KCET 2026 Application Window Continues for Engineering and Pharmacy Courses

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is currently accepting online applications for the KCET 2026 entrance examination. Aspirants seeking admission to undergraduate Engineering, Pharmacy, and Farm Science programs must complete their registration through the official portal by February 2026.The state-level test is scheduled for April 23 and 24, with the Kannada Language Test taking place on April 22 for specific candidate categories. Eligible students are encouraged to finalize their submissions early to avoid last-minute technical hurdles on the cetonline.karnataka.gov.in website.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially opened the UGCET application window as of January 17, 2026. This state-level entrance exam is the primary gateway for students aspiring to secure seats in professional colleges across Karnataka for the 2026-27 academic session. Candidates interested in professional streams such as Architecture, Engineering, and Pharmacy can now access the UGCET registration link on the official KEA website.

• The registration process is entirely online, requiring candidates to create a unique User ID and password.
• The UGCET portal will remain open for new registrations until late February 2026.
• KEA has introduced OTP-based verification and face identification to enhance the security of the application process.
• Students from across India can apply, though specific domicile rules apply for government-quota seats in Karnataka.

            Eligibility and Application Requirements for 2026

Before proceeding with the Form, candidates must ensure they meet the specific academic and domicile criteria set by the KEA. For most engineering and pharmacy courses, a minimum aggregate of 45% in the qualifying 10+2 examination is required for general category students. It is essential to have all digital documents ready before starting the Form to ensure a smooth submission process.

• Mandatory documents for the Form include a scanned photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in JPG format.
• Candidates must provide a "Study Certificate" countersigned by the Block Educational Officer (BEO) to prove they have studied in Karnataka for at least seven years.
• The Form allows students to select multiple courses, including B.Tech, B.Pharm, and Farm Science, under a single application fee.
• For B.Arch aspirants, a valid NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2 score is mandatory in addition to the KEA registration.

         Examination Schedule and Subject Distribution

The KCET 2026 exam will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format across various centers in the state. Each subject paper is designed to test the candidate's proficiency over an 80-minute duration. The KEA has released a detailed bell timing schedule to help students familiarize themselves with the exam-day proceedings. Success in the KEA entrance test is determined by a combination of the CET score and the marks obtained in the qualifying board examination.

• April 22: Kannada Language Test for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates.
• April 23: Biology (Morning) and Mathematics (Afternoon).
• April 24: Physics (Morning) and Chemistry (Afternoon).
• The KEA helpdesks have been established at government engineering colleges to assist students with the option entry process during counseling.

Conclusion

The continuation of the KCET 2026 application window marks a critical period for thousands of professional course aspirants in Karnataka. By utilizing the updated UGCET portal, students can ensure their participation in one of the most competitive state exams in the country. It is vital for candidates to complete the Form accurately, as the data entered during this phase will be used for document verification and final seat allotment. As the KEA moves toward the April examination dates, students are advised to balance their board exam preparation with consistent CET mock tests. Securing a high rank in this session will be the first step toward a successful career in the fields of technology and medicine within the state.