Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will conduct the Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam for MBA and MCA courses on June 14, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. KEA has released PGCET 2026 Admit Card and exam day guidelines including Bell Timings, Dress Code, Dos and Don’ts and other instructions. Candidates appearing for the MBA entrance exam must be thoroughly familiar with the official exam day instructions laid down by KEA. This complete Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026 guide covers KEA's official 7-bell schedule (First Bell 10:00 AM, Third Bell / exam start 10:30 AM, Last Bell 12:30 PM), the mandatory dress code (no shoes, no long-sleeved attire, Mangala Sutra and nose ring permitted, Janivara and Shivadhara allowed), documents required at the exam centre, prohibited items, the 100-question MBA exam pattern with no negative marking, OMR filling rules, dos and don'ts, and last-minute preparation tips. Also check updates on Karnataka PGCET Result 2026 and Karnataka PGCET Counselling 2026.
Karnataka PGCET, also known as KEA PGCET, is the state-level postgraduate entrance exam that opens doors to MBA admission in over 170 government, university, and private B-schools across Karnataka, including Bangalore University, Mysore University, Mangalore University, VTU-affiliated colleges, and several reputed autonomous institutes.
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 Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts PGCET exam |
What is Karnataka PGCET MBA exam date 2026? | June 14, 2026 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) |
What is mode of PGCET 2026 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 2026 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 2026 MBA Exam? | 120 Mins (2 hours) |
Which are top MBA Colleges Accepting Karnataka PGCET 2026 Scores? | Government and most Private MBA Colleges in Karnataka accept PGCET Scores. Check complete list below. |
What is Karnataka PGCET 2026 official website? | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026 |
The first Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026 is related to exam timings. KEA has released Karnataka PGCET 2026 Bell Timings that cover exam reporting time, exam start and end timing. Check complete details below.
Sl. No. | BELL NUMBER | MORNING SESSION (MBA Exam) | AFTERNOON SESSION (MCA Exam) | PARTICULARS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | FIRST BELL | 10.00 A.M. | 2.00 P.M. | • The candidates should be allowed to enter and occupy their seats in the examination hall, upon showing their Admission Tickets and Valid Identity Card. |
2 | SECOND BELL | 10.15 A.M. | 2.15 P.M. | • The Deputy Chief Superintendent / Custodian should distribute the sealed question paper packet to room invigilators in the examination hall at 10.20 A.M. / 2.20 P.M. |
3 | THIRD BELL | 10.30 A.M. | 2.30 P.M. | • The candidates should be allowed to open the question booklet and to start answering on the OMR answer sheet. |
4 | FOURTH BELL | 11.30 A.M. | 3.30 P.M. | • This is a FIRST CAUTION BELL – TO INDICATE ONE HOUR OF EXAMINATION COMPLETED. |
5 | FIFTH BELL | 12.00 NOON | 4.00 P.M. | • This is a SECOND CAUTION BELL – TO INDICATE THIRTY MINUTES ARE REMAINING FOR THE EXAMINATION TO END. |
6 | SIXTH BELL | 12.25 P.M. | 4.25 P.M. | • This is a LAST CAUTION BELL and the Invigilators should inform all the candidates: |
7 | SEVENTH & LAST BELL | 12.30 P.M. | 4.30 P.M. | • End of the examination. |
KEA has also issued warning for candidate not to indulge in malpractices. The following misdeeds will attract disciplinary actions and criminal prosecution:
(a) Breach of silence.
(b) Use of books, notes, manuscripts, etc., pertaining to the subject in the examination hall.
(c) Talking or signaling to other candidates.
(d) Candidates copying from the answer books of the other candidates or from other source.
(e) Sending of OMR Answer Sheet or question paper out of the examination hall.
(f) Impersonation.
(g) Tearing of OMR Answer Sheet or any other examination misconduct.
KARNATAKA PGCET 2026 BELL TIMINGS: OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION
The next Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026 is related documents. Candidates must carry the following Karnataka PGCET 2026 Documents required on June 14, 2026. Entry to the exam hall will not be permitted in the absence of these:
- Karnataka PGCET 2026 Admit Card / Hall Ticket – A clear, legible printout downloaded from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026. Soft copies on mobile phones are not accepted.
- One valid original photo ID proof issued by the Government of India. Acceptable IDs include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving Licence
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Two recent passport-size photographs, identical to the one uploaded during Karnataka PGCET 2026 registration (recommended as pre-cautionary measure for use, if required).
- Two blue or black ink ballpoint pens (gel pens, fountain pens, and pencils are strictly prohibited for shading the OMR sheet, as they cause scanner rejection).
- Category certificate, if applicable (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS).
Place all documents in a clear, transparent file folder so that invigilators can verify them quickly during entry.
KEA has issued an important PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026 related to Dress Code. KEA has implemented a Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Dress Code for male and female candidates to prevent malpractice and the use of concealed electronic devices. Security personnel are authorised to deny entry for non-compliance.
Allowed (as per KEA Circular):
- Half-sleeve or short-sleeve shirts and T-shirts (plain, light fabric)
- Plain trousers, salwar-kameez, or kurta-pyjama (light, plain fabric)
- Slippers or low-heeled sandals
- Janivara and Shivadhara — explicitly permitted by KEA
- Mangala Sutra and nose ring — the only jewellery exceptions permitted inside the exam hall
- Religious headwear and religious attire — permitted only if candidate reports to the exam centre 2 hours before the exam begins (8:30 AM for the MBA paper) for a separate screening process
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants for specially-abled candidates — permitted with UDID card and valid medical certificate; candidate must report 2 hours before the exam for separate screening
Not Allowed (as per KEA Circular):
- Long-sleeved dresses, shirts, kurtas, or tops of any kind
- Jackets, blazers, coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, or hoodies
- Any clothing that covers the head, ears, or face (other than approved religious headwear cleared through separate screening)
- Caps, scarves, stoles, or shawls
- Shoes of any kind — sports shoes, leather shoes, formal shoes, sneakers, or canvas shoes are all prohibited (KEA permits only slippers or low-heeled sandals)
- Footwear with thick soles or high heels
- Any jewellery or metal objects — chains, earrings, bangles, bracelets, rings, anklets, hairpins, brooches (Mangala Sutra and nose ring are the only exceptions)
- Wristwatches of any kind — analog, digital, or smartwatches
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Belts, wallets, handbags, purses, or pouches
- Clothing with large pockets, embroidery, metallic embellishments, or zippers
Important Note: KEA has authorised mandatory security screening at all Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam centres, including AI-based facial recognition through a mobile app and CCTV surveillance. Security personnel are authorised to deny entry for non-compliance with the dress code.
KARNATAKA PGCET 2026 PROHIBITED ITEMS & DRESS CODE: OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION
The following items are banned from the exam hall. Any candidate found carrying these items risks immediate disqualification:
- Mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, fitness bands
- Calculators (scientific or basic), log tables, slide rules
- Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, hidden cameras
- Wristwatches (digital or analog) of any kind
- Books, notebooks, printed/written notes, study material
- Geometry box, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, scales, geometry tools
- Wallets, handbags, purses, pouches, backpacks
- Eatables, snacks, chewing gum, beverages
Pen drives, electronic pens, any storage devices
Most Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam centres do not offer locker facilities. Avoid carrying valuables or electronic items altogether.
Candidates should follow these Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026 related to Dos and Don’ts.
- Verify admit card details – Cross-check your name, application number, photograph, exam centre address, and exam timings on the Karnataka PGCET 2026 hall ticket the night before.
- Pre-pack documents – Keep the admit card, original photo ID, photographs, and two ballpoint pens ready in a transparent folder the night before, not on the morning of the exam.
- Sleep for at least 7–8 hours the night before. A fresh, alert mind is your biggest asset in a 120-minute exam.
- Have a light, home-cooked breakfast – Avoid heavy, oily, or unfamiliar food that may cause discomfort during the exam.
- Wear the prescribed dress code to avoid any inconvenience or delay at the security check.
- Reach the centre by 9:00 AM to clear biometric, document, and security checks without rush.
- Listen carefully to invigilator instructions before the exam begins. Note the version code and serial number of the question booklet.
- Fill the OMR sheet correctly – Use only blue/black ballpoint pen. Darken the bubble completely. Mark your version code, application number, and roll number accurately on the OMR.
- Attempt all 100 questions – Since there is no negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026, every question is an opportunity to score. Make educated guesses where required.
- Stay calm and manage time – Allocate roughly 70–75 minutes to attempt fresh questions, and reserve the last 10–15 minutes for review and unattempted questions.
- Do not arrive late – Entry is allowed only between 10:00 AM (First Bell) and 10:30 AM (Third Bell / exam start). No entry will be permitted after 10:30 AM under any circumstances.
- Do not carry prohibited items to the exam hall. Most centres lack lockers, so leave electronics at home or with a family member.
- Do not use pencils or gel pens on the OMR sheet. They cause scanner rejection and your answers may not be evaluated.
- Do not mark two choices for the same question – KEA will award zero marks for such questions on the Karnataka PGCET 2026 OMR sheet.
- Do not leave any question blank – With no negative marking, attempting all questions maximises your score.
- Do not engage in unfair means – Any malpractice, communication with other candidates, or use of unauthorised material will result in immediate disqualification and a possible ban.
- Do not forget to sign and place your thumb impression on the Nominal Roll and OMR sheet at the designated place after the exam.
- Do not leave the seat without permission – No breaks are allowed during the 2-hour exam. Visit the washroom before entering the hall.
Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Proficiency in English Language | 20 | 20 |
General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
Computer Awareness | 20 | 20 |
Test of Reasoning & General Intelligence | 20 | 20 |
Quantitative Analysis | 20 | 20 |
Total | 100 | 100 |
Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking in Karnataka PGCET 2026 for MBA. There is no sectional time limit. Read complete Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam pattern.
The OMR sheet is the most important aspect of Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026, and backbone of your Karnataka PGCET 2026 score. KEA has laid down explicit instructions:
- Use only blue or black ballpoint pen to darken the bubbles.
- Darken the bubble completely — partial shading may not be detected by the scanner.
- Enter the Version Code and Serial Number of the question booklet on the Nominal Roll without any error.
- After completing the exam, affix your full signature at the designated place. Provide thumb impression if instructed by the invigilator.
- Do not damage, fold, or stain the OMR sheet — damaged sheets may be rejected.
- Do not use whiteners, correction fluid, or erasers.
Candidates should utilize last few days and hours before exam wisely. Follow these tips to ensure exam day preparation.
- Revise high-weightage topics – Arithmetic, Algebra, Data Interpretation in Quant; grammar and vocabulary in English; static GK and business current affairs.
- Brush up on Computer Awareness – MS Office, internet basics, computer fundamentals, networking, and operating systems — often overlooked, but a high-scoring section for non-IT aspirants too.
- Attempt 2–3 Karnataka PGCET previous year question papers in exam-like conditions (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) to build stamina and time-management skills.
- Review current affairs of January–May 2026, with focus on Indian economy, business, sports, awards, and books.
- Practise OMR shading on a sample sheet to avoid errors on exam day.
The Karnataka PGCET 2026 provisional answer key is expected to be released within a few days of the exam on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026. Candidates will be given a window to raise objections against the provisional key. The Karnataka PGCET 2026 result is expected in July 2026, followed by the Karnataka PGCET 2026 Counselling process conducted by KEA in two phases. Final admission to MBA programmes is based on PGCET rank, document verification, and seat allotment through the KEA online counselling portal.
Karnataka PGCET Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Karnataka PGCET 2026 on June 14, 2026 is a significant opportunity for MBA aspirants targeting Karnataka's top B-schools. KEA has released PGCET 2026 Admit Card, guidelines including Bell Timings, Dress Code and Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Day Instructions. Candidates appearing for the MBA entrance exam must be thoroughly familiar with the Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam day instructions laid down by KEA and published in this article. Also check updates on Karnataka PGCET Result 2026 and Karnataka PGCET Counselling 2026.