KCET 2026 Schedule Revised: Registration Extended & New Exam Dates Announced by KEA

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has made a major announcement that affects lakhs of students and job seekers across the state. In a sudden update this week, KEA has revised the exam dates for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 and extended the registration deadline.

Simultaneously, for those looking for government jobs, KEA has released the Hall Tickets for the Second Division Assistant (SDA) recruitment exam.

Whether you are a student preparing for engineering/medical seats or a job aspirant, here is everything you need to know about the latest KEA updates for January 2026.

KCET 2026: New Dates and Extended Deadline

The KCET is the gateway for professional courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science in Karnataka. Originally, the exams were planned for April, but the schedule has been shifted to give students more preparation time.

1. Revised Exam Schedule

According to the latest reports from KEA, the KCET 2026 engineering and pharmacy entrance exams have been postponed.

• Old Date: April 23 and 24, 2026
• New Tentative Date: May 25 and May 26, 2026
• Kannada Language Test: The date for the Kannada language test (for Horanadu/Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates) will be announced separately.

(Note: Students are advised to keep checking the official KEA website as the authority may update specific timings).

2. Registration Window Open till February

If you have not applied yet, there is good news. The online application link is active.

• Last Date to Apply: February 17, 2026
• Last Date to Pay Fees: February 18, 2026
• Where to Apply: Official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

Big Rule Change: “Special Quota” Seats to Go to General Merit

In a significant policy shift, KEA has decided to change how vacant seats are handled during counseling.

Until now, seats reserved under special quotas (like Sports, NCC, Ex-Servicemen, or Scouts & Guides) often remained empty if there were no eligible candidates. These seats would stay vacant for multiple rounds.

The New Rule: From 2026 onwards, if special quota seats remain unallotted in the first round itself due to a lack of eligible candidates, they will be immediately converted to General Merit (GM) seats. This move is expected to help general category students get better colleges without waiting for the final “stray vacancy” rounds.

KEA Recruitment Update: SDA Admit Card Released

Apart from student news, KEA is also conducting a major recruitment drive.

• Exam Name: Second Division Assistant (SDA) Recruitment Exam.
• Exam Date: January 25, 2026.
• Update: The Hall Tickets (Admit Cards) were released on January 20, 2026.

Candidates appearing for this job exam must download their hall tickets immediately. The exam will fill vacancies in departments like the Karnataka Food & Civil Supplies Corporation and Mysore Sales International Limited.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for KCET or Download Hall Ticket

For KCET 2026 Registration:

1. Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. Click on the link “UGCET – 2026 Online Application”.
3. Register using your mobile number and email.
4. Fill in your academic details and upload your photo/signature.
5. Pay the application fee online (₹500 for General/OBC, ₹250 for SC/ST).

For SDA Hall Ticket Download:

1. Go to the KEA official home page.
2. Look for the “Recruitment” tab.
3. Click on “SDA 2026 Hall Ticket Download”.
4. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
5. Print the admit card and check your exam center.

What Should Students Do Now?

With the KCET exam likely moved to May, students have an extra month to prepare. Experts suggest focusing on:

• Mock Tests: Use the extra time to solve previous years’ papers.
• Board Exams: Since the new KCET dates are after the 2nd PUC (Class 12) board exams, students can now focus entirely on their board theory papers first without clashing with the entrance test.

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