The wait for Common Entrance Test (CET) aspirants continues as the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has yet to finalize the counselling start date, pending approval of seat matrices for various courses.
Counselling Delayed Again
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil had earlier announced that counselling would begin on June 10. However, KEA postponed it and tentatively set June 13, but no clarity remains on the current timeline.
Seat Matrix Approval Pending
The delay stems from the final seat matrix for engineering not yet being approved by the higher education department. An official stated that objections to the draft matrix are being scrutinized, with hopes to release the final matrix before next Saturday.
With no minister handling the higher education portfolio, Chief Minister approval is required. Sharan Prakash, also KEA co-chairman, plans to meet DK Shivakumar soon regarding the matter.
KEA has received only the agriculture seat matrix so far. Matrices for nursing, pharmacy, and other professional courses are still awaited.
Verification Slip Released
On Friday, KEA released the verification slip required for admission. Candidates can download it at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/ugcet_vs_2026, said KEA executive director H Prasanna.
This first stage of seat allocation contains complete candidate information. The option registration link will open after the government provides the seat matrix, KEA stated.
Private Colleges Seek Extended Counselling Deadline
Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association has written to AICTE requesting an extension of the counselling deadline to September 15, from the current August 15.
The association noted that online counselling, introduced post-Covid, involves document verification, multiple allotment stages, fee payment, and college-level admission. The August 15 date, based on a 2012 Supreme Court order for offline counselling, is now insufficient.
