KCET 2026 Exam Day Tips: OMR Instructions, Dress Code & Schedule
A complete guide to the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026, featuring OMR shading tips, KEA's dress code, and a mandatory document checklist.
Updated: 1 day ago
Categories: Entrance Exams, Engineering Admissions, Education Guide, Karnataka State Exams
1. The Exam Architecture
KCET 2026 is an offline, OMR-based test. Each subject is conducted in a separate session. To score high, you must balance speed—you have exactly 80 seconds per question.
60Questions per Subject
80 MinDuration per Session
+1 / 0Marking Scheme
NoneNegative Marking
2. OMR Shading Strategy
The 10-Minute Buffer: You are given an initial 10 minutes strictly to fill in your Name, CET Number, Version Code, and Question Booklet Serial Number.
Critical Rule: If the Version Code on your OMR doesn't match your Question Booklet, your paper will not be scanned. Double-check this before you start solving. Use only a Blue or Black ballpoint pen.
Critical Rule: If the Version Code on your OMR doesn't match your Question Booklet, your paper will not be scanned. Double-check this before you start solving. Use only a Blue or Black ballpoint pen.
3. Mandatory Document Checklist
- Admission Ticket (Admit Card): A clear printout. Ensure your photo is recognizable.
- Valid Photo ID: Original Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or 2nd PUC/12th Hall Ticket.
- Ballpoint Pens: Carry at least two blue or black pens (Gel pens/pencils are strictly prohibited for OMR).
- Recent Photograph: One passport-size photo (same as the application).
4. KEA Dress Code & Security
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) follows specific guidelines to ensure quick frisking:
| Apparel | Wear light-colored, half-sleeve clothes. Avoid clothes with large buttons, embroidery, or zips. |
| Lower Wear | Simple trousers or pants. Avoid jeans or garments with too many pockets (Cargo style). |
| Footwear | Slippers or thin-soled sandals are highly recommended. Shoes are strictly not allowed. |
| Jewelry | No rings, necklaces, or bracelets. Women are permitted to wear Mangalsutras and toe rings as per revised rules. |
5. Shift Timing & Schedule
Plan your travel to reach the center at least 60 minutes before the scheduled start time:
- Mathematics/Biology: First Day - Session 1 (Morning) & Session 2 (Afternoon).
- Physics/Chemistry: Second Day - Session 1 (Morning) & Session 2 (Afternoon).
- Kannada Language Test: Usually conducted a day prior or after for Horanadu/Gadinadu candidates.
Smart Strategy: Since there is no negative marking, never leave a bubble blank. If you are running out of time, use the last 2 minutes to shade all remaining questions. A 25% chance of being right is better than a 0% chance!
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