Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling Begins: Claim Slip Available Till September 15, Option Entry Link Live; Full Schedule Awaited

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has started the Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling process for MBA, MCA and M.Tech admissions. The draft seat matrix was released on September 8, 2026. The claim (verification) slip was issued on September 10, 2026, and candidates can download it until September 15, 2026. The option-entry facility became available from September 11, 2026. Complete dates for mock allotment, Round-1 seat allotment, fee payment and reporting have not yet been notified.

Candidates should regularly check the official portals:
cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026 and the option-entry link.

Confirmed Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling Dates

How to Download the Karnataka PGCET 2026 Claim Slip

1. Visit the official link: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/PGCET_2026/Account/Verification_Slip
2. Log in with the required credentials (application details / password / captcha).
3. Download and save the claim slip. It contains eligibility status, category claims, CET number and the QR code needed for option entry.
   Last date: September 15, 2026. Download it before the deadline to participate further.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Option Entry – Key Points & Process

• Direct option-entry link: https://keaonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgcet_opt_etry_2026_v1/main/index.php
• Login options: QR code scan (printed on claim slip) or CET number.
• Additional security: OTP (SMS / WhatsApp / email) and face verification.
• Candidates eligible for multiple programs (e.g., MBA + MCA) use a single combined form with discipline tabs. All options are saved and submitted together.
• Priority numbers must be unique integers starting from 1 across all streams (no duplicates).
• There is no upper limit on the number of college–course options. Candidates are advised to fill as many as possible.
• Options can be modified, added or deleted any number of times before the (yet-to-be-notified) deadline. At the close of the window the saved options are automatically frozen.
• Preferences entered in Round 1 carry forward; later rounds normally allow only reordering / limited changes, not a completely fresh list (subject to final KEA rules).

Step-by-step option entry

1. Access the portal via the official KEA PGCET page or direct link.
2. Authenticate with QR / CET number + OTP + face verification.
3. Review the seat matrix and select college–course combinations in priority order.
4. Save frequently and take a final printout / screenshot after submission.

Draft Seat Matrix Snapshot (as released)

MBA

• Govt / Public Universities / VTU: 30 institutes, 3,098 seats
• Private Unaided: 245 institutes, 30,216 seats (KEA quota portion noted in source)
• Private / Deemed Universities: 20+, 2,056+ seats
• Govt (Higher Fees): 1 institute, 90 seats
• Overall MBA: ~35,460+ seats across 296+ institutes

MCA

• Govt / Public / VTU: 25 institutes, 1,761 seats
• Private Unaided: 151 institutes, 14,025 seats
• Private / Deemed: 21 institutes, 1,327 seats
• Govt (Higher Fees): 1, 90 seats
• Total: 198 institutes, 17,203 seats

M.Tech

• Govt / Public / VTU: 11 institutes, 923 seats
• Aided: 3 institutes, 188 seats
• Private Unaided: 92 institutes, 4,065 seats
• Private / Deemed: 23 institutes, 814 seats
• Govt (Higher Fees): 1, 59 seats
• Total: 130 institutes, 6,049 seats

(Exact final matrix and college-wise PDFs should be verified on the KEA website.)

Counselling Process Overview

1. Publication of draft seat matrix
2. Download of claim / verification slip
3. Option entry
4. Mock seat allotment (for review)
5. Option-editing window (if provided)
6. Round-1 seat allotment
7. Choice filling (Choice 1 / 2 etc.)
8. Fee payment and reporting to the allotted college

Subsequent rounds fill vacant seats. Allotment is based on merit rank, category, roster and the frozen priority list.

What Happens After Option Entry Closes

KEA freezes the options on the server. A mock allotment is run so candidates can see tentative outcomes and (if an editing window is given) adjust priorities. Real Round-1 allotment follows. Candidates must then pay fees and report with originals as per the schedule that will be notified.

Official Websites & Links

• Main PGCET 2026 page: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026
• Claim slip: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/PGCET_2026/Account/Verification_Slip
• Option entry: https://keaonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgcet_opt_etry_2026_v1/main/index.php

Candidates are advised to rely only on official KEA notifications and avoid unverified closing dates circulating on social media.