KCET Eligibility Criteria: Check criteria for KCET exam, Age Limit; Number of Chances etc
Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2025 ( KCET )
The exam body, Karnataka Examination Authority releases the KCET 2026 eligibility criteria in its official notification PDF. KEA releases the overall eligibility criteria as well as the eligibility list of special criteria for KCET counselling 2026. Candidates can download the PDF list on this page as well. Applicants appearing in the exam are advised to check the KCET eligibility criteria before filling the application form. The eligibility criteria of KCET 2026 comprise age limit, educational qualification, domicile criteria and others.
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026: The Karnataka Examinations Authority is expected to release the notification containing the KCET eligibility criteria. Applicants looking for admission to the engineering courses are advised to check the KCET eligibility criteria before applying online. The eligibility criteria of KCET 2026 comprise age limit, educational qualification, domicile criteria, and others. All candidates need to comply with the KCET eligibility criteria 2026. Any candidate found ineligible at later stages of the admission process will be disqualified. KEA is expected to release the KCET application form 2026 tentatively in January 2026. Applicants will be able to complete the KCET registration 2026 by visiting the official website kea.kar.nic.in before the last date. Just to make sure, applicants are advised to keep all documents ready according to the KCET eligibility criteria before filling the application form. For more details about the KCET eligibility criteria 2026, candidates can refer to the article below.
Latest Updates:
- KEA released the KCET seat matrix 2025 for engineering admission counselling
- KCET seat matrix OUT: check details of engineering college seat intake
- Previous Year KCET Special Eligibility List 2025 for Counselling (OUT)
- KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026
- KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Academic Qualification
- KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Domicile Norms
- KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Documents Required Candidates
Previous Year KCET Special Eligibility List 2025 for Counselling (OUT)
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the KCET special eligibility list for counselling. Check and download below -
Explore colleges based on KCET
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
| Category | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| Veterinary physical disabled candidates eligibility list | Download now |
| CAPF | Download now |
| Ex- CAPF | Download now |
| Defence | Download now |
| Ex-Defence | Download now |
| NCC | Download now |
| Scout and Guide | Download now |
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026
No candidate shall be eligible for admission to courses offered through KCET 2026 unless they satisfy the below KCET eligibility norms:
No, Karnataka Examination Authority will not allow any candidate to choose their exam centre and slot. KEA will allot KCET exam centres on random basis based on the preference fillled by applicants at the time of filling form. KCET exam centre details will be conveyed to applicant through hall ticket.
No. The KCET application is mandatory to be applied via official website. The examination is an offline exam.
- Candidates should be citizens of India and domiciled in Karnataka.
- Candidates should have passed the qualifying exam with a minimum of 50-60% marks from a recognised university listed under VTU (Visvesvaraya Technological University).
- Candidates who have passed the qualifying exam from a university not listed under VTU or from Karnataka State Open University are not eligible to apply for KCET 2026.
- Candidates who are appearing in the qualifying exam (2nd PUC (Pre University Colleges)/ 12th boards) in 2026 and whose result is awaited can apply for KCET 2026, but shall not be eligible for admission if they do not pass the qualifying exam.
- Candidates seeking admission to medical, dental or Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, and Homeopathy) courses must qualify the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
- Candidates seeking admission to architecture courses should appear for NATA (National Aptitude Test for Architecture) or JEE Main 2026 paper 2.
- In case of agriculture quota candidates, the merit list will be prepared based on 25% marks each secured in the concerned combinations in 2nd PUC & KCET and 50% marks secured in the practical test.
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Academic Qualification
Candidates can refer to the table provided below to check course-wise eligibility criteria to appear for KCET 2026:
Explore more B.Tech exams with upcoming dates
4 Dec '25
9 Nov '25
19 Sep '25 - 12 Nov '25
15 Nov '25
20 Nov '25
JEE Main
1 Nov '25 - 30 Nov '25
30 Nov '25
10 Dec '25
15 Oct '25 - 10 Jan '26
| Course |
Eligibility Norms |
Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| BArch |
Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 with 50% (45% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) mark in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
NATA JEE Main Paper 2 |
| BE/BTech |
Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 board with English as one of the languages and obtained a minimum of 45% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) mark in Physics and Mathematics along with Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Electronics / Computer. |
Qualifying examination: KCET |
| Farm Science BSc (Hons) Agriculture / Sericulture / Horticulture / Forestry / Agriculture Marketing & Cooperation BTech Agriculture / Food Technology / Dairy Technology / Food Science BFSc Fisheries |
Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology |
Qualifying examination: KCET |
| Bachelors of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) |
Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 with 50% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) mark in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English |
KCET |
| BPharma |
Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 board with 45% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) mark in Physics, Chemistry & Biology. Passed Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharma D) exam from an institute/university approved by Pharmacy Council of India with a minimum of 45% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) mark. Qualifying Pharma D is also applicable in case of lateral entry to the second year of BPharma, |
KCET |
| Pharma D |
Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 board in Physics, Chemistry & Biology. Passed Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharma D) exam from an institute/university approved by Pharmacy Council of India. |
KCET |
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Domicile Norms
Other than the general and academic KCET eligibility norms set by KEA, there is a domicile eligibility criteria that states that a candidate applying to appear for KCET 2026 should be a resident of India and a domicile of Karnataka. KEA has set some conditions under the domicile norms for KCET. Each condition is specified as a clause and is individually referred by a code. Take a look at the detailed domicile norms for KCET 2014.
| CODES |
Eligibility |
|---|---|
| CODE A |
A candidate who has studied and is passed in one or more Government recognized educational institutions located in the State of Karnataka for a minimum period of 7 academic years commencing from 1st standard to 2nd PUC to 12th standard as on July 1 of the year in which KCET is being held. Candidate must have also appeared and passed either SSLC / Class 10 or 2nd PUC / Class 12 examination from Karnataka. In case of candidates who have taken more than one year to pass a class or standard, the years of academic study is counted as one year only. |
| CODE B |
Candidate has studied and passed either 1st or 2nd year Pre-University Examination or 1+ 2 examinations within Karnataka from an Educational Institution recognized by the State Government. Either of the parents should have studied in Karnataka for 7 years |
| CODE C |
Either candidate or one of the parent’s mothers tongue should be Kannada, Tulu or Kodava and either of parents domiciled in the State of Karnataka. Such candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board or any other Institution located outside Karnataka and should be residing outside the State of Karnataka as on May1, 2019. |
| CODE D |
A candidate whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu or Kodava who also resides and studied for a period of 7 years between 1st and 12th standards in disputed Kannada speaking area of South Sholapur or Akkalkot or jath or Gadhinglaj taluks of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga Taluks of Kerala State. Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA. |
| CODE E |
In the case of a candidate who is son or daughter of defence personnel who has worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two year period of study of candidates in PUC/Class 11 or Class 12. The candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government recognized educational institution located in the State. |
| CODE F |
Son or daughter of serving Defence personnel from Karnataka who at the time of joining the Defence service had declared his/her hometown a place in the State. Proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced by obtaining the extract from the AG’S branch (Army Hqs) respective branch of integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective Record Offices for JCOs/OR. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or board or any other institution located anywhere in India. |
| CODE G |
In case if a candidate who is a son or daughter of defence personnel who had served in Karnataka for at least one year. The officer is also posted on duty in Field/Active service and whose family is permitted by Defense Authorities to continue to stay in Karnataka. Such candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government recognized educational institution located in Karnataka. |
| CODE H |
Son or daughter of ex-servicemen who at the time of joining the defence service had declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced from the “Deputy Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement” of that district and the same should be countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement. Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India. |
| CODE I |
In the case if a candidate being a son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government of the Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking, who is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment and has worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two year period of study of candidate in PUC/Class 11 or Class 12 standards course and, such candidate has studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government recognized educational institution located in the state of Karnataka. |
| CODE J |
Son or daughter of a working or retired employee of the Union Government or employee of Union or Karnataka State Government undertaking or Joint Sector undertaking where such employee; (a) had declared to the employer at the time of joining service any place in Karnataka to be their hometown; (b) had studied in any government or government recognized educational institutions or institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years, and was or is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment. The candidate also should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India. |
| CODE K |
Son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka. Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India. |
| CODE L |
Son or father of serving or retired employee: (a) belonging to All India Service of Karnataka cadre; (b) of the Karnataka State Government, who has served or is serving outside the State of Karnataka during the period corresponding to candidate’s study outside the state from 1st standard to 2nd PUC or Class 12 examination can be added to make up for seven years within Karnataka. |
| CODE M |
For son or daughter of Jammu and Kashmir migrants, a proof of migration is needed to be produced from jurisdictional “District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner” of any state in India. |
| CODE N |
Candidates having studied 10 years in Kannada medium from Class 1 to 12 in places outside of Karnataka need not to appear for Kannada Language test conducted by KEA. |
| CODE O |
Son/daughter of working or retired employee in Central Armed Police Force service, who at the time of joining the CAPF service had declared the hometown as a place in the state of Karnataka, proof of such domicile having been produced by obtaining the extract from the Record Office of the CAPF unit where the parents’ service record is maintained. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or board or any other institution located anywhere in India. |
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Documents Required Candidates
As mentioned earlier, the domicile norms for KCET have certain eligibility clauses categorized as Codes, basis which candidates will be required to produce the relevant documents. Documents to be produced at the time of verification in support of the claim for each of the clauses are mentioned below.
| Code |
List of Documents |
|---|---|
| CODE A |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet Rural Study Certificate for complete 10 years from Class 1 to Class 10, (if claiming rural quota) Kannada Medium Study Certificate for complete 10 years from Class 1 to Class 10, (if claiming rural quota) Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits |
| CODE B |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits Study certificate for either of the parents having studied for at least at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where they had studied. Candidate’s study certificate for having studied both 1st & 2nd PUC or Class 11 & 12 standard in Karnataka issued by the Head of the educational institution. |
| CODE C |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet Class 12 mark sheet of the candidate Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that candidate and his either of the parents have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on 01-5-2019. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother. Domicile certificate issued by concerned Revenue Authorities of the state of Karnataka regarding the previous domicile of the father/mother of the candidate as a place in the state of Karnataka. The place of issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the father/mother. Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate. Father/Mother 10th standard marks card/ cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada/Tulu/Kodava. A duly sworn declaration regarding mother tongue of the candidates. |
| CODE D |
SSLC/Class 10 Marks Card and 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk. Candidate’s study certificate issued by the head of the institution, which should be countersigned by Taluk Education Officer. A duly sworn declaration regarding mother tongue of the candidate. |
| CODE E |
SSLC/Class 10 Marks Cards 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card Candidate’s study certificate for 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution Employment certificate of the parents issued by the Controlling Office where the parent’s working period is indicated. |
| CODE F |
SSLC/Class 10 Marks Card 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate Caste/Caste Income certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar Parent’s hometown declaration certificate while joining the service issued by the respective branch of integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective record offices for JCOs |
| CODE G |
SSLC/Class 10 Marks Cards 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate The candidate’s study certificate for 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution Service certificate of the parent issued by the Controlling Office indicating the period during which the parent has worked in Karnataka and a certificate showing the present place of posting, indicating that his family is permitted to stay in Karnataka. The present working place of the parent should be indicated in name and not by code numbers |
| CODE H |
SSLC/Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/Class 12 mark sheet Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits Parent’s hometown declaration certificate while joining the service issued by the Joint Director/Deputy Director of the concerned district and countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Bangalore |
| CODE I |
SSLC/ Class 10 Marks Cards 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate Candidate’s study certificate for 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution Certificate from the employer indicating the parent’s period of employment in the state of Karnataka and also showing that they are transferable anywhere in India Certificate from the employer indicating parents as an employee of Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking |
| CODE J |
SSLC/Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/Class 12 mark sheet Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits along with: A study certificate of the parent employee for having studied for at least at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where they had studied. Hometown declaration certificate of the parent employee while joining the service and showing that he is transferable anywhere in India issued by the employer. |
| CODE K |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits Certificate showing that the parent is/was a Member of Parliament elected from Karnataka issued by the Parliament Secretariat |
| CODE L |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits Certificate from the Principal Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, DPAR, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore where the parent belongs to All India Service of Karnataka cadre stating that the parent is a member of such All India cadre. Certificate to state the period for which they have served or are serving outside Karnataka and if they are a state government employee, a certificate certifying the same from the concerned head of the office/department. |
| CODE M |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet As the proof of migration, an original certificate issued by Jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India. Under the clause, candidates can claim eligibility for the seats earmarked by the government. |
| CODE N |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet A domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidates and their parent have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on May 1, 2014. The place of issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother Study certificate issued by the head of the institution for having studied n Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard |
| CODE O |
SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits Parent’s hometown declaration certificate while joining the service issued by Record Office of the CAPF unit, where the parents' service records are maintained. |
Read More:
Vikrant Shukla - Deputy Manager
Role: News Writer & Content Editor
Education: Graduation in Mass Communication, Master's in Political Science
Expertise: Engineering Entrance Exams
About:
Vikrant has over 9 years of
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Feb '26 | COMEDK application form 2026 |
May '26 | COMEDK exam date 2026 |
Jan '26 | BITSAT 2026 application form -... |
May '26 | BITSAT 2026 application form -... |
Dec '25 | GUJCET 2026 Application Form |
31 Oct '25 - 27 Nov '25 | JEE Main 2026 Registration Ses... |
Jan '26 | JEE Main Admit Card 2025 Sessi... |
24 Oct '25 - 31 Mar '26 | VITEEE 2026 application form |
Apr '26 | VITEEE 2026 Mock Test Release ... |
20 Nov '25 | UPESEAT 2026 Registration Last... |
12 Sep '25 | UPESEAT 2026 Application Form ... |
Oct '25 | VTUEEE 2026 Phase 1 Slot 1 App... |
Oct '25 | VTUEEE 2026 Phase 1 Slot 2 App... |
30 Oct '25 - 16 Apr '26 | SRMJEEE 2026 Registration (Pha... |
30 Oct '25 - 4 Jun '26 | SRMJEEE 2026 Registration (Pha... |
Apr '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 registration... |
Apr '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 practice tes... |
Dec '25 | Last date to fill ATIT 2026 ap... |
Dec '25 | ATIT 2026 Phase 1 exam date |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
No. The official authority does not release mock tests. Candidates need to refer to third party websites for the mock tests.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
No. The JEE Mains emphasizes on deep knowledge and quote challenging with negative marking whereas KCET is moderately difficult which emphasizes on direct factual questions with no negative markings.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The exam tests knowledge of 11th and 12th syllabus so it is important to focus on 11th and 12th standard NCERT textbooks which gradually start by practicing previous years papers and appearing for mock examinations.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
It is important to give mock tests for candidates appearing for KCET examination as it provides a holistic view and it provides a realistic exam experience also helping the candidates for analysing strengths and working on weaknesses.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The examination tests knowledge of 11th and 12th standard which includes subjects like physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology.
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
No, there is no negative marking in KCET making it important for the candidates to attempt all questions.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The marking scheme for KCET is 1 mark for each correct answer with no negative marking.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The exam is in offline mode with questions asked in MCQ format for subjects like physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology containing 60 questions wherein each subject is a session for 80 minutes.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The KCET exam 2025 application form started in January.
L
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The type of questions asked are MCQs for subjects like physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology containing 60 questions each with no negative marking.
V
Contributor-Level 10
No, applicants need to appear in the Karnataka CET 2025 exam from the exam centre. KEA will release the KCET admit card for all the registered candidates with exam centre details. Applicants need to carry their KCET 2025 admit card along with one valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.