The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially opened the digital gateway for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026, marking a significant milestone for higher education in the state. The application portal is facilitating thousands of registrations for a wide array of professional programs. While the primary focus remains on engineering (B.E./B.Tech) and pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm-D) streams, the entrance test also serves as the mandatory entry point for Farm Sciences, Veterinary, and Yoga and Naturopathy courses across 217 participating colleges in Karnataka.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially opened the digital gateway for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026, marking a significant milestone for higher education in the state. The application portal is facilitating thousands of registrations for a wide array of professional programs. While the primary focus remains on engineering (B.E./B.Tech) and pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm-D) streams, the entrance test also serves as the mandatory entry point for Farm Sciences, Veterinary, and Yoga and Naturopathy courses across 217 participating colleges in Karnataka.

Streamlined Digital Registration and Eligibility

The 2026 application cycle continues to utilize an OTP-based verification system to ensure data security and prevent fraudulent entries. Candidates are required to register using their SSLC register number and a valid mobile phone number. To ensure engineering eligibility, students must have completed their 2nd PUC or Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, alongside Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Science.

• Eligibility Threshold: For general category students, a minimum of 45% aggregate in the core subjects is required, while reserved category students from Karnataka need 40%.
• Pathway for Pharmacy: Students from both PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) backgrounds are eligible for pharmacy admissions, provided they meet the minimum mark requirements.
• Domicile Status: To be considered for government-quota seats, candidates must fulfill the residency criteria, typically requiring seven years of study in Karnataka.
• Dual Opportunity: Students who have taken both Mathematics and Biology (PCMB) can apply for both engineering and medical-allied tracks through a single registration.

Key Dates and Fee Structure

The KEA has set a firm timeline for the 2026 session to avoid overlapping with national-level entrance tests. Prospective students are urged to complete their application and fee payment well before the late-February cutoff to avoid the anticipated surge in website traffic.

The fee for the KCET varies based on the candidate's domicile and category. For the 2026 session, General and OBC candidates from Karnataka are required to pay ₹500, while SC/ST/Category-1 and female candidates from the state pay a subsidized rate of ₹250. Candidates from outside Karnataka are charged ₹750, and international students must pay ₹5,000 to process their application.

Mandatory Documentation for Verification

To finalize the registration for engineering or medical-allied courses, students must upload scanned copies of their documents in a specific format (JPEG/JPG). The KEA has emphasized that any mismatch between the uploaded data and physical certificates during the June counselling will lead to immediate cancellation of the seat.

• Academic Records: SSLC (Class 10) and 2nd PUC (Class 12) marks cards are essential for verifying age and subject eligibility.
• Identity Proof: A valid Aadhaar card is now mandatory for the OTP-based login and pharmacy seat allotment process.
• Special Certificates: Candidates claiming reservation under Rural, Kannada Medium, or Caste categories must have valid certificates issued on or after the prescribed date.
• Visual Data: A recent passport-size color photograph and the candidate's signature must be uploaded within the 5 KB to 40 KB size limit.

Conclusion

As the KCET 2026 window enters its second week, the KEA is working to ensure that the process remains seamless for the estimated 3.75 lakh eligible students. For those aiming for engineering or pharmacy careers in Karnataka, the current registration phase is a critical first step. Candidates are encouraged to download the "CET Guide" available on the official portal to understand the step-by-step nuances of the application before submitting their final choices. With the offline pen-and-paper exams scheduled for late April, the window for administrative formalities is narrowing, and early completion is highly recommended.