KEA Releases Draft Engineering Seat Matrix for 2026-27; Introduces Structural Caps on Intake

KEA released 2026-27 draft engineering seat matrix, imposing strict intake caps. Based on expert committee advice, private colleges face a 900-seat limit on computer science streams and frozen intakes above 300 seats to balance admissions. Stakeholders have 7 days to file objections. Read key guidelines and seat data here.

KEA Introduces Structural Caps on Intake

The Government of Karnataka has published the draft engineering seat matrix for academic year 2026-27. Formulated under Karnataka Professional Educational Institutions Act, 2006, this seat matrix outlines seat distribution across government, aided, and private unaided institutions via Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).

As per the 130-page document released by the exam body, this year’s seat matrix incorporates specific regulatory changes recommended by an expert committee headed by Dr. S. Sadagopan, Retired Director of IIIT-B. 

Also read: KEA UGCET 2026 Scorecard Expected Soon; How to Check KCET Result 2026?

The committee has imposed several guidelines aimed to address substantial decline in core engineering admissions and regulate rapid expansion of computer science streams, where high graduation volumes have outpaced current job market placement rates. The government notification outlines strict guidelines for private universities and engineering institutions regarding seat distribution and intake expansion.

Excerpts from the Seat Matrix Notification PDF

• Private institutions cannot increase their intake for computer science and related IT branches if total cumulative strength across these programs exceeds 900 seats.

• initial intake for new department or course is restricted to maximum of 60 seats. Annual seat increments are capped at 60, irrespective of whether central body (AICTE) has approved a higher threshold.

• Programs that have reached an intake of 300 or more seats will not be considered for further expansion, even with valid AICTE clearance.

• Courses with existing intake of 180 seats or more will only be granted a maximum expansion of 60 seats in the final matrix upon presenting valid accreditation from NBA or NAAC.

UGCET 2026 Seat Matrix

The draft matrix details exact intakes across various institutional tiers. For instance, Annexure A details 25 Government Engineering Colleges and VTU Constituent Colleges, accounting for a total controlled intake of 6,900 KEA seats and an additional 345 Supernumerary Quota (SNQ) seats.

To download the detailed college-wise seat matrix, click here .