DCET 2026 Round 1 Revised Schedule & Option Entry Guide

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially announced the DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling Revised Schedule, bringing much-needed clarity to thousands of diploma students seeking lateral entry into engineering courses across Karnataka.

As per the latest notification available on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, the window for option entry has been extended, allowing candidates to finalize their preferences until August 17, 2026. This delay in the original timeline comes as a strategic move to ensure all eligible candidates, including those with pending document clarifications, can participate fairly in the seat allotment process.

For the uninitiated, the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) is a gateway for diploma holders to secure direct admission into the second year (third semester) of B.E. and B.Tech programs in government, aided, and private unaided colleges in Karnataka. Navigating the DCET counselling process can be intricate, especially with revised timelines.

At MatchToCollege, we leverage AI-driven insights to help students understand these shifts and align their academic goals with the best possible institutional matches. The current revision highlights the dynamic nature of state-level admissions, emphasizing the need for students to stay updated via official channels and expert advisory platforms.

This year’s revised schedule is particularly significant due to the increased volume of applicants and the introduction of new engineering specializations in several top-tier institutes. The KEA has urged candidates to use the extended period to research the DCET seat matrix and fee structures thoroughly. It is not just about choosing a college; it is about strategically ranking them to maximize the chances of allotment in a preferred branch and location. With the option entry portal now active, candidates must log in using their CET number and the security password generated during registration to lock in their choices before the August 17 cutoff.

The integration of AI in platforms like MatchToCollege provides students with a competitive edge by analyzing previous years' cutoff trends and matching them with current rankings. As the DCET 2026 cycle progresses, the revised schedule serves as a reminder of the precision required in the Karnataka engineering admission ecosystem.

Whether you are aiming for high-demand streams like Computer Science and AI or traditional branches like Mechanical and Civil Engineering, the next few days are critical. This guide provides a deep dive into the revised schedule, the technicalities of option entry, and the subsequent steps in the Karnataka DCET 2026 journey.

DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling Revised Schedule Released at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in; Option Entry Open Till August 17.

KEA has issued the revised DCET 2026 Round 1 counselling schedule. Candidates can now submit college and course options till August 17 2026 on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Seat allotment and reporting dates have also shifted.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the revised Round 1 counselling schedule for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026. The updated notification is dated August 12, 2026 and is available on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Web-based option entry for eligible candidates will now remain open till August 17, 2026.

DCET is conducted by KEA for lateral entry admission to the second year of engineering and select professional programmes in Karnataka. The revised schedule applies to diploma holders and B.Sc graduates who qualified DCET 2026 and secured a rank for counselling.

DCET 2026 Round 1 Revised Key Dates

The revised schedule reworks the Round 1 timelines that were first issued in July 2026. Candidates must complete every step within the new deadlines to remain eligible for allotment.

Candidates should track the official portal daily. Any subsequent dates for allotment, fee payment and reporting will be published on the same notification page.

Who Can Take Part in DCET 2026 Round 1 Counselling?

Only candidates who appeared in DCET 2026 and were declared eligible with a valid rank can log in for option entry. This includes diploma holders seeking lateral entry to second year engineering and B.Sc graduates seeking admission to the first year of the same programmes.

Candidates must also have completed document verification through the mode notified by KEA. Those with pending or rejected documents cannot enter options in Round 1.

How to Submit DCET 2026 Round 1 Options Online?

Option entry is the most important step of the counselling round. The choices you lock decide which college and branch you may be allotted.

1. Visit the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Click on the DCET 2026 UGCET candidate login link.
3. Enter your DCET application number and password.
4. Read the instructions and open the option entry tab.
5. Add, delete or rearrange colleges and courses in order of preference.
6. Save the entries and take a printout of the final order for reference.

KEA advises candidates to enter as many valid options as possible. A longer, well ordered list improves the chance of allotment in a preferred branch.

What Happens After the Option Entry Window Closes?

Once option entry ends on August 17, 2026, KEA will process the seat allotment based on rank, category and the order of choices submitted. The Round 1 allotment result will be released on the same portal.

After the result, each candidate must select one of the choices notified by KEA. These usually include accepting the seat, holding the seat for a higher round, opting for a better branch, or exiting the counselling. The seat must be confirmed only after paying the prescribed fee and reporting to the allotted college within the window notified by KEA.

Why This Revision Matters

The original DCET 2026 Round 1 option entry window closed on July 24, 2026. The new deadline of August 17 gives candidates extra time to compare colleges, check the seat matrix and reorder their choices before allotment.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Open the revised schedule PDF on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and note every date.
2. Log in with your DCET 2026 application number and password.
3. Study the latest seat matrix and shortlist your preferred colleges and branches.
4. Enter options in strict order of preference and save the list.
5. Keep scanned copies of all certificates and the fee amount ready for the next steps.
6. Submit or lock the final option list before 11:59 pm on August 17, 2026.