The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the crucial dates for one of the state's most significant entrance tests. In a major announcement for students, the authority confirmed that the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 will be conducted on April 23 and 24, 2026.
Complete Exam Calendar Released in One Go
In a move aimed at providing clarity and helping students plan their academic year well in advance, the KEA took a consolidated approach. Unlike previous years, the authority released the examination schedule for all its major tests simultaneously. This means that along with the KCET 2026 dates, aspirants can now also access the timelines for the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET), the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET), and the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET).
The official announcement was made by the KEA on Friday, the 2nd of January, 2026. This early notification, almost 16 months before the KCET exams, is expected to give students ample time for focused preparation and strategic planning.
What This Means for Karnataka's Students
The release of the full schedule eliminates uncertainty and allows candidates to create a structured study plan. Knowing the exact dates for multiple entrance exams helps in avoiding clashes and managing preparation stress effectively. Students aiming for undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses in Karnataka will now mark their calendars for the two-day KCET 2026 event in late April.
This proactive step by the KEA is seen as a student-friendly initiative, promoting better organization and reducing last-minute anxiety. With all key dates on the table, coaching institutes and students alike can now synchronize their academic calendars for the 2025-2026 session.
Looking Ahead: The Road to KCET 2026
While the date sheet is the first major formal step, students should now anticipate the release of the detailed information brochure, application form dates, and syllabus notifications in the coming months. The announcement sets the stage for the entire admission process for the 2026-27 academic year in Karnataka's professional colleges.
Authorities have emphasized that the simultaneous release of dates for PGCET, DCET, and KSET alongside KCET ensures a streamlined and transparent examination process for all levels of higher education in the state.
