Step 1 — Document Verification: After KCET results, KEA opens a document verification window of approximately 5 working days. You report to a designated KEA Helpline Centre with original documents (Class 10 marks card, Class 12 marks card, KCET admit card, KCET score card, study and conduct certificates, eligibility certificate for Karnataka domicile, caste and income certificates if applicable, photographs and a fee payment receipt). KEA verifies and approves your candidature for option entry.
Step 2 — KCET Mock Allotment: KEA conducts a mock allotment using your filled options to give a preview of which college and branch you might receive based on cutoffs. Use this to recalibrate your option entry — drop options you do not want, add options you missed.
Step 3 — Final Option Entry: After mock allotment KEA opens the final option entry window. Enter colleges in your true order of preference. The KCET algorithm allots your highest-preference option for which your rank qualifies. There is no penalty for entering many options — the algorithm picks the highest one you qualify for, not the average.
Step 4 — Round 1 Allotment: Round 1 results are announced approximately 7 days after option entry closes. You will receive one of: (a) an allotment to a college and branch, or (b) a not-allotted notice if your rank does not qualify for any of the colleges you chose. If allotted, you have three choices — Choice 1 (accept and freeze, do not participate further), Choice 2 (accept the allotment but participate in Round 2 to try for a better seat), Choice 3 (reject the allotment and participate in Round 2 with new options). Choice 4 (exit) is also available if you choose to skip Karnataka counselling entirely.
Step 5 — Fee Payment and Reporting: For Choice 1 candidates, KEA generates a fee challan. You pay the first-year tuition (typically 60,000 to 1.5 lakhs depending on the college type) within the prescribed window of 7 to 10 days, then physically report to the allotted college with all documents. The college issues an admission letter and you are formally admitted.
Step 6 — Round 2 (and Round 3 if needed): For Choice 2 and Choice 3 candidates, KEA opens a second option entry window using only colleges with vacant seats. Round 2 allotment follows the same algorithm and allotment notice. Round 3 is a final mop-up round for any remaining vacancies. After Round 3, the centralised counselling closes and remaining vacancies move to college-level management quota and supplementary allotment.
Round 1 typically allots approximately 70 percent of available seats. Round 2 covers another 20 percent. Round 3 closes the rest. Most KCET-counselled students complete the cycle by end of July; the academic year typically begins in early August.