KCET 2026 counselling starts with document verification, followed by choice filling (option entry opens June 22, 2026), seat allotment, and reporting to your allotted college. Missing any step disqualifies you from that round — even with a good rank.
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KCET 2026 Counselling Schedule — Key Dates
| Activity | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Result Declared | June 6, 2026 |
| Document Verification (DV) | June 2026 (slot-wise) |
| Option Entry (Choice Filling) Opens | June 22, 2026 |
| Choice Filling Closes / Locking | To be announced by KEA |
| Round 1 Mock Allotment | After choice filling closes |
| Round 1 Final Seat Allotment | July 2026 |
| Round 1 Reporting to College | July 2026 |
| Round 2 Choice Filling | July–August 2026 |
| Round 2 Allotment | August 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | August–September 2026 |
Always verify on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in — KEA updates dates without notice.
Step 1 — KCET 2026 Document Verification
Document verification (DV) is mandatory before choice filling. You attend in person at your assigned DV centre. KEA assigns DV centres based on your home district. Carry originals of every document — missing even one means rejection at the DV counter.
Complete Document Checklist for KCET 2026 DV
| Document | Purpose | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Admit Card | Identity proof for KCET | Yes |
| KCET 2026 Rank Card | Confirms your rank | Yes |
| SSLC / 10th Marks Card | Date of birth proof | Yes |
| 2nd PUC / 12th Marks Card | Subject eligibility | Yes |
| Study Certificate (1st–10th Karnataka) | Karnataka domicile — GM-K quota | If claiming Karnataka quota |
| Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Reservation category | If applicable |
| Income Certificate | EWS quota | If applicable |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification | Yes |
| Passport photos (6–10 copies) | Various forms | Yes |
| Application form printout | DV reference | Yes |
Step 2 — KCET 2026 Option Entry (Choice Filling)
Option entry — KEA's term for choice filling — opens June 22, 2026. This is where your rank matters most. You rank college-branch combinations in order of preference. KEA's algorithm gives you the highest-ranked option for which your rank qualifies.
How Many Choices to Fill
Fill the maximum (up to 100 choices). Students who fill only 10–15 choices and go unallotted because all choices closed above their rank is the most common counselling mistake. More choices = better protection.
Choice Filling Strategy by Rank
| Rank Range | Top Choices to Target | Safety Choices |
|---|---|---|
| 1–1,000 | RVCE CSE, BMSCE CSE, MSRIT CSE | UVCE ECE, PES CSE |
| 1,001–5,000 | BMSCE CSE, MSRIT CSE, UVCE CSE | BIT CSE, DSCE CSE |
| 5,001–10,000 | BIT CSE, SIT CSE, NMIT CSE, NIE CSE | SJCE Mysuru, BIET Davangere |
| 10,001–20,000 | NHCE CSE, RNSIT CSE, CMRIT CSE | Colleges outside Bangalore |
| 20,001–50,000 | Mid-tier private colleges | District colleges, government aided |
Step 3 — Mock Allotment
Before the final allotment, KEA releases a mock allotment showing where you'd be placed based on current choices. Use this to check if your choices are realistic — if the mock shows a college you don't want, reorder before the final lock deadline.
Step 4 — Final Seat Allotment
After choices are locked, KEA releases the final Round 1 allotment. You have three options:
- Accept and report: Pay seat acceptance fee (₹3,000–5,000 GM / ₹1,500–2,500 SC/ST) and report to college by the deadline. You can still participate in Round 2 for upgrade.
- Not accept, participate in Round 2: Risky — if Round 2 gives nothing better, you lose Round 1 seat.
- Withdraw: Exit counselling. Partial fee refund applies.
KCET 2026 Counselling Fees
| Fee Component | GM / OBC | SC / ST |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Registration Fee | ~₹650 | ~₹500 |
| Seat Acceptance Fee (Round 1) | ~₹3,000–5,000 | ~₹1,500–2,500 |
Round 2 and Stray Vacancy Round
Round 2 opens after Round 1 reporting. Seats rejected, vacated, or newly available come back into the pool. Students with Round 1 allotments can participate for upgrades. Unallotted students must participate to secure a seat. The stray vacancy round handles any remaining unfilled seats — availability is unpredictable but worth participating in.
After Reporting to College — What To Do
- Submit original documents at the college admissions office
- Pay first-year tuition fee as per college fee structure
- Complete admission formalities (photo, ID, medical certificate if required)
- Collect provisional admission letter
- Attend orientation and class commencement as notified
Frequently Asked Questions
When does KCET 2026 option entry (choice filling) open?
KCET 2026 option entry opens June 22, 2026 on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Log in with your KCET application number and the password set during DV registration.
Is document verification mandatory for KCET 2026?
Yes — mandatory. Students who don't complete DV cannot access the option entry portal. Attend your assigned DV slot with all original documents.
Can I change choices after locking in KCET counselling?
No. Once you click "Lock Choices", they are final for that round. Review your complete ordered list carefully before locking.
What happens if I miss the Round 1 reporting deadline?
Your allotted seat is automatically cancelled — even if you paid the seat acceptance fee. Contact KEA immediately if you face an emergency preventing reporting.
How many rounds does KCET 2026 counselling have?
Typically 2 main rounds (Round 1 and Round 2) plus a stray vacancy round. KEA may add special rounds for specific categories if seats remain unfilled.
What is the KCET 2026 counselling registration fee?
Approximately ₹650 for General Merit candidates and ₹500 for SC/ST candidates. Pay online during counselling registration on the KEA portal.
