The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially commenced the Round 1 option entry and choice filling process for Karnataka Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026 counselling. Candidates who qualified DCET 2026 and are eligible for lateral entry admission to engineering programmes can now log in to the official KEA counselling portal and submit their preferred colleges and branches.

The option entry facility is available for eligible diploma holders and working professionals seeking admission to the second year of engineering courses through the DCET 2026 counselling process.Click here

DCET 2026 Round 1 Option Entry Schedule

Candidates should note the important counselling dates:

Choice Filling Process

Candidates must log in using their DCET 2026 credentials and carefully select their preferred:

• Engineering colleges
• Branches/Courses
• Order of preference

KEA has advised candidates to fill maximum realistic choices to improve their chances of securing a seat during the allotment process.

Mock Allotment to Help Candidates

The mock seat allotment will be published on 24 July 2026 at 6:00 PM. Based on the provisional allotment, candidates can analyse their likely seat allocation and modify, add, delete, or rearrange their preferences during the option modification window before the final allotment.

Final Round 1 Seat Allotment

The Round 1 final seat allotment result will be declared on 27 July 2026 after 6:00 PM. Seats will be allotted based on:

• DCET 2026 merit rank
• Candidate's preference order
• Reservation policy
• Seat availability

Candidates allotted seats must complete the prescribed admission formalities within the timeline announced by KEA.

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