KCET 2025 - Karnataka Common Entrance Test
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission to various undergraduate courses in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, Medical, Dental, and Farm Sciences across colleges in Karnataka. The test is an essential gateway for candidates who wish to pursue professional degree courses in the state.
KCET is primarily aimed at students who have completed their 12th-grade education with the required subjects in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. The examination assesses a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency in subjects that are fundamental to the chosen course, whether it is Engineering, Medical, or Agriculture.
The KCET is conducted annually, and the exam pattern is designed to test a candidate’s subject-specific understanding as well as their general aptitude for the course they are applying for. The exam includes multiple-choice questions from subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, depending on the selected course.
Each year, the KCET exam is held in multiple cities across Karnataka, and the results are used for seat allocation through a centralized counseling process. KCET is one of the most competitive exams in the state, and it plays a significant role in determining a student’s eligibility for admission to top institutions in Karnataka.
Table of Contents
Joint Entrance Examination (Main)
Highlights of KCET 2025:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Exam Level | State-level entrance exam |
| Mode of Exam | Pen and Paper-based (Offline) |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Courses Offered | Engineering, Medical, Dental, Agricultural, Veterinary, and other professional courses |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must have completed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology as core subjects |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Questions | 180 questions (60 questions each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 180 marks (1 mark for each correct answer) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | kea.kar.nic.in |
| Result Declaration | Typically in May-June, after the exam |
| Counseling Process | Centralized counseling based on exam results and ranks |
KCET 2025 Important Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Online Application | First week of February |
| Last Date to Submit Application | Last week of March |
| Availability of Admit Card | Last week of April |
| KCET 2025 Exam Dates | First week of May |
| Release of Answer Key | Third week of May |
| Result Declaration | Last week of May |
| Commencement of Counseling | First week of June |
KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Domicile:
- The candidate should be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Age Limit:
- There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for KCET.
- Educational Qualification:
- The candidate must have passed the 2nd PUC (12th Grade) or equivalent examination with the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics (for Engineering Courses)
- Biology (for Medical, Dental, and Agriculture Courses)
- The candidate must have secured a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) in the subjects required for the course.
- The candidate must have passed the 2nd PUC (12th Grade) or equivalent examination with the following subjects:
- Minimum Marks Requirement:
- For Engineering: Candidates should have obtained 45% (40% for reserved categories) in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- For Medical and Dental: Candidates must have secured 50% (40% for reserved categories) in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Other Criteria:
- For Architecture: Candidates should have a valid NATA score or JEE Main Paper-2 score along with meeting the minimum eligibility criteria.
- Candidates with Foreign Qualification:
- Candidates who have passed their 12th grade or equivalent from outside India will be required to fulfill eligibility criteria specified by KEA.
These criteria ensure that only eligible candidates can appear for the KCET examination for admission to various undergraduate courses in Karnataka.
Application Process for KCET 2025:
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the official website of KEA: kea.kar.nic.in.
- Register Online:
- On the homepage, click on the link for KCET 2025 application form.
- Register by providing basic details like name, email ID, phone number, and creating a password.
- After successful registration, the candidate will receive login credentials.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Log in using the credentials provided.
- Fill in the personal, academic, and contact details.
- Choose the courses you wish to apply for (Engineering, Medical, Dental, Agriculture, etc.).
- Upload Required Documents:
- Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- 12th-grade marksheet
- Domicile proof (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Pay the Application Fee:
- After completing the application form, proceed to pay the application fee online.
- The fee can be paid through credit card, debit card, net banking, or e-challan.
- The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category:
- General/Other category: INR 650
- SC/ST/OBC (Karnataka): INR 500
- For candidates applying for both Medical and Engineering courses: INR 1300
- Submit the Application:
- After filling in all the required details and paying the fee, submit the application form.
- Download and take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.
- Correction (if required):
- If the candidate notices any mistakes after submission, a correction window will be provided for making necessary changes within the given time frame.
- Admit Card:
- After the application submission, the admit card will be issued for candidates who successfully register. The admit card can be downloaded from the official website.
By following these steps, candidates can complete their KCET application process and prepare for the entrance exam.
Documents Required for KCET 2025:
- Photograph:
- Recent passport-sized color photograph (as per the specified dimensions).
- Signature:
- Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature.
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets:
- Scanned copies of the 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets.
- Domicile Certificate:
- If applicable, a valid domicile certificate to prove the candidate’s residency in Karnataka.
- Category Certificate (if applicable):
- SC/ST/OBC candidates must provide a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Income Certificate (if applicable):
- For candidates claiming fee concession based on income, an income certificate from the competent authority is required.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable):
- For candidates from reserved categories, a valid caste certificate is necessary.
- Aadhaar Card:
- A scanned copy of the Aadhaar card as proof of identity (if available).
- NATA/JEE Main Paper-2 Score (for Architecture candidates):
- If applying for architecture, candidates must submit the NATA score or JEE Main Paper-2 score.
- Other Relevant Certificates:
- Certificates for candidates with disabilities, NCC, sports achievements, or any other specific category, as applicable.
Make sure to upload these documents in the prescribed formats (scanned copies in JPEG or PDF) and sizes while filling out the application form.
KCET 2025 - Exam Centers:
| Sl. No. | Exam Center |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bengaluru |
| 2 | Belagavi |
| 3 | Bidar |
| 4 | Bagalkot |
| 5 | Ballari |
| 6 | Bengaluru Rural |
| 7 | Chikkamagaluru |
| 8 | Chitradurga |
| 9 | Dakshina Kannada |
| 10 | Davanagere |
| 11 | Hassan |
| 12 | Haveri |
| 13 | Hubballi |
| 14 | Kalaburagi |
| 15 | Kodagu |
| 16 | Kolar |
| 17 | Mandya |
| 18 | Mysuru |
| 19 | Raichur |
| 20 | Ramanagara |
| 21 | Shimoga |
| 22 | Tumakuru |
| 23 | Udupi |
| 24 | Vijayapura |
| 25 | Yadgir |
| 26 | Mangalore |
| 27 | Chikkaballapura |
| 28 | Bijapur |
| 29 | Kodagu |
| 30 | Bagalkot |
| 31 | New Delhi |
| 32 | Mumbai |
| 33 | Pune |
| 34 | Dubai |
KCET 2025 Exam Pattern:
- Mode of Exam:
- The exam will be conducted in Offline mode (Pen and Paper-based test).
- Duration:
- The total duration of the exam will be 3 hours.
- Subjects:
- The exam consists of questions from three subjects:
- Physics (60 Questions)
- Chemistry (60 Questions)
- Mathematics (60 Questions)
- The exam consists of questions from three subjects:
- Total Number of Questions:
- A total of 180 questions will be asked.
- Question Type:
- All questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer will be awarded 1 mark.
- There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Language of the Exam:
- The question paper will be available in English and Kannada.
- Distribution of Marks:
- Physics: 60 marks (60 questions)
- Chemistry: 60 marks (60 questions)
- Mathematics: 60 marks (60 questions)
- Total Marks:
- The total marks for the exam are 180 marks.
- Subjects and Distribution of Time:
- Each section (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) will be allocated 1 hour for completion.
This pattern provides clarity on the structure of the exam and the topics to focus on for preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for KCET 2025:
1. What is KCET?
KCET is an entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admissions into undergraduate engineering, architecture, medical, and dental programs in various colleges across Karnataka.
2. Who is eligible to appear for KCET?
- Candidates who have passed the 12th standard examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects are eligible.
- Candidates must be Indian nationals, and they should meet the age limit and domicile requirements set by KEA.
3. How can I apply for KCET?
The application process for KCET is online. Candidates need to visit the official KEA website, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
4. What is the exam pattern for KCET?
The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The total time for the exam is 3 hours.
5. What is the marking scheme for KCET?
For each correct answer, 1 mark is awarded. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.