KCET 2026 application window is now active. Eligible candidates for Engineering and Pharmacy can register on the KEA portal for the April 23-24 entrance exam.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is currently facilitating the online registration process for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026. Following the official notification released earlier this month, the portal has remained open for aspirants seeking admission into various undergraduate professional programs, including B.E., B.Tech, and B.Pharm. This state-level entrance test, which acts as a gateway to both government and private aided colleges across Karnataka, is scheduled to take place on April 23 and 24, 2026. Education officials have noted a steady influx of applications since the window opened, as students prepare for the first major step in their professional academic journey.

Step-by-Step Registration and Documentation

The registration process is conducted strictly through the official KEA website. For the 2026 cycle, the authority has integrated several digital identity measures to streamline verification.

• Portal Navigation: Candidates must visit the KEA homepage and select the "UGCET-2026 Online Application" link to create their unique user ID and password.
• Identity Verification: A valid Aadhaar card is mandatory for the process, as the system uses OTP-based authentication to link candidate profiles.
• Document Uploads: Applicants are required to upload scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in the specified JPEG format.
• Academic Details: The form requires precise entry of SSLC (Class 10) registration numbers and current 2nd PUC (Class 12) details to ensure that the candidate's data matches state records.

Academic Eligibility and Course Requirements

To ensure a successful registration, students must verify that they meet the specific eligibility criteria prescribed for their chosen stream. The KEA has clarified that meeting these requirements is a prerequisite for the seat allotment process that follows the entrance exam.

• Engineering Streams: For B.E. and B.Tech courses, candidates must have passed the 2nd PUC or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with a minimum of 45% aggregate (40% for reserved categories).
• Pharmacy Courses: Aspirants for B.Pharm must have cleared their 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics, maintaining the same eligibility percentage.
• Domicile Status: To claim seats under the Karnataka quota, students must produce study certificates proving they have attended educational institutions in the state for at least seven years.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates belonging to the Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga categories are reminded that they must appear for a separate Kannada Language Test on April 22.

Data Accuracy and Submission Procedures

The KEA has issued a cautionary note regarding the final submission of the application form. Given that the data provided during this window will be used for both the hall ticket and the eventual counseling process, accuracy is paramount.

• Preview Feature: Before the final "Submit" button is pressed, the portal allows a comprehensive preview of the entered data.
• Correction Window: While a correction window is expected in March 2026, certain fields like the registration category and primary name cannot be easily altered later.
• Fee Confirmation: The fee payment status must reflect as "Successful" on the portal for the application to be considered valid; a mere generation of the application number does not constitute completion.
• Printouts: Upon successful payment of the fee, candidates are advised to download and print at least two copies of the confirmation page for future reference during document verification.

Conclusion

As of January 13, the registration cycle is moving smoothly toward its mid-way point. Aspirants are encouraged to complete their online form well before the February deadline to avoid any potential server congestion on the KEA website. By ensuring that all eligibility documents and certificates are in order now, students can focus their remaining time on preparing for the rigorous PCM and PCB papers scheduled for late April. This early administrative discipline remains a vital part of securing a seat in one of the premier institutions across Karnataka.

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