Karnataka PGCET 2026: KEA postpones MBA/MCA exam to June 14
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has postponed the Karnataka PGCET 2026 MBA and MCA exam from May 24, 2026 to June 14, 2026 . KEA announced the change on its official X handle on May 14, 2026 .
Karnataka PGCET 2026: New dates and reason
The shift was made to avoid a clash with the UPSC CSE Prelims scheduled for May 24, 2026 . KEA said multiple candidates requested a reschedule because they had applied for both exams. The MTech/ME and DCET papers will continue as planned on May 23, 2026 with no change.
This change gives MBA/MCA aspirants roughly a three-week preparation window before the new exam date.
Karnataka PGCET 2026: Exam format and day rules
PGCET is a pen-and-paper MCQ exam worth 100 marks . The duration is 120 minutes and there is no negative marking . The MBA/MCA paper has five sections: Computer Awareness, English Language, General Knowledge, Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
KEA typically issues hall tickets 7-10 days before each exam. You must download your admit card from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026 using your application number and date of birth.
On exam day, carry the original admit card and a valid photo ID. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. The test is pen-and-paper — bring black or blue ballpoint pens. Mobile phones and other electronic devices are strictly banned inside the exam hall.
Results, counselling and next steps
KEA expects to declare PGCET results within 2-3 weeks after the exams conclude. Participating universities will use PGCET scores and rank lists to run counselling and seat allocation.
If you are registered for both UPSC Prelims and PGCET, use the extra time to balance revision across reasoning and quantitative sections, and to attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
KEA's announcement on May 14, 2026 is the official schedule change. Keep checking the official KEA PGCET page at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/pgcet2026 for hall ticket release and any further updates.