Bengaluru: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has launched an online portal to give students detailed information about colleges offering seats through Common Entrance Test(CET).Higher education minister MC Sudhakar said the initiative aims to address the difficulty students face in evaluating colleges due to the growing number of institutions and limited reliable sources.The portal will have comprehensive data on each institution such as infrastructure, courses, lab and library facilities, classrooms, hostels, transport options, fee structures, faculty profiles and affiliation certificates.Colleges must upload the details themselves, with principals signing undertakings to ensure authenticity. KEA will verify the submissions.Mobile app & chatbotKEA launched an app to streamline student services like application submission, option entry, choice selection and fee payment. The app provides push notifications and is designed to help rural students who largely rely on cyber centres.An AI-powered chatbot is also live, currently functioning in English, with a Kannada version expected within a month. Managed by BSNL, it provides answers based on official KEA data. Over 1.3 lakh students have used it so far.Seat blocking & skill fee revisionSudhakar said he plans to meet the Bengaluru police commissioner to discuss theengineering seat-blocking scam reported during CET 2024 admissions. Only BMS College of Engineering has responded in writing, denying involvement. KEA had filed a complaint with Malleswaram police on Nov 13. “The kingpin and a few others were arrested. But no colleges, except BMS, have submitted reports. We want to know why investigation hasn’t concluded.” he said.He said engineering colleges will be allowed to revise skill development fees for CET 2026. Currently, they range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.Colleges with upgraded infrastructure can adjust fees accordingly.Anti-impersonation & resultsKEA has introduced live photo verification during college reporting. The process matches students’ application photos with live webcam images and face-authenticated exam photos.The CET rank list will be released after receiving CBSE and II PU results. Officials have urged boards and universities to submit data and seat matrices promptly.