KCET 2026 Exam: How to Fill Online Application Form

KCET 2026 Exam: How to Fill Online Application Form

If you are worried about the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) Exam 2026, read this blog thoroughly. Our team has updated this guide with the latest requirements for the 2026-27 session to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates.

The online KCET 2026 Application Form was officially released on 17th January 2026 on the KEA website. You must complete your registration before the deadline. The exam will be conducted on 23rd and 24th April 2026. This entrance examination is your primary gateway to admission into UG courses in Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture, and Pharmacy.

Important Warning: For the 2026-27 session, KEA has integrated the application for Engineering with Medical (NEET) and Architecture (NATA). Even if you are only aiming for MBBS/BDS, you must register now on the KEA portal to be eligible for Karnataka state counseling.

Before applying, you need to check the eligibility criteria and prepare your documents to secure a seat in top Government and Private Colleges across Karnataka.

Overview: KCET 2026-27

Exam Name Karnataka Common Entrance Test (UGCET)
Organizing Body Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Exam Level State Level
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen & Paper Mode)
Marking Scheme 1 Mark For Each Correct Answer (No negative marking)
Official Website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

 

Watch: KCET 2026 Step-by-Step Application Guide

KCET 2026 Important Dates

  • Release of Online Application Form: 17th January 2026
  • Last Date to Apply (Regular): 17th February 2026
  • Admit Card Release: 2nd Week of April 2026 (Tentative)
  • Kannada Language Test: 22nd April 2026
  • KCET 2026 Exam Dates: 23rd & 24th April 2026
  • Declaration of Results: Last week of May 2026

Updated Syllabus for 2026

The KCET syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd Year PUC curriculum. You should focus on the rationalized NCERT topics as per the latest 2026 guidelines.

1. Physics Syllabus

First Year: Units & Measurements, Motion, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Oscillations, and Waves.

Second Year: Current Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Atoms, and Nuclei. (Note: Communication Systems is no longer part of the current syllabus).

2. Chemistry Syllabus

First Year: Structure of Atom, Chemical Bonding, Redox Reactions, Hydrocarbons.

Second Year: Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, Biomolecules, and Polymers.

3. Mathematics Syllabus

First Year: Sets, Relations & Functions, Trigonometry, Linear Inequalities, Probability.

Second Year: Matrices, Determinants, Calculus (Integrals & Derivatives), Vector Algebra, and 3D Geometry.

4. Biology Syllabus

Covers Living World, Cell Cycle, Plant & Human Physiology, and Genetics. Essential for you if you are aiming for Veterinary or Agriculture courses.

KCET 2026 Exam Pattern

Note: There is no negative marking in KCET, so I recommend you attempt all 180 questions.

  • Biology (Day 1, Session 1): 60 Qs / 80 minutes
  • Mathematics (Day 1, Session 2): 60 Qs / 80 minutes
  • Physics (Day 2, Session 1): 60 Qs / 80 minutes
  • Chemistry (Day 2, Session 2): 60 Qs / 80 minutes

 

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026

Fulfilling eligibility is the most crucial part of your application. You must verify your status before paying the fee.

  • Domicile: Primarily for Karnataka residents who have studied for at least 7 years between 1st Standard and 2nd PUC/12th Standard within the state.
  • B.E./B.Tech Qualification: Passed 10+2 with 45% aggregate (40% for reserved) in PCM. Note: Your KCET Rank is calculated using 50% Board marks and 50% CET marks.
  • B.Arch: Requires a valid NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2 score.

KCET Application Form 2026 {Step-by-Step}

  1. Visit the KEA Website: Click on “UGCET 2026 Online Application.”
  2. Registration: Enter your name, email, and mobile number. Generate your User ID and Password.
  3. SATS & RD Numbers: Karnataka students must enter their SATS ID. If you claim reservation, you must provide the RD Number for Caste/Income certificates.
  4. Upload Media: Upload scanned images (JPG format, Max 50KB) of your photo, signature, and thumb impression.
  5. Payment: Pay the fee via UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit card.
  6. Download Confirmation: Keep a copy of the final application for counseling.

Application Fee:

GM / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B Rs. 500
SC / ST / CAT-1 / Females (Karnataka) Rs. 250
Outside Karnataka Rs. 750
Outside India Rs. 5,000

KCET 2026 Preparation Tips

  • Follow the Rationalized Syllabus: Don’t waste time on deleted NCERT topics.
  • Mock Tests: Practice with previous year papers (2020-2025) to understand the time pressure.
  • Notes & Revision: Make short formulas for Physics and Mathematics.
  • Stay Healthy: A balanced routine is as important as your study schedule.

Top Engineering Colleges (NIRF 2025 Rankings)

Aim for these top-ranked institutions available through KCET counseling:

  • NIT Surathkal (Rank 17)
  • Manipal Institute of Technology (Rank 59)
  • IIIT Bangalore (Rank 69)
  • Ramaiah Institute of Technology (Rank 75)
  • RV College of Engineering (Rank 101-150 Band)

FAQs!

Is KCET only for Karnataka students?
Primarily yes, but students meeting specific “Clauses” (like children of Central Govt employees or those in disputed border areas) can also apply.

When should I apply for KCET 2026?
You should apply between 17th January and 17th February 2026 to avoid late fees.

What is the last date for the online application?
The deadline for submission is 17th February 2026.

What is the SATS number in the KCET form?
It is the Student Achievement Tracking System ID given to all students studying in Karnataka. It is mandatory for identity verification.

What is the process of KCET Counseling?
It involves document verification (using RD numbers), option entry (college choice), and seat allotment based on your rank.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you successfully fill out your KCET 2026 application. Don’t wait until the last day, as the KEA server often gets busy. If you have any questions about RD numbers or the SATS ID, share your queries in the comment box below!


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