KCET 2026 Registration and Fee Payment Deadlines Extended by Karnataka Authority
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced a significant extension for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2026 (KCET 2026) registration process. According to a notice released yesterday, eligible candidates now have until February 22, 2026 to submit their applications through the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
Extended Deadlines for Student Convenience
In a move designed to accommodate student needs, KEA has also pushed back the application fee payment deadline. Candidates can now complete their fee payments until February 24, 2026. This dual extension provides additional time for students to navigate the registration process smoothly and ensure all requirements are met without last-minute pressure.
Reasons Behind the Deadline Extension
The authority cited substantial student demand as the primary reason for extending both deadlines. KEA officials revealed that numerous candidates had requested more time to finalize their registrations. Current statistics show impressive registration numbers, with approximately 2.9 lakh candidates having already registered using their Aadhaar numbers. Of these registrations, about 2.5 lakh students have successfully paid their application fees.
Document verification progress has also been substantial. College-level verification has been completed for around 35,000 candidates, while online verification through the SATS system has been finalized for nearly 1.8 lakh applicants. Considering these factors and student requests, KEA determined that extending the deadlines would benefit the examination process overall.
KCET 2026 Application Correction Window
Students who have already submitted their KCET 2026 application forms have been granted an opportunity to make necessary corrections. By logging into the application portal with their credentials, candidates can edit any mistakes or incorrect details within the specified timeframe. KEA has emphasized that applicants should thoroughly review their forms and ensure all information is accurate before final submission.
Examination Schedule and Important Dates
The KCET 2026 examination will be conducted according to the previously announced schedule on April 23 and April 24, 2026. This annual entrance test serves as the gateway for admission to various professional programs across Karnataka, including:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Medical courses
- Pharmacy programs
Key dates for KCET 2026:
- Registration deadline: February 22, 2026
- Application fee payment deadline: February 24, 2026
- Examination dates: April 23-24, 2026
Prospective candidates are strongly advised to complete their registration well before the extended deadlines and regularly monitor the official KEA website for any further updates or announcements regarding KCET 2026 procedures and requirements.
