DCET 2026 Round 1 Revised Schedule: New Dates & Guide

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has once again updated the timeline for the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 Round 1 counselling process. For students aspiring to secure lateral entry into second-year engineering programs across Karnataka, this revision is a critical development that requires immediate attention.

Navigating the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in is the first step, but understanding the implications of these changes is where MatchToCollege steps in to provide clarity. This latest announcement follows a series of administrative adjustments designed to ensure that every eligible candidate has sufficient time to complete their financial and reporting obligations. The DCET 2026 cycle is particularly competitive, and missing a deadline—even by a few hours—can result in the forfeiture of a hard-earned seat in a top-tier engineering college.

As an AI-powered higher education counselling platform, MatchToCollege recognizes that technical glitches or simple oversight can derail a student's career path. The revised schedule specifically impacts the window for fee payment and the subsequent physical reporting at the allotted institutions. Candidates must realize that the DCET is more than just an exam; it is a gateway for diploma holders to bridge the gap into professional degree courses. With the 2026-27 academic session on the horizon, the pressure to secure admission is high. KEA’s decision to extend or shift these dates often stems from requests by student bodies or logistical requirements at the university level. However, for the individual student, it means re-evaluating their immediate calendar. This blog post provides a comprehensive breakdown of the new dates, the step-by-step procedure for fee settlement, and the documentation required for a successful reporting process.

In the following sections, we will delve into the granular details of the revised notification. We will cover how to verify your allotment status, the nuances of the payment gateway on the KEA website, and the essential checklist for college reporting. Furthermore, we will explore how MatchToCollege’s AI tools can help you analyze if your allotted college aligns with your long-term career goals or if you should consider participating in subsequent rounds. Staying updated with official notifications at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in is mandatory, but interpreting those updates through a strategic lens is what distinguishes a successful applicant from the rest. Let’s dive into the specifics of the DCET 2026 Round 1 revised schedule.

KEA has once again revised the DCET 2026 Round 1 counselling schedule on August 18. Candidates must check the new fee payment and reporting deadlines on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in before confirming their allotted seats.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued a revised Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 Round 1 counselling schedule on the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The fresh notification is dated August 18, 2026. It marks the second revision to the Round 1 timeline.

The revision changes the fee payment window and the college reporting deadline. Allotted candidates must now complete their next steps as per the updated dates. The revised schedule is available in a downloadable PDF on the KEA counselling page.

DCET is the state-level entrance test for lateral entry admission into the second year of B.E., B.Tech and B.Pharm programmes. It also covers direct admission to the first year of B.Pharm at Karnataka institutes.

DCET 2026 Round 1 Revised Schedule

The revised schedule affects the choice exercise, fee payment and reporting activities. Candidates who were allotted seats in Round 1 must act within the new deadlines. Missing any deadline can lead to loss of the allotted seat.

The dates above reflect the schedule as revised by KEA. Candidates should still cross-check the latest PDF notification on the KEA portal. This ensures they act on the final approved timeline.

Who Is Affected by This Revision?

The revised schedule applies to all candidates allotted a seat in Round 1 of DCET 2026 counselling. It covers engineering, B.Pharm and lateral entry aspirants. Candidates from all categories, including SC, ST, OBC and general, must follow the same timeline.

Candidates who did not receive an allotment in Round 1 will wait for the Round 2 schedule. KEA will announce the Round 2 seat matrix and option entry dates separately.

How to Confirm the Allotted Seat?

KEA offers four choices to Round 1 allotted candidates. Each choice has a different meaning for the counselling process. Selecting the right choice is critical before the deadline.

• Choice 1: Candidate is fully satisfied with the allotted seat and will join it.
• Choice 2: Candidate accepts the allotted seat but wants to try for a better seat in Round 2.
• Choice 3: Candidate is not satisfied and wants a new seat in Round 2 by giving up the current one.
• Choice 4: Candidate exits DCET counselling completely.

After selecting a choice, candidates must pay the applicable fee online. Fee payment can be done through net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI. The fee amount depends on the category and the allotted institute.

How to Report at the Allotted College?

Candidates who select Choice 1 or Choice 2 must report to the allotted college. Reporting must be completed on or before August 21, 2026 by 5:30 PM. Candidates should carry all original documents for verification.

The list of required documents includes the DCET admit card, diploma marks card, transfer certificate and category certificate. Two passport-size photos and the fee payment receipt are also required. Candidates should carry photocopies of each document.

Why This Matters

This is the second time KEA has revised the DCET 2026 Round 1 schedule. Candidates must track the KEA portal daily during counselling. A single missed deadline can cost the allotted seat.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and download the August 18 revised schedule PDF.
2. Log in using your DCET 2026 credentials and check your Round 1 allotment status.
3. Select the correct choice (1, 2, 3 or 4) before the window closes on August 19, 2026.
4. Pay the applicable seat confirmation fee online between August 18 and August 20, 2026.
5. Keep all original documents and photocopies ready for reporting.
6. Report to the allotted college by 5:30 PM on August 21, 2026.