KCET 2026 Counselling — When Does It Start?
Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 counselling is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). After KCET results are declared, KEA announces the counselling schedule — which covers document verification, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to the allotted college. Students who've cleared KCET 2026 need to register separately for counselling on the KEA website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) to participate.
Counselling typically runs across multiple rounds: Round 1 (main allotment), Round 2 (for unfilled seats), and sometimes a special stray vacancy round. Each round has its own dates for choice filling, locking, and allotment. Missing a round's deadline means losing your priority for that round.
KCET 2026 Counselling Schedule (Tentative)
KEA releases the official counselling schedule after results are declared. Based on previous years' patterns, the tentative KCET 2026 counselling schedule is as follows:
| Activity | Tentative Date (2026) | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Result Declaration | Late May / Early June 2026 | Check rank on KEA website |
| Counselling Registration Opens | 1–2 weeks after result | Register on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Document Verification | June 2026 | Attend assigned DV centre with originals |
| Choice Filling — Round 1 | June–July 2026 | Fill and lock college-branch choices online |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | July 2026 | Check allotment, pay seat acceptance fee |
| Round 1 Reporting to College | July 2026 | Report with original documents |
| Round 2 Choice Filling | July–August 2026 | Participate if upgrading or unallotted |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | August 2026 | Check allotment, report if allotted |
| Stray Vacancy Round | August–September 2026 | Only for remaining unfilled seats |
Important: Always verify dates on the official KEA website — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Dates shift year to year based on KCET exam and result timelines.
Documents Required for KCET 2026 Document Verification
Document verification (DV) is mandatory before you can participate in choice filling. You must carry originals of all documents to your assigned DV centre. Missing even one document can delay or disqualify your participation.
| Document | Why Required |
|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Admit Card | Identity proof for KCET |
| KCET 2026 Rank Card / Score Card | Confirms your rank |
| SSLC / 10th Marks Card | Date of birth verification |
| 2nd PUC / 12th Marks Card | Subject eligibility and marks |
| Study Certificate (1st to 10th in Karnataka) | Karnataka domicile proof for GM-K quota |
| Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Reservation category proof |
| Income Certificate (if applicable) | For EWS and certain quota seats |
| Karnataka Resident Certificate | For Karnataka quota seats |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Passport-size photographs (6–10) | For various forms |
KCET 2026 Counselling Registration — Step by Step
After KCET results are declared, here's what you need to do to register for counselling:
- Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and click on KCET 2026 Counselling Registration
- Enter your KCET Application Number and date of birth
- Pay the counselling registration fee (approximately ₹650 for GM, ₹500 for SC/ST)
- Download and print your registration confirmation and DV slot
- Attend document verification at your assigned centre on the allotted date
KCET 2026 Round 1 — How Choice Filling Works
Choice filling is the most important step in KCET counselling. You rank the college-branch combinations you want, from most preferred to least preferred. The KEA algorithm allots seats based on your rank and your choices — you get the highest-ranked choice for which your rank qualifies.
Key rules for choice filling:
- You can fill up to 100 college-branch choices
- Fill as many choices as possible — more choices reduce the risk of going unallotted
- Once you lock choices, you cannot change them for that round
- Order matters — put your absolute first preference at the top
- Include both government and private colleges across multiple cities for flexibility
What Happens After Round 1 Allotment?
After Round 1 seat allotment, you have three options:
- Accept and report: Pay the seat acceptance fee and report to the allotted college. You're secured a seat but can still participate in Round 2 for an upgrade.
- Not accept and wait for Round 2: Risky — if you don't get a better seat in Round 2, you lose your Round 1 seat.
- Withdraw: Exit counselling entirely. Refund of seat fee minus processing charges applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will KCET 2026 counselling start?
KCET 2026 counselling is expected to start in June 2026, approximately 2–3 weeks after results are declared. Monitor cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for official dates.
Is document verification mandatory for KCET 2026 counselling?
Yes — document verification is mandatory. Students who haven't completed DV cannot participate in choice filling. You must attend in person at your assigned DV centre.
Can I participate in Round 2 if I accepted a Round 1 seat?
Yes. Accepting a Round 1 seat and reporting to the college doesn't prevent you from participating in Round 2 for an upgrade. If you get a better allotment in Round 2, you can accept that and your Round 1 seat is cancelled.
What is the KCET 2026 counselling registration fee?
Approximately ₹650 for General Merit (GM) candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST candidates. Confirm exact fees on the KEA website when registration opens.
How many college-branch choices can I fill in KCET counselling?
You can fill up to 100 choices. Always fill the maximum — more choices improve your chances of getting an allotment that meets your preferences.