KEA PGCET 2026 Option Entry Link Activated – MBA, MCA, M.Tech & M.Arch

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has started the next important stage of the KEA PGCET 2026 Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate professional courses in Karnataka. The First Round Option Entry facility is now available through the official KEA counselling portal for eligible candidates.

The current KEA portal provides a new Option Entry Login system where candidates can access the counselling process using the QR Code available on the verification slip or by entering their CET Number. The login process also includes OTP verification and Face Verification.

Candidates participating in PGCET 2026 counselling should complete the option-entry process carefully because the order in which colleges and courses are selected can directly affect the seat allotment. Before entering options, candidates should check the applicable eligibility requirements, seat matrix and latest KEA counselling instructions.

In this article, we explain the KEA PGCET 2026 option entry process, login method, important dates, claim slip, college and course preference strategy, counselling stages, important instructions and FAQs in a simple step-by-step manner.

KEA PGCET 2026 – Overview

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KEA PGCET 2026 Option Entry Login – What the New Portal Shows

The uploaded screenshot provides an important look at the current login system.

The portal is titled “Admission to PGCET & Other Professional Courses – 2026” and operates under the Centralised Allotment Process.

The login screen has three stages:

1. Login
2. Verify OTP
3. Face Verify

Candidates are also informed that their QR Code, Application Number and CET Number are available on the verification slip.

The portal provides two login methods:

• Scan QR Code
• Enter CET No

After authentication, candidates can proceed with the counselling process as instructed by KEA.

KEA PGCET 2026 Important Dates

The latest official information currently available should be followed rather than relying on old counselling schedules.

Important: The latest first-round schedule released by KEA specifically confirms the claim-slip window. It did not provide final dates for option entry, seat allotment, fee payment and college reporting in that schedule. Therefore, candidates should check the KEA portal for the latest deadline before submitting options.

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Who Can Participate in PGCET 2026 Option Entry?

Candidates who are eligible for Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling and have completed the required verification process can participate according to the applicable KEA rules.

For the latest first-round counselling process, KEA has reiterated the prescribed academic eligibility requirements. The latest schedule information states a 50% aggregate requirement across all subjects and years of the qualifying degree, with 45% applicable to SC, ST and Category-I candidates, subject to the detailed course-specific rules.

Candidates should not assume that merely receiving a rank or verification/claim slip automatically guarantees admission. Course-wise eligibility and reservation requirements still apply.

How to Complete KEA PGCET 2026 Option Entry

Candidates should follow the official portal instructions carefully.

Step 1: Visit the KEA Website

Go to the official Karnataka Examinations Authority website and open the PGCET 2026 section.

Step 2: Open First Round Option Entry

Select the PGCET 2026 First Round Option Entry link.

Step 3: Login

The current portal shown in the screenshot provides two methods:

• Scan the QR Code available on the verification/claim slip, or
• Select Enter CET No and provide the required details.

Step 4: Complete OTP Verification

After entering the required credentials, complete the OTP verification sent to the registered mobile number.

Step 5: Complete Face Verification

The portal specifically shows Face Verify as the third authentication stage. Candidates should complete this step as instructed by the portal.

Step 6: Check Eligible Colleges and Courses

Once logged in, candidates should carefully review the colleges and courses available to them.

Step 7: Enter Options in Priority Order

Add colleges and courses according to your actual preference.

Do not simply select colleges randomly. Your first preference should be the college and course you genuinely want most, followed by realistic alternatives.

Step 8: Review and Save

Before final submission, carefully check:

• College name
• Course
• College/course code
• Option number
• Preference order
• Eligibility
• Category-related options

Finally, save/submit the option list as instructed by KEA and retain proof of the submitted choices.

Why Option Order Is Important

PGCET counselling is not simply about selecting a college. Candidates need to create a proper preference list.

For example, if a candidate prefers:

1. College A – MBA
2. College B – MBA
3. College C – MBA
4. College A – MCA

the options should be arranged according to the candidate’s genuine preference and eligibility.

A common mistake is placing a college higher merely because it is popular. Candidates should consider course, college, location, fee structure, available seats, previous admission trends and personal preference before finalising the list.

Check the Final Seat Matrix Before Entering Options

This is one of the most important points for PGCET 2026 counselling.

KEA has released a draft seat matrix for MBA, MCA, M.Tech and M.Arch, but candidates should pay attention to the final seat matrix applicable for option entry. The latest counselling information indicates that option entry is to be made against the final matrix rather than relying blindly on the draft matrix.

Therefore, candidates should not prepare their final option list using outdated college lists circulating on social media.

Important Mistakes to Avoid

Before submitting your PGCET options, avoid these mistakes:

• Do not enter options without checking eligibility.
• Do not depend on unofficial college lists.
• Do not assume every course is available for your qualification.
• Do not place an unwanted college above your preferred college.
• Do not forget to save the final options.
• Do not wait until the final few minutes.
• Keep your verification/claim slip safely.
• Check KEA notifications regularly for changes.

For M.Tech candidates in particular, KEA has advised candidates to check the relevant equivalence list and enter M.E./M.Tech options according to the qualification they have studied.

What Happens After Option Entry?

The next stages of the counselling process are expected to include:

Option Entry → Mock Allotment → Option Modification → First Round Seat Allotment → Choice/Decision → Fee Payment → College Reporting

However, the exact dates for the later stages should be taken from the latest KEA notification because the first-round schedule published on September 10 did not yet specify all those dates.

Candidates should therefore avoid relying on dates published by coaching websites or social-media posts unless they match the latest KEA notification.

Documents/Details to Keep Ready

Candidates should keep the following readily available while completing the counselling process:

• PGCET application details
• PGCET/CET number
• Verification or claim slip
• QR code on the verification slip
• Registered mobile number
• Academic documents
• Category/reservation documents, wherever applicable
• Other documents mentioned in the KEA counselling instructions

KEA’s PGCET application information also lists academic and reservation documents among the important records required during the process.

KEA PGCET 2026 Important Links

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FAQs – KEA PGCET 2026 Option Entry

Conclusion

KEA PGCET 2026 counselling has now moved into the important option-entry stage for MBA, MCA, M.Tech and M.Arch admissions. The new login system shown in the portal uses QR code/CET number, OTP verification and face verification, so candidates should keep their verification slip and registered mobile number ready.

Most importantly, candidates should prepare their college and course preferences carefully and verify the final seat matrix and latest KEA instructions before submitting options. Since counselling dates can change, always give priority to the latest official KEA notification rather than relying on old schedules.