Karnataka PGCET 2026: Option Entry Portal Opens Ahead of Official Counselling Schedule

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially activated the option entry link for the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026. This development marks a significant step in the admission process for postgraduate courses, including MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech., and M.Arch. across the state. While the portal is now accessible, the authority has clarified that the comprehensive counselling schedule, including specific dates for choice filling and seat allotment, is still pending.

Candidates seeking admission through the PGCET 2026 process can now navigate to the official KEA website to access the login interface. To enter the portal, students are required to use the credentials provided on their claim slip, which remains available for download until September 15, 2026. The authentication process involves a secure login using the application number and CET number, followed by a mandatory mobile OTP verification and a live face recognition check.

Understanding the Option Entry Process and Requirements

Before candidates can proceed with submitting their preferred choices, they must complete a mandatory payment of Rs 750. According to the KEA, this is a non-refundable fee required to unlock the choice-filling functionality. The system is designed to enable the option submission link only after the payment has been successfully confirmed. It is important for candidates to note that while the link is active, the official window for locking and finalizing preferences has not yet been opened by the authorities.

The KEA has emphasized that the seat allotment process will only commence once the final seat matrix is received and published by the state government. Consequently, key milestones such as the mock seat allotment, the window for modifying choices, and the first-round seat allotment schedule are currently awaiting official notification. Candidates are advised to monitor the official KEA portal regularly for updates regarding these timelines.

Context for PGCET 2026 Admissions

The Karnataka PGCET serves as the primary gateway for postgraduate admissions in the state, with scores valid exclusively for the current academic session. The examination, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 150 minutes, has already been successfully conducted for MBA and MCA courses. Admission to participating institutions is strictly merit-based, determined by the ranks secured in the entrance test and the preferences submitted by candidates during the counselling phase.

As the process moves forward, students should ensure they have their documentation ready and remain prepared for the announcement of the full counselling timetable. The KEA is expected to release the complete schedule for the remaining rounds of the admission process in the near future, providing clarity on the final deadlines for all participating applicants.