Karnataka PGCET Exam 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Result, Counselling

The Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (Karnataka PGCET) is a state-level common entrance test for admission into MBA/MCA/M.Tech/M.E./M. Arch courses in Karnataka are conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The PGCET 2025 result is expected by July or August 2025. The official notification for PGCET 2026 is expected to be released in April 2026, with the application window likely from late April to mid-May 2026.

The Karnataka PGCET is the offline mode of examination with 100 questions, all multiple-choice, with no negative markings. The number of students appearing for the PGCET 2026 exam for MBA and other PG courses is over 40,000. The MBA papers consist of Quant, Reasoning, English, GK, and Computer Awareness, while the M.Tech/M.E. tests consist of technical subjects. 

Answer key is issued in about one week from the exam day and the results are expected in July-August. Many colleges in Karnataka accept PGCET scores. The basis of admissions is rank, course preference and rules of reservation. The anticipated cutoffs will be achieved through knowledge of the trends so as to plan on counselling.

Karnataka PGCET: Quick Highlights

The table below highlights some of the key points of Karnataka PGCET:

Karnataka PGCET Application/Registration Process 2026

To apply to Karnataka PGCET 2026, the applicant has to submit registration through the official portal. Enter your own and academic particulars, attach needed documents, pay the payment, and send the form. The following is a list of steps that would guide you to ensure that you fill in the application on time.

Step 1 is to go to the Official Website- Visit: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/

Step 2: Registering - To register for PGCET 2026, click the Link.

Fill in some fundamental information:

• Name, Gender, Date of birth
• Mobile number, Email ID
• Academic Qualification
• Field of study (Exam Centre Preference)
• Fill out to create your User ID and Password.

Step 3: Generation of the numbers of the application

• On submitting your registration details, you ought to get:
• Enquiry by application number (SMS/email)
• Then you will have to use User ID & Password to log in & Continue.

Step 4: Application Form - Enter and log in:

• Educational qualifications
• Details of category (where appropriate)
• Preference of courses (MBA/MCA/M.Tech/ etc.)

Step 5: Post Documents - Upload the scanned copies by requirement:

• Passport-size Photograph
• Signature

Step 6: Make Application Fee - Pay online through the online payment gateway or pay through the E-challan. 

Step 7 - Submit Printout - Send the duly filled form. Download the filled application form, print it out, and submit a copy. Pin down a recent passport-size photo (if needed) and retain it when you attend to counselling/admit card verification.

Karnataka PGCET: Application  Fees 2026

A non-refundable fee is charged against candidates who want to appear at Karnataka PGCET 2026, depending on the category. One may settle the fee online or use an e-challan at the time of registration. As far as the application fee is concerned, the following are the details.

Karnataka PGCET Admit Card 2026

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 admission card is a crucial document that must be made available to enable a candidate to sit the exam. It includes the details like exam time, date, center, and candidate details. When KEA releases their admit card, candidates can get or download their admit card through their official website by following the steps as indicated below.

• Visit the site of the KEA: kea.kar.nic.in 
• Click on the link for the Hall Ticket.
• Fill in your Application Number and Date of birth (DOB).
• Press the button in the form of a green arrow and click on the “Submit” option.
• Your Karnataka PGCET Admit Card will appear on the screen.
• Examine everything in the admit card carefully and cross-check it.
• Print and store your paper copy of the exam admit card on the day of the exam.

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 syllabus varies from course to course, that is, MBA, MCA, or M.Arch. Different courses have varied subject areas that would ascertain the knowledge and skills that the candidate possesses in an area. The following is a general outline of the crucial syllabus areas that the candidates should prepare.

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 eligibility criteria vary depending on the courses, like MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech, or M.Arch. In order to enable the candidates to have a clear idea regarding the particular requirements, such as the academic qualifications, minimum marks, and relaxations depending on the category, an elaborate eligibility table course-wise, is given below.

Karnataka PGCET  Exam Pattern 2026

The 2026 Karnataka PGCET examination pattern is set differently for the various courses in order to assess the candidates in their specialized area of knowledge. It is in offline mode at all times and multiple-choice questions are provided. The examination normally lasts approximately 120-150 minutes, depending on the program. Exam patterns course-wise have been provided in the table given below. 

Karnataka PGCET Preparation Tips 2026

Participating in the Karnataka PGCET 2026 requires a structured approach, time discipline, and the right resources. By thoroughly understanding the syllabus and practising on a regular basis, there is a possibility of the candidates scoring more. Below are some key preparation tips to help you score well in Karnatak PGCET 2026 exam:

• Know the syllabus and exam pattern most of the question that you need to practice are seen in section such as Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and English.
• Ensure you have a study plan - You should have a daily schedule, have some time to revise and have some buffer days where you can take full-length practice tests.
• Solve old year papers and practice mock tests These would help in getting understanding of the trend of the questions and one will manage their time.
• Improve weak areas- Find the areas that you are weak at and focus more time on them to improve.
• Time management skills- Solve full papers within the time you will be allowed in the examination to develop stamina in exams.
• Learn from credible sources -Use one or two quality sources of study and one good internet resource; do not use what you do not have to.
• Take care of yourself health wise- Be well rested, eat right, and do not overwork yourself elsewhere prior to the exam.
• Eat merit-based and PF allotment.
• Make an admission fee payment once the seats have been assigned.
• The portal will provide the admission letter to be downloaded.
• Reports of the assigned college in the stipulated time frame.

Exam Day Guidelines And Dress Code

Below are a few guidelines that are provided for candidates appearing in the Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam. It is also essential to observe the time of start, the documents one will need, the attire, and other items that are not permitted inside. 

• Get to the centre 1 hour in advance so as not to be stressed out just before the end.
• Bring your admit card and a valid photo identity card (Aadhar card, PAN, DL etc.).
• Do not wear caps, hoodies, shades or heavy accessories.
• Dress Code:
• Wear simple, light coloured clothes.
• Avoid things which cover large buttons and metallic prints, and scarves.
• Wear open or slippers shoes (when stern frisking is exercised).
• No personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, calculators, smart watches and Bluetooth are permitted.
• OMR sheets can only be filled using black or blue fills using ballpoint pens.

Things to Avoid During the Exam

To maintain fairness and discipline during Karnataka PGCET 2026, candidates must avoid certain conduct that could lead to disqualification or interfere with their performance. There are several points that are worth mentioning to make sure that you have a pleasant time passing the exam without any hitches.

• Banned items should not be brought in, such as electronic gadgets, chits, books or calculators.
• Do not wear items or accessories that are not allowed and would be a nuisance to go through a security check.
• Do not be anxious and guess the questions; have a judicial time management.
• Never cram only at the last minute as it may only confuse you rather than help you.
• Do not argue with the supervisors or breach the examination regulations-they may result in disqualification.

Karnataka PGCET  Previous Years' Question Papers

Practicing Karnataka PGCET previous years' question papers helps candidates understand the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level while improving time management and accuracy. It is an effective instrument of personal evaluation and targeted study. The papers can be cross-checked as below.

Karnataka PGCET  Result 2026

The Karnataka Examination Authority will announce the Karnataka PGCET 2026 result online. Candidates can check the scores on the Karnataka PGCET official website by entering their credentials. The outcome comes in the form of a scorecard that is required later during counselling and admission. Detailed procedure to check MBA/MCA/M.Tech entrance results at kea.kar.nic.in are as follows.

Karnataka PGCET  Answer Key 2026

After the Karnataka PGCET exam is held for MBA, MCA, M.Tech and other courses, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) releases the provisional answer key on its official website. Without logging in you can download it in PDF format. Incorrect decisions may be objected to using the online procedure. Then after discussing all the objections, the final answer key is also issued together with the results.

Karnataka PGCET Counselling 2026

After the Karnataka PGCET 2026 results are announced, all qualified candidates must attend the KEA counselling to get admission into MBA, MCA, M.Tech, or M.Arch programs. Some of the steps involved in the counselling process are the registration and verification of documents, seat allotment, and reporting to the college. The following are a sneak peek into the counselling phases and the important documents that are to be checked.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling follows:

• Fully register on KEA portal online.
• Go through verification of documents at the designated centre.
• Enter college and course preferences by using options.
• Take part in merit seat allocation governed by choices.
• After seat allotment, pay the fees necessary to gain admission.
• Get the letter of admission through the portal.
• Report the college allotted to the stipulated timeline.

Documents Required for Counselling:

• Pass certificates and marks sheets in 10th and 12th standards.
• Karnataka PGCET 2026 admit card.
• All the semester marksheets on graduation.
• Affirmed category certificate (where relevant).
• Aadhar, PAN, Passport etc. Government-issued ID proof.
• New passport-size photos.
• Domicile or study certificate (at time of need).

Candidates should keep an eye on the important dates related to the application, exam, result, and counselling to ensure that the process of admission into the various courses of MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch is smooth. Below is the tentative schedule for Karnataka PGCET 2026.  

The Karnataka PGCET cutoff indicates the lowest rank for securing entrance to the top colleges in MBA, MCA, and M.Tech (CSE) programs. These ranks change year by year due to the difficulty of the examination, the number of applicants or even the available seats. Below is a complete list of 2024 cutoff ranks for top colleges in Karnataka, which will be of great help to candidates estimating their chances of admission and setting expectations for the PGCET 2025. 

Karnataka PGCET Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Ques 1. Who conducts the Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 1. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is responsible for conducting the Karnataka PGCET.

Ques 2. Which courses are covered under the Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 2. The exam is held for admission into MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech, and M.Arch programs.

Ques 3. Is there negative marking in the Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 3. No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the Karnataka PGCET.

Ques 4. Can candidates from other states apply for the Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 4. Yes, other states can apply but seats under government quota can be grabbed by only candidates, domiciled in the Karnataka. It can also be applied by other people to be admitted under a management quota seat where this is provided.

Ques 5. What is the mode of the Karnataka PGCET exam?

Ans 5. The test takes the format of offline (pen-and-paper).

Ques 6. What is the duration and total marks of the Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 6. Exam time is 2 hrs 30 min paper is 100 mark all together.

Ques 7. What is the eligibility criteria for MBA through Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 7. One or more than 50 per cent marks (45 per cent marks in the case of candidates of reserved category) in a recognised university is a must requirement.

Ques 8. When is the Karnataka PGCET exam usually conducted?

Ans 8. In majority of occasions, the exam is taken either in July or August each year.

Ques 9. How can I apply for Karnataka PGCET?

Ans 9. It can be done through the internet through the official KEA site where you fill the application form, attach documents and pay the application fee before the set deadline elapses.