Karnataka PGCET Option Entry 2026 @kea.kar.nic.in: Direct Link, Process & Last Date

Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test 2026 ( Karnataka PGCET )

shadow

Karnataka PGCET exam date (ME/MTech)

23 May '26

Abhishek
Abhishek Dhawan
Assistant Manager – Editorial Content
Updated on May 4, 2026 02:00 IST
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will begin the PGCET 2026 option entry process at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026. The last date to exercise Karnataka PGCET option entry link will be notified along with the KEA PGCET counselling schedule. To exercise Karnataka PGCET option entry, candidates have to pay a processing fee.

Karnataka Examinations Authority will start PGCET option entry process soon after the exam results are declared. Candidates who have the claim slip can participate in the PGCET option entry process. Check complete details on Karnataka PGCET 2026 option entry.

Karnataka PGCET Option Entry 2025

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Option Entry Link

Karnataka PGCET Option Entry 2026: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will begin the PGCET 2026 option entry process at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026. The last date to exercise Karnataka PGCET option entry link will be notified along with the KEA PGCET counselling schedule. To exercise Karnataka PGCET option entry, candidates have to pay a processing fee. Based on the options exercised by the candidates, KEA will publish the Karnataka PGCET seat allotment results. Scroll down for complete information on Karnataka PGCET option entry 2026, including how to fill options, and what after Karnataka PGCET 2026 option entry.

Table of contents
  • Karnataka PGCET Option Entry Link 2026
  • Karnataka PGCET Option Entry Dates 2026
  • Karnataka PGCET Option Entry Process 2026
  • What after Karnataka PGCET Option Entry?

Karnataka PGCET Option Entry Link 2026

KEA is yet to facilitate the Karnataka PGCET option entry link. The space below mentions the direct link to exercise the Karnataka PGCET options

Direct Link for PGCET Option Entry: to be updated

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Who releases Karnataka PGCET exam dates?
A: 

Karnataka PGCET exam dates and event schedule is released by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).  KEA conducts the Karnataka PGCET exam for admission to MBA/MCA, and MTech courses offered by colleges in Karnataka. Besides these courses, candidates aspiring for MArch courses are also required to fill the PGCET form to be considered for the centralised counselling process. Karnataka MArch admissions are based on CoA's PGETA. 

KEA releases the schedule for Karnataka PGCET exam, including the application schedule, admit card dates, exam dates, answer key release schedule, and result declaration dates. Besides these events, KEA also conducts the centralised counselling process for MBA admission and the schedule for the same is released seperately.

Q:   I have lost my challan copy of having paid for PGCET MBA Karnataka. Is it necessary for verification?
A: 

Challan copy is a proof of the candidate’s candidature in Karnataka PGCET, hence it is an important document to retain. Candidates must reach out to the concerned bank or KEA for a resolution.

Q:   How to manage time in Karnataka PGCET exam?
A: 

The golden rule of all speed-based test is time management and this is applicable for Karnataka PGCET exam as well. In order to master skills of managing time for the test, practice Karnataka PGCET question papers multiple times as well as any available online test on MBA exam question paper. Do not just practice, keep an eye on the time taken to solve the question paper. On the exam day if you know all the answer but cannot manage the time you will end up completing a fraction of the test paper. Your aim should, therefore, be to answer a maximum number of questions accurate within less duration.

Q:   What is the exam date for Karnataka PGCET MBA exam?
A: 

KEA conducts the Karnataka PGCET exam every year for admission to MBA and MCA courses. Besides the MBA, MCA admissions, Karnataka PGCET exam also aids the MTech admission for candidates who do not have a valid GATE score. There is no fixed timeline for Karnataka PGCET exam. The exam dates for MBA and MCA exam remains the same. Whereas, the PGCET exam date for ME/MTech courses is different. Karnataka PGCET 2025 exam is generally conducted in the month of June for MBA and MCA courses. 

Karnataka PGCET Option Entry Dates 2026

KEA releases Karnataka PGCET counselling schedule for each round separately. The option entry process for admissions via Karnataka PGCET 2026 will be facilitated before the first round of seat allotment only. The table below indicates Karnataka PGCET option entry dates:

Karnataka PGCET Counselling Events

Karnataka PGCET Counselling Dates 2026

Karnataka PGCET option entry start date

July 2026

Last date to exercise Karnataka PGCET options

July 2026

Publication of Karnataka PGCET mock allotment results

July 2026

Facility to edit exercised options

August 2026

Release of first round provisional seat allotment results

August 2026
Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number

Karnataka PGCET Option Entry Process 2026

The process to exercise options for admissions via Karnataka PGCET 2026 ranks is mentioned below:

  1. Access Karnataka PGCET option entry link mentioned above, or via official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026
  2. Scan the QR code printed on Karnataka PGCET claim slip, followed by entering the application number and option entry PGCET number.
  3. Complete the OTP verification with the password received via an SMS on the registered mobile number.
  4. Access the Karnataka PGCET option entry dashboard using face recognition.
  5. Pay the processing fee of INR 750, followed by entering priority of options.
  6. The option entry panel will display all the discipline tabs to which the candidate is eligible.
  7. Choose the course tab inside the Karnataka PGCET option entry portal
  8. The login dashboard hosts the list of colleges as well as courses under the tab for each discipline. Candidates can choose as many course and college options as possible.

NOTE: If a candidate is eligible for admission to both MBA and MCA disciplines and desires for MBA admission more than MCA, then he/she must give more preferences for MBA than any other discipline.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the frequency of the Karnataka PGCET exam?
A: 

Karnataka PGCET exam is conducted once every year. The exam score is valid for one exam session only. Karnataka PGCET is an offline exam with as many as 100 MCQs to be answered within 150 minutes.  Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test is administered annually by Karnataka Examination Authority. Karnataka PGCET acts as the gateway exam for admission into PG courses, including MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech. and M.Arch in the state of Karnataka. 

Q:   How many times is Karnataka PGCET exam conducted?
A: 

Karnataka PGCET exam is conducted once every year for admission to PG professional courses. Each course exam for admission via PGCET is conducted in a separate shift.

Explore colleges based on Karnataka PGCET

Mysore
₹59.40 K
Bangalore
#71 NIRF
₹15.00 L
Bangalore
₹60.00 K
Bangalore
₹7.65 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Mysore
₹44.41 K
Mangalore
₹6.30 L
Bangalore
₹10.50 L
Bangalore
₹6.75 L
Bangalore
₹11.60 L
Bangalore
₹8.00 L
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

Alliance AMAT 2026 Last Date o...

31 May '26

KMAT Kerala 2026 Form Correcti...

18 May '26 - 20 May '26

TANCET 2026 result declaration

23 May '26

HPU MAT 2026 application process

11 Apr '26 - 24 May '26

MAT May 2026 Registration PBT

1 Apr '26 - 25 May '26

TGICET Preliminary Answer Key ...

29 May '26

PIM-MAT 2026 Registration

23 Apr '26 - 30 May '26

KLMAT 2026 Application

2 Jan '26 - 31 May '26

PU MET 2026 Result

31 May '26

GNDU GMET 2026 Application Form

8 May '26 - 11 Jul '26

What after Karnataka PGCET Option Entry?

KEA hosts Karnataka PGCET option entry for all candidates with a claim slip. Once eligible candidates have exercised PGCET option entry, he/she will find the Karnataka PGCET mock seat allotment result. KEA releases Karnataka PGCET mock allotment results to familiarise candidates with the allotment process, including how to check, and what college to expect.

Candidates are allowed to edit Karnataka PGCET options after mock allotment results are declared. Based on the edited preference order, KEA will release first round Karnataka PGCET seat allotment results. 

NOTE: Mock allotment results are only for guidance purposes; KEA will facilitate admissions via first round Karnataka PGCET seat allotment results.

Read More:

Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Abhishek Dhawan
Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

Abhishek is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He completed his graduation from University of Delhi with a BA Degree. At Shiksha.com, he handles content for MBA, BBA, an

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

1 Apr '26 -

25 May '26

MAT May 2026 Registration PBT

1 Apr '26 -

8 Jun '26

MAT May 2026 Registration CBT

Aug '26

KMAT 2026: Last date to fill a...

Sep '26

KMAT 2026

31 Jul '18

PESSAT 2018 Exam: End Date

1 Jul '18

PESSAT 2018 Online Registratio...

Aug '26

CAT 2026 application process

Nov '26

CAT 2026 admit card download

Oct '26

CMAT 2027 registration and app...

Jan '27

CMAT 2027 exam

13 May '26

MAH MBA CET 2026 Final Answer ...

9 May '26

MAH MBA CET 2026 (2nd Attempt)

Aug '26

SNAP 2026 Registration Process

28 Nov '26

SNAP 2026 admit card session 1...

Jul '26

XAT 2027 registration dates

Sep '26

XAT 2027 mock test

17 Oct '24 -

5 Dec '24

IIFT 2025 registration and app...

7 May '26 -

30 Jun '26

ATMA registration 2026 (July)

28 Jun '26

ATMA 2026: Last Date of Fee Pa...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

The ISBR Karnataka PGCET cutoff 2025 was released for the MBA/PGDM course for all categories. The cutoff was published in the form of opening and closing ranks. 

For the General AI category, the cutoff ranged from 28913 for enrollment in the Master of Business Administration course. Hence, candidates

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Presidency College Bangalore accepts the Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam scores. The exam is conducted in mid-May. Registration for this state-level test usually opens in April, and it serves as a gateway for many top colleges in the region. The entrance test includes entrance exam scores followed by GD/P

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

No, Karnataka PGCET is not a mandatory entrance exam to be qualified for Jain College, Jayanagar MA courses. The institute decides the selection of candidates based on merit of last qualifying exam score of a candidate.

Thus, candidates who have appeared for the aforementioned entrance exam will not

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates must upload their passport-sized photograph, signature, and left thumb impression strictly in JPEG or JPG format. The file size must remain between 5 KB and 40 KB.

D

Dhanya Shekhar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) releases and manages the Karnataka PGCET application process on its official web portal.

R

Rupali Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

No, Karnataka PGCET application fee is non-refundable. Refunds are only initiated by KEA if an online transaction fails but the amount is successfully deducted from your bank account.

S

Shruti Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the application form of KEA PGCET is available in an online mode. The conducting authority does not provide printed forms or entertain any physical applications sent by post.

B

Bhumika Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, final-year graduation students are eligible to apply and sit for the Karnataka PGCET exam. However, they must fulfill the minimum percentage criteria during the document verification stage.

J

Jaya Katariya

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates with a 3-year bachelor's degree are eligible for PGCET exam. However, candidates must have obtained at least 50 per cent aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories).

For Part-time MBA candidates must additionally have three years of work experience.

78471244
Abhishek Dhawan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can apply for PGCET exam by following the process below

  • Vist the official KEA website
  • Click 'New User' to register
  • Generate login credentials
  • Log in to fill details
  • Upload the required scanned documents
  • Pay the fee

A

Akansha Goyal

Contributor-Level 7