KCET 2026: Strategic Preparation Emphasized Over Last-Minute Cramming
With the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 just days away, experts have strongly advised students to prioritize strategic preparation, thorough revision, and effective time management instead of resorting to last-minute cramming. This guidance was highlighted during the KCET Prep Master 2026 webinar, held on Saturday to assist candidates for the state-level entrance examination scheduled for April 23 and 24.
Key Insights from KEA Official and Academic Experts
The webinar, organized by Presidency University in collaboration with The Times of India and Vijay Karnataka, featured officials from the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) and academic specialists. Islauddin Gadyal, administrative officer at KEA, addressed students, emphasizing that KCET is not merely a test of knowledge but also a measure of discipline, perseverance, and clarity of purpose.
"KCET opens doors to some of the finest institutions in Karnataka. Success is not defined solely by rank, but by your ability to think critically and stay consistent," he stated. Gadyal urged students to rely primarily on NCERT and PU textbooks, recommending complete syllabus coverage over selective study. He advised focusing on definitions, formulae, diagrams, and standard problems.
He also recommended solving at least 10 years of previous question papers, noting that 20%-40% of questions often follow repetition trends. With limited time remaining, he stressed that mock tests and revision should be prioritized.
Effective Exam Strategy and Time Management Tips
On exam strategy, Gadyal underscored the need for effective time management. "With 80 minutes per paper and 60 questions, students should aim to spend about a minute per question after accounting for time spent filling OMR details. Accuracy plus speed equals rank," he explained, advising a "skip and run" approach—attempting easier questions first and returning to tougher ones later.
The panellists echoed similar advice, cautioning students against starting new topics in the final days. Milind S Chippalkatti, National Head of Academics at Deeksha Learning, Bengaluru, said, "At this juncture, I would like to advise students not to enter a new mode of study. If certain topics haven't been covered so far, then don't attempt them now. This is the time to strengthen what they already know."
He outlined a four-day plan: Day 1 for formulae and reactions, Day 2 for mock test analysis, Day 3 for speed and accuracy, and Day 4 for a full-length mock simulation in non-ideal conditions.
Optimizing Revision and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Robin Rohit Vincent, professor and head at Nvidia Centre of Excellence, Presidency School of Computer Science and Engineering, Bengaluru, offered a unique analogy: "Think of your brain as a smartphone—if you try to download a massive data set into a low-battery phone, it will crash. So, focus strictly on revision and optimise what you already know."
He also advised students to use chemistry as a scoring subject, allocate more time to physics and mathematics, and avoid common mistakes such as misreading questions.
Importance of Simulated Mock Tests in Realistic Conditions
Panellists urged students to move beyond ideal study environments and train under less-than-perfect conditions. Instead of always taking mock tests in quiet settings, they recommended practising in spaces with minor distractions to better simulate real exam scenarios.
The CET Prepmaster Mock Test is scheduled for April 20 from 11 am to 4 pm. Registrations are open until midnight on April 19 at the official website.
