KCET 2026: Over 3.3 Lakh Candidates to Appear; KEA Assures Transparent Conduct of Exam

In a YouTube message to students, KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna said candidates authentication will be done using QR code scanning on hall tickets, live photo capture at exam centres, and CCTV surveillance inside classrooms. Mobile jammers will also be deployed at centres to prevent any unfair practices.

Over 3.3 Lakh Candidates to Appear; KEA Assures Transparent Conduct of KCET Exam

The preparations for the KCET 2026 is in full swing as the Kannada Language Test will commence the admission process for the KCET 2026 session. The Kannada Language Test is scheduled to be held on April 22 while the KCET test will be conducted across two days, April 23 and April 24. In continuing with the preparations, the exam body, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) today released a notice along with a video message of KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna who stated that around 3.30 lakh candidates will be appearing for the Common Entrance Test to seek admissions into engineering courses, across the state.

According to KEA, the exam will be held at 745 exam centres across Karnataka, with multiple security and monitoring measures to ensure fairness and transparency. KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna, speaking on KEA YouTube channel KEA Vikasana, said that candidate authentication will be done using QR code scanning on hall tickets, live photo capture at exam centres, and CCTV surveillance inside classrooms. Mobile jammers will also be deployed at centres to prevent any unfair practices.

“These arrangements are meant to ensure that only genuine candidates who applied for the exam are allowed to appear,” he stated.

Prasanna also addressed the confusion regarding the KCET dress code and said students must not panic due to social media rumours. The guidelines are simple to prevent malpractice. Candidates are advised to avoid full‑body covering attire, large shoes, or accessories, and to come in simple, comfortable clothing.

“The rules are not meant to trouble students, but to protect hardworking candidates and ensure a transparent examination,” he said.

Also read: KEA Releases Detailed Bell Timings for KCET April 22, 23 and 24 Exam Dates; Check details here

KEA also urged students to practise filling OMR sheets using practice OMR provided during hall ticket download, especially for students unfamiliar with bubble‑based answering. Proper filling of details such as version code, question paper series, CET number, and signature is crucial to avoid evaluation issues.

Prasanna also reiterated that KCET has no negative marking, encouraging students to attempt as many questions as they can confidently without the fear of losing marks.

He also said, students who may not have performed well in certain PUC subjects, their ranks will be considered by the improvement exam results, and students should not skip appearing for CET due to fear of failure.

Also read: KEA Clarifies Merit Calculation Using Best of 2nd PUC Exam 1 and Exam 2 Marks; Check notice here

KCET Exam day guidelines

• Reach exam centres well in advance 

• Verify the exact building or block mentioned on hall ticket

• Refrain from carrying personal belongings, food packets, water bottles, or electronic devices inside the exam centre. 

• Drinking water arrangements will be made at the venue.

KEA has requested both parents and students to watch the full video message and follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth examination process. 

Form the detailed video message from the KEA YouTube channel KEA Vikasana - Click here.