Karnataka PGCET 2026: KEA postpones May 24 exam to June 14 due to clash with UPSC prelims

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has postponed the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026 examinations for MBA and MCA courses, which were earlier scheduled to be held on May 24.

According to an announcement made by H Prasanna IAS, Executive Director of KEA, on social media, the examinations will now be conducted on June 14, 2026.

KEA stated that the decision was taken due to the clash with the Union Public Service Commission - Civil Services Preliminary Examination (UPSC CSE Prelims) scheduled on May 24.

According to the initial exam schedule, KEA set the Karnataka PGCET 2026 dates for May 23 and May 24. The ME and M Tech examinations are to be held on May 23, while the MBA and MCA exams were planned for May 24.

MTech/ME, DCET exams to continue as scheduled

KEA has clarified that the other entrance examinations scheduled under the PGCET and diploma admission process will continue as planned.

This means that as per the earlier schedule:

• MTech/ME PGCET 2026 examinations will be conducted on May 23

• DCET 2026 examinations (for diploma courses) will also be held on May 23

The postponement applies only to the MBA and MCA entrance examinations.

What is Karnataka PGCET?

Karnataka PGCET is a state-level entrance examination conducted by KEA for admissions into postgraduate professional courses offered by colleges across Karnataka.

Candidates have been advised to regularly check the official KEA website for updated schedules, admit card announcements, and further instructions related to the revised examination dates.