
KCET 2026 Exam: The exam body, Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) concluded the KCET exam for the 2026 session for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects. As per KCET analysis, the paper was overall lenghty, not very diffcult but time-consuming. Many stuents faced that they couldn't finis the paper on time due the lenghty nature of the paper, specially Maths and Physics. Chemistry was still fine, but it was PUC Based majorly.
Now the exam body will release the provisional answer key of KCET exam soon, candidates will be able to know their response through the answer key and they can also expect the tentative marks they will be getting in the exam. Students can also raise their objections, post which the exam body will releas the final answer key. Students can check this guide to know more about answer key, cut off, result.
Also read:
| KCET 2026 Chemistry Analysis April 23 (OUT) | KCET 2026 Physics Analysis April 23 (OUT) | KCET 2026 Maths April 24 Analysis (Out) |
- What is KCET?
- KCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- KCET 2026 - Highlights
- KCET Analysis 2026 - PCM Feedback OUT
- KCET 2026 Admit Card
- KCET 2026 Result
- KCET 2026 Cutoff
- KCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Time Duration & Marking Scheme
- KCET Syllabus 2026 - Subjects, Topics and Sub Topics
- KCET Question Paper 2026 - Download PDFs of Past Year Paper
- KCET Contact Information 2026
- KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Who can apply?
- KCET Application Form 2026 - Step by Step Registration Guide
- KCET 2026 FAQs
What is KCET?
Karnataka Common Entrance Test in short known as KCET 2026, is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to undergraduate (UG) courses such as Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture and other professional programmes offered by colleges in Karnataka for the 2026 academic session. The exam is also called as UGCET.
Students looking to take admission to Medical or Dental or Ayurveda or Unani or Homoeopathy courses must qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam, whereas those seeking admission into the Architecture course through KCET must have qualified JEE Main Paper-2 or NATA to participate in KCET counselling.
KCET Past Year Registration Data (2021-2025)
| Year |
Students Registered |
Students Appeared |
Students Qualified (Engineering) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
3,30,787 |
3,11,991 |
2,75,677 |
| 2024 |
3,49,653 |
3,10,314 |
2,74,595 |
| 2023 |
2,61,610 |
2,44,345 |
2,03,381 |
| 2022 |
2.2 Lakh |
2,10,829 |
1,71,656 |
| 2021 |
2,01,834 |
1,93,522 |
1,83,231 |
Commonly asked questions
Each paper of KCET exam is conducted for 80 minutes. The Kannada language exam of KCET will be conducted for 60 minutes for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates. KCET exam Biology and Mathematics exam will be conducted on same day while Physics & Chemistry exam will be conducted on separate day.
The last date to apply was February 27, 2026. Candidates could fill out the KCET application form at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Karnataka Examination Authority will commence the KCET application form facility after the conclusion of the exam at the official website. Applicants can make changes in the KCET application form in online mode. Candidates are allowed to make changes in certain fields only. Applicants are advised to cross-check all the details before submitting information. KEA do not entertain any request for change in KCET application form after the conclusion of correction facility.
In case any question is asked in KCET exam out of syllabus then applicants are advised to attempt the question. In case a question will be out of syllabus, KEA will provide full marks to applicants who will attempt the question which is out of syllabus.
KCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of KCET 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 23 Apr ' 26 - 24 Apr ' 26 | KCET Exam 2026 |
| May ' 26 | KCET Result 2026 TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 10 Apr ' 26 | KCET 2026 Admit Card |
| 07 Mar ' 26 | Last date to pay application fee |
| 24 Feb ' 26 - 30 Mar ' 26 | KCET Application Correction Window |
KCET 2026 - Highlights
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Name |
Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Short Exam Name |
KCET |
| Conducting Body |
Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Frequency |
Once a year |
| Exam Level |
State Level Exam |
| Mode of Application |
Online |
| Mode of Exam |
Offline |
| Mode of Counselling |
Online |
| Exam Duration |
3 hours |
| Courses Offered |
Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharma), Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharma), Agriculture courses (Farm Science) and Veterinary courses |
Commonly asked questions
No, in case any candidate mark two answers for a single question then question will be considered as wrong. Applicants are advised to mark their answers carefully in the OMR sheet. Candidates need to use blue/black ball point pen to mark their answers in KCET 2026 exam.
KCET is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority.
KCET Registration for the 2026 session is closed. Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria could apply till Feb 27, 2026.
Karnataka CET also known as KCET is state-level entrance exam organised by KEA yearly. The objective is to shortlist students for admission in undergraduate (UG) courses in participating colleges in Karnataka state.
KCET Analysis 2026 - PCM Feedback OUT
The KCET is now over for the core subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Based on the analysis, over the paper for these three subjects was lenghty, though easy. Physics remained manageable, Chemistry emerged as a nightmare due to unexpected heavy focus on Class 11 topics. Mathematics conceptually easy but extremely lengthy, resembling a board exam rather than a competitive test as per CET standards. This suggests potential rank deflation, where lower scores may yield higher ranks compared to previous years.
Commonly asked questions
The difficulty wasn't in the concepts, but in length of calculations. Many students felt the paper was designed more like a Board exam than a 60-minute competitive test.
Chemistry was "nightmare" because of a syllabus shift. There were high volume of questions from the Class 11 (I PUC) syllabus.
KCET 2026 Admit Card
To begin the KCET 2026 admit card download process, candidates must use their registration number and date of birth to login into the official portal. It is crucial to refer to the authentic Kcet 2026 admit card download link provided on the official website or this page to save the Kcet 2026 admit card. Candidates are advised to print multiple copies and verify all personal information immediately after downloading to avoid any last-minute discrepancies at the exam hall. This hall ticket is mandatory for entry to the exam centre along with one valid photo ID proof to the exam centre. Candidates are advised to check all details after downloading the KCET admit card 2026. In case of any mistake in the Karnataka CET Hall ticket, applicants are advised to contact the exam authority for corrections.
Commonly asked questions
The KCET hall ticket was released on April 10. Candidates could download hall ticket from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Candidates are not allowed to leave their seats until entire duration of the session is over.
Attestation is not required unless there is discrepancy in candidate's photograph or signature.
Applicants appearing in the exam will have to carry their KCET hall ticket along with one valid photo ID proof. Candidates are also allowed to carry their personal pen/pencil and face mask inside the exam centre. Applicants are advised not to carry any item restricted inside the exam centre. Without valid KCET admit card, applicants will not be allowed to appear in the exam. A list of valid photo ID proofs applicable for KCET exam are given below.
- PAN card
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card (With photograph)
- Bank Passbook with Photograph.
- 12th class admit card.
KCET 2026 Result
Result: May ' 26
KCET Result 2026 will be OUT in May 2026, tentatively. The Karnataka Examination Authority will release the KCET 2026 result online. The KCET 2026 scorecard will be available for download on the official website. The KCET result link 2026 and portal will be LIVE for a time so that candidates can check their qualification status. The login credentials required to check KCET results 2026 are the registration number and the first four characters of the student's name. The scorecard of KCET 2026 comprises scores in individual subjects, rank, personal details, and others. Applicants declared qualified based on results will be called for the counselling process later. The exam authority will also announce the KCET toppers 2026 list for all streams.
The KCET Toppers list for 2026 will be made available after the results are declared; however, candidates can check the past year's toppers list here.
KCET Toppers List 2025
The KCET Topper's List 2025 for engineering, agriculture, and veterinary streams can be checked below. Candidates can check the toppers list 2025 for KCET below.
KCET Toppers 2025 - Engineering stream
| Candidates name | Marks obtained |
|---|---|
| Bhavesh Jayanthi | 99.06% |
| Satwik B Biradar | 98.83% |
| Dinesh Gomati | 98.67% |
KCET Topper 2025 List - Agriculture stream
| Candidates name | Marks obtained |
|---|---|
| Akshay M Hedge | 179 marks |
| Aathreya Venkatachalam | 179 marks |
| Saphal S Shetty | 178 marks |
KCET Topper's List - Veterinary stream
| Topper's Name | Marks Obtained |
|---|---|
| Harishraj DV | 99.39% |
| Aathreya Venkatachalam | 99.39% |
| Saphal S Shetty | 99.28% |
KCET Topper's List 2025 - BNYS
| Topper's Name | Marks Obtained |
|---|---|
| Harishraj DV | 179 marks |
| Aathreya Venkatachalam | 179 marks |
| Saphal S Shetty | 178 marks |
KCET 2024 Topper's List
Candidates can check the KCET topper's 2024 below -
| Rank | Topper's Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Harsha Karthikeya |
| 2 | Manoj Sohan |
| 3 | PJ Abhinav |
KCET 2023 Topper's List
| KCET Toppers 2023 | Qualifying examination marks | CET Marks | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 99.667% | 96.11% | 97.889% |
| 2 | 100% | 95% | 97.5% |
| 3 | 99.3% | 95% | 97.167% |
| 4 | 99.67% | 94.44% | 97.056% |
| 5 | 97% | 96.6% | 96.23% |
Commonly asked questions
To get a top college in KCET a score of 160+ marks out of 180 is generally considered good. This score will help students secure a top rank in top institutes.
KCET ranks are calculated using 50% of KCET marks and 50% of the qualifying 2nd PUC core subject marks.
The KCET Spot ranking results is likely to be announced in May 2026 on the official website. KEA officials will verify and announce the KCET spot rank results on the website- cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Although taking KCET mock tests are not mandatory, it is a great way to practice. The mock tests give candidates an idea about look and feel of the exam.
KCET 2026 Cutoff
Karnataka Examination Authority will release the KCET 2026 cutoff after the declaration of seat allotment results. KCET cutoff will be released separately for all counselling rounds. Applicants appearing in the counselling process can check the KCET cutoff at kea.kar.nic.in.
KCET Counselling 2026
KEA will release the KCET 2026 counselling dates online at the official website after the results are declared. Applicants declared qualified based on results will be eligible to participate in the KCET counselling process 2026. The authorities will activate the KCET verification slip 2026 link on the website. Candidates can visit the website to verify the details or find the link here.
Candidates will have to first complete KCET 2026 counselling registration from the login window. After successful registration, applicants must complete the KCET option entry. KEA will release the KCET seat allotment result 2026 based on the choices filled by the candidates.
Commonly asked questions
The KCET cut-offs depend on total applicants, exam difficulty, seat availability, and previous year trends.
No, applicants looking for admission to various courses have to appear in the counselling process. KEA will allot colleges to shortlist candidates based on the rank in the result. The authorities will allot colleges to students based on the choices filled at the time of option entry.
Candidates belonging to the OBC category (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) collectively has a 27% reservation in KCET.
For KCET exam, scheduled castes (SC) have a 15% reservation, while Scheduled Tribes (ST) are allocated 7.5% of seats.
KCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Time Duration & Marking Scheme
The Karnataka CET exam is conducted in offline pen-and-paper (OMR) format. The KCET 2026 exam pattern is expected to remain similar to previous years unless revised by KEA. The exam is conducted in offline mode. Karnataka Examination Authority uploads the KCET 2026 exam pattern in the official notification PDF. Applicants appearing in the exam are advised to refer to the KCET exam pattern for their preparations. The KCET exam pattern 2026 comprises questions, subjects, a marking scheme, and others. Going through the KCET exam pattern helps candidates to understand the scheme of the exam.
Candidates will be awarded one mark for correct answer while there is no negative marking in KCET 2026 exam. Along with the exam pattern, applicants can practice KCET previous year question papers for their preparations. For more details, candidates can refer to the table provided below.
| Sections |
Questions |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Physics |
60 |
80 minutes |
| Chemistry |
60 |
80 minutes |
| Mathematics/Biology |
60 |
80 minutes |
| Kannada (in case) |
50 |
60 minutes |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Yes, NCERT books are suffieicnet to prepare for KCET, however, students can also refer to supplementary books such as past year question papers, RD Sharma etc. However, NCERT books are primary foundation for KCET, as the exam is based on the PUC syllabus.
No, there is no negative marking in KCET making it important for the candidates to attempt all questions.
The exam is in offline mode with questions asked in MCQ format for subjects like physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology containing 60 questions wherein each subject is a session for 80 minutes.
Karnataka Examination Authority releases the KCET marking scheme in the official notification. Applicants appearing in the exam will be awarded one mark for every correct answers. There will be no negative marking for wrong answers in KCET exam. KEA will not deduct any marks for unattempted questions in KCET exam. As the exam is conducted in offline mode, applicants are advise to mark their answers carefully in OMR sheet. The questions with multiple options marked will be considered as wrong. Candidates are advise to cross check their answers before marking it in OMR sheet. Do not write anything on KCET OMR sheet other than marking answers.
KCET Syllabus 2026 - Subjects, Topics and Sub Topics
Commonly asked questions
Yes KCET syllabus is almost similar to JEE Main exam as there are many similarities. There are some differences like KCET has topics on Biology which is not in JEE Main exam.
While both are included, 2nd PUC syllabus often carries higher weightage and should be prioritized.
KCET is highly competitive but it is unlike other competitive exams as majority of KCET is based on 10+2 level, so candidates with 2-3 hours of additional prep time other than their boards exam is sufficienct for KCET.
Yes, solving PYQs helps understand paper pattern, weightage, and improves time management.
KCET Question Paper 2026 - Download PDFs of Past Year Paper
Commonly asked questions
Yes, candidates can crack the KCET exam by utilizing NCERT books, online resources, and giving regular mock tests. There are many students who have found success formal coaching.
To prepare for Mathematics effectively, it is important to practice mental math and use short-cut tricks for topics like Probability, Integrals, and Vector 3D.
Physics is one of the high scoring subjects in KCET. Covering KCET in 60 days is not a daunting task. Focus on high-weightage topics like Thermodynamics and Optics, and complete at least one full revision in 16 days.
Some of the high-weightage topics in KCET are - d and f Block Elements, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Chemical Kinetics.
KCET Contact Information 2026
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can check KCET Results from the official KEA website (kea.kar.nic.in) usually within 4-6 weeks after the exam.
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Who can apply?
Commonly asked questions
Yes, Indian nationals can fill the KCET application form. Candidates from Maharashtra can fill the KCET 2026 application form at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Applicants need to fill their state domicile information at the time of filling out the KCET application form
The exam body released the exam dates for the KCET 2026 on its official website. As per the dates, the test will be conducted on April 23-24, 2026.
After successfully filling the KCET application form, applicants gets the confirmation mail on their registered ID. KEA also send the confirmation text on the registered number. Candidates looking for admission are advised to enter a valid mobile number and email ID at the time of KCET registration. Applicants are advised to keep the confirmation mail and text safe till the conclusion of the admission process.
KEA will release the KCET application form 2026 at the official website. Candidates will have to fill all details in the KCET 2026 application form carefully. KEA will provide KCET 2026 application form correction facility after the conclusion of registration process. However, only few details will be allowed to edit in the form. In case of filling wrong details in the application form, there are chances of KCET form rejection.
KCET Application Form 2026 - Step by Step Registration Guide
Commonly asked questions
The last date to apply was February 27, 2026. Candidates could fill out the KCET application form at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
No, candidates are not required to fill out a separate KCET application form for Architecture. They will have to select the course preference at the time of filling KCET application form. The admissions to Architecture courses are done on the basis of NATA score 2026
No, Karnataka Examination Authority will not refund the KCET application fee in case applicant fails to appear in the exam. KCET application fee once paid is nonrefundable under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to keep track of KCET exam dates to avoid missing any event related to the exam.
KEA will commence the KCET registration 2026 online at its official website. Applicants looking for admissions to courses other than engineering have to fill a single form only. Candidates can fill multiple courses in a single KCET 2026 application form.
KCET 2026 FAQs
Commonly asked questions
The minimum of 12 marks in Kannada Language test is required for specific eligibility clauses. It is advised for students to score a bit more than this score.
If your PUC marks change, you must bring the updated marks to KEA's notice immediately to have a new rank assigned.
KEA allows objections to the answer key; revaluation of OMR sheets is generally not permitted.
Yes, a rank below 5,000 is excellent and typically secures a seat in top-tier Bangalore engineering colleges.
KCET Exam
Student Forum
Answered 21 hours ago
For KCET Forestry admission, your performance in Biology is the most critical factor because Forestry falls under the B.Sc Agriculture/Allied Sciences group. Let me break it down clearly:
KCET Forestry Admission Criteria
- Eligibility: Class 12 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Maths is optional.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, students can get admission in Rathinam Institute of Technology Powered by Sunstone B.E without KCET. The institute mainly offers merit-based seats. No entrance test including KCET is required.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The required rank would depend on the category to which the student belongs. For the General AI category, the cutoff ranged from 3473 to 5020 for the CSE branch. Hence, students need to secure at least 5020 to qualify for the course.
To know the minimum rank for other categories, students can look a
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, students who want admission to University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering have to appear in the KCET entrance examination to qualify for a seat in any of the BTech course branches.
Admission at UVCE is strictly entrance-based, and students have to attain a valid rank according to the UVCE
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Refer to the list below to know the important documents required for KCET counselling. UVCE accepts the KCET entrance examination, followed by the counselling process results for admission to the BE course and its various branches.
- KCET application form 2026.
- KCET admit card 2026.
- KCET application
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The UVCE KCET cutoff 2025 was released for admission to various BE course specialisations for the AI and HS quota. For the General AI category, the UVCE BTech cutoff 2025 ranged from 3473 in the first round to 55203 in the final round, wherein the hardest course for admission was BTech CSE, with the
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates are not allowed to leave their seats until entire duration of the session is over.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Attestation is not required unless there is discrepancy in candidate's photograph or signature.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, all electronic items including mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and Bluetooth devices are completely banned, whether switched off or switched on.
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Inside the exam hall, candidates are only permitted to carry blue or black ballpoint pens for marking the OMR sheet. Pencils, erasers, gel pens, or whitener are prohibited.
V
Contributor-Level 10
If I score good in KCET Biology and medium in both Physics and chemistry and Maths. Can I get seat in forestry college?