In the state of Karnataka, a Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) which is a gateway exam to various PG courses offered by the top Private (Aided & Un-Aided)/Government Institutions. Through Karnataka PGCET, these Institutions filter out candidates for various PG courses such as MCA, MBA, M.Arch, M.Tech, M.E and MCA lateral entry from a large pool of test-takers.
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) usually releases the application form of Karnataka PGCET during the month of May every year but in the year 2020, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis in India. The application process is completely online followed by the conduct of the entrance test, usually, in the month of July.
Conducted in multiple sessions, the offline entrance exam Karnataka PGCET paper consists of a total of 100 questions in an objective format, i.e multiple choice type. The total time duration for the same is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
After the test is conducted, the KEA authorities release the Karnataka PGCET Answer key which contains the correct answers to all the questions asked in the exam. The result for the Karnataka PGCET is usually released 3 to 4 weeks after the conduct of the exam. The final admission of the candidates into their desired course and Institution depends on their performance in the Karnataka PGCET entrance exam and the Karnataka PGCET counselling process.
GATE qualified candidates can directly apply for M.Tech courses offered by various Karnataka PGCET participating institutes without having appeared for the entrance exam.