TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- Exam Schedule: KCET 2026 set for April 23-24; Kannada Test on April 22.
- Application Window: Online registration opens on January 17, 2026.
- Subject Breakdown: Physics & Chemistry (Apr 23), Math & Biology (Apr 24).
- Format: 60 marks per paper, 70-minute duration.
- Action Plan: Prepare documents for registration and align board prep with CET syllabus.
KCET 2026 Exam Dates Announced: Mark Your Calendars!
Great news for engineering aspirants in Karnataka! The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the schedule for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026.
If you’re planning to pursue professional courses like Engineering, Agriculture, or Pharmacy in Karnataka, it’s time to get your study schedule in gear.
Key Dates for KCET 2026
According to the latest notification, here are the important dates you need to remember:
- Online Application Starts: January 17, 2026
- Kannada Language Test (for Horanadu/Gadinadu Kannadigas): April 22, 2026
- KCET 2026 Exam Dates: April 23 and 24, 2026
The Karnataka Higher Education Minister, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, confirmed this schedule, ensuring that students have ample time to prepare for this crucial examination.
2026ನೇ ಸಾಲಿನ ಸಿಇಟಿ ಪರೀಕ್ಷಾ ದಿನಾಂಕಗಳನ್ನು ಘೋಷಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.
— Karnataka Examinations Authority (@KEA_karnataka) January 4, 2026
ಪರೀಕ್ಷಾ ದಿನಾಂಕಗಳು: ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 23 ಮತ್ತು 24, 2026
ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷಾ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ: ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 22, 2026
ಆನ್ಲೈನ್ ನೋಂದಣಿ ಆರಂಭ: ಜನವರಿ 17, 2026
ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಾಗಿ: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in #KCET2026 #KEA
Exam Pattern Breakdown
The examination will follow the traditional pattern held over two days:
- April 23, 2026:
- Morning Session: Physics
- Afternoon Session: Chemistry
- April 24, 2026:
- Morning Session: Mathematics
- Afternoon Session: Biology
Each paper will be conducted for a duration of 70 minutes and will carry 60 marks.
What Should You Do Now?
- Get Your Documents Ready: The application process begins on January 17, 2026. Ensure you have your SSLC marks card, study certificates, caste/income certificates (if applicable), and a recent photograph ready for upload.
- Focus on 2nd PUC Syllabus: Since KCET is based on the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus, ensure your board exam preparation is aligned with your CET study plan.
- Practice Mock Tests: With dates confirmed, start solving previous years’ question papers and taking full-length mock tests to manage time effectively.
Stay tuned to StepVista for more updates on eligibility criteria, syllabus changes, and counseling procedures.
Official Website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in