KCET Counselling 2025 Begins: Round 1 Option Entry Now Live at KEA Portal

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially launched the KCET 2025 counselling process from July 8, 2025. Eligible candidates can now access the Round 1 option entry portal and begin selecting their preferred colleges and courses. The final seat matrix has also been released, marking the start of a crucial phase in the Karnataka Common Entrance Test admissions for engineering, agriculture, and other professional courses.

What is KCET?

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to undergraduate courses in Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, and Pharmacy across institutions in Karnataka. It is one of the most sought-after exams for students aiming to pursue technical and professional education in the state. Each year, thousands of students participate in the exam and subsequent counselling rounds to secure admission into top colleges based on their KCET scores and preferences.

KCET 2025 Counselling Process

The KCET 2025 counselling process is being conducted entirely online. It includes multiple stages such as document verification, option entry, mock allotment, final seat allotment, and post-allotment reporting.

Candidates who have completed document verification at designated KEA centres will receive their verification slip and login credentials, which are mandatory for accessing the option entry portal. The final seat matrix, listing over 77,000 engineering seats and 3,350 agriculture seats, has been published online to assist students in making informed decisions.

Key steps in the counselling process include:

• Document Verification: Candidates must report to assigned KEA centres with original documents and photocopies. A verification slip and secret key will be issued upon successful verification.

• Option Entry: Using their credentials, candidates can access the counselling dashboard and fill in their course and college preferences. They are encouraged to review cutoff trends, college rankings, and placement statistics before locking their choices.

• Mock Allotment: KEA will release a mock allotment list to give students a tentative idea of seat allocation, allowing them to revise preferences if needed.

• Final Seat Allotment: After the final round of seat allocation, candidates must pay the prescribed fees and report to the allotted college within the stipulated time.

• Reporting Options: Candidates can choose to accept, hold, reject, or withdraw the allotted seat during the post-allotment phase.

The KEA has emphasized the importance of timely participation and accurate option entry to maximize candidates’ chances of securing a seat in their desired course and college.

KCET Counselling 2025: How to Access Option Entry Link

Candidates can follow these steps to participate in the KCET 2025 counselling and access the option entry portal:

1. Visit the official KEA website: Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

2. Document Verification: Attend document verification at the assigned centre and obtain the verification slip and login credentials.

3. Login to the portal: Use the CET number, password, or QR code on the slip to log in.

4. Download Verification Slip: Save a copy of the verification slip—it is required for all future counselling steps.

5. View Final Seat Matrix: Review the complete seat matrix to plan preferences.

6. Option Entry: Select and prioritise preferred colleges and courses. Lock the choices before the deadline.

7. Mock Allotment & Final Seat Allotment: Review the mock results and make changes if necessary before the final allotment list is released.

8. Admission Confirmation: Pay the seat acceptance fee and report to the allotted college with the necessary documents.

Final Notes for Candidates

The KCET 2025 counselling registration process marks a critical step for students seeking professional education in Karnataka. KEA will soon release the full schedule of counselling rounds, including deadlines for option entry, mock allotment results, and final reporting. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates and ensure all required documents are in order for smooth participation.

With transparency, real-time access, and structured options, the KCET counselling process aims to ensure fairness and efficiency in the state’s admission process. Early action and careful selection of preferences will be key to securing admission to top colleges this year.