The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 counselling process is scheduled to commence in June 2026. Only candidates who have qualified the KCET exam are eligible to participate in the counselling.

KCET Counselling 2026 Dates and Schedule

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 schedule has been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The Kannada Language Test for candidates from Horanadu and Gadinadu is scheduled for April 18, 2026, while the exam has been scheduled for April 16 and 17, 2026. 

The following important dates for the KCET 2026 exam and its associated counseling process have been released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA):

The KCET counselling 2026 process will be conducted online and includes the following steps:

1. Registration and Document Verification: Candidates must register on the official website and verify their documents at the designated centres.
2. Option Entry: After verification, candidates can log in to their accounts to fill in their preferred colleges and courses.
3. Seat Allotment: Based on the options entered and merit, seat allotment results will be published.
4. Reporting to Allotted Colleges: Candidates must report to the allotted colleges with the necessary documents to confirm their admission.

List of Documents Required for KCET Counselling 2026

• KCET application form 2026
• KCET admit card 2026
• KCET application fee payment proof
• Class 10/SSLC mark sheet & certificate
• Class 12/2nd PUC mark sheet & certificate
• 7 years study certificate countersigned by the concerned BEO/DDPI
• Recent passport size photograph (two copies)
• Income certificate
• Rural study certificate
• Caste certificate

KCET Counselling Process 2026

STEP 1 - Document Verification and KCET Registration

All those who have qualified KCET 2026, need to report to the nearest KCET counselling centre with the necessary documents for verification. If your documents are found to be correct, you will be provided with a slip bearing a unique ID and password. You are advised to carefully review the slip before leaving the helpline centre as no changes will be made after.

STEP 2 - Choice Filling

Once your documents have been verified, you can log in to the candidate portal on KCET official website using the unique ID and password provided to select the course and college of your preference.

• Choice filling should be done in order of preference.
• Seat matrix of each participating college will be displayed.
• You can select as many colleges as you want.

STEP 3 - Mock Seat Allotment

Based on your preference and merit, a provisional seat will be allotted to you. During the mock seat allotment process in KCET, you can modify your options by adding/deleting new colleges, rearranging preferences, etc. The last saved option will be used for the final seat allotment.

STEP 4 - Final Seat Allotment Result

Once a seat has been allotted, you can opt for any of the following 4 options:

• Choice 1: Satisfied with the seat, pay fees and download allotment letter and report to the respective college.
• Choice 2: Satisfied with the seat but keeps it on hold to participate in the 2nd round of counselling.
• Choice 3: Not satisfied with the seat and wishes to participate in the 2nd round without withholding the seat.
• Choice 4: Not interested in the counselling process and wishes to exit.

Note: The same process from step 2 - 4 will be repeated in further rounds of counselling, i.e. Round 2 and Vacancy Round. However, post vacancy round seat allotment list, no modifications will be made. You will have to take admission in the allotted college and course.

STEP 5 - Reporting

You need to report to the allotted institute on the specified date for document verification and admission formalities.

What happens if a seat is not allotted in Round 1 of KCET Counselling 2026?

In such a case, if no seat has been allotted to you, you can wait for the second round of KCET counselling, fill your preference.

• If a seat is allotted, exercise any of the four options mentioned above.
• If a seat is not allotted, wait for the second extended round. The seat allotted in the last round is final. You will not be able to modify it.