KCET 2026 Option Entry — How to Fill Choices
Complete guide for KEA web-based option entry. Only verified candidates can access the portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Document Verification
Visit your assigned KEA helpline centre with originals + photocopies — see our helpline & document checklist. Without verification you cannot enter options.
Receive Secret Key
After verification, KEA issues an acknowledgement slip with your secret key and QR code. Keep a photo and paper copy.
Login to KEA Portal
Use keaonline.karnataka.gov.in / cetonline.karnataka.gov.in → CET number + secret key + password.
Review Final Seat Matrix
KEA published the final engineering seat matrix (June 30, 2026) — ~77,068 seats across 252 colleges. Browse our seat matrix tool before building your list.
Fill Choices — Dream First, Safe Last
Unlimited college–branch combinations. Order by true preference, not “realistic first”. Use the predictor, 2026 mock cutoffs, and rank bands.
Mock Allotment & Modify Window
Mock result: July 6. Modify window closed July 9, 10 AM. If mock gave a stretch college, your list was already competitive — wait for binding Round 1.
Round 1 Result & Reporting
Round 1 is live — download allotment order, pay fees, report to college, or prepare Round 2 upgrade. Guide: post-allotment reporting · Round 1 cutoffs.
How KEA processes your list
Priority 1 is tried first. If that seat is already filled by a better rank in your category/region, KEA moves to priority 2, and so on. Putting a safe college at #1 means you will never be considered for dream options below it.
Fill depth matters: 40–80 options across CSE/ISE/AIML/ECE and multiple cities usually beats a short “only Bangalore CSE” list.
Common Mistakes
- Safe college at #1 — You'll miss dream branches entirely.
- Too few choices — Fill 30–50+ options across branches and cities.
- Ignoring mock cutoffs — July 6 mock ranks are the best pre–Round 1 competition signal.
- Wrong category / HK certificate — Mismatch can cancel allotment.
- JoSAA + KCET confusion — See JoSAA vs KCET guide.