KCET
Karnataka Common Entrance Test
KCET (the Karnataka Common Entrance Test, listed by KEA as UGCET) is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to determine eligibility and merit for government-quota seats in first-year engineering and technology, farm science (agriculture and allied), veterinary science, B.Sc. Nursing, naturopathy & yoga, B.Pharm and Pharm.D courses at government, university, aided and private institutions in Karnataka. It is a pen-and-paper (OMR) test of four 60-mark papers — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology — held over two days, with no negative marking and questions based on Karnataka's first- and second-year PUC syllabi. The engineering rank gives equal weight to CET and Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Architecture seats use NATA scores and medical, dental and AYUSH seats use NEET (UG), but those applicants also register with KEA for its online counselling, through which seats are allotted. Pattern, dates and fees are set in KEA's information bulletin each year.
Frequency
Once a year — CET-2026 was scheduled for 23–24 April 2026, with a Kannada language test on 22 April for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates
Duration
80 minutes per subject paper (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology), over two days
Format
Paper-based
Score range
60 marks per subject paper: 60 one-mark multiple-choice questions, no negative marking. Candidates take the subjects their course needs — Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for engineering.
Eligibility
Government seats are open only to citizens of India who have passed or are appearing in 2nd PUC/Class 12 (or equivalent). For engineering, English must be one of the languages, with at least 45% aggregate in Physics and Mathematics plus one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Electronics or Computer (40% for Karnataka SC, ST and Category-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B candidates). Government seats are for candidates who meet a 'Karnataka candidate' clause of the CET-2006 Admission Rules — for example, at least seven academic years of study in Karnataka between 1st standard and 2nd PUC/12th — and for wards of Jammu & Kashmir migrants.
Conducting body
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) — official site; KEA — CET-2026 E-Information Bulletin-1 (English, 16 Jan 2026).
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
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