KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) at a glance
Details last checked on 16 Sep 2026
- Full name
- Karnataka Common Entrance Test
- Conducted by
- Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
- Level
- State-level
- Mode
- Offline (pen and paper, OMR)
- Important dates
- 2026 cycle (reference): Application Jan 17 - Feb 27, 2026; Admit card from Apr 10, 2026; Exam Apr 23-24, 2026; Counselling (KEA) Jun-Sep 2026 across 3 rounds plus extended round. 2027 cycle dates expected to be announced by KEA around Dec 2026-Jan 2027.
- Eligibility
- Pass in 10+2/PUC with Physics and Mathematics compulsory, plus Chemistry/Biology/Electronics/Computer Science as 4th subject; at least 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC of Karnataka). Most KCET-quota seats require Karnataka local-candidate eligibility.
- Official website
- cetonline.karnataka.gov.in
Exam dates are announced by the conducting body and can change. Always check the official website.
What is KCET?
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted every year by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on behalf of the Government of Karnataka. It is the primary gateway into government, government-aided and most private engineering colleges in Bangalore and the rest of Karnataka, including a share of “government quota” seats at nearly every engineering college in the state. KCET also covers admission to B.Pharm, B.Arch, agriculture and several other professional courses, but engineering (B.E./B.Tech) is by far its largest stream.
Because KCET seats are the most heavily subsidised route into most colleges, they are also the most competitive — a KCET rank typically needs to be far tighter than the equivalent COMEDK rank to secure the same branch at the same college.
KCET eligibility
To sit KCET for engineering, a candidate must have passed (or be appearing for) 10+2 / PUC with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry, Biology, Electronics, Computer Science or a technical vocational subject as the fourth subject, scoring at least 45% aggregate in these subjects (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates of Karnataka). Most KCET quota seats also require Karnataka domicile through the “local candidate” rules set by KEA; candidates from outside Karnataka can still appear for KCET but are typically eligible only for a smaller “non-Karnataka” seat share at most colleges.
KCET exam pattern
KCET is an offline, pen-and-paper test with multiple-choice questions, held over two days:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Mathematics | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Biology (for B.Pharm/allied courses) | 60 | 80 minutes |
For the B.E./B.Tech stream, the relevant papers are Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, for a combined 180 marks. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
KCET important dates (2026 cycle)
The table below shows the 2026 cycle as a reference for how the KCET calendar typically runs; the 2027 cycle (for admissions in mid-2027) is expected to follow a similar pattern, with the notification usually released around December-January.
| Stage | 2026 cycle (for reference) |
|---|---|
| Application opens | January 17, 2026 |
| Application closes | February 27, 2026 |
| Admit card | From April 10, 2026 |
| Exam dates | April 23-24, 2026 (Physics & Chemistry on Day 1, Mathematics & Biology on Day 2) |
| Result | Released online with rank card |
| Counselling (KEA) | Document verification, option entry and seat allotment in multiple rounds, June-September 2026 |
KCET counselling for engineering typically runs across three main rounds plus an extended round, with option entry, mock allotment, and final seat allotment at each stage. Check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for confirmed 2027 dates once KEA releases its notification.
KCET counselling and seat allotment
After results are declared, KEA runs a centralised counselling process through the KEA portal:
- Document verification and registration for counselling
- Option entry — ranking preferred colleges and branches
- Mock seat allotment, so candidates can adjust their options
- Final seat allotment for each round, followed by fee payment and reporting to the allotted college
- Typically 2-3 main rounds, plus an extended round for unfilled seats
Which colleges accept KCET?
Almost every engineering college covered in our Bangalore engineering college directory accepts KCET for at least a share of its seats — government colleges like UVCE fill nearly all their seats this way, while private and autonomous colleges typically reserve 45% or more of seats for the KCET quota, with a further share for COMEDK, JEE Main and management quota. Use our college comparison tool to check KCET-quota fees and cutoffs branch by branch.
Frequently asked questions
Who conducts KCET?
KCET is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on behalf of the Government of Karnataka.
Is KCET only for Karnataka students?
Anyone can appear for KCET, but most KCET-quota seats are reserved for candidates who meet Karnataka’s local-candidate eligibility rules; students from outside Karnataka are generally eligible for a smaller non-Karnataka seat share.
Is there negative marking in KCET?
No. KCET has no negative marking for wrong answers.
Can I use both KCET and COMEDK ranks?
Yes. Most candidates appear for both KCET and COMEDK UGET and then choose the counselling process that gives them the best college and branch option.
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