KEA Karnataka Entrance Exam 2026
Complete guide to KCET, PGCET, and NEET Counselling by Karnataka Examinations Authority. Registration steps, official website links, eligibility, and key dates for 2026 admissions.
Important: Always verify exact dates and notifications on the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Dates change every year. Our counsellors can help you navigate the process — contact us for free guidance.
KCET 2026 Counselling Schedule
Last updated: 10 June 2026| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Document verification (special clauses A1–O) | 11 – 22 May 2026 | Completed |
| Counselling registration & document verification | Expected from 13 June 2026 | Postponed — awaiting KEA notice |
| Option entry (choice filling) | Expected 8 – 29 July 2026 | Upcoming |
| Mock allotment & option changes | Expected late July 2026 | Upcoming |
| Round 1 seat allotment | Expected August 2026 | Upcoming |
| Round 2 & extended rounds | September – October 2026 | Upcoming |
Dates beyond official announcements are expected timelines based on KEA's current notices and may change. Always confirm on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
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Talk to a counsellor →Official KEA Links — Quick Access
KEA Official Website
Notifications, results, rank cards
Online Application (CEToNline)
KCET / PGCET registration portal
KCET Hall Ticket Download
Download admit card
NEET Counselling Registration
Medical, dental, nursing seats
KEA Helpdesk / Contact
Official KEA contact page
Karnataka Govt Portal
State govt education updates
KCET 2026
Karnataka Common Entrance Test
Engineering, B.Pharm, B.Sc Nursing (Ag), Farm Science
Class 12 PCM/PCB, Karnataka domicile
Offline (OMR-based)
₹500 (GM), ₹250 (SC/ST/OBC)
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- 1Apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗
- 2Upload photo, signature, and documents
- 3Pay application fee online
- 4Download hall ticket from KEA portal
- 5Appear for exam at allotted centre
- 6Check results and rank card on KEA website
- 7Participate in KEA counselling for seat allotment
NEET Counselling (KEA)
NEET-Based Counselling for Medical/Nursing
MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, B.Pharm (NEET-based), AYUSH
Valid NEET-UG score, Karnataka domicile (for state quota)
No separate exam — based on NEET UG score
₹750 counselling registration fee
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- 1Clear NEET UG with required cutoff
- 2Register for KEA NEET Counselling at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗
- 3Upload 10th, 12th, NEET scorecard, domicile, Aadhaar
- 4Attend document verification at KEA office or online
- 5Fill college & course choices in order of preference
- 6Receive seat allotment — accept and pay seat confirmation fee
- 7Report to allotted college with original documents
PGCET 2026
Post Graduate Common Entrance Test
MBA, MCA, ME/MTech, MArch, MPharm
Relevant degree (BE/BTech/BSc/BCA/BBA etc.), Karnataka domicile
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
₹750 (GM), ₹500 (SC/ST/OBC)
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- 1Register online at KEA portal
- 2Select course category (MBA/MCA/ME etc.)
- 3Upload graduation documents and photo
- 4Pay fee and submit application
- 5Download hall ticket and appear for PGCET
- 6Check rank and participate in PGCET counselling
KCET 2026 — Important Dates (Tentative)
Dates are based on previous year patterns. Always verify at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
| Event | Tentative Date (2026) | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 2026 | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗ |
| Online Registration Opens | January–Feb 2026 | CEToNline Portal ↗ |
| Last Date to Apply | February 2026 | CEToNline Portal ↗ |
| Hall Ticket Download | March–April 2026 | KEA Portal ↗ |
| KCET Exam Day 1 (Biology, Maths) | April 2026 | Allotted Exam Centre |
| KCET Exam Day 2 (Physics, Chemistry) | April 2026 | Allotted Exam Centre |
| Kannada Language Test (CET) | April 2026 | Allotted Centre |
| Result / Rank Card | May–June 2026 | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗ |
| NEET Counselling Round 1 | July–August 2026 | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗ |
| NEET Counselling Round 2 | August–Sept 2026 | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗ |
Document Checklist for KEA Registration
For KCET Application
- ✓ Class 10 Marks Card & Certificate
- ✓ Class 12 Marks Card (or Appearing Proof)
- ✓ School Study / Transfer Certificate
- ✓ Aadhaar Card
- ✓ Caste / Category Certificate (if applicable)
- ✓ Karnataka Domicile Certificate
- ✓ Passport-size Photo (recent)
- ✓ Signature Scan
Additional for NEET Counselling
- ✓ NEET UG Scorecard 2026
- ✓ NEET UG Admit Card
- ✓ Class 12 PCB Marks (minimum 45%)
- ✓ Medical Fitness Certificate
- ✓ Income Certificate (for fee concession)
- ✓ OBC / EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- ✓ Migration Certificate (if from other state)
- ✓ Original Documents for Verification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KEA Karnataka?+
KEA stands for Karnataka Examinations Authority. It is the government body that conducts KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) for engineering, pharmacy, and other courses, and also conducts NEET-based counselling for medical and nursing admissions in Karnataka.
When does KCET 2026 counselling start?+
KCET 2026 counselling by KEA has been postponed due to a delay in the final approved seat matrix and fee structure. It is now expected to begin on or after 13 June 2026. Option entry is expected in July 2026 and Round 1 seat allotment in August 2026. Check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗ for the official notification. (Updated 10 June 2026.)
What is the KCET 2026 counselling schedule?+
Expected KCET 2026 counselling timeline: document verification for special eligibility clauses was held 11–22 May 2026; counselling registration is expected from mid-June 2026 (postponed from earlier dates); option entry is expected 8–29 July 2026; Round 1 seat allotment is expected in August 2026, with further rounds through September–October. Exact dates are announced on the official KEA website.
How do I register for KCET 2026?+
Registration is done online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ ↗. You need to fill the application form, upload documents, pay the fee (₹500 for GM, ₹250 for SC/ST/OBC), and submit. The hall ticket is downloaded from the same portal.
Is NEET required for nursing admission in Karnataka?+
NEET score is required for BSc Nursing admission in Karnataka. KEA conducts counselling for BSc Nursing seats in government and private colleges based on NEET rank. GNM admissions may have separate state-level processes.
What documents are needed for KEA Karnataka registration?+
Required documents include: 10th mark sheet, 12th mark sheet and TC, NEET scorecard (for medical/nursing), Aadhaar card, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile/residence certificate, passport photo, and signature scan.
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