Karnataka PGCET is the state entrance test run by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for MBA, MCA and M.Tech admissions. The 2026 exam was held on 14 June 2026. Here is how to find the answer key, challenge it if needed, and work out your likely score.
The exam is over and the answer-key stage is under way. The result is expected around July or August 2026, with counselling through August and September. All dates are tentative until KEA confirms them, so check kea.kar.nic.in or cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea for live updates.
Downloading the PGCET 2026 answer key
KEA first puts out a provisional key, then a final key after reviewing objections. The steps are usually the same each year, but confirm the exact link on the latest notice.
- Open kea.kar.nic.in or cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- Click the PGCET 2026 answer-key link on the home page.
- Pick your course — MBA, MCA or M.Tech.
- Log in with your application number and date of birth if asked.
- Download and save the key.
Challenging the provisional key
If you think an answer is wrong, you can raise an objection during the short window KEA opens. Note the subject, version code and question number, and upload a clear supporting document as justification. Objections without proof are usually not accepted. An expert committee reviews them, and its decision is final and used to prepare the final key.
Working out your tentative score
Use the key to count your correct answers. As a general rule, each correct answer carries one mark and there is no negative marking, so leave nothing blank in your count. The number of questions differs by course, so confirm the exact pattern for MBA, MCA or M.Tech on the KEA brochure.
A score-to-rank guess based on an earlier year is only rough. Your real rank depends on the whole candidate pool this year, so wait for the official rank card before locking your college preferences.
Getting ready for counselling or the next cycle?
Learn Crew runs online-only live PGCET classes four evenings a week, open to candidates across India, including out-of-state students, with every class recorded. The next batch starts in the last week of August 2026, and a second parallel batch starts in December 2026.
What happens next
After the final key comes the result and rank card, then online counselling: document verification, option entry, seat allotment, fee payment and reporting. Keep your certificates in one folder and check the KEA dashboard once a day so you do not miss a step.
Learn Crew students have a strong PGCET record, including a state Rank 23 in 2025 and 70 under rank 1000. Practise with PGCET mocks and e-books on elearning.learncrew.org or our Books and Mocks hub, explore our PGCET coaching, and see the results page.
PGCET books, e-books and mock tests
The PGCET MBA set and the PGCET MCA set are printed A4 and couriered across India. E-books and the PGCET mock tests with one-year access are on the same store.