KCET Exam Pattern 2026: Check Sections, Marking Scheme, Time Duration and more
Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2026 ( KCET )
Exam On - 23 Apr '26 - 24 Apr '26
KCET Exam Pattern 2026 - The exam body, Karnataka Examination Authority prescribes the KCET 2026 exam pattern and uploads it on - cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Students preparing can for this coveted entrance test, must check the exam pattern of KCET 2026 to know the number of questions, time duration, and marking scheme. As per the pattern KCET exam is conducted in offline pen & paper mode for 80 minutes per paper. There are 3 papers, 1 each for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. The question paper is in multiple-choice format, and one correct response carries one mark. There is no minus marking in the exam.
The KCET 2026 exam is conducted for two days and four sessions. The test for the 2026 session will be held on April 23 and 24, 2026. On the first day, the KCET exam of Mathematics and Biology will be conducted in two sessions, and on the second day, Physics and Chemistry exams will take place in two sessions. The Kannada Language Test will be held on April 22, 2026. Along with the exam pattern, the KCET 2026 syllabus is equally crucial for up-to-the-mark preparation. For more details about the KCET exam pattern 2026, candidates can refer to the article below.
- KCET Exam Pattern 2026
- KCET Exam Pattern 2026 â Marking Scheme
- KCET Exam Pattern 2026 â Important Points
- KCET Exam Pattern 2026 - OMR Answer Sheet Instructions
- KCET Syllabus 2026
- FAQs related to the KCET Exam Pattern 2026
KCET Exam Pattern 2026
KEA mentions the KCET exam pattern 2026 in its notification PDF, and students appearing in the exam can refer to it for effective preparation. The KCET 2026 exam is conducted in an offline centre-based mode.
According to the KCET 2026 exam pattern, the questions are asked from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. There will also be a fourth paper for Kannada language, but it is not compulsory for all students. For more details, candidates can refer to the table given below.
| Sections |
Questions |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Physics |
60Â |
80 minutes |
| Chemistry |
60Â |
80 minutes |
| Mathematics/Biology |
60Â |
80 minutes |
| Kannada (in case)Â |
50Â |
60 minutes |
Also Read:Â
| Best books for KCET 2026 preparation: Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics | How to crack KCET 2026 without coaching? |
KCET Exam Pattern 2026 â Marking Scheme
The KCET marking scheme 2026 is part of the exam pattern, which will be mentioned in the notification PDF. As the KCET notification for 2026 session is yet to be released, students can refer to the past year marking scheme below for reference:
| Sections |
Marks |
Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Physics |
60 marks |
No negative marking |
| Chemistry |
60 marks |
|
| Mathematics/Biology |
60 marks |
|
| Kannada (in case)Â |
50 marks |
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KCET Exam Pattern 2026 â Important Points
- The questions will be asked from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. (Biology will be for non-engineering background students)Â
- Each question in KCET 2026 will carry one mark.Â
- Candidates will have to solve the questions in 80 minutes/1 hour 20 minutes.Â
- Each question in KCET 2026 exam will have four options out of which only one answer will be correct.Â
- There will be No Negative marking in KCET 2026 exam.Â
- No marks will be given for multiple answers to a question.Â
- Mode of the KCET exam â Offline.Â
- Candidates from Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga will take Kannada Language Test.Â
Also Read:Â
| KCET 2026 Important Topics & Chapter Wise Weightage | Best Books for KCET 2026 Preparation |
KCET Exam Pattern 2026 - OMR Answer Sheet Instructions
Candidates should be very careful while marking the response in the KCET 2026 OMR sheet. KEA will host the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet on its website. The KCET OMR sheet 2026 will be divided into two portions, namely the top portion and the bottom portion. The top portion will furnish the details of a candidate, such as Name, CET Number, Version code, and the serial number of the question booklet. In the bottom portion, candidates will mark the answers, the signature of the room Invigilator & candidate, and the Left-Hand Thumb Impression of the candidate. Check the instructions regarding the KCET OMR sheet below.Â
- Download the KCET OMR sheet from the website and practice on it by using a blue or black ink ballpoint.Â
- It will help in improving the accuracy in writing and shading the particulars such as Name, KCET 2026 Application Number, Question booklet version code, etc.Â
- The OMR sheet will have two sheets in which the upper sheet is to be used for marking correct answers and later scanning & evaluation. The lower sheet is coated with a special kind of chemical that acts as Carbon paper and will be returned to the candidates after the completion of each session of the KCET exam 2026.Â
KCET Syllabus 2026
Karnataka Examination Authority releases the KCET 2026 syllabus on the official website. Applicants appearing for the exam must go through the KCET syllabus for their preparation. The syllabus comprises important chapters and topics asked in the exam. Referring to the KCET syllabus 2026 also helps candidates to prepare an effective strategy to crack the exam with a good score.
| KCET 2026 Important Topics & Chapter Wise Weightage | Best Books for KCET 2026 Preparation |
| How to crack KCET 2026 without coaching? | How can I score above 150 in KCET 2026 |
FAQs related to the KCET Exam Pattern 2026
Check here for additional FAQs related to the KCET exam pattern 2026:
The exam pattern of KCET comprises various components like duration of exam, marking scheme and others. KCET exam is conducted for three subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) for a duration of 80 minutes each. One mark is awareded for every correct answers while there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in KCET exam. Applicants from Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga also have to appear for the KCET Kannada language exam which is conducted for a duration of 60 minutes.
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.
The marking scheme for KCET is 1 mark for each correct answer with no negative marking.
No, there is no negative marking in KCET making it important for the candidates to attempt all questions.
309 Institutes accepting KCET
NIT Surathkal - National Institute of Technology
Mangalore ⢠Public
4.5Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE
Manipal ⢠Private
Jain Deemed-to-be University, Bangalore
Jayanagar, Bangalore ⢠Private
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
Ramaiah Institute of Technology
M S R Nagar, Bangalore ⢠Private
- âı 13.35 Lakh
- 4 years
- |
- Full Time
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