Karnataka Opens CET-2026 Registration for Professional Course Admissions
The Government of Karnataka, through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), has officially released the notification for Admission to Professional Courses in Karnataka for the Academic Year 2026–27. Eligible Karnataka candidates are invited to apply for the Common Entrance Test (CET-2026), which determines eligibility and merit for admission to government quota seats across a wide range of professional programs.
The notification is issued under Rule 3, Rule 6(3), and Rule 7 of the Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government Seats in Professional Educational Institutions Rules, 2006 (as amended), and in accordance with directions of the State Government.
Admissions through CET-2026 cover first-year or first-semester full-time programs in Engineering, Medical-related allied streams, Farm Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, Veterinary Sciences, Yoga & Naturopathy, and several other professional disciplines offered by Government, University, Private Aided, and Private Unaided institutions in Karnataka.
Candidates seeking admission must complete online registration, pay the prescribed application fee, download the admission ticket, and appear for the CET-2026 conducted by KEA, Bengaluru. The application system is an integrated application-cum-verification module, meaning all academic and eligibility details must be entered carefully.
Key Highlights of CET-2026 Notification
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Academic Year | 2026–27 |
| Entrance Exam | Common Entrance Test (CET-2026) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Eligible Candidates | Karnataka candidates (as per eligibility clauses) |
| Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Courses Covered Under CET-2026
| Stream | Courses Included |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | BE/B.Tech Programs |
| Farm Sciences | B.Sc.(Hons) Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Forestry, Community Science, Agri. Business Management |
| Biotechnology & Food Tech | B.Tech Biotechnology, Food Technology, D. Tech |
| Fisheries | B.F.Sc |
| Health Sciences | B.Sc. Nursing, BNYS |
| Veterinary | B.V.Sc & A.H. |
| Pharmacy | B.Pharm, Pharm-D, 2nd Year B.Pharm (Lateral Entry) |
Subject Combination Required
| Course Group | Subjects to Appear |
|---|---|
| Engineering/Technology | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) |
| Farm Science & Allied | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (PCMB) |
| Veterinary, Nursing, BNYS | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) |
| Pharmacy Courses | PCM or PCB |
Other Entrance Requirements
| Course | Required Exam |
|---|---|
| Medical, Dental, AYUSH | UGNEET |
| Architecture | NATA |
| D.Pharma, BPT, Allied Health Sciences | No Entrance (Based on PU Marks) |
Eligibility & Verification
| Category | Verification Method |
|---|---|
| Candidates under Eligibility Clause-A | Online verification only |
| Kannada Medium / Rural / Linguistic / Religious Minority Claims | Document verification at college |
| Non-Karnataka Candidates | Eligible only for B.Sc Nursing (No Engineering, No Reservation) |
| Citizenship | Must be an Indian Citizen |
Candidates whose claims are verified online will receive a “Successfully Verified” status and can print their application form directly. Others must visit designated colleges for document verification.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Registration | 17-01-2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16-02-2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Download Admission Tickets | From 10-04-2026 |
| CET-2026 Exam Dates | 22-04-2026 to 24-04-2026 |
CET-2026 Time Table
| Date | Day | Time | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-04-2026 | Wednesday | 10:30–11:30 AM | Kannada Language Test | 50 |
| 23-04-2026 | Thursday | 10:30–11:50 AM | Physics | 60 |
| 23-04-2026 | Thursday | 2:30–3:50 PM | Chemistry | 60 |
| 24-04-2026 | Friday | 10:30–11:50 AM | Mathematics | 60 |
| 24-04-2026 | Friday | 2:30–3:50 PM | Biology | 60 |
Support & Contact
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Helpline | 080-23460460 |
| keauthority-ka@nic.in | |
| Working Hours | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Except Holidays) |
Karnataka Launches CET-2026 Gateway for Professional Education Aspirants
Karnataka has officially opened the doors for aspiring students seeking entry into professional education through the launch of CET-2026 applications. The Karnataka Examinations Authority has initiated the online registration process, marking a crucial phase for thousands of candidates aiming to secure government quota seats in professional colleges.
The Common Entrance Test continues to serve as the central mechanism for determining merit and eligibility for admission into engineering, health sciences, veterinary studies, pharmacy, farm sciences, and allied disciplines. With the academic year 2026–27 approaching, KEA has streamlined the application and verification process through a single online platform.
Candidates must complete registration, submit academic and eligibility details, pay the application fee, and download the admit card to appear for the examination. The authority has emphasised that accuracy in data entry is essential, as the system automatically generates claim certificates based on the information provided.
The CET-2026 schedule has been designed to accommodate multiple subject combinations, depending on the course chosen. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology remain the core subjects forming the backbone of most entrance streams. For students targeting pharmacy programs, either PCM or PCB combinations are accepted.
Special provisions exist for Kannada medium students, rural candidates, linguistic minorities, and religious minorities. These candidates must undergo document verification at their respective institutions or designated government colleges before being allowed to print the final application form.
KEA has also clarified that while non-Karnataka candidates may appear for CET-2026 for B.Sc. Nursing admissions, they are not eligible for engineering seats or any reservation benefits.
The authority has reiterated that candidates aspiring for Medical, Dental, and AYUSH courses must qualify through UGNEET, while architecture aspirants must appear for NATA. Despite this, CET-2026 registration remains mandatory for participation in counselling.
The question papers will be framed based on the First and Second PUC syllabus prescribed by the Karnataka Department of Pre-University Education. KEA plans to publish detailed syllabus guidelines on its official website to help students prepare effectively.
With clearly defined timelines, transparent verification procedures, and digital access to information, CET-2026 is positioned as a student-friendly admission framework. Education experts believe that early application and thorough understanding of eligibility norms will be key to avoiding last-minute complications.
As Karnataka continues to strengthen its professional education ecosystem, CET-2026 stands as the primary gateway for ambitious students seeking quality education and career-building opportunities within the state.
| Date | Day | Time | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-04-2026 | Wednesday | 10:30–11:30 AM | Kannada Language Test | 50 |
| 23-04-2026 | Thursday | 10:30–11:50 AM | Physics | 60 |
| 23-04-2026 | Thursday | 2:30–3:50 PM | Chemistry | 60 |
| 24-04-2026 | Friday | 10:30–11:50 AM | Mathematics | 60 |
| 24-04-2026 | Friday | 2:30–3:50 PM | Biology | 60 |
