Karnataka DCET 2026 Counselling Schedule Released; Document Verification and Option Entry Dates Announced
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has made the schedule for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 counselling available on its official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has made the schedule for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 counselling available on its official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. This notification includes the dates for document verification, option entry, and the first round of seat allotment for lateral entry into engineering and architecture programs in Karnataka. DCET is the main way for diploma holders to enter into second-year engineering and architecture courses in Karnataka. The counselling process covers government, aided, and private colleges under the state's quota.
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.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of counselling schedule | July 18, 2026 |
| Kannada test score list published | July 17, 2026 |
| Document verification for regular candidates | As per KEA slot schedule |
| Document verification for working professionals | As per separate KEA slot schedule |
| Option entry for Round 1 | To follow the verification window |
| Round 1 seat allotment result | As per the official notification |
Karnataka DCET 2026 Counselling Key Dates
KEA has provided separate schedules for regular candidates and working professionals. The dates mentioned below are from the official notification dated July 18, 2026. The DCET 2026 Round 1 option-entry and seat-allotment dates are as follows. Candidates are required to finish all the steps within the given time frame.
| Activity | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Downloading of verification slip | July 18, 2026 |
| Publication of seat matrix and fee details | July 20, 2026 |
| Round 1 option entry in order of priority | July 21, 2026 to July 24, 2026 |
| Publication of mock seat-allotment result | July 24, 2026, after 6:00 PM |
| Add, modify, reorder, or delete options | July 24, 2026 to July 27, 2026 |
| Publication of Round 1 seat-allotment result | July 27, 2026 |
| Selection of allotment Choice 1, Choice 2, Choice 3, or Choice 4 | July 28, 2026 to July 31, 2026 |
| Downloading of challan by Choice 1 and Choice 2 candidates | July 28, 2026 to August 1, 2026 |
| Fee payment by Choice 1 and Choice 2 candidates | July 28, 2026 to August 3, 2026 |
| Downloading of seat confirmation slip and reporting to the allotted college by Choice 1 candidates | August 4, 2026 |
How to Complete Document Verification for DCET 2026?
Document verification is a must before a candidate can proceed with option entry. Candidates need to visit the KEA-designated help centre during their assigned time slot.Those who don't complete the verification process will not be allowed to participate in the seat allotment. Candidates should bring the original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies. The verification process checks the candidate's eligibility, category, and reservation claims before the option entry facility is made available.
Documents Required for 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
How to Participate in DCET 2026 Option Entry?
The option entry facility opens on the KEA portal after the document verification is done. Candidates must log in and list their preferred colleges and branches in order of preference.A college or branch placed higher in the list gets more priority during the seat allotment. Students must carefully review the seat availability and previous year's cutoffs before entering their choices. Once the option entry window closes, no changes can be made for that round of counselling.
Steps to Enter Options Online
- Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
- Log in using your CET number and secret key.
- Access the DCET 2026 option entry link.
- Select your preferred colleges and branches in order.
- Save your chosen options and take a printout after final submission.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Seat Allotment Process
KEA uses a merit-cum-preference approach for allocating seats in DCET. The system matches the candidate's rank with their selected colleges and branches from the option entry process. Candidates who get a seat must pay the required fee and download the admission order by the given deadline. Candidates who are not happy with the allocated seat have four options to choose from. These choices let them accept the seat, request a better option, keep the allocated seat, or leave the counselling process. The choice they make will determine their eligibility to take part in the next rounds of counselling.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and read the full notification.
- Download the seat allotment handbook released by KEA.
- Prepare all original documents and two sets of photocopies in advance.
- Report to the assigned help centre on the given date.
- Log in and complete option entry before the deadline.
- Carefully check the seat availability and lock your preferences.
- Pay the allotted seat fee and download the admission order.