KCET 2026 Application Window Continues for Engineering and Pharmacy Courses

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is currently facilitating the KCET 2026 registration process for aspiring engineering and pharmacy students. Candidates have until late February to complete their online forms and ensure all digital mandates, including Aadhaar authentication, are fulfilled. The pen-and-paper entrance test is scheduled for April 23 and 24, serving as the primary gateway for professional degree programs across Karnataka.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially opened the gateway for professional undergraduate admissions in the state for the 2026-27 academic session. Students have begun the enrollment process for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). This state-level exam remains a mandatory requirement for students seeking seats in government and private colleges for B.E., B.Tech, and B.Pharm programs. The KEA has introduced a streamlined digital interface this year, emphasizing that all registration steps must be completed through the official portal to ensure a valid candidacy for the upcoming April examinations.

Key Dates and Examination Schedule

The application window, which commenced in mid-January, is expected to remain active until the fourth week of February. According to the official registration notification, the offline pen-and-paper tests are locked for April 23 and 24, 2026. This schedule provides students roughly three months to align their Second PUC board exam preparation with the CET syllabus.

• Registration Start: January 17, 2026.
• Application Deadline: Expected late February 2026.
• Kannada Language Test: April 22, 2026 (for specific quotas).
• Main CET Exams: April 23 (Physics & Chemistry) and April 24 (Mathematics/Biology).

Application Requirements and Eligibility

To complete the enrollment successfully, candidates must meet specific academic and residency criteria. Engineering aspirants need to have passed their 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, while Pharmacy applicants require Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics. A new digital mandate for 2026 requires the use of the APAAR ID and Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers for OTP-based verification during the login process.

Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants

The KEA has advised students to have their documents ready before initiating the registration to avoid session timeouts on the portal. The process involves creating a User ID, filling out detailed academic history, and selecting preferred test centers across Karnataka's districts. After the data entry is complete, candidates must proceed to the fee payment section, which varies based on category and domicile status.

1. Portal Access: Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Profile Creation: Enter SSLC details to auto-fetch certain personal information.
3. Document Upload: Provide scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression.
4. Fee Payment: Complete the enrollment by paying ₹500 (General) or ₹250 (SC/ST/OBC) through the online payment gateway.

Conclusion

The continuation of the KCET 2026 application window marks a critical period for students aiming for top-tier professional colleges in Karnataka. With the registration deadline approaching in February, aspirants are encouraged to double-check their category and reservation details to ensure a smooth verification process later in the year. Completing the enrollment early not only secures a preferred test venue but also allows students to shift their entire focus toward mastering the PUC syllabus before the April 23 kickoff. As the KEA continues to monitor the portal for technical efficiency, staying updated with official circulars remains the best strategy for all 2026 candidates.