.png)
Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2026
Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
Karnataka PGCET 2026 is a state-level entrance test for admission to MBA, MCA, and MTech/ME/MArch programmes in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the exam.
All three papers are held offline in OMR-based pen-and-paper mode. Each paper lasts 120 minutes and carries a maximum of 100 marks. The exam contains only multiple choice questions with no negative marking.
| Parameter | MBA | MCA | MTech / ME / MArch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR) | Offline (OMR) | Offline (OMR) |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 | 80 | 75 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Question Type | MCQ (4 options) | MCQ (4 options) | MCQ (4 options) |
| Negative Marking | No | No | No |
| Medium | English | English | English |
| Exam Date 2026 | June 14, 2026 | June 14, 2026 | May 23, 2026 |
Important Dates for Karnataka PGCET 2026
The MBA and MCA exams are scheduled on June 14, 2026. The MTech, ME, and MArch exam is scheduled on May 23, 2026.
- MBA exam: June 14, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- MCA exam: June 14, 2026 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- MTech / ME / MArch exam: May 23, 2026
Detailed Exam Pattern for Karnataka PGCET 2026
The question distribution differs for each programme. The MBA paper has 100 questions, the MCA paper has 80 questions, and the MTech paper has 75 questions.
- The MBA paper has 100 MCQs divided equally across five sections of 20 questions each. Each question is worth 1 mark.
- The MCA paper has 80 questions. Part A has 60 questions at 1 mark each, totalling 60 marks. Part B has 20 questions at 2 marks each, totalling 40 marks. The total is 100 marks.
- The MTech / ME paper has 75 questions. Part A has 50 questions at 1 mark each, totalling 50 marks. Part B has 25 questions at 2 marks each, totalling 50 marks. The total is 100 marks.
Marking Scheme for Karnataka PGCET 2026
There is no negative marking for any incorrect answer in any programme. A wrong answer carries no penalty.
Each question has four options. The medium of the exam is English only.
Changes in Karnataka PGCET 2026 vs Previous Year
The Karnataka PGCET 2026 pattern is unchanged from 2025. The only change is the MBA and MCA exam date, which was rescheduled from May 24 to June 14.
Official Website for Karnataka PGCET 2026
The direct link to the Karnataka PGCET official website is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Dates
KEA has announced the complete Karnataka PGCET 2026 schedule. The MBA and MCA exams are on June 14, 2026. The MTech/ME exam was held on May 23, 2026.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka PGCET MBA Exam | June 14, 2026 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) | Upcoming |
| Karnataka PGCET MCA Exam | June 14, 2026 (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) | Upcoming |
| Result Declaration (MBA / MCA) | July 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Counselling Begins | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Application Form Released | March 23, 2026 | Over |
| Application Last Date (with Fee Payment) | April 10, 2026 | Over |
| Admit Card Released | May 15, 2026 | Over |
| Karnataka PGCET MTech / ME / MArch Exam | May 23, 2026 | Over |
Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) — PGCET 2026 Official Portal.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET 2026 has three distinct paper structures depending on the programme. The MBA paper uses a uniform 1-mark-per-question format. The MCA and MTech papers are split into Part A (1 mark each) and Part B (2 marks each).
MBA Exam Pattern 2026
The MBA paper has 100 MCQs divided equally into five sections of 20 questions each. Every question carries 1 mark. There are no sectional time limits — you allocate the shared 120 minutes across all five sections at your discretion.
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Computer Awareness | 20 | 1 | 20 | 120 minutes (shared) |
| Section 2 | Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
| Section 3 | Quantitative Analysis | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
| Section 4 | English Language | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
| Section 5 | General Knowledge | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
| Total | — | 100 | — | 100 marks | 120 minutes |
MCA Exam Pattern 2026
The MCA paper is split into Part A and Part B. Part A has 60 questions worth 1 mark each. Part B has 20 questions worth 2 marks each. You answer 80 questions in total for 100 marks.
| Part | Subject Coverage | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Mathematics, Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, English | 60 | 1 | 60 | 120 minutes (shared) |
| Part B | Advanced Mathematics & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 2 | 40 | |
| Total | — | 80 | — | 100 marks | 120 minutes |
MTech / ME / MArch Exam Pattern 2026
The MTech/ME/MArch paper is also divided into Part A and Part B. Part A tests Engineering Mathematics and is common to all branches. Part B tests your core branch-specific subjects. You answer 75 questions for 100 marks.
| Part | Subject Coverage | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Engineering Mathematics (common to all branches) | 50 | 1 | 50 | 120 minutes (shared) |
| Part B | Core Branch Subject (specific to chosen discipline) | 25 | 2 | 50 | |
| Total | — | 75 | — | 100 marks | 120 minutes |
The core branch subject in Part B differs by discipline. CS/IT covers Data Structures, Algorithms, and Programming. Civil covers Structural Analysis. Mechanical covers Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. Download the KEA official syllabus for the complete branch-wise topic list.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Marking Scheme
Karnataka PGCET 2026 has no negative marking for any programme. Incorrect and unattempted answers both receive zero marks.
The MBA paper gives 1 mark per question. MCA and MTech papers give 1 mark for Part A questions and 2 marks for Part B questions.
| Programme | Part / Section | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | All Sections (1–5) | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| MCA | Part A | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| MCA | Part B | +2 | 0 | 0 |
| MTech / ME / MArch | Part A | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| MTech / ME / MArch | Part B | +2 | 0 | 0 |
Since a wrong answer costs zero marks, attempting every question is safe.
Karnataka PGCET Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
The subject composition of Karnataka PGCET 2026 varies by programme. The MBA paper covers five management subjects equally. MCA blends Mathematics, Computer Awareness, and Reasoning with a higher-weightage advanced section. MTech splits between Engineering Mathematics and the core branch discipline.
Karnataka PGCET MBA — Subject-Wise Breakdown
| Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Analysis | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Karnataka PGCET MCA — Subject-Wise Breakdown
| Subject | Part | No. of Questions (Approx.) | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Part A | 15–20 | 15–20 |
| Computer Awareness | Part A | 12–15 | 12–15 |
| Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning | Part A | 12–15 | 12–15 |
| General Awareness | Part A | 8–10 | 8–10 |
| English | Part A | 8–10 | 8–10 |
| Advanced Mathematics & Logical Reasoning | Part B | 20 | 40 |
| Total | — | 80 | 100 |
The exact distribution of Part A questions across subjects may vary slightly between question paper sets. The official KEA brochure does not specify fixed per-subject counts within Part A.
Karnataka PGCET MTech / ME / MArch — Subject-Wise Breakdown
| Subject | Part | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics | Part A | 50 | 50 |
| Core Branch Subject (branch-specific) | Part B | 25 | 50 |
| Total | — | 75 | 100 |
Part B of the MTech paper tests core subjects specific to the engineering discipline — Civil, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electronics, Chemical, or another branch as applicable. Refer to the KEA official syllabus for the complete branch-wise topic list.
Karnataka PGCET Question Types 2026
Karnataka PGCET 2026 uses only single-correct Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) across all three papers. Each question has four answer options; candidates mark the chosen option on the OMR sheet.
There are no integer-type, descriptive, multi-select, or assertion-reason questions in any programme.
- MCQ (Single Correct): Every question in MBA, MCA, and MTech has exactly four options with one correct answer. No partial credit or multi-answer selection exists in any programme.
- OMR Answer Sheet: Responses are marked on a physical OMR sheet using a blue or black ballpoint pen. Pencil marking is not accepted and the sheet is scanned automatically after the exam.
- Four Scrambled Versions: The question paper is issued in four different versions with questions in different sequences. All versions carry identical questions — version differences prevent copying and do not change difficulty.
- No Numerical / Integer Type: Unlike GATE, Karnataka PGCET does not include numerical answer-type (NAT) questions. All answers are selected from the four printed options on the paper.
- No Multi-Select Questions (MSQ): A single option is marked per question. No question requires selecting more than one correct answer from the options given.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Facts
All Karnataka PGCET 2026 questions are single-correct MCQs with four options. There are no numerical, multi-select, or descriptive question types in any programme.
Karnataka PGCET Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
Karnataka PGCET 2026 is structurally identical to 2025. No changes have been made to the number of questions, total marks, section distribution, marking scheme, or exam mode for MBA, MCA, or MTech programmes.
The only 2026 development is the rescheduling of the MBA/MCA exam date from May 24 to June 14 per an official KEA notification.
| Parameter | 2025 | 2026 | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA: Questions / Marks | 100 questions / 100 marks | 100 questions / 100 marks | No change |
| MBA: Sections | 5 sections × 20 questions | 5 sections × 20 questions | No change |
| MCA: Questions / Marks | 80 questions / 100 marks | 80 questions / 100 marks | No change |
| MCA: Part A / Part B split | 60 + 20 questions | 60 + 20 questions | No change |
| MTech: Questions / Marks | 75 questions / 100 marks | 75 questions / 100 marks | No change |
| MTech: Part A / Part B split | 50 + 25 questions | 50 + 25 questions | No change |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR) | Offline (OMR) | No change |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | No change |
| Negative Marking | None | None | No change |
| Medium | English | English | No change |
| MBA / MCA Exam Date | May 2025 | June 14, 2026 (rescheduled from May 24) | Date rescheduled |
The Karnataka PGCET exam pattern is fully stable in 2026. Your preparation strategy based on any recent year's pattern remains valid without adjustment.
How to Prepare Based on Karnataka PGCET Exam Pattern
The Karnataka PGCET 2026 pattern gives you specific structural advantages worth planning around. No negative marking means you should attempt every single question — skipping one is a guaranteed zero, while a guess gives you a real scoring chance.
Use the programme-specific pattern details below to shape your strategy:
- MBA students: Allocate approximately 24 minutes per section. Five equal sections of 20 questions in 120 minutes gives you about 72 seconds per question. Spend less time on sections you find easier — Computer Awareness and English are typically faster — and transfer that time to Quantitative Analysis or Reasoning.
- MCA students: Protect your Part B score. Part B has only 20 questions but contributes 40 marks — double the per-question value of Part A. Answering Part B questions correctly is mathematically more efficient than rushing through extra Part A questions for the same mark return.
- MTech students: Build a strong Engineering Mathematics base. Part A contributes exactly 50 marks and covers Engineering Mathematics common to all branches. Scoring 40+ in Part A directly cushions your rank regardless of how your branch-specific Part B goes.
- Attempt every question without exception. Since no marks are deducted for wrong answers, leaving any question blank wastes a scoring opportunity. Use the process of elimination on uncertain questions and mark your best option — blank is always worse than a reasoned guess.
- Practise OMR sheet filling under timed conditions. Karnataka PGCET uses a physical OMR answer sheet; incorrectly or faintly filled bubbles can be misread by the scanner. Practise filling OMR sheets neatly and quickly during mock tests — correcting a mismarked bubble wastes time and can cause errors.
- MBA students: Cover current affairs for the past 6 months. The General Knowledge section (20 marks) tests both static GK and recent national and international events. Reading a daily newspaper or following a current affairs digest for six weeks before the exam keeps this section predictable.
- Use previous year question papers as your primary benchmark. The Karnataka PGCET pattern has been stable for several years. Solving three to five past papers under timed conditions gives you reliable data on section-wise speed and accuracy before the actual exam.
Karnataka PGCET Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques. Is there negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026?
Ans. No, Karnataka PGCET 2026 has no negative marking for any programme — MBA, MCA, or MTech. You earn marks only for correct answers; incorrect and unattempted answers both receive zero marks. You should attempt every question in the paper.
Ques. How many questions are asked in Karnataka PGCET MBA 2026?
Ans. Karnataka PGCET MBA 2026 has 100 multiple choice questions divided into five sections of 20 questions each — Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Analysis, English Language, and General Knowledge. Each question carries 1 mark, making the total 100 marks.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET 2026 is an offline pen-and-paper exam. Candidates mark responses on an OMR sheet using a blue or black ballpoint pen. There is no computer-based test (CBT) option for any of the three programmes.
The exam is conducted only in English. There is no option to attempt the paper in Kannada or any other regional language. The question paper is issued in four scrambled versions, all in English, to prevent copying during the exam.
Exam Pattern for MBA 2026
The Karnataka PGCET MBA 2026 paper has 100 questions totalling 100 marks. The exam duration is 120 minutes with no sectional time limits.
- Computer Awareness: 20 questions, 1 mark each
- Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning: 20 questions, 1 mark each
- Quantitative Analysis: 20 questions, 1 mark each
- English Language: 20 questions, 1 mark each
- General Knowledge: 20 questions, 1 mark each
Exam Pattern for MCA 2026
The Karnataka PGCET MCA 2026 paper has 80 questions totalling 100 marks. The full paper runs for 120 minutes with no sectional time limits.
- Part A: 60 questions worth 1 mark each (60 marks total)
- Part B: 20 questions worth 2 marks each (40 marks total)
Part A covers Mathematics, Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and English. Part B focuses on Advanced Mathematics and Logical Reasoning with higher per-question value than Part A.
Exam Pattern for MTech/ME 2026
The Karnataka PGCET MTech/ME 2026 paper has 75 questions totalling 100 marks. The exam duration is 120 minutes with no sectional time limits.
- Part A: 50 questions on Engineering Mathematics worth 1 mark each (50 marks)
- Part B: 25 questions on the core branch subject worth 2 marks each (50 marks)
Both parts carry equal total weight despite the difference in question count.
Total Marks and Duration
The total marks for all Karnataka PGCET 2026 papers is 100 marks each. The MBA paper has 100 questions at 1 mark each; the MCA and MTech papers use a combination of 1-mark and 2-mark questions that sum to 100 marks regardless of programme.
| Programme | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
| MCA | 80 | 100 | 120 minutes |
| MTech/ME/MArch | 75 | 100 | 120 minutes |
Important Dates for 2026
Karnataka PGCET MBA 2026 is scheduled on June 14, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Karnataka PGCET MCA 2026 is on the same day — June 14, 2026 — from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
The MTech/ME/MArch exam was held earlier on May 23, 2026.
Changes from 2025 Pattern
No, the Karnataka PGCET exam pattern has not changed in 2026. The number of questions, total marks, sections, marking scheme, and exam mode are identical to 2025 for all three programmes.
The only change for 2026 is that the MBA/MCA exam date was rescheduled from May 24 to June 14, 2026.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET 2026 is an offline pen-and-paper test. Candidates mark their answers on an OMR sheet using a blue or black ballpoint pen.
The exam is conducted only in English. There is no computer-based test (CBT) option for any programme.
Exam Mode and Language
All three papers—MBA, MCA, and MTech/ME/MArch—are conducted in offline mode. The question paper is issued in four scrambled versions, all in English, to prevent copying.
There is no option to attempt the paper in Kannada or any other regional language.
Exam Duration
The duration for all Karnataka PGCET 2026 papers is 120 minutes (2 hours). No sectional time limits apply.
Candidates can distribute the full 120 minutes across sections or parts as they prefer during the exam.
Total Marks
The total marks for all Karnataka PGCET 2026 papers is 100 marks each. The MBA paper has 100 questions at 1 mark each.
The MCA and MTech papers use a combination of 1-mark and 2-mark questions that sum to 100 marks regardless of programme.
Negative Marking
There is no negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026 for any programme—MBA, MCA, or MTech. Incorrect and unattempted answers both receive zero marks.
Candidates should attempt every question in the paper.
MBA Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET MBA 2026 has 100 multiple choice questions divided into five sections of 20 questions each. Each question carries 1 mark, making the total 100 marks.
The five sections are:
- Computer Awareness
- Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Analysis
- English Language
- General Knowledge
MCA Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET MCA 2026 has 80 questions totalling 100 marks. The full paper runs for 120 minutes with no sectional time limits.
Part A has 60 questions worth 1 mark each (60 marks total). Part B has 20 questions worth 2 marks each (40 marks total).
Part A covers Mathematics, Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and English. Part B focuses on Advanced Mathematics and Logical Reasoning.
MTech Exam Pattern
Karnataka PGCET MTech/ME 2026 has 75 questions totalling 100 marks. Part A has 50 questions on Engineering Mathematics worth 1 mark each (50 marks).
Part B has 25 questions on the core branch subject worth 2 marks each (50 marks). Both parts carry equal total weight despite the difference in question count.
Important Dates
Karnataka PGCET MBA 2026 is scheduled on June 14, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Karnataka PGCET MCA 2026 is on the same day—June 14, 2026—from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
The MTech/ME/MArch exam was held earlier on May 23, 2026.
Comparison with 2025
The Karnataka PGCET exam pattern has not changed in 2026. The number of questions, total marks, sections, marking scheme, and exam mode are identical to 2025 for all three programmes.
The only change for 2026 is that the MBA/MCA exam date was rescheduled from May 24 to June 14, 2026.