State Engineering Entrance Exams Getting Tougher: TS EAMCET, KCET, and COMEDK raising bars for aspirants

State Engineering Entrance Exams Getting Tougher in 2025: In a notable shift across major state-level engineering entrance exams, students have reported a significant rise in difficulty levels for COMEDK UGET, TS EAMCET, and KCET 2025. With tougher questions, time management issues, and a more application- and concept-based approach, experts believe this year marks a turning point in how state engineering exams are structured. The cutoff marks might drop, giving candidates breathing room in the college/course selection process; however, it can be a tough fight during counselling. 

COMEDK, TS EAMCET, and KCET raise the bar for aspirants: This year, the KCET, TS EAMCET, and COMEDK had a consistent difficulty level in the questions. The state-level exam was conducted in various shifts, and based on the students' and experts' feedback, every shift and session of the exams were on the moderate to tougher side.  Aspirants have also expressed that most questions were concept-based, with lengthy and tricky calculations. The cutoff marks might drop, giving candidates breathing room in the college/course selection process; however, it can be a tough fight during counselling/seat allotment. Here is a brief analysis (engineering section) of the respective exams provided below-

Sudden Shift in Difficulty Level in the Question Papers

Experts and academic institutions have observed a noticeable transformation in the structure of state-level entrance exams this year. This change has driven a broader educational shift towards competency-based learning and alignment with national-level exam standards. 

This year, the state-level exams—COMEDK, TS EAMCET, and KCET question papers—reflected moderately complex levels based on the students' reactions and feedback. Many experts and students have compared the question format to the JEE Mains level.

COMEDK and TS EAMCET 2025 focused more on conceptual clarity and numerical problem-solving, especially in Physics and Mathematics. On the other hand, KCET 2025 saw an increase in application-based questions. 

Based on the analysis and feedback, it can be stated that “Students can no longer rely solely on textbook learning.  "Exams are gradually moving away from direct questions and shifting towards assessing problem-solving abilities and critical thinking." 

Impact on Cutoffs and Admission Trends

With tougher papers, students can expect a relative drop in overall marks, leading to slightly lower cutoffs for top colleges. However, the competition remains intense. In TS EAMCET 2025, despite the difficulty, over 2 lakh candidates appeared, ensuring that high-ranking students still dominate top-tier seats. However, based on the TS EAMCET topper's scores, the cutoff is expected to drop, offering chances for aspirants in the admission process. 

In COMEDK 2025, top colleges like RVCE, BMSCE, and MSRIT may see cutoffs drop by 300 to 400  marks compared to last year. KCET 2025’s top engineering colleges, like UVCE, BMSCE, etc. are also expected to adjust their closing ranks accordingly.

Admission Process: What Aspirants Should Brace For

Students must stay informed about evolving counselling policies. TS EAMCET and KCET will follow their respective online counselling rounds, but students may face tougher competition in seat allotment due to the normalisation of marks and reservation rules. For COMEDK, the centralised counselling (COMEDK UGET Counselling) remains the gateway to over 150 engineering colleges in Karnataka. Counselling rounds will begin soon. With the TS EAMCET results out, the counselling process is expected to start in June. 

With state-level engineering exams becoming more challenging, aspirants must adapt their preparation strategies accordingly. The trend is clear—rote learning won’t suffice anymore. Analytical thinking, speed, and conceptual clarity are key to cracking these exams and securing a top engineering seat in 2025. 

Also read:

• KCET 2025 expected result date and time: scorecard will be made available for download on this date
• COMEDK 2025 revised dates for exam, answer key, and results announced: check now