The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has started the KCET 2026 counselling process by opening the option entry window on 20 June 2026. The candidates who are eligible and have qualified in the KCET 2026 exam can now choose their preferred colleges and courses through the KEA official counselling portal.
Candidates can fill, modify and lock their choices until 30 June 2026 at 10 AM. The options entered during this period will be considered for the Round 1 seat allotment process. KEA has advised students to carefully select their preferences after reviewing the seat matrix, fee structure, eligibility criteria and counselling guidelines.
All the candidates are advised to keep a wide range of college and course choices while filling out their options. This will improve their chances of securing a seat during the KCET counselling process. KEA has released the verification slip for candidates to download. It is a mandatory document for taking part in option entry and seat allotment, as it confirms that the candidate's documents have been successfully verified.
KCET 2026 Counselling: Schedule Overview
KEA has released the KCET 2026 counselling schedule which includes all the important dates for option entry, mock seat allotment, modifying choice and Round 1 seat allotment. Candidates can check the complete timeline in the table given below.
Event
Date and Time
Option Entry Window Opens (Choice Filling)
June 20, 2026 (11:30 AM onwards)
Option Entry Window Deadline
June 30, 2026 (10:00 AM)
Mock Seat Allotment Result
July 6, 2026 (after 11:00 AM)
Edit/Rearrange/Delete Options
July 6, 2026 (2:00 PM) to July 9, 2026 (10:00 AM)
Round 1 Seat Allotment Result
July 15, 2026 (after 11:00 AM)
Steps to Complete KCET 2026 Option Entry Process
Candidates can complete the KCET 2026 option entry by following these simple steps as given below.
Step 1: Visit the official KEA counselling website at https://www.kcetcounselling.com/ and log in using the CET number and required details.
Step 2: Open the Option Entry section available on the dashboard.
Step 3: Check the list of available colleges and courses and select your preferred choices.
Step 4: Arrange the selected colleges and programmes according to your preference.
Step 5: Add multiple options carefully to increase the chances of getting a seat.
Step 6: Review all the selected choices before submitting them.
Step 7: Lock and submit the final preferences before the deadline.
Step 8: Download a copy of the submitted options for future use.
KCET 2026 Counselling: Documents Required
Candidates need to keep the following documents ready for the KCET 2026 counselling and verification process.
KCET 2026 application form
KCET admit card and scorecard
Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
Study certificate and Transfer Certificate (if required)
Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
Caste and income certificates (if applicable)
Special category certificates (if applicable)
Recent passport-size photographs
Candidates should carry original documents along with photocopies for verification. The verification slip issued by KEA will be required for further counselling steps.
KCET 2026 Counselling: Mock Seat Allocation and Final Choice Submission
KEA will publish the mock seat allotment result after the option entry window closes. This will give candidates an idea of the seat they will receive based on the preferences submitted by them. After the mock seat allotment announcement, candidates will be allowed to make changes in their choices, rearrange preferences or even add new options before the final Round 1 seat allotment result is declared.
The counselling process helps students to get admission to engineering, pharmacy and other professional courses across Karnataka. Students should keep checking the official updates and complete all formalities on time.
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