The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the schedule for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026, setting the crucial examination for April 23 and 24, 2026. In a significant move for lakhs of aspiring students, the online application portal will open its doors on January 17, 2026.
Detailed KCET 2026 Exam Schedule and Other Key Dates
The two-day examination will follow a structured timetable. On the first day, April 23, the Physics paper will be held in the morning session from 10.30 AM to 11.50 AM. This will be followed by the Chemistry paper in the afternoon, scheduled between 2.30 PM and 3.50 PM. The second day, April 24, will witness the Mathematics exam in the morning and the Biology paper in the afternoon session. Additionally, the Kannada language test for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates is slated for April 22 from 10.30 AM to 11.30 AM.
Alongside KCET, KEA has released the calendar for other major state entrance tests for the academic year 2026-27:
- PGCET for MBA and MCA: May 14; for ME and MTech: May 23
- DCET for lateral entry to engineering: May 23
- Exams for MSc Nursing, Master of Physiotherapy, and MSc Allied Health Science: July 18
- KSET (State Eligibility Test): October 11
- Exams for M Pharma and Pharma D: November 21
Streamlined Application Process and Extensive Student Support
To assist the massive pool of over 3.7 lakh prospective candidates, which includes approximately 2.9 lakh students from Karnataka's 3,112 Pre-University colleges and another 83,000 from other boards like CBSE and ICSE, KEA is implementing a robust support system. A comprehensive CET guide in both Kannada and English has been published, detailing the application process, seat matrix, fees, eligibility, and required documents. This guide will be distributed through PU colleges and schools statewide.
Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar revealed that selected lecturers from PU science colleges will receive special online training. "These trained lecturers will then guide other staff and supervise students during form submission, which will reduce errors and dependence on private cyber centres," the minister stated. KEA will establish help desks at government and aided engineering colleges and government polytechnic colleges, with their computer labs made accessible to applicants.
Digital Initiatives and Syllabus Continuity
Digital outreach will be strengthened through KEABOT (the authority's chatbot), its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, and YouTube channel. A new candidate portal will allow students to download essential documents like application forms, admission tickets, and verification slips. Security measures like OTP-based login, Aadhaar/Digi Locker verification, and face identification will continue to be employed to minimise discrepancies.
In terms of academic content, the KCET 2026 syllabus will retain the practical-based questions introduced in the 2025 exam cycle. This initiative is aimed at encouraging students to take their laboratory work seriously from an early stage. Furthermore, during the crucial 'option entry' phase where students select their preferred colleges and courses, they will have access to direct links providing detailed information about college facilities, aiding in informed decision-making.
This announcement sets the roadmap for one of Karnataka's most significant academic milestones, impacting the future of nearly four lakh students seeking admission to professional courses in the state.
