Is there a negative marking in DCET?

There is no negative marking in DCET examination for any incorrect and unattempted questions. The maximum marks in DCET are 100 marks and candidates get 1 mark for every correct answer.

I am a final year Diploma student and waiting for the result. Can I apply for DCET 2026?

Those who have passed the Diploma or who are waiting for their results are eligible to apply for DCET 2026. A minimum of 45% marks in the 5th and 6th semesters combined is required to apply for the exam. The minimum percentage mark for SC/ST candidates is 40%.

What is the mode of exam for DCET?

The Diploma Common Entrance Test is conducted in offline mode. Students have to mark their answers on an OMR sheet with a black or a blue ink bluepoint pen only.

Where can I check the DCET syllabus?

Candidates can check the DCET exam syllabus on the website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Students must check the course-wise syllabus to know what to study for the test. The DCET syllabus will help candidates to plan their preparation and cover all the subjects.

What is the DCET application fee for SC/ST students?

DCET exam is for Karnataka-origin students. Students who belong to the SC/ST category have to pay INR 500 for the application form. The DCET application fee has to be paid while submitting the application form. The DCET application form will not be accepted without paying the fee. The application form fee can be paid in online mode.

Can I make changes to the DCET application form?

Changes to the submitted DCET application form can be made through the correction facility. The application form correction for DCET will be available for a limited time. No corrections will be allowed to the application form after this period.

What is the mode of payment for filling out the DCET application form?

The DCET application fee can be paid through e-challan. A student has to select a bank, obtain the challan and make the payment at the bank. The application fee is Rs 650 for general and Rs 500 for reserved category applicants.

What are the sections of questions in DCET?

DCET question paper will consist of Engineering Mathematics, Statistics & Analytics, IT Skills, Fundamentals Of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and Project Management Skills for all Engineering Diploma Programmes. By checking the DCET syllabus, the candidates will be able to boost their preparation for the examination. For higher chances of scoring well, the candidates are advised to study the entire DCET syllabus.

What is the total number of questions in DCET?

The DCET question paper will have a total of 100 questions. It will include questions from engineering mathematics, statistics & analytics, IT skills, fundamentals of electrical & electronics engineering and project management skills.

When will the DCET admit card be released?

DCET 2026 admit card link is updated on the official website. Candidates can now download their hall ticket now.

What details are required to download DCET Admit Card?

To download the DCET admit card, candidates have to visit the KEA website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Click on the download link and enter your application number and date of birth. After a successful login, students can download the DCET hall ticket.

What is the tie breaking formula in DCET result?

In case two or more candidates scores same marks in DCET then KEA will use tie breaking formula to declare the results. Candidates can check DCET result tie breaking formula from below. Marks obtained in the entrance test Marks obtained in the 2nd year Marks obtained in the 1st year Age factor will be implemented A separate merit list is prepared for the following colleges: Day Engineering College Courses Evening Engineering College Courses (Bangalore) Evening Engineering College Courses (Mysore)

Can you suggest the top civil engineering colleges in Karnataka through lateral entry for a DCET ranking below 5000?

National Institute of Technology, Surathkal 17 National Institute of Technology, Surathkal Bangalore - Manipal Institute of Technology 14 Manipal Institute of Technology Manipal - BMS College of Engineering 15 BMS College of Engineering Bangalore - Ramaiah Institute of Technology 28 Ramaiah Institute of Technology Bangalore - The National Institute of Engineering 13 The National Institute of Engineering Mysore - Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Engineering and Technology 9 Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Engineering and Technology Dharwad - M. V. J. College of Engineering 30 M. V. J. College of Engineering Bangalore - KLS Gogte Institute of Technology 14 KLS Gogte Institute of Technology Belgaum - Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering 17 Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering Shimoga Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology 9 Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology Bangalore Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) 23 Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) Bangalore Siddaganga Institute of Technology 8 Siddaganga Institute of Technology Tumkur - Sri Sairam College of Engineering 5 Sri Sairam College of Engineering Bangalore Don Bosco Institute of Technology 14 Don Bosco Institute of Technology Bangalore School of Engineering and Technology, Jain University 7 Scho.

Where can I check DCET result?

To check the DCET result, candidates have to go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Click on the result link and enter your DCET application number. The scorecard will appear on the screen. Candidates should carefully check every detail mentioned on the results.

Can I request for re-evaluation of DCET result?

Karnataka Examination Authority will release the DCET result online at the official website. KEA will not allow any candidates to request for re-evaluation. The result once released will be considered as final. However, applicants will be allowed to raise objections in the DCET answer key.

What credentials do I need to check the DCET result?

To check the DCET result, candidates only require their DCET application number. Use this number on the result link at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. The result will be displayed on the screen.

How can I download DCET answer key?

Candidates can download the DCET answer key simply by going to the website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. There are no credentials required to download the DCET answer key.

How to raise objections in DCET answer key?

The process to raise objections can be checked below- Visit the DCET website Click on provisional answer key objection link Enter login details Email the required objections along with the proof to exam authorities. Preview all details and send the mail for future reference.

When will the DCET Seat Allotment Result be released?

DCET 2025 First Round Seat Allotment Result will be announced at the official website. The candidates must enter the CET number to download the result. The DCET 2025 Cutoff will be released online. The direct link to check the DCET 2025 Seat Allotment Result will be released online at the oficial website.

Where can I check DCET previous years' cutoff scores?

DCET's previous year's cutoffs are available on this page. Candidates can check the previous year cutoffs for an idea of the minimum marks required for admission to a particular college or course.

DCET 2026: Answer Key (OUT), Result and Counselling Soon

Q: What is the DCET lateral entry scheme at colleges located in Karnataka?

The Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET), is a lateral entry scheme conducted in Karnataka. Meaning the entrance exam is held for lateral entry at colleges in Karnataka. The entrance test is a gateway for admissions to 2nd-year undergraduate engineering programmes and 1st-year undergraduate architecture programmes offered under the lateral entry scheme. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) releases a notification announcing the DCET application process, important date, eligibility criteria, and other relevant information in the official website.

Updated on May 25, 2026 23:04 IST

By UPASANA PRADHAN, Assistant Manager- Editorial

Overview

DCET 2026: Karnataka Examinations Authority released provisional DCET answer key along with objection window. The exam was conducted on May 23 offline. Students who appeared for the exam can check official answer key and response sheet. Objection window is now closed.

The official website to check KEA DCET 2026 answer key is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The authority conducted DCET exam for lateral entry into the second year of B.E./B.Tech programmes or the first year of undergraduate architecture programmes. The examination was held in offline mode, which is a pen-and-paper mode. There shall be a total of 100 questions to be answered in 3 hours.

To be eligible for Karnataka DCET (Diploma Common Entrance Test), candidates must have passed Diploma in Engineering/Technology (or equivalent) with at least 45% aggregate marks in the final year (5th & 6th semesters) for general category. SC/ST/OBC (Karnataka) candidates require at least 40% marks. For more details about DCET 2026 exam, refer to the article below.

Latest: KEA DCET 2026 Result in June? Check Expected Date

Table of contents

DCET 2026 - Exam Highlights
DCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
DCET Answer Key 2026
DCET Result 2026
DCET Counselling 2026
DCET Admit Card 2026
DCET Syllabus 2026
DCET Exam Pattern 2026
DCET Preparation Tips 2026
DCET Application Form 2026
DCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DCET 2026 - Exam Highlights

Candidates can check the exam highlights of DCET 2026 from the table given below.

Particulars	Details
Name of the Exam	Diploma Common Entrance Test or DCET
Conducted By	Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
Exam Level	Undergraduate
Exam Frequency	Annual
Mode of Exam	Pen-and-Paper-Based Test
Total Registrations	N/A
Course offered through the exam	2nd year BTech/1st year BArch
Exam Fees	General Category - Rs 650 SC/ST Category - Rs 500
Exam Duration	3 Hours
Number of Sections	2 - Applied Mathematics, Applied Science
Total Questions	100
Marking Scheme	One mark will be given for every correct answer. No negative marking.
Medium of Exam	English
Colleges Accepting Exam Score	Engineering colleges of the state that offer lateral entry admissions
No. of Test Cities	N/A
Official Website	cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/dcet
Contact Details	DCET Email ID: keauthority-ka@nic.in DCET Helpline: 080 - 23460460

What is DCET exam?

DCET or Diploma Common Entrance Test, conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). The entrance test is held for admissions to 2nd-year undergraduate engineering programmes and 1st-year undergraduate architecture programmes offered under the lateral entry scheme.

DCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of DCET 2026 exam

Dates	Past Exam Dates
25 May ' 26	DCET 2026 Answer Key Release Date
25 May ' 26 - 27 May ' 26	DCET 2026 Objection Window
23 May ' 26	DCET 2026 Exam-Center Wise OMR View Link
View More Past Events (3)

DCET Answer Key 2026

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released OMR data on the official website. The provisional answer key for DCET 2026 can be checked after exam. The provisional Diploma CET answer key 2026 is now available. After answer key challenge, the final answer key will be released. Candidates can check and download the answer key on the website- cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates do not require any details to download the DCET answer key PDF. The objection link is now closed.

DCET Result 2026

The authorities will announce the DCET result 2026 a few days after the answer and objection period. Candidates can check the result for details on the scores, ranks and more. Candidates will be given admission to participating colleges based on their performance in the exam.

DCET Counselling 2026

KEA conducts the DCET counselling 2026 for all qualified candidates. During the counselling process, candidates have to register and fill in their preferences of colleges and courses. The allotment of seats will be done based on the candidate's rank, preference and number of seats. The confirmation of admission will be done after verification and payment of the tuition fees. The authority will announce the DCET 2026 counselling schedule on the KEA website and the same will be updated here.

DCET Admit Card 2026

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released DCET 2026 admit card on its official website. Candidates who have registered can download their KEA DCET admit card 2026. Candidates can download their hall ticket using their credentials- application number and password. Students appearing for DCET exam must carry their hall ticket to test centre.

KEA DCET Admit Card 2026 contain details such as name, contact details, exam paper name, date and time of exam, etc. Candidates appearing for offline exam must carry a valid ID proof, such as Aadhar card, Voter ID, etc. Students are advised to keep their hall ticket safe till the completion of counselling process.

DCET Syllabus 2026

The authorities released the syllabus of DCET 2026 subject-wise online on the KEA website. Candidates can check the list of subjects, topics and units to study from the DCET syllabus. By knowing the syllabus, candidates will have a better chance of scoring well in the exam by preparing exactly what will be asked in the test.

DCET Exam Pattern 2026

The DCET 2026 exam pattern will be released in the information brochure. Information related to exam mode, duration, type of questions, marking scheme, and more are available in the DCET exam pattern. Through the pattern, candidates can understand how the exam will be held and how to prepare for it accordingly. Candidates can check the detailed paper pattern below.

Particulars	Details
Name of the Exam	Karnataka Diploma Common Entrance Test
Commonly Known As	DCET
Exam Mode	Offline (Pen-and-Paper-Based Test)
Duration	3 Hours (Additional 25 minutes will be given to fill in the required details)
Type of questions	Objective Multiple Choice Question
Sections	Applied Mathematics Applied Science
Maximum Marks	100
Marking Scheme	One mark will be given for every correct answer. No negative marking.

DCET Preparation Tips 2026

Here, we have given the most important tips to prepare for the DCET exam that will help students score high in the test. The DCET preparation tips are based on the previous year's toppers and subject experts' advice.

Know Exam Pattern and Syllabus - Start by the DCET exam pattern and syllabus. The syllabus will provide a list of what to study for the exam. The DCET exam pattern mentions details on the format of the exam.
Revision - If candidates do not revise what they study, then chances are they will forget it soon. Regular revision will help candidates brush up on their concepts.
Mock Tests - Next is to practice mock exams. By taking the mocks, students can understand their weak and strong areas.

DCET Application Form 2026

The authorities have closed DCET application form 2026 on official website. During application process, candidates will have to fill in their personal, academic and contact details. The required documents have to be scanned and uploaded, and the preferred exam centres have to be selected. Candidates will have to pay the application fee through e-challan.

DCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates appearing for DCET 2026 entrance test will have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria as mentioned by the exam conducting authorities. Check the detailed criteria to apply for the exam below.

Eligibility for BE Courses (Day Engineering Institutions)

Candidates must have passed a diploma or equivalent exam
Candidates with a minimum of 45% marks in the 5th and 6th semesters combined are eligible to fill out the applications respectively
The minimum percentage mark for SC/ST candidates is 40%

Eligibility for BE Courses (Evening Engineering Institutions)

Candidates must have passed a diploma or equivalent exam
Candidates with a minimum of 45% marks in the 5th and 6th semesters combined are eligible to fill out the applications respectively
The minimum percentage mark for SC/ST candidates is 40%

Note: In addition to the above criteria, a candidate after qualifying for the diploma, must also possess a minimum of Two Years of Full-Time Work experience as of the due date, of the year of admission, is a registered firm / Company / Industry / Educational and / Government Autonomous Organizations in the branch of Engineering / Technology, in which the candidates possess a diploma and in which admission is sought by the candidates.

Eligibility for BArch First Year (Only in Day Engineering College)

Candidates must have passed a diploma or equivalent exam from a recognized institute
Candidates with a 50% aggregate score in all the subjects of the final year along with 40% marks in NATA 2026.

Reservation Quota

Admissions under the reserved category will be made in favour of the candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes of citizens under categories 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in accordance with the Government Order No.

Other Reserved Category

(I) Candidates who have participated in Republic Day Camp conducted by the Director-General of NCC, New Delhi from Karnataka and who possess ‘B’ Certificate obtained during the five-year period of study in Karnataka between 8th and 12th standards;

(ii) The candidates who have participated in the following camps conducted by the Director-General of NCC, New Delhi from Karnataka and who possess ‘B’ Certificate obtained during the five-year period of study in Karnataka between 8th and 12th standards namely;
(a) All India Thal Sainik Camp (Boys) - TSC(B)
(b)All India Thal Sainik Camp (Girls) - TSC (G)
(c) All India Nau Sainik Camp – NSC
(d)All India Vayu Sainik Camp – VSC
(e) Cadets who have been finally selected as a part of DG NCC team to participate in All India Movalankar Shooting Championship at the National Level AND Youth Exchange Programmes and Foreign Naval Cruise organized by DG, NCC.

DCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Candidates can check DCET 2026 FAQs below.

Q: Which factors will be checked while preparing DCET cutoff?

DCET cutoff will differ for each college and course. The factors that will be considered to prepare the DCET cutoff are: previous year's DCET cutoffs, number of qualified candidates, the total number of seats, exam difficulty level.

Q: Do I need to pay any fee to access DCET application form correction facility?

No, applicants are not required to pay any fee for DCET application form correction. KEA will allow candidates to make correctios in DCET 2026 application form from the login window. Candidates must note that only certain details will be allowed to be edited at the time of correction facility. Changes in personal details like name, father name, date of birth and email ID will not be allowed.

Q: When will DCET results be released?

KEA will release the DCET results a few days after the provisional answer key. Candidates will be able to download the DCET result from the website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in using their login details.

Q: How is DCET exam merit list prepared?

Karnataka Examination Authority will release the DCET result online at the official website. Applicants must note that the DCET merit list is prepared keeping weightage of both board and entrance exam marks. While preparing the merit list, 50% weightage will be given to the marks obtained in DCET 2026 and 50% weightage will be given to the marks secured in the final year examination of diploma course.

Q: Where can I check the DCET seat allotment result?

Candidates will be able to check the DCET seat allotment on the official website. To do so students have to-

Go to the DCET website.
Click on the seat allotment link.
Enter your application form number and other required details and submit.
Your DCET seat allotment result will appear on the screen.

Q: When will DCET cutoff be released?

The authority releases the DCET cutoff after each round of counselling. Candidates can check the cutoff for DCET on the authority's website. The cutoffs are the minimum ranks for admission to participating colleges.

Q: What is the last date to fill DCET application form?

Karnataka Examination Authority will release the DCET application form online at the official website. Applicants looking for admissions to Diploma courses can fill DCET application form at kea.kar.nic. KEA will announce the DCET application form last date 2026 along with the official notification.

Q: I'm Hyderabad Diploma student. Am I eligible for DCET in Karnataka as a non Karnataka student?

No you cannot, DCET is only for the students who studied in the Karnataka Technical Education Board. Even when you try to apply for DCET it will ask you the ID which is provided by the Department Of Technical Education to be uploaded. It will be verified if the student has studied in Karnataka for at least of 10+ years. It is some what similar to that of KCET. Which requires all the requisites asked by the KCET verification.

Q: Where can I check DCET counselling dates?

The DCET counselling dates will be announced on the website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. DCET 2026 counselling date will include the schedule for various steps such as choice filling, allotment, fee payment, verification and reporting.