DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling Revised Schedule Released; Option Entry Open Till August 17

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the revised Round 1 counselling schedule for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026. The updated notification is dated August 12, 2026 and is available on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Web-based option entry for eligible candidates will now remain open till August 17, 2026.

DCET is conducted by KEA for lateral entry admission to the second year of engineering and select professional programmes in Karnataka. The revised schedule applies to diploma holders and B.Sc graduates who qualified DCET 2026 and secured a rank for counselling.

DCET 2026 Round 1 Revised Key Dates

The revised schedule reworks the Round 1 timelines that were first issued in July 2026. Candidates must complete every step within the new deadlines to remain eligible for allotment.

Candidates should track the official portal daily. Any subsequent dates for allotment, fee payment and reporting will be published on the same notification page.

Who Can Take Part in DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling?

Only candidates who appeared in DCET 2026 and were declared eligible with a valid rank can log in for option entry. This includes diploma holders seeking lateral entry to second year engineering and B.Sc graduates seeking admission to the first year of the same programmes.

Candidates must also have completed document verification through the mode notified by KEA. Those with pending or rejected documents cannot enter options in Round 1.

How to Submit DCET 2026 Round 1 Options Online?

Option entry is the most important step of the counselling round. The choices you lock decide which college and branch you may be allotted.

1. Visit the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Click on the DCET 2026 UGCET candidate login link.
3. Enter your DCET application number and password.
4. Read the instructions and open the option entry tab.
5. Add, delete or rearrange colleges and courses in order of preference.
6. Save the entries and take a printout of the final order for reference.

KEA advises candidates to enter as many valid options as possible. A longer, well ordered list improves the chance of allotment in a preferred branch.

What Happens After the Option Entry Window Closes?

Once option entry ends on August 17, 2026, KEA will process the seat allotment based on rank, category and the order of choices submitted. The Round 1 allotment result will be released on the same portal.

After the result, each candidate must select one of the choices notified by KEA. These usually include accepting the seat, holding the seat for a higher round, opting for a better branch, or exiting the counselling. The seat must be confirmed only after paying the prescribed fee and reporting to the allotted college within the window notified by KEA.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Open the revised schedule PDF on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and note every date.
2. Log in with your DCET 2026 application number and password.
3. Study the latest seat matrix and shortlist your preferred colleges and branches.
4. Enter options in strict order of preference and save the list.
5. Keep scanned copies of all certificates and the fee amount ready for the next steps.
6. Submit or lock the final option list before 11:59 pm on August 17, 2026.

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