Karnataka PGCET 2026: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released PGCET 2026 exam dates. As per the 2026 exam dates schedule released by KEA, Karnataka PGCET 2026 for MBA and MCA courses will be conducted on May 14, 2026. Karnataka PGCET Registration 2026 is yet to open. KARNATAKA PGCET 2026 notification will be released soon on KEA official website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea. Candidates planning for MBA admissions in Karnataka state should fill the Karnataka PGCET application form to register for the exam. Read complete details about Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam, including dates, registration process, application form filling, eligibility, syllabus, pattern, question paper and preparation.
Karnataka PGCET exam is conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admissions into MBA, MCA and ME/MTech/MArch courses offered by government and private colleges. Karnataka PGCET 2026 for MBA and MCA courses will be conducted on May 14, 2026. Candidates with a bachelor's degree are eligible for the Karnataka PGCET 2026. The candidates with Karnataka state domicile and All India category candidates can appear in Karnataka MBA PGCET 2026 entrance exam.
KEA PGCET Official Notification says, “The Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test 2026 is being conducted for the purpose of determining the eligibility/merit, for admission of Karnataka and non-Karnataka candidates to 1st year / 1st semester full time/part time MBA / MCA / M.E. / M. Tech. courses in Government / University / Private Aided / Private Un-Aided professional educational institutions in the state of Karnataka which will be notified by the Government of Karnataka for the year 2026-27. Non-Karnataka candidates are eligible to select ONLY the seats surrendered by the management if any for admission to MBA / MCA courses. Admissions to the Government seats shall be made in accordance with the Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Master of Business Administration and Master of Computer Application Courses Rules, 2005 and the Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Master of Technology (M.Tech) Courses Rules, 2005 as the case may be (in short ‘Rules’) and as amended from time to time.”
Check salient features of Karnataka PGCET Exam for MBA admission 2026 in top Karnataka colleges in the table below.
Generic PGCET : Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Highlights - 2025
Exam Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
What is Karnataka PGCET Full Form? | Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test |
Who conducts PGCET exam? | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) conducts PGCET exam |
What is Karnataka PGCET exam date 2026? | May 14, 2026 (2.30 pm to 4.30 pm) |
| What is mode of PGCET exam? | PGCET will be conducted as Paper-based test through OMR. Question paper will be of Objective Multiple Choice (MCQ) type. |
What is Karnataka PGCET Eligibility Criteria? | Candidates should complete Graduation from a recognized university or college with 50% Marks |
How many questions appear in Karnataka PGCET MBA Exam? | 100 questions divided in 5 sections with 20 questions in each section |
What is total time duration of Karnataka PGCET MBA Exam? | 120 Mins (2 hours) |
Which are top MBA Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET Score? | Government and most Private MBA Colleges in Karnataka accept PGCET Scores. Check complete list below. |
What is Karnataka PGCET official website 2026? | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Date for MBA and MCA courses is May 14, 2026. Check complete details for Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Dates and Schedule for MBA exam below.
Generic PGCET : Karnataka PGCET 2026 Important Dates - 2025
Events for Karnataka PGCET 2026 | Dates |
|---|---|
PGCET 2026 Registration Start Date | March, 2026 |
PGCET 2026 Registration Last Date to Apply | April, 2026 |
PGCET 2026 Registration Last Date to Pay Fees | April, 2026 |
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Date | May 14, 2026 |
Release of Karnataka PGCET Provisional Answer Key 2026 | June, 2026 |
Release of Karnataka PGCET Results 2026 | June, 2026 |
Karnataka PGCET Counselling 2026 start date | June, 2026 |
The Karnataka PGCET is the most popular gateway for MBA aspirants seeking high-ROI programs in Bangalore and across Karnataka state. While the exam provides access to over 300 MBA colleges, the top-tier institutions are offer low-moderate government-regulated fees and strong placements. Check list of top MBA colleges accepting Karnataka PGCET 2026 Scores.
Accepting Colleges PGCET : Top MBA Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET 2026 - 2025
| College Name (Location) | PGCET Rank (General Cat.) | Tuition Fees (2 Years) | Avg. Placement (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV Institute of Management (Bangalore) | 70 – 300 | INR 3.91 – 11.3 Lakh | INR 6.80 |
| PES University (Bangalore) | 200 – 600 | INR 10.50 – 14 Lakh | INR 11.05 |
| M S Ramaiah Inst. of Tech (Bangalore) | 300 – 600 | INR 1.17 – 6.8 Lakh | INR 7.50 |
| BMS College of Engineering (Bangalore) | 350 – 700 | INR 1.17 – 9 Lakh | INR 7.00 |
| Bangalore University (CBSMS) | 400 – 900 | INR 58,000 – 60,000 | INR 5.50 |
| Dayananda Sagar University (Bangalore) | 450 – 1500 | INR 9.50 – 12 Lakh | INR 6.50 |
| Kristu Jayanti College (Bangalore) | 1500 – 2500 | INR 8.50 – 9 Lakh | INR 7.10 |
| Presidency College (Bangalore) | 3000 – 5000 | INR 6.00 – 8 Lakh | INR 6.20 |
| Acharya AIMS (Bangalore) | 5000 – 8000 | INR 1.10 – 1.3 Lakh | INR 5.00 |
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) defines the Karnataka PGCET eligibility criteria for all courses, including MBA, MCA, ME/MTech, and M.Arch. Aspirants must carefully understand the Karnataka PGCET 2025 eligibility criteria, prescribed by KEA, which vary by program type—full-time or part-time—and also differ for general and reserved category candidates.
Karnataka PGCET Eligibility Criteria for Full-Time MBA Program
Candidates planning to get admission into a full-time MBA course based on Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam should meet the following eligibility conditions:
a) Qualifying Degree
- Candidates who have passed a bachelor’s degree course, irrespective of their stream, are eligible for the full-time MBA course.
- The qualifying degree course must have a minimum course duration of three years, or equivalent.
- The degree must be obtained from a recognized institute.
b) Score in Qualifying Exam
General Candidates: Candidates who belong to general (unreserved) categories should obtain a minimum aggregate score of 50 per cent in all subjects taken together. The aggregate score must be calculated using the marks from all subjects, including language subjects from all three years of the degree course.
Reserved Category Candidates: Candidates who belong to reserved categories, including SC, ST, and Category 1 of Karnataka candidates, are eligible for a score concession of five per cent. So, the minimum aggregate score required by candidates who belong to reserved category is 45 per cent in all subjects taken together.
In addition to above requirements, candidates planning to take admission in a part-time MBA course though Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam should hold a post-qualification work experience of not less than three years as of July 31, 2026. Read complete Karnataka PGCET Eligibility Criteria 2026.
KARNATAKA PGCET 2026 registration will start soon. To register for KEA PGCET exam 2026, candidates must fill Karnataka PGCET application form 2026 before KEA closes the online registration window. Candidates have to provide required details, and pay the PGCET application fees. KEA will soon start registration on its official website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea). Karnataka PGCET 2026 Fees is expected to be Rs 650 for general category candidates and Rs 500 for reserved category candidates. Check how to the fill application form.
How to fill Karnataka PGCET Application Form 2026?
a) Creating User Account
Visit KEA website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Click link for ‘PGCET 2026 online application’
Click 'New User' tab and create a user account
Enter contact details (mobile number, email ID, name etc) and required User ID and Password
b) Fill Required Details in PGCET Form
Log in using the User ID and Password
Fill personal, academic, and contact details
Click 'Save and Next' button
c) Uploading Documents
Upload photograph, signature, thumb impression etc
Click on the 'Save and Next' button to upload
d) Pay application fee
Pay application fee and complete your registration process.
Read complete details for Karnataka PGCET Registration & Application Process 2026.
The Karnataka PGCET 2026 MBA Exam Pattern will have 100 MCQs from five different sections: Proficiency in English Language, General Knowledge, Computer Awareness, Test of Reasoning and General Intelligence, and Quantitative Analysis. The table below mentions the exam pattern. You can also download Karnataka PGCET Exam Pattern 2026 PDF from the link below.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 syllabus is prepared for the five sections: Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability and logical Reasoning, Quantitative Analysis, English language and General Knowledge. Check key details in the table below. You can also download Karnataka PGCET Exam Syllabus 2026 PDF from the link below.
Karnataka PGCET Syllabus 2026
| Section | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Proficiency in English Language | Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb and other parts of speech in the Sentences; Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph for example correct use of conditional sentence, time clauses, reported speech, passive writing; Antonyms/Synonyms; Fill in the blanks; One word substitution; Idioms/Phrases |
| General Knowledge | Conventional GK-available in books; Current GK- based on current reading of newspapers and periodicals; Business & Economics GK -Fiscal and Monetary policy, CRR, Repo Rate, Devaluation and up valuation of Rupee; Business, National and International events; Who’s who; Constitutional of India; Currency and Capitals of the countries; States of India; International Organizations; UNO; Emblem; Identification of personalities, companies among others |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | Fact Inference Judgment, Passage Conclusion, Analogy, Statement Argument, Clocks, Calendars, Binary logic, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations (Family Tree), Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion, Linear and matrix arrangement, Team Formation, Direction sense and Decision Making, Input-Output, Series, Syllogism, Cubes, Rows, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams, Quantitative Reasoning, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning based on Rankings, Critical Reasoning |
| Quantitative Analysis | Percentages, Profit and Loss, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion; Number System, Elementary Mathematics Mixtures and Allegation, Unitary Method, Commercial Maths, Permutation and Combinations, Sequence And Series, Mean, Median, Deviations, Heights and Distance, Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Complex Numbers, Inequalities, Set Theory, Trigonometry, Data Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts, Pie charts, Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs, Data analysis and Data comparison, Caselet based Data, Venn diagram, Data Sufficiency |
Karnataka PGCET preparation requires a well-planned approach to get high ranks for admissions into top PGCET MBA colleges. Check PGCET exam preparation tips below. You can also download Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Preparation Guide PDF from the link below.
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Karnataka PGCET consists of multiple-choice questions covering sections on Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language.
Create a study plan. Allocate dedicated time for each section and focus on improving weak areas.
Practice previous year papers and mock tests. Regular practice will help you improve time management and accuracy.
Strengthen your conceptual understanding. Focus on building a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and logical reasoning.
Improve vocabulary and comprehension skills. Read newspapers, articles, and books to enhance your language proficiency.
Manage time effectively during the exam. Develop quick-solving techniques and avoid spending too much time on a single question.
Stay consistent and motivated. Track your progress regularly and adjust your study plan as needed.
Read complete Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam preparation guide. Also download PDF of this guide from the link below.
According to PGCET Toppers, practicing mock tests and sample tests is very important. PGCET previous year’s papers are also helpful. Regular practice will help improve accuracy and time management. Click on links below to take these tests free online on MBAUniverse.com.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Centres will be available in about 30 districts in Karnataka State. Based on last year’s exam, the list of cities is published in alphabetic order below.
Overview PGCET : Karnataka PGCET Exam Centres 2026 - 2025
| Exam Centers 2026 | Exam Centers 2026 | Exam Centers 2026 | Exam Centers 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagalkot | Bangalore | Belgaum | Bellary |
| Bidar | Bijapur | Chamarajnagar | Chikkaballapur |
| Chikmagalur | Chitradurga | Davangere | Dharwad |
| Gadag | Gulbarga | Hassan | Haveri |
| Kodagu | Kolar | Koppal | Mandya |
| Mangalore | Mysore | Shimoga | Raichur |
| Ramanagara | Tumkur | Udupi | Uttara |
| Kannada | Yadgir |
KEA Karnataka PGCET admit card is released online on the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea for all candidates who complete the online registration. Admit card is also called as Karnataka PGCET hall ticket. Karnataka PGCET admit card will mention details like exam date, exam day guidelines, reporting time, test centre address, and more details. All candidates must carry hard copy of the Karnataka PGCET 2026 admit card to enter the exam hall on the exam day. Check how to download KEA Karnataka PGCET admit card 2026.
KEA releases Karnataka PGCET answer keys soon after the exam date on official website. Candidates can check Karnataka PGCET answer key, question paper and marking scheme to calculate their exam scores. Karnataka PGCET answer key indicates correct answers for all questions that appeared in the exam. Candidates are allowed to file objections against the PGCET preliminary answer keys. Based on the objections received, KEA releases Karnataka PGCET revised answer keys.
After release of Answer Key, KEA releases the Karnataka PGCET 2026 result online. Candidates can check the scorecards on official portal. Karnataka PGCET 2026 scorecard hosts the qualifying status along with other relevant information. Candidates successfully passing the Karnataka PGCET exam will be marked eligible to participate in the counselling process.
The Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) will be conducted for the purpose of determining the eligibility/merit, for admission of Karnataka and non-Karnataka candidates to 1st year / 1st semester full time / part time MBA as well as MCA / M.E. / M. Tech. / M. Arch courses and for admission to 2nd year Lateral Entry to MCA Course in Government / University / Private Aided / Private Un-Aided professional educational institutions in the state of Karnataka.
MBA Admissions 2026 for Government seats shall be made in accordance with the Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Master of Business Administration and Master of Computer Application Courses Rules, 2006. MBA admission will be based on PGCET Counselling 2026, which shall start after declaration of PGCET result. All B-schools offer MBA at low fee to the candidates who get seat allotment through PGCET counselling. Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) will notify the Karnataka PGCET Counselling Schedule 2026. Candidates have to attend the counselling on the designated date in accordance with their rank obtained in the Karnataka PGCET exam.
In conclusion, Karnataka PGCET exam is conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admissions into MBA, MCA and ME/MTech/MArch courses offered by Government and Private colleges. Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam for MBA and MCA courses will be held on May 14, 2026. Check PGCET MBA Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation and free Mock Tests in the above article. Attempt free Karnataka PGCET Mock Test 2026 and Karnataka PGCET Previous Year Papers to improve your preparations.