KCET 2026: Karnataka CET Exam – Dates, Pattern & Eligibility

What is KCET?

KCET is an entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for students seeking admission into various undergraduate professional courses in Karnataka. Unlike national-level exams such as JEE or NEET, KCET mainly tests subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, depending on the program you choose. The exam is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode and follows the 1st and 2nd PUC (Class 11 and 12) syllabus prescribed in Karnataka.

KCET 2026 Admit Card Release Date

KEA has not released the official schedule yet. However, based on previous trends, the KCET 2026 admit card is likely to be available in the third or fourth week of April 2026.

Keep checking the following for updates:

• The official KEA website

• Your registered email inbox

• SMS notifications (if you enabled them during registration)

Once the admit card is released, a direct download link will appear on the KEA portal.

KCET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

These dates may change based on KEA notifications, so keep checking updates regularly.

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Make sure you meet the following conditions before filling out the application form:

1. Educational Qualification

You should have passed Class 12 (2nd PUC) or be currently appearing for the exam. The required subjects are:

• Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects for Engineering

• Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Computer Science as an optional subject

• English as a compulsory subject

2. Minimum Marks

• General category candidates need at least 45 percent

• Reserved category candidates need at least 40 percent

3. Domicile Requirement (Important)

To be eligible for a Karnataka state quota seat, you must meet the domicile rules. These may include:

• Studying in Karnataka for a minimum of 7 years

• Having parents who are government employees in Karnataka

• Possessing a Karnataka origin certificate

Students from outside Karnataka are allowed to appear for KCET, but the number of available seats for them is limited.

KCET 2026 Cutoff

The KCET cutoff is the minimum rank you need to get a seat in a particular college and course. Cutoffs are released separately for:

• Each course (BTech, BSc Agriculture, BPharma, etc.)

• Each college

• Each category (GM, OBC, SC, ST, Hyderabad-Karnataka, etc.)

• Each round of counselling

If your rank meets or is better than the cutoff, you become eligible for seat allotment in that round.

When Will KCET 2026 Cutoff Be Released?

The cutoff will be published after the declaration of KCET 2026 results and the completion of Round 1 seat allotment by KEA. Typically, it is released in:

• Round 1 Cutoff – early August

• Round 2 Cutoff – mid-August

• Round 3 Cutoff – late August (if applicable)

KCET 2026 Expected Cutoff for Engineering

Although KCET cutoffs vary slightly each year, the overall trends usually remain stable. The expected cutoff ranks given below are prepared using data from the previous three admission cycles.

Top Engineering Colleges (Expected General Merit Cutoff)

KCET 2026 College-Wise Cutoff Expectations

1. RVCE

• CSE: Top 300 ranks

• AI/ML: Top 600

• ECE: Top 800

2. BMSCE

• CSE: Up to Rank 900

• ECE: Up to Rank 1200

• Mechanical: Up to Rank 7000

3. MSRIT

• CSE: 200–600

• ECE: 500–1200

• ISE: 700–1600

4. PES University

• CSE: 1–400

• ECE: up to 900

5. NIE Mysuru, DSCE, SIT Tumkur

These colleges have moderate cutoffs ranging from 5,000 – 30,000 depending on branch.

How to Check KCET 2026 Cutoff

After the cutoff is released, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to the official KEA website.

2. Click on the UG CET Cutoff link.

3. Choose your course, college, and category.

4. Download the PDF for future reference.

The cutoff PDF generally shows the last rank admitted in each round.

KCET 2026 Counselling Process

Once the results are announced, KEA begins the online counselling procedure.

1. Document Verification
   You must visit an official KEA centre in person for verification.

2. Option Entry
   You will be required to select your preferred colleges and courses.

3. Seat Allotment Rounds
   Seats are allocated based on your rank, seat availability, category, and domicile status.

4. Reporting to the College
   After you receive a seat, you need to report to the allotted college and complete the fee payment.

Top Colleges Accepting KCET Scores

You can target several well-known institutes through KCET scores, such as:

• RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru

• BMS College of Engineering

• PES University (Ring Road Campus)

• MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology

• JSS Science & Technology University, Mysuru

• Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur

These institutions provide strong academic programs along with impressive placement opportunities.

How to Prepare for KCET 2026

You don’t need expensive coaching to crack KCET. You just need consistency, a good timetable, and NCERT/PUC books.

1. Stick to the KCET Syllabus

KCET questions are straightforward and concept-based.
Focus mostly on:

• NCERT (Class 11 & 12)

• Karnataka PUC textbooks

Avoid wasting time on overly complex JEE-level problems.

2. Solve Previous Year Papers

KCET often repeats question patterns.
Try solving papers from the last 10 years.

3. Take Mock Tests

Practicing OMR sheets helps with time-management.
Try weekly mock tests from February 2026.

4. Revision

Prepare short notes for formulae, reactions, and diagrams.
Do a full revision at least 3 times before the exam.

KCET 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students seeking high-quality engineering, pharmacy, and professional courses at affordable fees. With the right preparation, understanding of the syllabus, and consistent practice, you can easily score well and secure a top rank.