Karnataka PGCET 2026 Registration to Commence on May 1
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced that the registration process for the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026 will begin on May 1, 2026. Prospective candidates aiming for admission to various postgraduate programs in Karnataka can submit their applications online through the official KEA website once the registration link is activated.
Eligibility and Admission Quotas for PGCET 2026
The Karnataka PGCET 2026 serves as a gateway for admission to a range of postgraduate courses, including:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
- Master of Engineering (ME)
- Master of Technology (MTech)
- Master of Architecture (MArch)
Both Karnataka and non-Karnataka candidates are eligible to apply for the exam. However, non-Karnataka candidates will only be considered for admission under management quota seats. All applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized university to meet the basic eligibility criteria.
Detailed Exam Schedule for PGCET 2026
According to the official timetable released by KEA, the PGCET 2026 will be conducted over two days with specific shifts for different courses:
- May 23, 2026 (Saturday):
- ME, MTech, and MArch exams
- Morning shift: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Afternoon shift: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- May 24, 2026 (Sunday):
- MCA exam: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- MBA exam: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
All examination papers will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions and will be administered in offline mode. Candidates are advised to prepare accordingly for the objective-type format.
Step-by-Step Application Process for KEA PGCET 2026
To apply for the Karnataka PGCET 2026, candidates should follow these straightforward steps:
- Visit the official website of the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
- Click on the dedicated PGCET 2026 registration link once it goes live.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload the necessary documents as specified in the guidelines.
- Pay the prescribed application fee through the available online payment methods.
- Submit the completed form and retain a copy for future reference.
Special Provisions and Important Guidelines
KEA has outlined specific provisions for certain categories of applicants:
- Candidates with a valid GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score are exempt from taking the PGCET for ME, MTech, and MArch admissions and can apply directly.
- For part-time courses, applicants must possess a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
- All candidates are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the eligibility rules and admission criteria before initiating the application process.
Applicants should ensure timely completion of their registration and regularly monitor the official KEA website for updates regarding admit card release and subsequent admission procedures.
