KCET 2026 Exam Timing: Subject-Wise Schedule, Shift Details, and Bell Timetable

Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2026 ( KCET )

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13 Aug '26

Vikrant
Vikrant Shukla
Deputy Manager
Updated on Apr 25, 2026 11:04 IST
The KCET 2026 schedule is shared here for the four core subjects. Biology and Math typically take place on Day 1, followed by Physics and Chemistry on Day 2. Each session lasts 80 minutes, with a detailed bell timetable managing entry, paper distribution, and conclusion. Check here the KCET exam timing for the 2026 session.

The KCET 2026 schedule is shared here for the four core subjects. Biology and Math typically take place on Day 1, followed by Physics and Chemistry on Day 2. Each session lasts 80 minutes, with a detailed bell timetable managing entry, paper distribution, and conclusion. Check here the KCET exam timing for the 2026 session.

Check here the KCET  Subject-Wise Schedule, Shift Details, and Bell Timings

Check here the KCET Subject-Wise Schedule, Shift Details, and Bell Timings

KCET 2026 Exam Timing: The Karnataka Education Authority KCET 2026 conducted Karnataka Common Entrance Test on April 24 eventually culminating the 2026 session.

Also read: 

KCET 2026 Chemistry Question Paper Analysis April 23; Check Difficulty Level, Weightage, and Student KCET 2026 Physics Question Paper Analysis April 23; Theory-Heavy Physics Paper Stuns Students

The test will be conducted in offline OMR based pen-and-paper mode within specific shift timings and bell schedules for each subject. In this article, we have shared the KCET exam timing for the 2026 session which includes the dates, sessions, timings, subject for each day.

KCET Live Updates: KCET Answer Key 2026 Live Updates

Table of contents
  • KCET 2026 Exam Timings
  • KCET 2026 Exam Timings - Official Shift & Bell Timings
  • KCET 2026 Important Exam Day Guidelines
  • KCET Exam Day Dress Code
  • KCET OMR Sheet Instructions

KCET 2026 Exam Timings

As per the official exam timings of KCET 2026 released by the exam body, on April 22, the Kannada Language Test was conducted followed by the KCET exam for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology subject on April 23 and 24, 2026. The exam is structured into four main sessions over two days. From the below table candidates can check the subject wise, session and timing of the exam.

Date

Session

Timing

Subject

Marks

April 22, 2026

Morning

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Kannada Language Test

50

April 23, 2026

Morning

10:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Physics

60

April 23, 2026

Afternoon

02:30 PM - 03:50 PM

Chemistry

60

April 24, 2026

Morning

10:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Mathematics

60

April 24, 2026

Afternoon

02:30 PM - 03:50 PM

Biology

60

Also read: 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to download KCET admit card PDF?
A: 

To download KCET admit card visit official website and follow steps mentioned below - 

On homepage, click on KCET admit card download link.

Enter login credentials - application number and date of birth

Check all details carefully and download hall ticket for future reference

Q:   When will the KCET admit card be released?
A: 

The KCET admit card 2026 has been released. The link to download KCET hall ticket is available in the website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Q:   Do I need to carry photographs to KCET exam centre?
A: 

Yes, it is recommended to carry two recent passport-sized photographs, preferably the same ones uploaded during the application process.

Q:   How can I download my KCET admit card?
A: 

Candidates will be able to download their KCET admit card from the official KEA website using their login credentials such as application number and date of birth.

KCET 2026 Exam Timings - Official Shift & Bell Timings

KEA released a detailed bell schedule that candidates must follow to manage their time during the 80-minute subject papers.

Bell Event

Morning Shift

Afternoon Shift

Activity

1st Bell

10:20 AM

02:20 PM

Entry into the hall, OMR distribution, and attendance.

2nd Bell

10:30 AM

02:30 PM

Question paper distribution; filling in version codes.

3rd Bell

10:40 AM

02:40 PM

Writing time begins (open booklet).

4th Bell

11:10 AM

03:10 PM

First caution bell (Half-time completed).

5th Bell

11:30 AM

03:30 PM

Second caution bell (20 minutes remaining).

6th Bell

11:45 AM

03:45 PM

Third caution bell (5 minutes remaining).

7th Bell

11:50 AM

03:50 PM

Exam ends; collection of OMR sheets.

Also read: Tips to Solve Questions in Quick Time in KCET Exam 2026

KCET 2026 Important Exam Day Guidelines

Along to the KCET exam timing 2026, candidates must also follow the guidelines, which they need to follow while appearing in the exam. Below mentioned are some of the exam day guidelines which can help students appearing in the exam. 

  • Candidates must carry their printed KCET 2026 Admit Card along with a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.

  • Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre at least 45-60 minutes before the session starts. 

  • No entry will be allowed after the writing time begins at 10:40 AM (Morning shift) or 2:40 PM (Afternoon shift)

  • As per the exam pattern of KCET, each subject will be of 60 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for 60 marks. There is no negative marking.

  • This is only mandatory for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates. In this subject, there will be 50 questions in MCQ format.

Also read: How to get a rank under 1000 in KCET?

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to download KCET admit card?
A: 

To download the KCET admit card candidates need to visit the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, enter application number and date of birth post which take the print.

Q:   Is a hard copy of the KCET admit card mandatory?
A: 

Yes, the physical printout of the KCET hall ticket is mandatory and must be carried to the exam hall; digital copies on phones are not allowed.

Q:   What is reporting time for KCET exam?
A: 

Students must arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before scheduled time for a smooth biometric verification, security frisking, and locating assigned seat without any hassles.

Q:   What identity proof should I carry to the KCET exam hall?
A: 

To the KCET exam centre, students must bring a valid government-issued photo ID like - Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. Student's name on the admit card must match the details on ID proof to avoid identity issues.

KCET Exam Day Dress Code

To ensure a secure environment and quick frisking at KCET exam centers candidates must adhere to a strict dress code for KCET 2026. Below are some of the dress code which candidates must follow on the KCET exam day - 

  • Wear light, comfortable, and simple clothing. Avoid outfits with large buttons, heavy embroidery, multi-layered pockets, or metal zippers.

  • Only open-toed footwear like slippers or thin-soled sandals are allowed. Shoes, boots, and high heels are strictly prohibited as they hinder the frisking process.

  • Avoid all forms of jewellery (rings, chains, earrings, bracelets) and accessories like belts with large metal buckles.

  • Electronic gadgets (smartwatches, calculators, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices), wallets, and personal stationery other than black/blue ballpoint pens are not permitted inside the hall. 

Also read: How can I score above 150 in KCET 2026?

Don't miss:

KCET OMR Sheet Instructions

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As the KCET is conducted in an offline OMR-based test the authorities have released the OMR based instructions which candidates must follow during the initial 10-minute window provided for filling in personal details. Here are the OMR-based instructions to follow - 

  • Use only a blue or black ballpoint pen to darken the bubbles completely. Ensure your CET number, name in capital letters, and question booklet version code are accurately marked, as errors here can result in the OMR not being scanned.

  • The OMR sheet consists of two parts. After the session, the original must be handed to the invigilator, while candidates are permitted to retain the lower carbon copy for their records.

  • Keep your admit card and OMR carbon copy safe after the exam. These are mandatory for the document verification and counselling process scheduled to begin in May 2026. 

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Vikrant Shukla
Deputy Manager

Vikrant Shukla - Deputy Manager

Role: News Writer & Editor

Education: Graduation in Mass Communication, Master's in Political Science

Expertise: Engineering and IT & Software Exams

About: Vikrant has 10+ years of ex

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Answered Yesterday

Yes, you have a good chance to get a seat at Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences in the second round with a KCET rank of 39,000 under OBC 2A Rural category.

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

KCET is the main entrance exam for state quota seats. If you have a good JEE Main score, you can also apply for a management or NRI quota seat, or apply through COMEDK, which is another popular option in Karnataka. Each college may accept a different mix, so check individually.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

For the General AI category, the maximum PES ECE cutoff 2026 acceptable for admission in the first round was 1223. So, students with a rank lower than 1223 can easily gain admission to the above-mentioned course. To know the maximum rank required by other categories, see the table below.

Category (All India)PES ECE cutoff 2026
General1223 
ST7369
PWD224168
Category (Home State)PES ECE cutoff 2026
General2193

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

KEA usually conducts multiple rounds of counselling, including Round 1, Round 2, and an Extended Round, depending on how many vacant seats are available.

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Riya Jeet

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

Cutoff marks for KCET 2026 are calculated on the basis of number of applicants, availability of seats, performance of the candidates in the test, reservation and difficulty of the question paper.

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Riya Jeet

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

Candidates who have passed or are due to pass class 12 (equivalent) in the specified subjects are eligible to apply for KCET 2026 as per the criteria of KEA.

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Riya Jeet

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

A Rank less than 10,000 is generally a good rank for getting admission into many popular engineering colleges and departments. But this depends on the institute, the course and counselling round.

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Riya Jeet

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

The Round 1 KCET home state cutoff 2026 for Chanakya University BTech CSE was 42,968. The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence branch closed closely at 43,211. These numbers show high competitive demand among local engineering aspirants. Candidates need strong rank percentiles to secure thes

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Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

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Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Aspirants must apply for KCET for admission in BE programme of Ramaiah Institute of Technology. Aspirants can pay the fees via any of the online payment modes. Check below the KCET fees:

Category 

Application Fee 

Karnataka GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B 

INR 500

Karnataka SC, ST, CAT-1 

INR 250

Karnataka All Female Candidates of Karnataka 

INR 250

Outside Karnataka GM 

INR 750

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15