KCET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Negative Marking, and OMR Sheet Instructions
EXAM
Nikki Kumari
2026-03-15T13:46:06.743+05:30
The KEA has begun KCET 2026 registration on their official website, https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/kahvs, on 16 January 2026. The last day to register for KCET 2026 is 27th February 2026 (final extension), and the last date to pay the KCET 2026 application fee has also extended to 03rd March 2026 till 5:30 pm. The KCET exam date 2026 is on 23 April and 24 April 2026. The exam is conducted for B.E./B.Tech, B.Pharma, D.Pharm, Agriculture & Allied Sciences, and other professional courses.
Talk to Career Guide
,
KCET Exam date 2026
,
KCET 2026 Kannada Laguage Test Date
Overview
The KCET exam 2026 will be conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode using the MCQ format on 23 April and 24 April, 2026. Students are required to attend at least three papers, including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/ Biology or can attempt all four. KEA is the conducting authority, where each exam is conducted separately. In this guide, you will understand clearly the KCET marking scheme, negative marking rules, and OMR sheet instructions, which are crucial for KCET aspirants.
,
KCET Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
Below is a quick snapshot of the KCET exam pattern for 2026:
Exam Events
Key Details
Exam Name KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) Conducted by KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) KCET Exam Mode Offline KCET Subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology Total Questions 60 per subject Duration per Paper 80 minutes Negative Marking 0 KCET Question Paper Medium English or Kannada
,
KCET Exam Pattern 2026: OMR Sheet Filling Instructions
,
KCET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Breakdown
The KCET exam is conducted separately for each subject, where candidates appear for relevant subjects according to their chosen course. Engineering aspirants are required to appear for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics papers, while Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Allied courses aspirants are required to appear for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers.
Here’s the KCET exam pattern for 2026 based on the subjects:
Subjects
Total No. of Questions
Duration
Physics 60 80 Chemistry 60 80 Mathematics/Biology 60 80
The KCET exam will include MCQ-based questions, each carrying 1 mark, with no negative marking.
,
KCET Exam Pattern 2026: OMR Sheet Filling Instructions
Candidates who are aspiring for the KCET 2026 entrance exam should know the OMR sheet filling instructions to avoid common errors on exam day. The following are the important instructions:
Use only a blue or black ballpoint pen to completely and neatly darken the bubble. Mark only one answer per question, ensuring the question number matches the answer row. Fill in all the candidates’ details as instructed. Fill in the subject code, question number code, and roll number carefully. Verify details before darkening the bubble. Have presence of mind and listen to the invigilator strictly. Do not make any corrections once details are filled to avoid invalidation; instead, inform your invigilator. Best Practices to Avoid Mistakes During KCET OMR Filling Sheet 2026
Practice with OMR-based filling sheets Fill the OMR sheet without rushing Before marking, double-check question numbers Don’t do any last-minute changes on the OMR sheet Save 5-10 minutes at the end of the exam for reviewing
,
Read More KCET 2026: Exam Date, Application Form, Syllabus, Pattern KCET Application Form 2026: Eligibility Criteria, Process, Documents Required KCET Syllabus 2026: Topic-wise Breakdown and Previous Years' Syllabus PDF KCET Admit Card 2026: Release Date, Direct Link, Steps to Download KCET Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Steps to Download, Direct Link KCET Result 2026: Direct Link, KEA CET Scorecard Download Process Your 30-Day Roadmap to KCET 2026 Preparation ,
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change an answer in the KCET OMR sheet?
No, once marked, the answer cannot be changed in the KCET OMR sheet, as no mark will be allotted to a question.
What is the KCET exam pattern 2026?
The KCET 2026 exam is conducted offline in MCQ format. Each paper has 60 questions, a duration of 80 minutes, and no negative marking.
What are the subjects included in the KCET exam 2026?
The KCET exam 2026 includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics, based on the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus.
Can I appear for KCET 2026 in Kannada?
Yes, you can appear for the KCET 2026 in either Kannada or English medium.