The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued a notice changing the date of the compulsory Kannada language exam for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates who applied for UGNEET-2026. This exam was earlier scheduled for 5 August 2026 but has now been moved to 9 August 2026. The change was made because some candidates asked KEA for more time to submit their applications. This is a schedule revision, not a new requirement — the Kannada exam itself is a long-standing eligibility condition for candidates claiming the Horanadu or Gadinadu Kannadiga category in Karnataka's NEET UG admission process.
The Kannada language exam for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga UGNEET-2026 candidates has been shifted from 5 August to 9 August 2026 in Bengaluru, and candidates who already gave this test on 15 April or 23 May 2026 cannot appear again.
What is this exam and who must take it?
Horanadu Kannadigas are people of Kannada origin who live outside Karnataka, and Gadinadu Kannadigas are Kannada-speaking candidates from border areas of neighbouring states. Both categories can seek admission to Karnataka's medical and dental seats through KEA's state counselling, but to qualify under these categories, candidates must prove Kannada language proficiency by clearing a compulsory Kannada language exam conducted by KEA.
This notice applies specifically to candidates who submitted their UGNEET-2026 application from 30 July 2026 onward under the Horanadu or Gadinadu Kannadiga category and were due to take this language test.
The date change
KEA had earlier announced that the Kannada language exam for these late applicants would be held on 5 August 2026. That date has now been cancelled and replaced with 9 August 2026, because a few candidates requested more time to apply.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Old exam date | 05-08-2026 |
| New exam date | 09-08-2026 |
| Timing | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Venue | Bengaluru |
| Admit card download starts | 07-08-2026, from KEA's website |
Important: who can and cannot appear on 9 August
This is the part candidates must read carefully to avoid confusion or a wasted trip.
Candidates who already appeared for the Kannada language exam on 15 April 2026 or 23 May 2026 will NOT be permitted to take the exam again on 9 August 2026. If you already sat this test on either of those dates, your result already stands — you cannot retake it now.
Candidates who were absent on both 15 April 2026 and 23 May 2026 (including those who applied under Horanadu/Gadinadu category from 30 July 2026 onward) can appear for the exam on 9 August 2026.
- Already appeared on 15-04-2026 or 23-05-2026 → cannot appear again on 09-08-2026.
- Absent on both those dates → eligible to appear on 09-08-2026.
How to get your admit card
Eligible candidates can download their admit card (entrance ticket) from KEA's official website starting 7 August 2026. Candidates must carry this admit card to the exam venue in Bengaluru to be allowed to sit for the Kannada language test.
Why this matters for your NEET UG 2026 admission
Clearing this Kannada language exam is a condition for being considered under the Horanadu or Gadinadu Kannadiga category in Karnataka's state NEET UG counselling for MBBS and BDS seats. Missing the exam, or wrongly assuming you don't need to give it, could affect your eligibility to claim a seat under this category. If you fall in this group, treat this date and your admit card download as essential steps, not optional ones.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Why was the Kannada exam date changed from 5 August to 9 August 2026?
KEA received requests from some candidates for more time to submit their UGNEET-2026 application under the Horanadu/Gadinadu Kannadiga category, so it moved the exam date to 9 August 2026.
I already took the Kannada exam on 23 May 2026. Do I need to take it again on 9 August?
No. The notice clearly states that candidates who appeared on 15 April 2026 or 23 May 2026 will not be permitted to appear again on 9 August 2026. Your earlier attempt stands.
I missed both the 15 April and 23 May exam dates. Can I still take the test?
Yes. Candidates who were absent on both those dates, including those who applied under Horanadu/Gadinadu category from 30 July 2026 onward, are eligible to appear on 9 August 2026.
What time and where is the 9 August exam?
It will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Bengaluru, according to the KEA notice.
When can I download my admit card for this exam?
Eligible candidates can download their admit card from KEA's official website starting 7 August 2026.
Who needs to take this Kannada language exam at all?
Candidates applying for Karnataka NEET UG admission under the Horanadu Kannadiga or Gadinadu Kannadiga category are required to clear this compulsory Kannada language exam as part of their eligibility.
If you applied under the Horanadu or Gadinadu Kannadiga category for UGNEET-2026 and haven't yet taken the Kannada language exam, mark 9 August 2026 on your calendar and download your admit card from KEA's website from 7 August 2026 onward. Do not attempt to retake the exam if you already sat it on 15 April or 23 May 2026 — you will not be permitted, and it isn't necessary.
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