Introduction
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the Round 1 seat allotment schedule for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 counselling. This counselling is for diploma holders seeking lateral entry admission into the second year (third semester) of B.E./B.Tech engineering courses in Karnataka for the 2026–27 academic year.
Round 1 includes important steps such as web option entry, a mock allotment, the final seat allotment result, choice locking, and fee payment. The Round 1 seat allotment result was declared on July 27, 2026, after 6:00 PM.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Round 1 - Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam/Counselling Name | Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 Counselling |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Purpose | Lateral entry admission to 2nd year/3rd semester B.E., B.Tech, and B.Arch programmes |
| Counselling Round Covered | Round 1 |
| Official Portal | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Mode of Counselling | Online |
| Total Counselling Rounds (typical) | 2 to 3 regular rounds plus a mop-up round (exact number for 2026 not confirmed) |
| Login Requirement | DCET 2026 application number and password/secret key |
| Current Status (as of this update) | Round 1 allotment, choice locking, and fee payment steps already completed |
KEA DCET 2026: Round 1 Seat Allotment Schedule
The following table shows the confirmed schedule for Round 1 seat allotment activities as announced by KEA:
| Activity | Dates and Timings |
|---|---|
| Option Entry by Eligible Candidates | August 17, 2026 till 11 AM |
| Publication of First Round Final Seat Allotment Result | August 17, 2026 after 2 PM |
| Exercising Choices | From 4 PM on August 17 to August 19, 2026 |
| Payment of Fee & Downloading Seat Confirmation Slip | August 18–20, 2026 |
| Reporting to College | August 21, 2026 before 5:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was the Karnataka DCET 2026 Round 1 seat allotment result released?
A: The Round 1 final seat allotment result was declared on July 27, 2026, after 6:00 PM on the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Q: How can I check my DCET 2026 Round 1 seat allotment status?
A: Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and log in using your DCET 2026 application number and password or secret key. Then open the Round 1 seat allotment result link to see your allotted college, branch, and category.
Q: What was the last date for DCET 2026 Round 1 option entry?
A: The web option entry for Round 1 closed on July 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM. It was open from July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Q: What is the DCET 2026 Round 1 fee payment deadline?
A: Fee payment was to be completed within banking hours approximately from July 27 to August 3, 2026. Fee challans could be downloaded between July 28 and August 1, 2026. Candidates should check their individual challans for exact deadlines as timings may vary.
Q: How many rounds of DCET counselling are there in 2026?
A: Typically, KEA conducts two to three regular rounds of DCET seat allotment, followed by a mop-up round for any remaining vacant seats. The exact dates for Round 2 in 2026 have not been announced yet.
