KEA to begin Karnataka PGCET 2026 registration from March 23; exam on May 23, 24

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will start accepting online applications for the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (Karnataka PGCET 2026) from March 23. Eligible candidates can apply for Karnataka PGCET 2026 on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

As per the schedule, the last date to fill out the Karnataka PGCET 2026 application form is April 8, up to 11:59 pm. The fee payment window will be closed on April 10.

To complete the Karnataka PGCET registration 2026, general and OBC category candidates will have to pay an application fee of Rs 700, while SC, ST, and PwD category candidates will be required to pay Rs 500.

The Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam for ME and MTech programmes will be held on May 23 in a single shift, while the MBA and MCA exams are scheduled for May 24 in two shifts. The offline OMR-based test will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

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Candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for Karnataka SC, ST) are eligible to apply for the Karnataka PGCET exam 2026.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam pattern

According to the exam pattern, the question paper will have 100 questions for a total of 100 marks. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

The Karnataka PGCET for ME and MTech courses will be conducted only for civil engineering, computer science engineering (CSE), mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

“Candidates with a valid GATE score in Engineering and Technology can apply online for admission to ME, MTech, and MArch courses under VTU, Belgaum, and they do not need to appear for PGCET 2026,” the KEA said.