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Kerala MCA Entrance Exam 2026, conducted by LBS Centre for Science and Technology (LBS Kerala), is the state-level test for admission to the 2-year Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program in government, aided, and private institutions across Kerala with AICTE approval. The exam evaluates aptitude in mathematics, computer awareness, English, and general knowledge. Successful candidates enter centralized allotment process (CAP) for seats in reputed colleges like those under Kerala University, CUSAT-affiliated institutes, and private self-financing colleges. With increasing demand for skilled IT professionals, clearing this exam opens doors to quality postgraduate education in computer applications at affordable fees.
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Kerala MCA Entrance Exam 2026 Notification and Important Dates
The official notification for Kerala MCA Entrance Exam 2026 is expected to be released in May-June 2026 on the LBS Centre website lbscentre.kerala.gov.in. Applications will be online only, with the exam likely in August-September 2026 as a computer-based test.
- Notification Release: May 2026
- Application Start: June 2026
- Last Date to Apply: July-August 2026
- Admit Card Download: One week before exam
- Exam Date: August-September 2026
- Result Announcement: September-October 2026
- Counselling Registration: October 2026 onwards
Candidates must monitor lbscentre.kerala.gov.in for confirmed dates, as timelines may shift based on academic calendar.
Kerala MCA Entrance Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Kerala MCA Entrance Exam 2026, candidates must fulfill these requirements:
- Nationality: Indian
- Qualification: Bachelor's degree (BCA, B.Sc CS/IT, B.Com with Computer Applications, or any degree with Mathematics/Statistics at 10+2 or graduation level)
- Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (45% for SEBC, 40% for SC/ST)
- Mathematics Requirement: Must have studied Mathematics or Statistics at higher secondary or degree level
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply, but must produce qualifying marks at counselling
- No Age Limit: Applicable
Kerala domicile not mandatory, but residents get priority in government seats and fee benefits.
Kerala MCA Entrance Exam 2026 Application Form and Fees
Applications are submitted online at lbscentre.kerala.gov.in or the dedicated portal. Process involves registration, filling personal/academic details, uploading photo/signature, and fee payment.
| Category | Application Fee (Expected) |
|---|---|
| General/SEBC | Rs. 1000 |
| SC/ST | Rs. 500 |
Payment through net banking, card, or challan. Correction window may be provided after submission.
Kerala MCA Entrance Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is computer-based with 150 multiple-choice questions for 2 hours duration. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, with 1 mark negative for wrong answers.
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 450
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Marking: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect
- Sections: Aptitude in Mathematics (40%), Computer Awareness (20%), English (15%), General Knowledge (10%), Logical Reasoning (15%)
Questions test graduate-level aptitude with focus on problem-solving.
Kerala MCA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026
Syllabus covers topics from bachelor's level and higher secondary:
- Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics, Probability
- Computer Awareness: Basics of computers, OS, DBMS, Networks, Programming concepts (C, Java)
- English: Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, Science, Technology
- Logical Reasoning: Series, Analogy, Puzzles, Data interpretation
Detailed syllabus available in prospectus on lbscentre.kerala.gov.in.
Kerala MCA Previous Year Cutoff Trends
Cutoffs are released as index marks or ranks for CAP allotment. Qualifying marks vary, but rank depends on performance relative to others.
From recent years, approximate closing ranks for popular government-aided colleges (General category):
| College Type/Branch | 2025 (Approx Closing Rank) | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Colleges (e.g., Institute of Human Resources Development) | Top 200-500 | 150-400 | 200-600 |
| Aided Colleges (e.g., under Kerala University) | 500-1500 | 400-1200 | 600-1800 |
| Private Self-Financing | 1500+ | 1200+ | 1800+ |
| Reserved (SC/ST) | Lower by 30-50% | - | - |
Trends show increasing competition, with top ranks needed for merit seats. Expected for 2026: Slight rise due to more applicants.
Kerala MCA Previous Year Question Papers
Previous papers help gauge difficulty and topic weightage. Official papers and answer keys are released post-exam on lbscentre.kerala.gov.in. Archives for 2025-2020 available on the site or aglasem.com.
- Focus Areas: Repeated questions from algebra, programming basics, DBMS
- Download: From official portal under 'Previous Questions' section
Kerala MCA 2026 Counselling and Seat Allotment
Counselling is centralized (CAP) online. Qualified candidates register, pay trial allotment fee, fill choices, and get seats based on rank, category, and preferences.
- Rounds: Trial, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Spot
- Documents: Degree marksheet, entrance rank card, nativity proof, caste certificate (if applicable)
- Fee: Token deposit for confirmation
- Options: Accept, Float for upgrade, or Exit
In 2025, multiple rounds filled over 2000 seats. Similar process expected for 2026.
Kerala MCA Preparation Tips 2026
Build strong foundation in mathematics and computer concepts. Practice mocks to improve speed and accuracy due to negative marking.
- Books: RS Aggarwal for Quantitative, Objective Computer Awareness by Arihant, Wren & Martin English
- Strategy: Cover high-weightage topics first, solve 5-10 previous papers
- Target Score: 300+ marks for top government-aided seats
- Online Resources: Free mocks on coaching sites, YouTube for concepts
Regular revision and time-bound tests key to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- LBS Centre for Science and Technology conducts the entrance for Master of Computer Applications admissions in Kerala.
- No, open to all Indians, but Kerala residents get reservation and lower fees in government seats.
- Yes, possible in private or aided colleges; top government seats require 300+.
- Yes, -1 for wrong answers; attempt carefully.
- Around 2000-2500 seats in government, aided, and private institutions.
- Seat may be cancelled; attend all rounds or risk losing allotment.
- Yes, but must submit qualifying degree at counselling.
- No, rough sheet provided for calculations.
- Focus on basics of OS, networks, DBMS, programming; use standard books like Arihant.
- Varies; under 500-1000 for General in popular colleges.
- Usually within 1-2 months; register promptly on CAP portal.
- Yes, or at 10+2 level; statistics also accepted.
