Karnataka PGCET 2026: KEA Releases Draft Seat Matrix for PG Admissions

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially released the draft seat matrix for the 2026 Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET). This announcement covers admission opportunities for MBA, MCA, M.Tech, and M.Arch programmes across various participating institutions in the state. Prospective students can now access the document via the official KEA website to review the distribution of seats and identify participating colleges.

The publication of this draft serves as a critical milestone in the admission cycle, offering candidates a preliminary overview of available seats before the final counselling process begins. With more than 58,000 seats slated to be filled through the KEA-led centralised counselling, the matrix provides essential data for students planning their academic trajectory in Karnataka’s postgraduate landscape.

Understanding the Seat Matrix and Eligibility

The seat matrix represents the portion of total intake that participating colleges surrender to the state government. By securing admission through this quota, qualified candidates are eligible for government-regulated fee structures, which are typically more affordable than management quota alternatives. The current draft details the allocation of seats across various categories, including General Merit, SC, ST, Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. Additionally, it outlines specific reservations for candidates under the Hyderabad-Karnataka, Rural, and Kannada Medium quotas.

While the document is currently in draft form and subject to minor adjustments, it provides a transparent view of admission prospects. To participate in the subsequent centralised counselling, candidates must meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, which include a minimum qualifying percentage in their undergraduate degree—50 per cent for unreserved categories and 45 per cent for reserved categories. The KEA will conduct document verification for eligible candidates based on their PGCET ranks.

Addressing Technical Updates and Next Steps

The release of the seat matrix follows earlier provisional result announcements, though the final rank lists remain pending. Authorities have acknowledged that some candidates encountered technical difficulties during the recent application edit window, particularly regarding the submission of final-year degree marks and the declaration of reservation categories. The KEA is expected to address these concerns shortly by providing dedicated update links for affected students.

As the process moves forward, candidates are encouraged to monitor the official KEA website for the formal counselling schedule, which is typically released 30 to 40 days following the declaration of results. The authority will continue to provide updates regarding the final seat matrix and the specific timeline for document verification and seat allotment.