Karnataka DCET 2026 Exam Date, Notification, Syllabus, Eligibility
Last Updated on Jun 30, 2025
Download complete information as PDFThe application process for Karnataka DCET 2026 is expected to start on April 24, 2026, and candidates will be able to apply their forms until May 10, 2026, with the fee payment deadline upto May 15, 2026. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will conduct the Karnataka DCET 2026 exam on June 22, 2026. This entrance is for diploma holders who wish to get lateral entry admission to the 2nd year/3rd semester of B.E./B.Tech programs in various engineering colleges across Karnataka. Check important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, and other details of Karnataka DCET 2026 in this article.
Karnataka DCET (Diploma Common Entrance Test) is a state level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for lateral entry into the second year of B.Tech and first year of B.Arch courses across various colleges in the state. Candidates who have completed a diploma or are in the final year of their diploma studies can apply.
In this article, you’ll get all the important details and updates related to Karnataka DCET 2026.
DCET Exam 2026 Overview
Candidates who are interested in getting lateral entry into B.Tech or admission to B.Arch courses should check all important details related to the DCET 2026 exam given below before filling out the application form.
Particulars | Details |
Name of Organization/Exam Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Exam Name | Karnataka Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) |
Application Start Date | April 24, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | May 10, 2026 |
Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen-Paper Based) |
Language of Exam | English |
Marking Scheme | Total 180 marks (B.E. paper) 1 mark for each correct answer |
Help Desk | Phone: 080-23460460 / 23462599 Email: keauthority-ka@nic.in |
Karnataka DCET 2026
The Karnataka Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted for diploma holders who wish to gain lateral entry into the second year of B.Tech and first year of B.Arch courses across various engineering and architecture colleges in Karnataka. It is organized by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can appear for the exam to secure admission into their desired programs. Interested candidates can check all the important details about the Karnataka DCET 2026 exam from the table below.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Notification
Karnataka DCET Notification 2026 will be released on April 24, 2026. The KEA has uploaded a detailed notification containing all the necessary details such as exam date, registration dates, exam centres, exam mode and more. Scroll down the article to get all the DECT 2026 updates by KEA.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Exam Date
The Karnataka DCET exam dates 2026 will be shared along with the official notification. Check the important dates below.
Event | Date (Tentative) |
DCET Admit Card 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
Karnataka DCET Exam 2026 | May 31, 2026 (2 PM to 5 PM) |
DCET Karnataka Registration 2026
The Karnataka DCET 2026 registration is a simple three step online process managed by KEA. Candidates first register on the official portal and create a profile. Next, they fill in their personal, educational, and diploma related details, upload required documents, and choose their preferred courses. Finally, they pay the application fee before submitting the form. The registration window usually opens in late April or early May, but candidates are advised to check the KEA website for exact dates.
Last updated on Jun 30, 2025
-> The KEA will release the Karnataka DCET 2026 admit card on June 13, 2025.
-> Karnataka DCET exam will be conducted on June 22, 2026.
-> Karnataka DCET 2026 application process will start from April 23, 2026.
-> Karnataka DCET application corrcetion window will open from May 25, 2026 to May 27, 2026.
->Karnataka DCET test is for diploma holders who wish to get lateral entry admission to the 2nd year/3rd semester of B.E./B.Tech programs in various engineering colleges across Karnataka.
Steps to fill for DCET 2026 Karnataka Application Form
The application process for the Karnataka DCET 2026 exam started on April 25, 2026 and the last date to submit the application form is May 10, 2026. Candidates who are interested can submit the form online. Here is the step-wise guide on how to submit an online application.
Step 1: Open the DCET official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Step 2: Register for the DCET exam
Step 3: Fill all your information asked in the application form
Step 4: Upload Photo and Signature
Step 5: Pay the application fee using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card
Step 6: Press the Submit button to confirm the application form
Documents Required for DCET Karnataka 2026 Exam
There is a list of documents required to apply for the DCET 2026. Check the following required document list mentioned here.
- Passport Size Photo
- Left and Right Hand Fingers
- Thumb Impressions
- Scanned Signature
- Category Certificate
- PwBD Certificate
- Citizenship Certificate
Karnataka DCET Registration Fee
The application fee for Karnataka DCET 2026 varies based on the candidate’s category. Payments must be made during the form submission via e-challan. Below is the detailed fee structure.
Particulars | Details |
General / OBC (Karnataka origin) | ₹650 |
SC / ST (Karnataka origin) | ₹500 |
Fee Status | Non‑refundable |
Payment Mode | Online via e‑challan or bank payment |
Additional Charges | Applicable bank or transaction charges, if any |
Karnataka DCET Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who are willing to take the Karnataka DCET exam should know the Karnataka DCET Eligibility Criteria for applying for this exam. Knowing eligibility criteria helps candidates in selecting the course for which they can apply. The courses that the different universities and institutions provide through the Karnataka DCET exam are-
Criteria | Details |
Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
Domicile | Karnataka domicile preferred (not mandatory for all categories) |
Karnataka DCET Educational Qualification
Course | Eligibility Criteria |
B.Tech (Lateral Entry) | 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology with at least 45% marks in 5th & 6th semesters (40% for SC/ST) |
B.Arch (First Year) | 10+3 Diploma with 50% aggregate in final year + Valid NATA score (minimum 40%) |
Karnataka DCET Age Limit
Category | Age Limit |
All Categories | No age limit specified by KEA |
Karnataka DCET Syllabus 2026
Candidates preparing for the Karnataka DCET 2026 exam should get familiar with the syllabus. It includes important topics from Mathematics, Science, and diploma-specific subjects depending on the candidate’s engineering branch. Knowing what to study helps candidates focus better, use their time wisely and prepare more effectively. Candidates can check the table below for the complete syllabus.
Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification – B.Tech | Must have a Diploma or equivalent in engineering/technology (3 years) with minimum 45% aggregate in 5th & 6th semesters (40% for SC/ST) |
Educational Qualification – B.Arch | • Completed Diploma (10+3) with 50% aggregate in final year • Must have qualified NATA with at least 40% marks |
Age Limit | No age limit specified by KEA |
Number of Attempts | No attempt limit—unlimited tries allowed |
Nationality & Domicile | Must be an Indian citizen; Karnataka residents preferred |
Work Experience (Evening B.Tech) | Required 2 years full-time work in relevant field for those applying to evening engineering courses |
Karnataka DCET Hall Ticket 2026
KEA will release the Karnataka DCET 2026 admit card on May 26, 2026 at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Registered candidates can download their hall tickets by entering their application number and date of birth. The admit card includes important details such as the candidate’s name, exam date and time, test center, and exam day instructions. Before downloading, candidates must verify all the information for accuracy.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Answer Key
The Karnataka DCET answer key will be released online by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). It includes the preliminary answer key, question paper, and individual response sheets. Candidates can go through the answers, compare them with their response, and estimate their scores. If they find any incorrect answers, they can raise objections by submitting proof and paying a small fee through the official website.
Karnataka DCET Cut Off
Event | Date |
Provisional Answer key release date | June 4, 2026 |
Karnataka DCET Result Date | June 24, 2026 |
Karnataka DCET 2026 Result
The Karnataka DCET 2026 result is released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates who secure the qualifying marks will be eligible to participate in the counselling process for admission into their chosen engineering or architecture colleges through lateral entry. Here we assist you with the detailed steps to check your results on the official website of KEA:
Step 1: Visit the official website of KEA, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the home page and you will find Karnataka DCET Result.
Step 3: Click on the Karnataka DCET Result link.
Step 4: Enter all the required credentials.
Step 5: Your result will be displayed on the screen.
Step 6: If the page takes longer to load there might be some server error. In such a case wait for some time or try reloading the page again later.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Rank List
Karnataka DCET 2026 rank list is prepared and released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) after the result is declared. It shows the ranks of candidates based on their performance in the entrance exam. This rank is important because it decides the order in which candidates will be called for counselling and seat allotment. Candidates can check their rank by logging into the official KEA website using their application number and date of birth.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Counselling
After the DCET rank list is released, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the KEA counselling process. During counselling, candidates must:
- Register online, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea using login credentials
- Choose preferred colleges and courses based on availability
- Upload required documents like diploma certificate, mark sheets, and ID proof
- Lock choices before the deadline to confirm seat allocation
- Report to the allotted college by the deadline, complete admission formalities, and pay fees.
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Karnataka DCET 2026
When to apply for DCET 2026?
Candidates should apply between April 24 and May 13, 2026, on the official KEA website.
How to check DCET results?
Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, enter your application number and date of birth to check your result.
Which colleges accept DCET?
DCET scores are accepted by government, aided, and private engineering and architecture colleges in Karnataka.
When should I apply for DCET 2026?
The application window was open from April 24 to May 13, 2026.
Can I join engineering without DCET ?
Yes, you can join first- year B.Tech through exams like KCET or COMEDK, but DCET is required for lateral entry.