Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test Application Process 2026

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Registration Started

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the Karnataka PGCET 2026 registration and online application link on 24 March 2026. New candidates can register on the official website, and existing candidates can sign in using their registration number and password.

The registration process is completely online. Candidates must provide details such as name, gender, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number for fresh registration.

Direct Link to Register

The direct link to register for Karnataka PGCET 2026 is available on the official website. The source is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/PGCET_2026.

Documents Required for Karnataka PGCET Registration 2026

Before filling the application, candidates should keep the following certificates ready:

• SSLC / 10th marks card to enter register number and date of birth.
• 12th / 2nd PUC marks card (in case of previous year students).
• All reservation certificates to enter RD number / caste (Category, Income, Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) certificates) if claiming reservation.
• Details of studying in Karnataka.
• Degree marks card.
• Degree completion certificate.
• Candidate latest passport size photograph in .jpg format (max 50 KB size).
• Candidate signature in .jpg format (max 50 KB size).
• Candidate left hand thumb in .jpg format (max 50 KB size).

Application Fee

Candidates need to pay the registration fee and submit the application. The application fee for General/OBC is INR 650 and INR 500 for SC/ST/Category I.

After submission, candidates will receive an email confirming successful registration to Karnataka PGCET.

How to Register for Karnataka PGCET 2026

The online application form for Karnataka PGCET started on 24 March 2026. Candidates can fill the form at kea.kar.nic.in. The entire procedure has two phases.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Dates

Candidates can check the important Karnataka PGCET dates in the table below.

The date and mode of conducting the PGCET for M.Tech. Computer Science subject will be notified later on the KEA website. For other subjects, PGCET-2026 will be OMR-based.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility

The Karnataka PGCET exam is the entrance test for admission to MBA, MCA, ME, M.Tech, and M.Arch courses (full-time and part-time) in institutes across Karnataka. Eligibility rules vary for each program.

For MBA Full-time & Part-time

• Full-time: A Bachelor's Degree of minimum 3 years with 50% marks. SC/ST/Category-I candidates of Karnataka need 45% marks.
• Part-time: A Bachelor's Degree of minimum 3 years with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category-I of Karnataka). Candidates must also have worked for not less than 3 years as on July 31, 2026.
• Reservation is applicable only for Karnataka candidates.
• Rounding off aggregate percent is not permitted.

For MCA Full-time & Lateral Entry to 2nd Year MCA

• Full-time: A Bachelor's Degree with Math, Stats, Comp. Sci., Comp. App., Comp. Prog., Business Math, or Business Stats (any one subject) with 50% marks. SC/ST/Category-I candidates of Karnataka need 45% marks.
• Lateral Entry: A Bachelor's Degree in BCA or B.Sc (I.T./Comp. Sci) with Math in 10+2 or at the Graduate level with 50% marks. SC/ST/Category-I candidates of Karnataka need 45% marks.

For ME/ M.Tech./ M.Arch. Full-time & Part-time

• Full-time: A valid GATE Score, OR a Bachelor's Degree of minimum 3 years with 50% marks. SC/ST/Category-I candidates of Karnataka need 45% marks.
• Part-time: A Bachelor's Degree of minimum 3 years with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category-I of Karnataka). Candidates must also have worked for not less than 3 years as on July 31, 2026.
• Reservation is applicable only for Karnataka candidates.

Note: GATE qualifiers are exempted from the exam. They must still fill the counselling or seat allotment form to participate in admission. GATE qualifiers get first preference during seat allocation if they meet the eligibility guidelines.

FAQs on Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility

What is the minimum qualification and percentage required?

The minimum qualification for Karnataka PGCET 2026 is a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as B.E., B.Tech, or equivalent.

• General category candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate marks.
• SC, ST, and Category-I candidates of Karnataka must secure at least 45% aggregate marks.
• For MBA and MCA courses, candidates must hold a recognized bachelor's degree with the required subject combinations as specified in the official notification.

Can diploma holders apply and what are the age or attempt limits?

Diploma holders can apply for Karnataka PGCET 2026 only if they have completed a recognized bachelor's degree through lateral entry, such as B.E. or B.Tech.

• A standalone diploma is not sufficient for M.Tech eligibility.
• There is no upper age limit for Karnataka PGCET.
• There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
• Candidates must meet the academic and domicile criteria prescribed by KEA.

What domicile or residency requirements must a student meet?

To claim Karnataka reservation benefits in Karnataka PGCET 2026, the candidate must be a Karnataka domiciled student as per KEA rules.

• Candidates must have studied for a minimum number of years in Karnataka (usually 7 years) or have parents domiciled in Karnataka.
• Relevant study certificates or domicile certificates must be submitted during document verification.
• Non-Karnataka candidates may apply, but reservation benefits are generally available only to Karnataka candidates.

Documents Required for KPGCET Registration 2026

Candidates must keep the following documents and credentials ready before they register for the exam:

• Bachelor's Degree certificate and mark sheets
• GATE score card (for ME/M.Tech/M.Arch applicants)
• 10+2 or equivalent mark sheet
• Study certificates or domicile certificate for Karnataka reservation
• Category certificate (SC/ST/Category-I) if applicable
• Work experience certificate (for part-time courses)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Valid email ID and mobile number

Documents Required for Karnataka PGCET Application

Candidates need to keep several documents ready before starting the Karnataka PGCET 2026 application process. The list of required documents is given below.

• 10th class marksheet
• 12th class marksheet
• Scanned copy of candidate’s passport sized photograph
• Scanned copy of candidate’s signature
• Scanned copy of candidate’s parent signature
• Scanned copy of the candidate’s left thumb impression
• Valid ID proof
• Active Email ID
• Active Mobile No.

Note: All the documents must be in JPG or JPEG format only. All applicants are advised to check the guidelines related to photo and signature size prior to applying for the exam.

Uploading Scanned Documents

Candidates must keep scanned copies of their latest colored photograph, signature, parent signature and their left thumb impression. They must upload the documents mentioned in JPG/JPEG format.

Document Size and Specifications

KEA has defined specific size, format and dimensions for each of the documents. Failing to follow the same will result in cancellation of the application.

Candidate’s Photograph

• The photo should be in passport size.
• It should be a recent one, preferably in color.
• File Size: 5kb – 40 kb
• File Dimension: 3.5 cm X 4.5 cm
• Format: JPG/ JPEG only

Candidate’s Signature

• The signature should be done on a white paper.
• It should be done in blue or black ink.
• Signatures in capital letters will not be accepted.
• File Size: 5kb – 40 kb
• File Dimension: 3.5 cm X 1.5 cm
• Format: JPG/ JPEG only

Left Thumb Impressions

• Thumbprint should not be blurred.
• It should be in blue or black ink.
• File Size: 5kb – 40 kb
• File Dimension: 3.5 cm X 1.5 cm
• Format: JPG/ JPEG only

Application Fee Payment

To complete the payment, candidates must select the bank challan and take a print out of the same. General category candidates must pay INR 650 while reserved category candidates shall pay INR 500 as application fee.

The payment can be made through any branch of the specified bank. Candidates will be given two copies of the challan after the payment is completed, and the bank itself will retain one copy.

• Retain proof of the payment for any future references.
• After filling Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Form, take a print out for future references.

Karnataka PGCET Registration 2026 FAQs

Ques. Is Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Form available in offline mode?

Ans. No. Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Form is available in online mode only. Any offline application will not be accepted.

Ques. Can Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Fee payment be made online?

Ans. No, Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Fee can be made only through the bank challan provided. Any request for online payment of Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Fee will not be entertained.

Ques. What is the Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Fee?

Ans. Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Fee is as given below:

Ques. Is the exam available only for the residents of Karnataka?

Ans. No. Karnataka PGCET 2026 is open for all Indian candidates.

Ques. What is the Karnataka PGCET 2026 eligibility?

Ans. Candidates applying for any course in Karnataka PGCET 2026 should have completed 3 years Bachelor’s degree in any course from a college affiliated with a recognized university.

Ques. Is it necessary to fill all the columns in the given Karnataka PGCET form?

Ans. Yes, it is necessary to fill all the columns in your Karnataka PGCET form asking for the required details. If any column is left blank, the application will not be accepted.

Ques. What happens if the information filled in my Karnataka PGCET form is incorrect?

Ans. Candidates can edit the information in their KPGCET forms until the declaration is submitted. After the declaration, any offer to edit the information will not be considered.

Ques. Do students who have a valid GATE score need to fill the Karnataka PGCET 2026 Application Form?

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The minimum qualification for Karnataka PGCET 2026 is a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as B.E., B.Tech, or equivalent. Candidates must secure the required aggregate marks in their qualifying degree.

• General category: 50% aggregate marks.
• SC, ST, and Category-I candidates of Karnataka: 45% aggregate marks.
• For MBA and MCA courses, a recognized bachelor's degree with the subject combinations specified in the official notification is required.

Candidates applying for any course must have completed a 3-year Bachelor's degree from a college affiliated with a recognized university. A valid GATE score does not require a candidate to appear for the exam, but an online application is still mandatory for admission.

Diploma Holders, Age Limit, and Attempts

Diploma holders can apply only if they have completed a recognized bachelor's degree through lateral entry, such as B.E. or B.Tech. A standalone diploma is not sufficient for M.Tech eligibility.

There is no upper age limit for Karnataka PGCET. There is also no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates must meet the academic and domicile criteria prescribed by KEA.

Domicile and Residency Requirements

To claim Karnataka reservation benefits, the candidate must be a Karnataka domiciled student as per KEA rules. The candidate must have studied in Karnataka for a minimum number of years, usually 7 years, or have parents domiciled in Karnataka.

Relevant study or domicile certificates must be submitted during document verification. Non-Karnataka candidates may apply, but reservation benefits are generally available only to Karnataka candidates.

Application Form Mode

No, the Karnataka PGCET 2026 application form is available in online mode only. Any offline application will not be accepted.

Application Fee

No, the Karnataka PGCET 2026 application fee can be made only through the bank challan provided. Online payment requests for the application fee will not be entertained.

Who Can Apply

No, Karnataka PGCET 2026 is open for all Indian candidates. The exam is not restricted only to residents of Karnataka.

Filling the Application Form

Yes, it is necessary to fill all the columns in the Karnataka PGCET form that ask for required details. If any column is left blank, the application will not be accepted.