KCET 2026 Important Dates, Exam Schedule & Deadlines

KCET 2026 Important Dates, Exam Schedule, Registration Deadline & Full Roadmap

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026, administered by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), is the official gateway for admission into Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agriculture programs across Karnataka.

If you are searching for:

KCET 2026 exam date
KCET 2026 registration last date
KEA KCET schedule 2026
KCET 2026 official notification

This complete roadmap covers every critical deadline and milestone.

KCET 2026 Official Timeline (Complete Schedule)

Examination Event

Finalized / Expected Date

Online Registration Commencement

January 16, 2026

Revised Registration Deadline (Final Extension)

February 27, 2026 (11:59 pm)

Revised Fee Payment Deadline

March 3, 2026 (5:30 pm)

Application Correction Window Closing

March 30, 2026

Admit Card Release

April 10, 2026 (Onwards)

Kannada Language Test

April 22, 2026

Main Exam Day 1 (Physics & Chemistry)

April 23, 2026

Main Exam Day 2 (Mathematics & Biology)

April 24, 2026

Result Declaration & Rank Release

May 2026 (Last Week)

Online Counseling Begins

June 2026

Students must strictly follow the KCET 2026 registration last date and fee payment deadline to avoid disqualification.

KCET 2026 Exam Pattern & Highlights

The KCET 2026 exam is conducted offline (OMR-based) across Karnataka.

4 Subject Sessions: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
60 MCQs per subject
80 minutes per paper
+1 mark for each correct answer
No negative marking

The 50:50 Ranking Rule

For Engineering admissions, final merit rank is calculated using:

50% KCET marks
50% 2nd PUC (Class 12) marks in core subjects

This makes both board preparation and entrance performance equally important.

Mandatory Aadhaar Verification Rule (2026 Update)

Aadhaar-linked verification is compulsory.

The name on your Aadhaar card must match your SSLC marks card exactly. Any mismatch may stall your KCET 2026 application process.

What Happens After the Exam?

After the exam on April 24, 2026:

Rank cards are released in early June
Online counseling begins
Document verification is mandatory
Option entry and mock allotment follow

Read: Mastering the KEA Portal – KCET 2026 Application Process Guide