KCET 2026 Counselling — Overview
KCET 2026 counselling is the seat allotment process conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for engineering, medical (NEET-based), agriculture, and other professional courses in Karnataka government and private aided colleges. The process spans multiple rounds and involves several sequential steps — missing any step can cost you a seat even with a good rank.
This guide covers everything from eligibility to final reporting — in the correct sequence.
Who is Eligible for KCET 2026 Counselling?
| Stream | Eligibility | Qualifying Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (E&T) | 2nd PUC with Physics, Maths, and one of Chemistry/Biology/CS/Electronics | KCET |
| Architecture | 2nd PUC with Maths, 50% marks; NATA score required | KCET + NATA |
| Medical (MBBS/BDS) | 2nd PUC PCB with 50% (GM), NEET qualified | NEET + KCET |
| Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 2nd PUC PCM or PCB | KCET |
| BSc Agriculture | 2nd PUC PCM or PCB | KCET |
| BSc Nursing | 2nd PUC PCB with 45% (GM) | KCET |
Karnataka domicile is required for Karnataka quota seats. Students who've studied in Karnataka from 1st to 10th standard (or both parents are Karnataka government employees) qualify for the Karnataka General Merit (GM-K) quota.
KCET 2026 Counselling — All Rounds Explained
Round 1 (Main Allotment)
The largest and most important round. The majority of seats are filled in Round 1. Students who registered and completed document verification participate in choice filling. KEA's algorithm allots seats based on rank and choices. After allotment, students can accept the seat and report to college, or retain the allotment and wait for Round 2 hoping for an upgrade.
Round 2 (Upgrade Round)
Seats that were rejected, vacated, or newly available after Round 1 come into Round 2. Students who accepted Round 1 seats can still participate for an upgrade. Students who were unallotted in Round 1 also participate. Round 2 typically has fewer seats than Round 1 but can still yield good allotments if students were strategic in Round 1.
Stray Vacancy Round
A final round for any remaining unfilled seats after Rounds 1 and 2. Seat availability is limited and unpredictable. Students who haven't secured a seat in previous rounds should participate.
Special Rounds (if applicable)
KEA sometimes conducts special rounds for specific categories (SC/ST, EWS) or for seats in particular streams if those go unfilled in main rounds.
KCET 2026 Counselling Fee Structure
| Fee Type | GM / OBC | SC/ST |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Registration Fee | ~₹650 | ~₹500 |
| Seat Acceptance Fee (after allotment) | ~₹3,000–5,000 | ~₹1,500–2,500 |
| Tution Fee (paid at college) | As per college fee structure | Fee concession/waiver for SC/ST |
After Seat Allotment — What To Do
Once you receive a seat allotment in KCET 2026 counselling:
- Log in to KEA portal and view your allotment letter
- Within the deadline, pay the seat acceptance fee online
- Download your allotment order
- Report to the allotted college within the reporting window with original documents
- Pay the first-year tuition fee at the college
- Complete admission formalities at the college
Missing the reporting deadline results in automatic cancellation of your allotted seat — even if you paid the seat acceptance fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in KCET 2026 counselling without attending document verification?
No. Document verification is mandatory. Students who don't attend their DV slot cannot proceed to choice filling.
What if I miss the Round 1 seat acceptance deadline?
If you miss the seat acceptance deadline, your allotment is cancelled. You may still participate in Round 2, but you lose the Round 1 seat.
Can I apply for KCET counselling if I'm from another state?
Students from other states can apply for seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) which applies primarily to government medical and dental colleges. For engineering, Karnataka domicile is required for Karnataka General Merit seats. Horanadu Kannadigas and Gadinadu Kannadigas have special provisions.
Is KCET counselling online or offline?
Choice filling and registration are entirely online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Document verification requires physical attendance at an assigned DV centre. Reporting to college is offline.
How many rounds does KCET counselling have?
Typically 2 main rounds plus a stray vacancy round. The exact number of rounds varies by year based on seat availability.