The wait is finally over for postgraduate aspirants in Karnataka! The official notification for the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026 is out, and the application window is now open for a limited time.
This is a crucial opportunity for students aiming for admission into MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech, and M.Arch courses across the state. Here’s everything you need to know, brought to you by StudyHub, to secure your spot.
- Application Start Date: March 23, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 8, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Exam Dates: May 23 & 24, 2026
Karnataka PGCET 2026: Key Dates & Deadlines
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has announced a strict timeline for the application process. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications online via the official portal starting March 23. The final date to complete the application form is April 8, up to 11:59 PM. However, the window for fee payment will remain open until April 10, giving candidates a little extra time to finalize their submission.
Application Fee and Eligibility Criteria
To successfully register, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the application fee. For General and OBC category students, the fee is set at Rs 700. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories will need to pay a reduced fee of Rs 500.
In terms of academic eligibility, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. For candidates from SC/ST categories belonging to Karnataka, a relaxation is provided, with the minimum required marks being 45%.
Exam Schedule and Pattern
The Karnataka PGCET 2026 will be conducted in an offline, OMR-based format. The exam for M.E. and M.Tech programmes is scheduled for May 23 in a single shift. Meanwhile, the tests for MBA and MCA courses will be held on May 24 across two shifts: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
The question paper will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, totaling 100 marks. A key advantage for test-takers is that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without fear of penalty.
Important Note for GATE Qualifiers
Candidates who have a valid GATE score do not need to appear for the PGCET 2026 for admission to M.E., M.Tech, and M.Arch courses. As confirmed by the authorities, they can apply for admission directly based on their GATE performance. For all the latest updates, stay tuned to StudyHub.