The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the schedule for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026, setting the crucial state-level engineering and medical entrance examination for April 23 and 24, 2026. The online application window for lakhs of aspiring students will open on January 17, 2026.
Detailed KCET 2026 Exam Schedule and Student Outreach
Releasing the date sheet on Friday, the KEA provided a clear timetable for the two-day examination. On the first day, April 23, Physics will be conducted in the morning session from 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM, followed by Chemistry in the afternoon from 2:30 PM to 3:50 PM. The second day, April 24, will feature Mathematics in the morning and Biology in the afternoon. Additionally, the Kannada language test for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates is scheduled for April 22 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
The authority estimates a massive pool of eligible candidates. With approximately 2,92,733 students in II PU across 3,112 pre-university colleges and another 83,000 students from other boards like CBSE and ICSE, the total number of students eligible to appear is projected to be around 3,75,507.
New Initiatives for a Smoother Application Process
To streamline the application process and minimize errors, KEA has introduced several key initiatives. A comprehensive CET Guide, available in both Kannada and English, has been published. This guide details seat availability, fee structures, eligibility, exam centers, and the step-by-step application procedure. It will be physically delivered to all PU colleges, CBSE, and ICSE schools across Karnataka.
Furthermore, M C Sudhakar, the Minister for Higher Education, outlined a training cascade system. "Selected lecturers from each PU science college will receive online training on filling the application. These lecturers will then train other staff in their college and supervise the students' application process," he stated. This move aims to reduce common mistakes and decrease dependency on external cyber centers.
Enhanced Digital Support and Verification Protocols
KEA is significantly boosting its digital support system for KCET 2026. The authority will enhance its presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), its YouTube channel, and its AI-powered chatbot, KEABOT, which is capable of answering nearly 18.5 lakh queries. A major new feature is the introduction of a dedicated candidate portal. From this portal, students can securely download crucial documents like their application form, admission ticket, and verification slip.
The application process will continue to use OTP-based verification. Candidates must verify their login via OTP or face identification before proceeding. To ensure accuracy, critical details like name, date of birth, and address will be cross-verified using Aadhaar or DigiLocker credentials. During the option entry phase, help desks will be set up in government and aided engineering colleges and government polytechnics, whose computer labs will be available for candidates to use.
Syllabus and Practical Assessment Focus
In terms of examination content, the KCET syllabus will retain its focus on the practical components of the PU curriculum. Minister Sudhakar confirmed, "We introduced practical-based questions in KCET from 2025, and it will continue this year. This is to ensure that students concentrate even on practical classes." This emphasis aims to create a more holistic assessment aligned with the state board's curriculum.
Additionally, during the option entry for college choices, a new feature will allow students to verify details about the institutes they select. A link will be provided to help candidates verify the college and the facilities offered by their chosen institution, promoting informed decision-making.
Alongside the KCET schedule, KEA also released the examination calendars for other key tests like the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET), Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET), and Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET).
