Karnataka PGCET Preparation 2026: Tips, Strategy & Guide

Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test 2026 ( Karnataka PGCET )

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Abhishek Dhawan
Updated on Dec 18, 2025 04:08 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation Tips: The Karnataka Examination Authority conducts the PGCET exam for MBA and MCA admissions. Candidates with a good preparation level will increase their chances of getting a good college via KEA PGCET scores. Karnataka PGCET preparation must start after obtaining the knowledge of syllabus and exam pattern. Having the right study material is also important for good preparation of Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam. Scroll down for preparation tips on Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam, including best study material, section wise strategy and more.

Table of contents
  • Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern
  • Karnataka PGCET 2026: Important Topics from Syllabus
  • Karnataka PGCET 2026: Preparing Study Plan
  • Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation: Study Method
  • Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation: Master Time management
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Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Pattern

Exam preparation requires candidates to obtain the knowledge for Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam pattern and syllabus. Check Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam pattern in the table below: 

Features

Details

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Total number of questions

100

Duration of exam (duration for answering questions)

120 minutes

Total sections

Five

Marking scheme

One Mark for Every Correct Answer

Sections

- Computer Awareness

- English Language

- General Knowledge

- Reasoning and General Intelligence

- Quantitative Analysis

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How much time should I devote to practice Karnmataka PGCET question papers?
A: 

Candidates need to devote a minimum of two hours to practice the Karnataka PGCET exam paper daily without a any miss. This will help them in increasing the accuracy level to answer questions in less time with proficiency. The actual exam duration of the Karnataka PGCET exam is 150 minutes. However, candidates will have to answer all questions within 120 minutes. The remaining 30 minutes are required for frisking and mentioning the details on the answer booklet.

Q:   What are the benefits of taking mock tests for Karnataka PGCET exam during preparation?
A: 

Taking mock exams for Karnataka PGCET has many benefits. Mocktest have the below given benefits:

  • Provides familiarity with type of questions and exam pattern.

  • It helps you improve speed and accuracy.

  • It helps you to identify your weak areas and focus on them.

  • It gives you a sense of confidence on the day of the exam.

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Karnataka PGCET 2026: Important Topics from Syllabus

Topics included in the Karnataka PGCET 2026 syllabus are mostly from the Graduation level. Preparation on these topics, therefore, requires an understanding of the concepts and rigorous practice of sample papers. For ease of preparation, we are highlighting the points to be kept in mind while covering topics from the syllabus.

  1. Computer Awareness: The questions in this section analyse candidate's knowledge of Computer Basics, Data Representation, Binary Arithmetic, and Operating Systems.
  2. Proficiency in the English Language: The questions in this section check knowledge of the English language, grammar, correct expression of words in English, ability to frame sentences, acumen of business language and vocabulary.
  3. General Knowledge: Questions in this section will check candidates’ awareness of events happening in India and the world at large. Some of the topics to keep in focus when preparing for the section are Indian Business Environment, Economics, Management, Cultural Events, and others.
  4. Test of Reasoning and General Intelligence: The questions in this section are in the form of puzzles, analogies, and sets and are analytical in nature. It tests the candidates’ ability to apply their analytical minds to answer questions.
  5. Quantitative Analysis: Questions in this section will not be from advanced level arithmetic, statistics, and data interpretation. However, knowing the right formula is important to crack questions asked in this section.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which topic from the Karnataka PGCET exam take the maximum time to solve?
A: 

The Reasoning and General Intelligence, as well as the Quantitative Analysis section. It will take maximum time to complete all the topics from these sections of Karnataka PGCET 2023. This is primarily because the problems will be tricky and memorizing different shortcut formulas is not easy. Building logical ability skills takes time and it is acquired only through extensive practice.

Q:   Can I refer to additional study materials apart from the recommended books for Karnataka PGCET?
A: 

Yes, candidates can refer to additional study materials as long as they cover the topics mentioned in the Karnataka PGCET syllabus. Candidates must stick to the topics of PGCET syllabus to avoid pressure.

View Syllabus
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Karnataka PGCET 2026: Preparing Study Plan

Study plan for Karnataka PGCET exam may vary across individuals. Candidates having good hold on topics under PGCET exam syllabus may need less time for preparation. On the other hand, candidates who have not studied for any of the Karnataka PGCET section earlier, may find the exam preparation tough. to prepare a study plan, candidates must analyse their strengths as well as weaknesses. One must lay a plan to complete what they find difficult first leaving the strong topics for the end. Divide the topics into two halves. In the first half, devote your attention to completing a hard topic and in the second half to cover an easier topic. By doing this, the stress level will be balanced.

Make a plan that you do not have to regret following or demand a cheat day after following it for certain days. Do not consult your friends while preparing your study plan. No two individual is alike. Create by understanding your individual information intake capacity and picking up topics for each day. If you are confident to cover more than two topics in a day, go for it. Schedule at least two hours to practice one sample paper each day to self-analyse your preparation level.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the broad topics to prepare for Karnataka PGCET exam?
A: 

Candidates need to prepare for Proficiency in the English Language, General Knowledge, Reasoning, and Quantitative Analysis for PGCET exam. Karnataka PGCET syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams.

Q:   How can one prepare for General Knowledge section of Karnataka PGCET exam?
A: 

To prepare for General Knowledge section of Karnataka PGCET exam, candidates must follow news, read bulletins, and refer Manorama Year Book to know about the current affairs.

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Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation: Study Method

The level of the Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam is easier in comparison to many other MBA entrance tests. However, this does not mean that you can put less effort into preparing for the exam. The trick for this exam is to follow a smart method of study. We suggest you not study all the topics in length and breadth. Understand the important facts from each point and write it down in your own words. Revise these short notes from time to time to memorise the facts to answer all the questions on those topics.

For the Quantitative Analysis section, create a table on formulae and theorems. Do not go for long formulae. The mental calculation will help you arrive at answers taking less time. So short formula will be better in terms of remembering them as well as in calculation.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What books can I refer to prepare for Proficiency in English Language in Karnataka PGCET?
A: 

Basic English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin, Objective English by M.G.Kulkarni, The Practice of English Usage by E.B. White, and The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, are some books that help in KEA PGCET preparation.

Q:   How to manage time in Karnataka PGCET exam?
A: 

The golden rule of all speed-based test is time management and this is applicable for Karnataka PGCET exam as well. In order to master skills of managing time for the test, practice Karnataka PGCET question papers multiple times as well as any available online test on MBA exam question paper. Do not just practice, keep an eye on the time taken to solve the question paper. On the exam day if you know all the answer but cannot manage the time you will end up completing a fraction of the test paper. Your aim should, therefore, be to answer a maximum number of questions accurate within less duration.

Q:   What is the desired study plan for Karnataka PGCET exam?
A: 

Candidates must have a plan for Karnatak PGCET preparation based on their schedule. Hus there is no one shoe that will fit all. However, When you have limited time in hand for Karnataka PGCET exam preparation, each day counts. To utilise each day in the right way, create an hourly plan. Pick up the hard topics or in other words, topics in which you lack confidence in the first week. Divide the topics into two halves. In the first half, devote your attention to completing a hard topic and in the second half to cover an easier topic. By doing this, the stress level will be balanced.

Make a plan that you do not have to regret following or demand a cheat day after following it for certain days. Do not consult your friends while preparing your study plan. No two individual is alike. Create by understanding your individual information intake capacity and picking up topics for each day. If you are confident to cover more than two topics in a day, go for it. Schedule at least two hours to practice one sample paper each day to self-analyse your preparation level

Karnataka PGCET Logo

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Preparation: Master Time management

The golden rule of all speed-based test is time management and this is applicable for Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam as well. In order to master skills of managing time for the test, practice Karnataka PGCET question papers multiple times as well as any available online test on MBA exam question paper. Do not just practice, keep an eye on the time taken to solve the question paper. On the exam day if you know all the answer but cannot manage the time you will end up completing a fraction of the test paper. Your aim should, therefore, be to answer a maximum number of questions accurate within less duration.

Best Books for Karnataka PG CET 2026 Exam

Books are an important part of exam preparation and to know the names of some best books for Karnataka PGCET 2026 exam, look at the table below.

Books

Authors/ Publishers

Logical Reasoning

Arihant

Non-Verbal Reasoning

R.S.Aggarwal

Mathematical for MBA

R.S.Aggarwal

Vedic Mathematics

Dr. Aditi Singhal

Mathematics Papers

Kiran Publication

General Knowledge

Arihant

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

30 Days to More Powerful Vocabulary

Norman Lewis

Objective General English

S.P.Bakshi

Better English

Norman Lewis

Grammar Error Spot

A.Upadhay

Read More

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Karnataka PGCET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

The PGCET in Karnataka is a test, called the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test, given annually for students applying to postgraduate (master's degree) programs, including MBA, MCA, M.Tech, ME and M.Arch in all private and public colleges located in Karnataka. The PGCET will be given by the Karnatak

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ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

The PES University Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 has been released for admission to the MBA/PGDM course for all categories under the All India quota up to Round 3. The Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 for the General category candidates under the All India was  656. For the SC AI quota, the cutoff was 5098

...Read more

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The ABBS Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 was released up to Round 3 for admission to MBA course. The Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 was 3375 rank for the Gender-Neutral candidates. Acharya Bangalore Business School Bangalore accepts the Karnataka PGCET rank for admission to its offered MBA programme. 

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

GIBS Bangalore School Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 is out for candidates seeking admission to the MBA/PGDM course. For the General category in the All India quota, the Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 was 29459 rank. The Karnataka PGCET exam is also known as the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Tes

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

CMR University Karnataka PGCET cutoff 2025 has been released for admission to the MBA course, wherein the last round closing rank was 15586 for CMR University (OMBR Campus). For CMR Institute of Technology Bengaluru, the cutoff rank was 12948. 

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 is for admission to PG courses,  MBA,  MCA, M.E.,  M.Tech. and M.Arch in the state of Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts this exam. Students can click here, to know more. 

 

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Acharya Institute Of Management And Science Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 was released for admission to MBA courses for all categories up to Round 3. According to the Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025, the overall cutoff rank was 21968 for the students belonging to the General category All India quota. Plea

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Ramaiah University Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 has been released for admission to Master of Business Administration programme. Students who belong to the General AI category need to attained a rank of 4899 as per Round 3 closing cutoff  rank to avail admission to the MBA programme. Please note that

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

The Karnataka PGCET 2024 Cutoff for admission to MBA courses was 2206 as per the last round closing rank for General AI category. The NMIT Bangalore Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025 will be displayed soon. To know more about the cutoffs, click here.

 

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

375 Institutes accepting Karnataka PGCET

University of Mysore

Mysore Public

University
    • 44,405
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time

    Bangalore University

    Mysore Road, Bangalore Public

    Bangalore
    • 60,000
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
      • 24,620
      • 2 years
      • |
      • Full Time

      Christ University

      Hosur Road, Bangalore Private

      Christ Uni
        • 2 years
        • |
        • Full Time

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