

The candidates must be Indian citizens residing in Karnataka (or fall under special categories such as Horanadu/Gadinadu Kannadiga), must have passed 10+2/PUC II with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates), and must have studied Kannada as a language in the 10th standard or qualify the Kannada Language Test.
Top private colleges accepting KCET in Bangalore include RV College of Engineering (RVCE), Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), PES University, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE), Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (MVIT), CMR Institute of Technology (CMRIT), and Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT).
The counselling process for KCET 2026 will begin in the first or second week of June 2026, as soon as the results are announced in late May 2026. Online registration, document verification, and option entry will start immediately on the KEA website. The dates will be announced after the results are declared, with Round 1 seat allotment in late July or early August.
Non-Karnataka students can apply for KCET under specific eligibility clauses (b through y) if they meet criteria like having parents who studied/worked in Karnataka, belonging to Kannada/Tulu/Kodava linguistic minorities, studied 10 years in Kannada medium outside the state, or qualify as defence/ex-Karnataka government employee children.
The necessary documents for KCET are SSLC/10th marks card (for registration purpose), 2nd PUC/12th marks card, Aadhaar card, Passport size photograph, Signature, Left thumb impression (scanned JPG <50KB), Study certificates (7 years in Karnataka), Domicile certificate, Caste/income certificate (with RD number if applicable), Rural study certificate, Kannada medium certificate, Transfer certificate, Special category certificates (NCC/Sports/Defense).