KCET DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling Schedule Revised; Option Entry Open Till August 17

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the revised schedule for Round 1 counselling of Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026. The updated notification is dated August 12, 2026, and is available on the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. As per the revised schedule, the web-based option entry for eligible candidates will remain open until August 17, 2026. DCET is conducted by KEA for lateral entry admissions to the second year of engineering and certain professional courses in Karnataka. The revised counselling schedule applies to diploma holders and B.Sc graduates who have qualified DCET 2026 and secured a valid rank. 

DCET 2026 Round 1 Revised Key Dates

The revised schedule reworks the Round 1 timelines that were first issued in July 2026. Candidates must complete every step within the new deadlines to remain eligible for allotment.

Candidates should track the official portal daily. Any subsequent dates for allotment, fee payment and reporting will be published on the same notification page.

Who Can Participate in DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling?

Candidates must meet the following requirements to participate in Round 1:

1. Must have appeared for DCET 2026.
2. Must have been declared eligible and secured a valid rank.
3. Diploma holders can participate for lateral entry into the second year of engineering.
4. Eligible B.Sc graduates can participate for admission to the applicable engineering courses.
5. Must have completed the document verification process as prescribed by KEA.

Candidates whose documents are pending or have been rejected will not be allowed to participate in Round 1 option entry.

How to Submit DCET 2026 Round 1 Options Online?

Option entry is an important part of the counselling process, as the order of preferences can affect the college and branch allotted to a candidate.

Candidates can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Click on the DCET 2026 candidate login link.
3. Enter your DCET application number and password.
4. Read the instructions and open the option entry section.
5. Add the preferred colleges and courses.
6. Arrange the options according to your preference.
7. Review the entire list carefully.
8. Save the entered options.
9. Take a printout or save a copy of the final preference list for future reference.

KEA advises candidates to enter as many valid options as possible. A well-planned and properly ordered preference list can improve the chances of securing a preferred college or branch.

What Happens After the Option Entry Window Closes?

The Round 1 option entry window will close on August 17, 2026. After the window closes, KEA will process seat allotment based on factors such as:

• DCET rank
• Category
• Availability of seats
• Order of candidate preferences
• The Round 1 seat allotment result will be published through the official KEA portal.

After the allotment result is announced, candidates will need to select the appropriate option provided by KEA based on their allotment and future counselling plans. Candidates who accept a seat must complete the required fee payment and reporting formalities within the prescribed deadline.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Download and read the revised DCET 2026 counselling schedule from the official KEA website.
2. Note all important dates and deadlines.
3. Log in using your DCET 2026 application number and password.
4. Check the latest seat matrix before entering preferences.
5. Shortlist your preferred colleges and branches.
6. Arrange your choices in the order of preference.
7. Save and review the option list carefully.
8. Keep copies of your certificates and required documents ready.
9. Keep the applicable fee amount ready for the next stage.
10. Submit or lock the final option list before 11:59 PM on August 17, 2026, as per the revised schedule.