Karnataka DCET 2026 Round 2 Option Entry Started - Direct Link at keaonline.karnataka.gov.in
Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) — Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has issued an official recruitment notification for B.E. / B.Tech / B.Arch Lateral Entry Admissions (DCET 2026), announcing a total of multiple vacancies located in Karnataka. To be eligible, applicants must hold Diploma in Engineering / Technology or equivalent, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. The selection procedure comprises Based on merit score secured in Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) followed by online choice filling/counselling rounds. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 B.E. / B.Tech / B.Arch Lateral Entry Admissions (DCET 2026) - Important Dates & Schedule
📝 B.E. / B.Tech / B.Arch Lateral Entry Admissions (DCET 2026) - Detailed Notification Guide
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially activated the online Option Entry link for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 Round 2 counselling process. This process facilitates lateral entry admissions for eligible diploma holders directly into the second year (third semester) of B.E./B.Tech engineering courses, as well as the first year of B.Arch programmes in engineering colleges across Karnataka.
Candidates who did not secure a seat in the first round of allotment, or those who wish to upgrade and modify their college and course preferences, can participate in this second round of option entry. The login window has been opened on the official KEA admission portals.
Karnataka DCET 2026 Round 2 - Overview
Below is a brief summary of the ongoing admission and counselling cycle conducted by the state authorities:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Entrance Examination | Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 |
| Admission Scheme | Lateral Entry to 2nd year B.E./B.Tech & 1st year Architecture |
| Active Process | Round 2 Option Entry (Choice Filling) |
| Commencement Date | September 2, 2026 |
| Official Websites | keaonline.karnataka.gov.in & cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of the following timeline related to the DCET 2026 counselling rounds:
- Round 1 Mock/Provisional Allotment: August 6, 2026
- Round 1 Web Option Entry Window: August 17, 2026
- Round 2 Option Entry Commencement: September 2, 2026
How to Complete Karnataka DCET 2026 Round 2 Option Entry
Follow these steps to successfully select and lock your college choices during the online preference round:
- Go to the official KEA website portal at keaonline.karnataka.gov.in or cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
- Locate and click on the specific link designated for "DCET 2026 Round 2 Option Entry".
- Enter your DCET 2026 CET Roll Number, Password, and the verification security code.
- Navigate to the choice entry screen where lists of engineering colleges and corresponding branches are displayed.
- Select your preferred courses and rank colleges in strict priority order (e.g., Priority 1 for your top-choice college/branch, Priority 2 for the second preference, and so on).
- Add as many realistic college-course combinations as possible to maximize your allotment opportunities.
- Review the prioritized list thoroughly, lock your selections, and print a copy of the final submitted form for subsequent administrative steps.
Critical Guidelines for Candidates
- Strictly Official Portals: Perform all selection submissions through the official KEA URLs listed above. Avoid utilizing third-party pages or unverified login interfaces.
- Priority Ordering: Ensure options are sorted in genuine order of interest. The automated system checks choices in numerical sequence starting from priority number one.
- Non-submission Consequences: Candidates who fail to enter or lock options during this specified active window will not be analyzed by the computer algorithm for seat allocation in this round.
- Keep Evidence: Always capture a screenshot or print out the locked option list showing successful submission confirmation.