
Below is the estimated annual tuition fee for top engineering colleges in Karnataka under various quotas. Note: Fees are subject to change based on Govt. of Karnataka notifications.
| College Name | KCET Fee (Approx) | COMEDK Fee (Approx) | Mgmt Quota (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV College of Engineering (RVCE) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹10L - 15L |
| BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹8L - 12L |
| MS Ramaiah Inst. of Tech (MSRIT) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹7L - 10L |
| PES University (PESU) | ₹98,984 | ₹4,50,000 | ₹12L - 18L |
| Bangalore Inst. of Tech (BIT) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹5L - 8L |
| Sir M. Visvesvaraya Inst. (Sir MVIT) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹4L - 6L |
| Dayananda Sagar College (DSCE) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹6L - 9L |
| Nitte Meenakshi Inst. (NMIT) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹4L - 7L |
| JSS Science & Tech Univ. | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹5L - 8L |
| NIE Mysore | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹4L - 6L |
| Siddaganga Inst. of Tech (SIT) | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹3L - 5L |
| BNM Institute of Technology | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹4L - 6L |
| RNS Institute of Technology | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹3L - 5L |
| New Horizon College of Eng. | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹4L - 7L |
| MVJ College of Engineering | ₹98,984 | ₹2,44,000 | ₹3L - 5L |