Mangaluru/Udupi: The Common Entrance Test (CET) 2026 conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority commenced on April 23 across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, with a total of 30,235 students appearing for the examination.
The entrance test, which is crucial for admission to engineering and other professional courses, will continue on April 24 under tight security and monitoring arrangements.
In Udupi district, 8,746 students are writing the exam at 23 centres located in Udupi (11), Karkala (5), and Kundapur (7).
Officials noted that CET examinations in Udupi are being conducted across April 23 and 24 in all three taluks, ensuring smooth coordination and accessibility for candidates.
Tight security and monitoring measures
To prevent malpractice, authorities have implemented strict surveillance mechanisms similar to those used in recruitment examinations. All examination centres are equipped with CCTV cameras and webcasting facilities for real-time monitoring.
Candidate verification is being carried out using QR codes printed on hall tickets, along with advanced facial recognition systems. These measures aim to eliminate impersonation and ensure transparency in the examination process.
Early reporting and verification process
The KEA has instructed candidates to arrive at their respective centres at least two hours in advance. Entry is permitted only after thorough checking by police personnel and home guards.
Student identity is verified through both facial recognition technology and QR code scanning, ensuring that only registered candidates are allowed to take the examination.
Strict dress code guidelines
A strict dress code has been enforced for both male and female candidates. Students are required to wear half-sleeve clothing, preferably without collars, to facilitate easy verification.
Male candidates must wear simple trousers with minimal or no pockets. Attire such as kurta-pyjama and jeans is not permitted. Footwear like shoes is also prohibited.
Additionally, electronic items including mobile phones, pen drives, earphones, and microphones are strictly banned inside examination halls. KEA officials have advised candidates to carefully review dress code guidelines beforehand to avoid last-minute issues.
Measures to prevent impersonation
Authorities emphasised that these stringent measures are designed to prevent impersonation and ensure fairness. The same identity verification protocols will also be followed during seat allotment and admission processes.
Executive Director of KEA, H Prasanna, stated that all preparations have been completed in advance. He added that nodal officers have been appointed and trained to avoid confusion, particularly regarding dress code issues that had arisen in previous years.
Conclusion
The smooth conduct of CET 2026 in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi reflects improved planning and the adoption of technology-driven monitoring systems. With strict guidelines in place, authorities aim to ensure a fair and transparent examination process for thousands of aspiring students across the region.