Karnataka PGCET 2026 Registration Continues Following Opening of Application Portal

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially commenced the online registration process for the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026. The application portal was activated on March 23, 2026, allowing aspirants to apply for professional postgraduate courses including MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech, and M.Arch. As of today, March 26, 2026, the registration window remains active for candidates seeking admission to government and private-aided/un-aided institutions across Karnataka for the 2026-27 academic session.

Candidates must complete their submissions on the new dedicated official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026. The KEA has also released the revised examination schedule, confirming that the entrance tests will be held on May 23 and May 24, 2026, shifting from the previously anticipated mid-May dates.

Karnataka PGCET 2026: Important Dates and Deadlines

The KEA has established a strict timeline for the application and fee payment process. Candidates are advised to adhere to these deadlines to ensure their candidacy is processed for the hall ticket issuance in May.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees

The eligibility requirements for Karnataka PGCET 2026 vary depending on the course and the candidate's category. A common prerequisite across all full-time programs is a minimum aggregate score in the qualifying degree.

• MBA/MCA (Full-Time): Candidates require a Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years. General category applicants must have secured at least 50% marks, while SC, ST, and Category-I candidates from Karnataka require 45% marks.
• M.E. / M.Tech / M.Arch: Aspirants must have a relevant degree in Engineering/Technology with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved Karnataka categories). Candidates with a valid GATE score are exempt from the entrance test but must still register through the KEA portal.
• Part-Time Courses: Applicants for part-time MBA or M.Tech programs must possess at least three years of work experience as of July 31, 2026.

Application Fee Structure:

The fee can be paid online through the integrated payment gateway using net banking, credit cards, or debit cards.

• General / OBC / Unreserved: ₹650 - ₹750 (depending on the specific course combination).
• SC / ST / Category-I (Karnataka only): ₹500 - ₹650.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

The application process is entirely digital. Candidates are required to keep their 10th marks card (for RD number and DOB) and scanned images ready before starting.

1. User Creation: Visit the official portal and click on "New User" to enter basic details and generate login credentials.
2. Form Filling: Log in to enter personal, educational, and communication details. Candidates must also select their preferred exam city from the 30+ centers available.
3. Document Upload: Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and left thumb impression (all in .jpg format, maximum 50 KB each).
4. Fee Payment: Complete the transaction via the secure online portal.
5. Final Submission: Review all entries before the final "Submit" button, as primary data like name and category may not be editable later.

Conclusion

The opening of the Karnataka PGCET 2026 registration marks the beginning of the admission cycle for thousands of postgraduate aspirants in the state. With the final deadline for application set for April 8 and fee payment until April 10, candidates have approximately two weeks to complete the process. The transition to an OMR-based offline exam on May 23 and 24 underscores the need for early preparation using the officially released syllabus. Applicants are encouraged to download the confirmation page immediately after successful payment to serve as a reference for the admit card release in early May.