KCET 2026 Option Entry Opens; Check How to Submit Choices

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has opened KCET 2026 Option Entry. This covers the Karnataka Common Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions. The facility is live at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for eligible candidates.

KEA has activated two Option Entry links on its portal. Aspirants must use either link to submit their preferences. The window covers admissions to Engineering, Agriculture, Nursing and allied streams.

Candidates can list any number of course-college combinations. KEA will allot seats using ranks and the recorded choice order. The order of preferences directly decides which seat a candidate receives.

KCET Counselling 2026 Option Entry Schedule

Eligible Streams in This Window

How to Submit Options on the KCET 2026 Portal?

The Option Entry process is fully online. Candidates need their CET number and KEA password to log in. The steps below explain the full submission flow.

1. Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
2. Click on UGCET 2026 Option Entry Link 1 or Link 2.
3. Enter your CET number, password and the verification code.
4. Browse the seat matrix for your preferred colleges and branches.
5. Add courses and colleges in real order of preference.
6. Save the list and review each entry carefully.
7. Lock the final list before the deadline released by KEA.

Documents and Credentials You Will Need

Keep the following details ready before logging in. Missing credentials are the most common reason for failed entries.

• KCET 2026 application number and date of birth.
• The user ID and password set during registration.
• Document verification slip issued by the assigned helpline centre.
• A stable internet connection and a working email account.

Choice Filling Tips and Lock-In Rules

The order of preference is the most important rule. KEA assigns seats by matching ranks with the recorded choice order. A higher-priority choice always overrides a lower one.

Candidates may edit the list any number of times. Changes are allowed until the lock-in deadline closes. After locking, no further edits are possible.

Add a generous mix of safe and ambitious choices in the list. A short list often leads to no allotment at all. Do not skip lower-preference options just because the rank looks high.

KCET 2026 Counselling at a Glance

Counselling for KCET 2026 began after the June 6 result release. Document verification was the first step in the process. Option Entry is the current and most important stage.

Seat allotment will follow in multiple rounds after Option Entry closes. KEA usually conducts a first round and an extended round. A special round may follow for vacant seats. Each round has its own reporting and fee payment dates.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Log in to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea with your CET credentials.
2. Prepare a rough list of preferred colleges and branches first.
3. Enter the choices in real order of preference on the portal.
4. Review the list two or three times for any errors.
5. Save and lock the final list before the deadline closes.

Also Read:

• Top Colleges in India Accepting KCET Based on 2026 Ranking
• KCET Cutoff 2026: Check Course-wise Cutoffs, Marks Vs Rank, College-wise Closing Ranks
• KCET 2026 Rank Wise College List
• How to Download KCET 2026 Scorecard and Rank Card: Login Steps