About Karnataka PGCET 

PGCET stands for Post Graduate Common Entrance Test. It is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Used for admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech / M.E., M.Arch, etc. Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Focus on time management according to syllabus since the exam is offline, practice with OMR sheets or similar. For MBA aspirants balance preparation between quant, reasoning, verbal, GK/computer awareness. For M.Tech / M.E strengthen fundamentals in your engineering specialisation + practise technical aptitude + subject-wise previous year questions. Revise GK (especially static GK + recent developments) if the exam includes it.

 

Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)

Eligibility Criteria- For MBA: Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years from a recognized university. Minimum required marks: 50% (for general category), with relaxation for SC/ST / specific categories. For part-time MBA: Work experience requirement is expected. For technical courses (M.Tech / M.E): Relevant degree in engineering or related discipline (depends by specialisation).
 

Exam Pattern- Mode Offline (pen-and-paper) with OMR sheet.

Duration- MBA / MCA- 120 minutes (2 hours), M.Tech / M.E / M.Arch → up to ~150 minutes (varies)

Questions / Marks: MBA: ~100 questions for 100 marks, MCA: 80 questions (varies), M.Tech / M.E.: ~75–100 questions depending on the discipline. Marking Scheme: +1 for each correct answer; no negative marking. Language: English is primary. 

Application or Registration

1. Online application through official portal.
2. Application fee: (as per past years; check latest bulletin when released) — sources mention different data; for example, IndCareer says ₹650 for general, ₹500 for SC/ST (but verify from official 2026 notification).
   Payment mode: Historically KEA allowed offline bank challans (check 2026 guidelines).
3. Counselling
   After result declaration, KEA will conduct centralized counselling for seat allotment. 
4. There may be multiple counselling rounds depending on vacancy. (In 2025, KEA conducted a 3rd counselling round due to many unfilled seats.)