Karnataka DCET 2026 Round 1 Option Entry Commences
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) officially opened the Round 1 option entry window for the Karnataka Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 counselling today, July 21, 2026, beginning at 11.00 am. Working professionals and eligible diploma graduates seeking lateral entry into architecture and engineering programmes can now register their choices via the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
This option entry phase is a critical step in the lateral entry admission process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to evaluate the official seat matrix, which was published on July 20, prior to finalizing their institutional preferences. The KEA allows candidates to list multiple choices, and seats will be allocated strictly based on the order of priority established during this counselling stage.
Karnataka DCET 2026: Counselling Schedule
Participants must track the primary counselling deadlines and ensure each step is finalized within the allocated timeframe.
| Event | Date / Timeline |
| Round 1 option entry | July 21 to July 24, 2026 |
| Mock seat allotment result | July 24, 2026 (6.00 pm) |
| Option modification window | July 24 to July 27, 2026 |
| Round 1 final seat allotment | July 27, 2026 (after 6.00 pm) |
| Choice selection | July 28 to July 31, 2026 |
| Challan download (Choice 1 and 2) | July 28 to August 1, 2026 |
| Fee payment deadline | July 28 to August 3, 2026 |
| Reporting to allotted college | Till August 4, 2026 |
Option Entry Guidelines
To participate, applicants must access the portal using their official DCET credentials. Once logged in, they should verify the seat matrix and rank their desired colleges and branches to reflect their actual preference. A mock allotment result is scheduled for release on July 24. This early preview allows candidates to gauge their probable placements and make necessary adjustments to their option lists before the final seat allotment is processed.
Once the Round 1 final seat allotment is declared, candidates will need to select one of four specific post-allotment paths: accept and freeze the allocated seat, accept the seat while remaining eligible for an upward upgrade, reject the current seat but continue participating in the counselling rounds, or exit the counselling process entirely.
Karnataka DCET 2026: Expected Cut-off Trends
While KEA will publish the definitive 2026 cut-offs only after concluding the seat allotment phase, candidates can utilize past admission metrics to strategically organize their preferences.
| Institution / Branch | Expected General category closing rank |
| UVCE Bengaluru – CSE | 1–150 |
| UVCE Bengaluru – ISE | 151–280 |
| UVCE Bengaluru – ECE | 285–420 |
| BMS College of Engineering – CSE | 200–480 |
| BMS College of Engineering – ISE / AI | 450–620 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering – CSE | 300–460 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering – ISE | 320–520 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering – ECE | 690–1,100 |
| VVCE Mysuru – CSE | 800–1,100 |
| BIET Davangere – CSE / ISE | 1,500–3,000 |
Key Statistics for DCET 2026
Based on formal examination records, 20,046 candidates appeared for the Karnataka DCET 2026. Out of this demographic, only 247 candidates—translating to about 1.18 per cent of test takers—achieved a score of 80 marks or above out of 100.
Final DCET ranks are formulated utilizing a 50:50 weightage formula. This specific calculation amalgamates the candidate’s entrance examination score with the aggregate marks secured during the fifth and sixth semesters of their respective diploma programme. Furthermore, lateral entry admissions are provided against 10 per cent of the approved intake across AICTE-approved engineering institutions.
