Karnataka Common Entrance Test Eligibility Criteria 2026

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) sets the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026. The official notification for KCET 2026 has not been released yet. A candidate's application is purely provisional until all academic and other eligibility conditions are verified.

There is no upper age limit for the KCET 2026 exam. Candidates must be Indian citizens. Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 2nd PUC from a recognised board. Some courses, like B.Pharm, require a minimum age of 17 years.

Only candidates who hold the verification slip can enter their choices for seat allotment. KEA issues this slip after successful document verification.

Key Points from 2025

• Around 10,000 candidates in 2025 had their results initially withheld due to wrong registration numbers and 2nd PUC marks entry issues.
• Over 400 candidates who reappeared in KCET 2025 after being allotted seats in previous years but did not join had their ranks withheld pending investigation.

Key Summary

• There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for KCET. In 2025, 26% of candidates were reappearing.
• The Kannada Language Test is a qualifying exam and does not affect rank or cutoff.
• KEA considers the best PUC marks, including improvement examinations, for 50% weightage in rank calculation.
• Candidates must have at least 40% disability as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for PwD reservation.

Eligibility Criteria PDF

KEA releases the detailed eligibility criteria every year with the official notification on its website. The official PDF contains the complete eligibility clauses.

Course-wise Eligibility Criteria

Architecture (B.Arch)

• The norms prescribed in COA / NATA / Admission Rules and relevant Government orders apply for eligibility and merit.

Engineering / Technology (B.E. / B.Tech)

• Passed 2nd PUC / 12th Std / Equivalent Exam with English as one of the languages.
• Minimum 45% marks in aggregate in Physics and Mathematics, along with Chemistry / Bio-Technology / Biology / Electronics / Computer.
• Relaxed to 40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates.

Farm Science Courses

• Passed 2nd PUC / 12th Std / Equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology as optional subjects.
• For Agriculturist Quota, merit is based on 25% marks each from II year PUC (PCMB) and CET, plus 50% marks from the Practical Test.
• A minimum of 50% marks in the Practical Examination is required for the Agriculturist Quota.

Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)

• Passed 2nd PUC / 12th Std.
• Aggregate minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Relaxed to 40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates.
• Merit is based on 50% of CET marks (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and 50% of practical test marks.

B-Pharma

• Passed 2nd PUC / 12th Std with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology OR Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Minimum 45% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Relaxed to 40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates.

Course-wise Eligibility Criteria for KCET 2026

Eligibility for KCET 2026 depends on the course you are applying for. The requirements for each course are listed below.

2nd Year B. Pharma

• Passed the Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India.
• Secured a minimum of 45% marks in the Diploma in Pharmacy Examination.
• SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B category candidates need a minimum of 40% marks.

Pharma-D

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Passed 2nd PUC / 12th Std with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

OR

• Passed the Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India.

Naturopathy & Yoga

• Passed the Qualifying Examination (Q.E.) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects, and English as one of the languages.
• A minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Q.E. is required.
• SC, ST, Category–I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) category candidates need a minimum of 40% marks in the Q.E.

BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)

• Passed the Q.E. with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects and English as one of the languages of study.
• A minimum of 40% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Q.E. is required.
• SC, ST, Category–I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) category candidates need a minimum of 35% marks in the Q.E.

BPO (Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics)

• Passed the Q.E. with Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics as optional subjects, and English as one of the languages.
• A minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology / Mathematics subjects in the Q.E. is required.
• SC, ST, Category–I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) category candidates need a minimum of 45% marks in the Q.E.

B.Sc. AHS

• Passed the Q.E. with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as optional subjects, and English as one of the languages.

A minimum of 35% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Q.E. is eligible for admission to the BPT and BPO courses.

Common Eligibility Questions

Can I apply for Engineering if I have Biology instead of Mathematics?

No, Mathematics is compulsory for Engineering courses. If you have the PCB combination, you can apply for B.VSc and AH, Naturopathy & Yoga, and B.Sc (Nursing) courses.

Is there any special eligibility for B.Arch (Architecture) in KCET 2026?

Yes, students must qualify the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). They must also compulsorily register for CET-2026, fill the application and pay the fees to become eligible to participate in the counseling.

KCET Eligibility 2026: Kannada Language Test

The Kannada Language Test is a mandatory qualifying test. It will be conducted on 22nd April.

The test will be conducted only in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Vijayapura, and Mangalore. Candidates must appear for KCET 2026 at a test centre located at these centres only.

• Candidates claiming eligibility for Government seats under Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga clauses must take the language test. This applies to candidates whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, Kodava or Beary.
• The test establishes the candidate's ability to speak, read and write Kannada.
• The minimum passing marks are 12 out of 50 to be considered for assignment of ranks and to become eligible for allotment of seats in CET-2026.
• Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates who have studied TEN full academic years in Kannada Medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside Karnataka need not appear for the Language Test.

Kannada Language Test: Common Questions

Do people fail the Kannada language test?

Yes, in 2025, around 456 candidates out of 1520 failed, and 12 candidates scored 0/50 in the Language test.

What is the syllabus for the Kannada language test?

The syllabus is of 4th standard level. Students can use the following books to prepare for the KCET Kannada language paper:

1. Kannada Alphabet: Learning and Writing
2. Learning Kannada Made Easy by Shashidhara Vishwamithra.
3. Speaking Kannada Made Easy by Doc Tortoise.

KCET 2026: Agriculturist Quota Eligibility

Agriculturist Quota is applicable only for Undergraduate courses. The Practical Examination will be conducted at the concerned Agricultural / Veterinary Universities.

KCET 2026 Practical Test Centres

The practical test for KCET 2026 is held at specific centres across Karnataka. The centres are listed below.

Practical Test Fees

The practical test fee must be paid at the test centre on the day of document verification. The payment is made in the form of a demand draft.

• Rs 500/- for General and OBC candidates.
• Rs 250/- for SC, ST and Category-1 candidates.

Merit List Calculation

The merit list is prepared based on marks in 2nd PUC, CET, and the practical test. The weightage of each component is different for different courses.

• For most courses: 25% weightage for 2nd PUC marks, 25% for CET marks, and 50% for practical test marks.
• For B.V.Sc & AH: 50% weightage for CET marks and 50% for practical test marks.

Agriculturist Quota in KCET 2026

Children of farmers or agricultural labourers can claim the agriculturist quota. The candidate's parents must own or tenant agricultural land to be eligible.

Seats reserved for this quota are 23-24% in courses like B.Sc Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Food Technology.

KCET Eligibility 2026: Specific Clauses

KEA has defined specific eligibility clauses for KCET 2026. Each clause has its own set of requirements and documents.

Clause A

The candidate must have studied in Karnataka for a minimum of seven years from 1st standard to 2nd PUC / 12th standard as on 1st July 2026. The study must be in one or more government-recognised institutions in the state.

The candidate must have appeared and passed either the SSLC / 10th standard or 2nd PUC / 12th standard examination from Karnataka State. If a candidate took more than one year to pass a class, the years of academic study are counted as one year only.

Documents to be Produced

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Study certificate
• Rural Study Certificate for completing 10 years from 1st to 10th, if claiming the rural quota
• Kannada Medium Study Certificate for completing 10 years from 1st to 10th, if claiming the rural quota
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the 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

Clause B

The candidate must have studied and passed the 1st and 2nd year Pre-University Examination within Karnataka. The institution must be run or recognised by the State Government.

Either of the candidate's parents should have studied in Karnataka for seven years.

Documents to be Produced

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by the 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
• A study certificate for either of the parents, having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka, from the head of the educational institution where they had studied
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied both 1st & 2nd PUC or 11th & 12th standard in Karnataka, issued by the Head of the educational institution

Clause C

The candidate and either of their parents must have Kannada, Tulu or Kodava as their mother tongue. Either of the parents should have been domiciled in Karnataka.

The candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board or any other Institution located outside Karnataka. They should be residing outside Karnataka as on 1st May 2026.

The candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

Documents to be Produced

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 12th standard mark card of the candidate
• Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and either of their parents have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on 01-05-2026. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother.
• Domicile certificate issued by the 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 the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the father/mother.
• Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate
• Father/Mother’s 10th standard marks card/ cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada/Tulu/Kodava
• A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidates

Clause D

The candidate's mother tongue must be Kannada, Tulu or Kodava. The candidate should have resided and studied for a period of SEVEN years between 1st and 12th standards in the disputed Kannada-speaking areas.

These areas are South Solapur or Akkalkot or Jeth or Gadhinglaj taluka of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga Taluks of Kerala State. The candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) Eligibility Clauses

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) eligibility rules include several clauses. These clauses define who can apply based on residency, parent's service, and other criteria. Each clause has specific document requirements.

Clause C and D: Kannada Language Requirement

Candidates claiming eligibility under clauses C and D must speak, read, and write Kannada. They must also secure a minimum of 12 marks in the Kannada Language Test conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be assigned ranks.

The following documents are required for these clauses:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card and 2nd PUC/12th standard Marks Card of the candidate
• Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk
• Candidate's study certificate issued by the head of the institution, countersigned by the Taluk Education Officer
• A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidate

Clause E: Children of Defence Personnel Who Served in Karnataka

This clause applies to candidates who are sons or daughters of defence personnel who worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the candidate's two-year study period in PUC/11th and 12th standard. The candidate must have studied and passed the qualifying examination from a government or government-recognised educational institution in Karnataka.

Documents required under Clause E:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate
• Study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka, issued by the head of the educational institution
• Employment certificate of the parent issued by the Controlling Office, indicating the period of work in Karnataka from the reporting date to the current date

Clause F: Children of Serving Defence Personnel with Karnataka as Hometown

This clause covers sons or daughters of serving Defence personnel from Karnataka who declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining the Defence service. Proof of domicile must be obtained from the AG's (Army Hqs) respective branch of the integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective Record Offices for JCOs/OR. The candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university, board, or institution located anywhere in India.

Documents required under Clause F:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card
• 2nd PUC/12th standard Marks Card of the candidate
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tahsildar in the prescribed format if claiming reservation benefits
• Parents' hometown declaration certificate while joining the service, issued by the respective branch of the Integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and the respective record offices for JCOs

Clause G: Children of Defence Personnel in Field/Active Service

This clause applies to sons or daughters of defence personnel who served in Karnataka for at least one year and are posted on duty in Field/Active service, with families permitted by Defence Authorities to continue staying in Karnataka. Candidates must have studied and passed the qualifying examination from a government or government-recognised educational institution in Karnataka.

Documents required under Clause G:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate
• Study certificate for having studied the 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 of work in Karnataka and a certificate showing the present place of posting, confirming family permission to stay in Karnataka. The present working place must be indicated by name, not code numbers.

Clause H: Children of Ex-Servicemen with Karnataka as Hometown

This clause applies to sons or daughters of ex-servicemen who declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining the defence service. Proof of domicile must be obtained from the Deputy Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement of that district, and countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement. The candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university, board, or institution located anywhere in India.

Documents required under Clause H:

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar if claiming reservation benefits: Form-D for SC/ST, Form E for Category-I, and Form F for 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B
• Parents' 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

Clause I: Children of Transferable Union or State Government Employees

This clause covers sons or daughters of employees of the Union Government, Karnataka State Government Undertaking, or Joint Sector Undertaking who are liable to be transferred anywhere in India. The parent must have worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the candidate's two-year study period in PUC/11th or 12th standards. The candidate must have studied and passed the qualifying examination from a government or government-recognised educational institution in Karnataka.

Karnataka CET Eligibility Clauses J to O: Documents Required

This section lists the eligibility clauses J to O for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET/Karnataka CET) and the documents required under each clause. Each clause defines a specific category of candidate who may claim eligibility under the Karnataka CET rules.

Clause J: Children of Union or State Government Employees

Clause J covers the son or daughter of a working or retired employee of the Union Government, or an employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking, or a Joint Sector Undertaking. The employee must meet one of the following conditions:

• The employee had declared any place in Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining service.
• The employee had studied in any government or government-recognised educational institution located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years.
• The employee was or is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of employment.

The candidate must also have passed the qualifying examination from a university, board, or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents Required for Clause J

• SSLC/10th standard marks card
• 2nd PUC/12th standard marks card
• Study certificate of the candidate for having studied 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 Karnataka and showing that they are transferable anywhere in India
• Certificate from the employer indicating the parent as an employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or the Joint Sector Undertaking
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar, if claiming reservation benefits:
  • For SC/ST: Form-D
  • For Category-I: Form E
  • For 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B: Form F
• Study certificate of the parent employee for having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka, issued by the Head of the educational institution where they studied
• Home town declaration certificate of the parent employee issued at the time of joining service, showing that they are transferable anywhere in India, issued by the employer

Clause K: Children of Members of Parliament from Karnataka

Clause K covers the son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a university, board, or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents Required for Clause K

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar, if claiming reservation benefits:
  • For SC/ST: Form-D
  • For Category-I: Form E
  • For 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B: Form F
• Certificate showing that the parent is or was a Member of Parliament elected from Karnataka, issued by the Parliament Secretariat

Clause L: Children of All India Service or Karnataka State Government Employees

Clause L covers the son or daughter of a serving or retired employee belonging to the All India Service of Karnataka cadre, or of the Karnataka State Government. For candidates who studied outside Karnataka from 1st standard to 2nd PUC or 12th standard, the period of the parent's service outside Karnataka during that time can be added to make up the seven years required within Karnataka under clause (a).

Documents Required for Clause L

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar, if claiming reservation benefits:
  • For SC/ST: Form-D
  • For Category-I: Form E
  • For 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B: Form F
• Certificate from the Principal Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, DPAR, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore, for parents belonging to the All India Service of Karnataka cadre, stating that the parent is a member of such cadre, the period of service outside Karnataka, and for State Government employees, a certificate from the concerned head of the office/department

Clause M: Children of Jammu and Kashmir Migrants

Clause M covers the son or daughter of Jammu and Kashmir migrants. Proof of migration must be produced from the jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India.

Documents Required for Clause M

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Original certificate issued by the Jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India as proof of migration

Under this clause, candidates can claim eligibility for the seats earmarked by the government.

Clause N: Candidates Who Studied in Kannada Medium Outside Karnataka

Candidates who have studied 10 full years in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside Karnataka need not appear for the Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognised educational institution.

Documents Required for Clause N

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and their parent have resided outside Karnataka as on May 1, 2026. The place of the 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 in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard

Clause O: Children of Central Armed Police Force Employees

Clause O covers the son or daughter of a working or retired employee in the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) service. The employee must have declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining the CAPF service.

Documents Required for Clause O

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Proof of domicile obtained by extracting the record from the Record Office of the CAPF unit where the parent's service record is maintained

KCET 2026 Eligibility: Documents Required

Students should keep the following documents before applying to KCET 2026.

• Recent passport-size colour photograph
• Candidate’s signature
• Left thumb impression
• Class 10th marks card
• 2nd PUC marks card
• Category certificate, Rural study certificate, and Income certificate (if applicable)
• Kannada medium certificate (if studied in Kannada from 1st to 10th std.)
• Domicile Certificate (If Applicable)
• Aadhar card for verification
• Defence/Service Certificate (If Applicable)

Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the 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
• Parents’ hometown declaration certificate while joining the service, issued by the Record Office of the CAPF unit, where the parents' service records are maintained.

KCET 2026 Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility clauses ‘A’ to ‘O’ in KCET 2026 eligibility criteria?

There are 15 eligibility clauses from A to O in KCET that determine if a candidate is treated as a Karnataka local for seat allotment and reservations.

Which clauses do not require the Kannada Language Test?

All clauses except clause D and E which are for Horanadu and Gadinadu candidates respectively, do not require the Kannada language test.

Can candidates from outside Karnataka apply for KCET 2026?

Yes, they can apply. However, there will be limited seats for them with no government quota and higher fees. Most of the government quota seats are reserved for Karnataka-domiciled candidates.

Can students appearing in the 2nd PUC/Class 12th be eligible for KCET 2026?

Yes, appearing students are eligible for KCET 2026. Though they must upload/submit their 2nd PUC marks through the window provided by KEA after the results or during the Counselling process, as notified by the KEA.

What is the eligibility to participate in the KEA counselling for Medical, Dental, and AYUSH courses?

Medical, Dental and AYUSH candidates to become eligible for KEA counselling must compulsorily register for KCET 2026, fill the application and pay the fees. The admission will be based on UGNEET 2026 rank and score. Candidates who will score more than or equal to the prescribed minimum score will be eligible for admission.

Have the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026 changed from 2025?

The Eligibility criteria for KCET 2026 have not been announced yet. However, the eligibility criteria will likely remain the same as of 2025. Students are advised to keep a check on the official website.