KCET 2026 Notification Highlights Engineering and Pharmacy Admission Process

KEA has released the KCET 2026 notification for engineering and pharmacy admissions. Registration begins January 17, with exams scheduled for April 23 and 24

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the KCET 2026 notification, providing a comprehensive roadmap for students seeking entry into professional undergraduate courses. As of today, the state's higher education department has confirmed that the online application window for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test will open on January 17. This annual state-level entrance remains the primary gateway for thousands of aspirants aiming for admission into esteemed engineering, technology, and pharmacy colleges across Karnataka.

Registration Schedule and New Digital Mandates

According to the KCET 2026 notification, the registration process is strictly digital and requires candidates to complete a multi-stage application. For the current academic cycle, the KEA has introduced enhanced security measures, including Aadhaar-based authentication and a mandatory APAAR ID for all applicants. These steps are designed to streamline the verification process and minimize data discrepancies during the later stages of admission.

• Application Start Date: The portal will be live on the official KEA website starting January 17, 2026.
• Payment Deadline: While the registration window closes in February, candidates are encouraged to complete the fee payment early to avoid portal congestion.
• OTP Verification: To ensure a secure entrance into the application system, every candidate must use a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar for OTP-based login.

Digital Identity: Generating an APAAR ID is now a prerequisite, serving as a permanent digital record for the candidate's academic journey and admission history.

Academic Eligibility and Exam Pattern

The KCET 2026 notification emphasizes that candidates must meet specific subject-wise criteria to be eligible for the ranking process. For engineering aspirants, the final scorecard is calculated by combining 50% of the CET marks with 50% of the Second PUC board marks. The examination itself will follow a traditional pen-and-paper format, testing candidates on their proficiency in core science subjects.

• Marking Scheme: Each correct response earns one mark on the scorecard, with the significant advantage of no negative marking for incorrect answers.
• Syllabus Focus: The questions are strictly based on the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education.
• Kannada Language Test: Scheduled for April 22, this test is mandatory for Horanadu and Gadinadu candidates seeking admission under specific linguistic quotas.

Final Selection and Allotment Timeline

Once the examinations conclude in late April, the KEA will initiate the evaluation phase to prepare the state-wide merit list. The KCET 2026 notification indicates that the results are expected to be declared by the second week of May. Following the result announcement, the online counseling and option entry process will commence, allowing students to list their college preferences based on their scorecard performance.

• Result Declaration: The KEA expects to publish the final scorecard and rank list by mid-May 2026.
• Counseling Start: Online option entry for the first round of admission is tentatively scheduled for the first week of June.
• Document Verification: Candidates must have their study certificates (for 7 years in Karnataka) and caste/income certificates ready for the verification slip generation.
• Seat Matrix: The final list of available seats across 200+ colleges will be released just before the entrance into the option entry phase.

Conclusion

The release of the KCET 2026 notification marks a critical milestone for students currently in their final year of Pre-University education. By clearly outlining the January 17 start date and the April exam schedule, the KEA has provided aspirants with the necessary timeline to organize their studies and administrative paperwork. As the entrance season gains momentum, the emphasis remains on maintaining a high level of accuracy during the registration phase to ensure a smooth transition into the admission rounds later this year.