KEA CET 2026 Official Notification: Complete Guide for Karnataka Professional Course Admissions

About Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is a statutory body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and centralized counselling for admission to professional courses in Karnataka. KEA ensures a transparent, merit‑based admission process for Government share of seats in Government, University, Private Aided and Private Unaided institutions.

KEA CET 2026: Courses Covered

Candidates must register for CET‑2026 to be eligible for admission to the following professional courses under Government quota:

Engineering & Technology

• B.E. / B.Tech (First Year / First Semester)

Farm Science Courses

• B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture

• B.Sc. (Hons) Sericulture

• B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture

• B.Sc. (Hons) Forestry

• B.Tech (Biotechnology)

• B.Sc. (Hons) Community Science

• B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering)

• B.Tech (Food Technology)

• B.Tech (Dairy Technology)

• B.F.Sc (Fisheries)

• B.Sc. (Hons) Agri‑Business Management

Medical & Allied Courses

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)

• Bachelor of Yoga & Naturopathy (BNYS)

• B.Sc. Nursing

Pharmacy Courses

• B.Pharm

• Pharma‑D

• 2nd Year B.Pharm (Lateral Entry)

Admissions are applicable to Government / University / Private Aided / Private Unaided institutions as per the seat matrix notified by the Government of Karnataka.

Mandatory Registration for Other Courses

Some courses do not require CET marks but KEA registration is compulsory:

• Medical, Dental & AYUSH: NEET‑UG qualification + KEA CET‑2026 registration mandatory

• Architecture: NATA qualification + KEA registration mandatory

• D.Pharm, BPT, B.Sc Allied Health Sciences, BPO courses: Selection based on PUC marks, but KEA CET‑2026 registration is compulsory for counselling

KEA CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

As per Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government Seats in Professional Educational Institutions Rules, 2006 (as amended):

• Candidate must be a Citizen of India

• Must satisfy any one of the eligibility clauses specified in the rules

• Candidates not fulfilling eligibility conditions are not eligible for Government quota seats through KEA

• Eligibility of OCI/PIO candidates shall be as per the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court (WP No. 891/2021)

Important Note for Non‑Karnataka Candidates

• Non‑Karnataka candidates are eligible only for B.Sc Nursing

• They are not eligible for Engineering courses through KEA

• No reservation benefits are applicable for non‑Karnataka candidates

Online Application & Verification Process

The CET‑2026 online application is an application‑cum‑verification module. Candidates must fill all details carefully.

Key Verification Rules

• Candidates with confirmed 7 years of study in Karnataka (including 10th / 2nd PUC) under Eligibility Clause‑A will be marked “Successfully Verified”

• Such candidates do not need physical document verification

• Verification slip can be downloaded after CET‑2026 results

Special Category Candidates

Candidates claiming:

• Kannada medium study (1st–10th)

• Rural study reservation

• Linguistic minority (Tulu, Tamil, Telugu, Kodava)

• Religious minority (Muslim / Christian)

must get documents verified at their present college or a Government college before printing the application form.

KEA CET 2026 Application Schedule

• Commencement of Registration: 17 January 2026 (11:00 AM)

• Last Date to Apply Online: 16 February 2026 (11:59 PM)

• Last Date for Fee Payment: 18 February 2026

• Admit Card Download: From 10 April 2026 (11:00 AM onwards)

KEA CET 2026 Exam Pattern & Subjects

Subjects to Appear

• Engineering / Technology: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM)

• Farm Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (PCMB)

• Veterinary / Nursing / BNYS: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB)

• Pharmacy: PCM or PCB

Marks Distribution

• Physics: 60 Marks

• Chemistry: 60 Marks

• Mathematics: 60 Marks

• Biology: 60 Marks

Kannada Language Test

• Applicable for Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates only

• Level: 4th Standard

• Marks: 50

KEA CET 2026 Exam Dates & Timings

• 22 April 2026 (Wednesday): Kannada Language Test

• 23 April 2026 (Thursday): Physics & Chemistry

• 24 April 2026 (Friday): Mathematics & Biology

The question papers will be based on 1st and 2nd PUC Karnataka syllabus prescribed by the Department of Pre‑University Education.

Official Resources & Helpline

• Official Website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/

• KEA Helpline: 080‑23460460 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, except General Holidays)

• Official Social Media: X (Twitter) & YouTube – KEA Vikasana

Final Advice to Candidates

KEA CET 2026 is not just an entrance exam—it is the gateway to professional education in Karnataka. Candidates are strongly advised to:

• Read the UGCET‑2026 Information Bulletin carefully

• Avoid last‑minute registration

• Ensure correct eligibility claims

• Keep copies of application, claim certificates, and admit cards

A single mistake in registration or eligibility claim can lead to rejection during counselling. Apply early, verify details carefully, and prepare strategically. Early consult to https://piersedu.com/ 

Stay updated with official KEA announcements and secure your future through CET‑2026.