KCET Eligibility 2025: Check Age Limit, Qualifying Marks, & Reservation

Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET)

Exam End Date
17th April, 2025

Ridhima Jindal
Ridhima Jindal

Table of Content

The KCET Eligibility Criteria is prescribed by the Karnatak Examination Authority (KEA) and refers to the age limit, minimum education qualifications required to appear for the exam, domicile requirements, and other important aspects. Candidates who are willing to appear for the exam must check the eligibility criteria before applying as the ineligible candidates will be filtered out automatically during the KCET admission process. KEA has announced the exam date for KCET 2025 and the exam will be conducted on April 16 and 17, 2025, and the KCET application form will open from 23rd January 2025.

On this page, candidates can learn more about the KCET eligibility criteria including the course-wise criteria, domicile clauses and requirements, and the basic educational criteria required.

KCET Eligibility Criteria - Basic Requirements

The KCET eligibility criteria covers a number of aspects, and no candidate shall be offered admission to any course unless they fit into the basic criteria of KCET 2025 mentioned below.

  • Candidates should be citizens of India and domicile in Karnataka.
  • Candidates should have passed the qualifying exam with a minimum of 50-60% marks from a recognized university listed under VTU (Visvesvaraya Technological University).
  • Candidates who have passed the qualifying exam from a university not listed under VTU or from Karnataka State Open University are not eligible to apply for KCET 2025.
  • Candidates who are appearing in the qualifying exam (2nd PUC (Pre University Colleges)/ 12th boards) in 2025 and whose results are awaited can apply for KCET 2025, but they will not be eligible for admission if they do not pass the qualifying exam.
  • Candidates seeking admission to medical, dental, or AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, and Homeopathy) courses must qualify NEET(National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
  • Candidates seeking admission to architecture courses should appear for NATA (National Aptitude Test for Architecture) or JEE Main 2025 paper 2.
  • In the case of agriculture quota candidates, the merit list will be prepared based on 25% marks each secured in concerned combinations in 2nd PUC & KCET and 50% marks secured in the practical test.

KCET Educational Qualification: Course-Wise

The KCET education requirements may vary depending upon the course. The table below presented below lists out these educational criteria for the different courses.

Course

Eligibility Norms

Admission Criteria

B. Arch

Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12with 50% (45% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

NATA

JEE Main Paper 2

BE/B. Tech

Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 board with English as one of the languages and obtained a minimum of 45% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) marks in Physics and Mathematics along with Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Electronics / Computer.

KCET

Farm Science

BSc (Hons) Agriculture / Sericulture / Horticulture / Forestry / Agriculture Marketing & Cooperation

B. Tech Agriculture / Food Technology / Dairy Technology / Food Science

B.F.Sc Fisheries

Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology

KCET

Bachelors of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH)

Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 with 50% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English

KCET

B. Pharma

  • Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 board with 45% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) marks in Physics, Chemistry & Biology.
  • Passed Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharma D) exam from an institute/university approved by Pharmacy Council of India with a minimum of 45% (40% for SC / ST / OBC / PwD) marks.
  • Qualifying Pharma D is also applicable in case of lateral entry to the second year of B. Pharma,

KCET

Pharma D

  • Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12board in Physics, Chemistry & Biology.
  • Passed Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharma D) exam from an institute/university approved by Pharmacy Council of India.

KCET

KCET Eligibility Criteria -Domicile Norms

Other than the general and academic KCET eligibility norms set by KEA, there is a domicile eligibility criterion that states that a candidate applying to appear for KCET 2025 should be a resident of India and a domicile of Karnataka. KEA has set some conditions under the domicile norms for KCET. Each condition is specified as a clause and is individually referred by a code. Take a look at the detailed domicile norms for KCET 2025.

Also Check: KCET Admit Card

CODES

Eligibility

CODE A

A candidate who has studied and is passed in one or more Government recognized educational institutions located in the State of Karnataka for a minimum period of 7 academic years commencing from 1ststandard to 2ndPUC to 12thstandard as on July 1 of the year in which KCET is being held. Candidate must have also appeared and passed either SSLC / Class 10 or 2ndPUC / Class 12 examination from Karnataka. In case of candidates who have taken more than one year to pass a class or standard, the years of academic study is counted as one year only.

CODE B

Candidate has studied and passed either 1stor 2ndyear Pre-University Examination or 1+ 2 examinations within Karnataka from an Educational Institution recognized by the State Government. Either of the parents should have studied in Karnataka for 7 years

CODE C

Either candidate or one of the parent’s mothers tongue should be Kannada, Tulu or Kodava and either of parents domiciled in the State of Karnataka. Such candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board or any other Institution located outside Karnataka and should be residing outside the State of Karnataka as on May1, 2019.

CODE D

A candidate whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu or Kodava who also resides and studied for a period of 7 years between 1stand 12thstandards in disputed Kannada speaking area of South Sholapur or Akkalkot or jathor Gadhinglaj taluks of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga Taluks of Kerala State. Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

CODE E

In the case of a candidate who is son or daughter of defence personnel who has worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two year period of study of candidates in PUC/Class 11 or Class 12. The candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government recognized educational institution located in the State.

CODE F

Son or daughter of serving Defence personnel from Karnataka who at the time of joining the Defence service had declared his/her hometown a place in the State. Proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced by obtaining the extract from the AG’S branch (Army Hqs) respective branch of integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective Record Offices for JCOs/OR. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

CODE G

In case if a candidate who is a son or daughter of defence personnel who had served in Karnataka for at least one year. The officer is also posted on duty in Field/Active service and whose family is permitted by Defense Authorities to continue to stay in Karnataka. Such candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government recognized educational institution located in Karnataka.

CODE H

Son or daughter of ex-servicemen who at the time of joining the defence service had declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced from the “Deputy Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement” of that district and the same should be countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement. Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

CODE I

In the case if a candidate being a son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government of the Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking, who is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment and has worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two year period of study of candidate in PUC/Class 11 or Class 12 standards course and, such candidate has studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government recognized educational institution located in the state of Karnataka.

CODE J

Son or daughter o fa working or retired employee of the Union Government or employee of Union or Karnataka State Government undertaking or Joint Sector undertaking where such employee; (a) had declared to the employer at the time of joining service any place in Karnataka to be their hometown;

(b) had studied in any government or government recognized educational institutions or institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years, and was or is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment. The candidate also should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

CODE K

Son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka. Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

CODE L

Son or father of serving or retired employee:

(a) belonging to All India Service of Karnataka cadre;

(b) of the Karnataka State Government, who has served or is serving outside the State of Karnataka during the period corresponding to candidate’s study outside the state from 1ststandard to 2ndPUC or Class 12 examination can be added to make up for seven years within Karnataka.

CODE M

For son or daughter of Jammu and Kashmir migrants, a proof of migration is needed to be produced from jurisdictional “District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner” of any state in India.

CODE N

Candidates having studied 10 years in Kannada medium from Class 1 to 12in places outside of Karnataka need not to appear for Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

CODE O

Son/daughter of working or retired employee in Central Armed Police Force service, who at the time of joining the CAPF service had declared the hometown as a place in the state of Karnataka, proof of such domicile having been produced by obtaining the extract from the Record Office of the CAPF unit where the parents’ service record is maintained. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

KCET Eligibility Criteria - Documents Required Candidates

As mentioned earlier, the domicile norms for KCET have certain eligibility clauses categorized as Codes, basis which candidates will be required to produce the relevant documents. Documents to be produced at the time of verification in support of the claim for each of the clauses are mentioned below.

Code

List of Documents

CODE A

  • SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2ndPUC/ Class 12 mark sheet
  • Rural Study Certificate for complete 10 years from Class 1 to Class 10, (if claiming rural quota)
  • Kannada Medium Study Certificate for complete 10 years from Class 1 to Class 10, (if claiming rural quota)
  • Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by 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

CODE B

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

CODE C

  • SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet
  • Class 12 mark sheet of the candidate
  • Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that candidate and his either of the parents have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on 01-5-2019. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother.
  • Domicile certificate issued by 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 issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the father/mother.
  • Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate.
  • Father/Mother 10thstandard marks card/ cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada/Tulu/Kodava.
  • A duly sworn declaration regarding mother tongue of the candidates.

CODE D

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Card and 2ndPUC/Class 12 Marks Card
  • Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk.
  • Candidate’s study certificate issued by the head of the institution, which should be countersigned by Taluk Education Officer.
  • A duly sworn declaration regarding mother tongue of the candidate.

CODE E

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Cards
  • 2ndPUC/Class 12 Marks Card
  • Candidate’s study certificate for 2ndPUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution
  • Employment certificate of the parents issued by the Controlling Office where the parent’s working period is indicated.

CODE F

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Card
  • 2ndPUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate
  • Caste/Caste Income certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar
  • Parent’s hometown declaration certificate while joining the service issued by the respective branch of integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective record offices for JCOs

CODE G

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Cards
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate
  • The candidate’s study certificate for 2ndPUC 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 during which the parent has worked in Karnataka and a certificate showing the present place of posting, indicating that his family is permitted to stay in Karnataka.
  • The present working place of the parent should be indicated in name and not by code numbers

CODE H

  • SSLC/Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2ndPUC/Class 12 mark sheet
  • Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by 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
  • Parent’s 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

CODE I

  • SSLC/ Class 10 Marks Cards
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate
  • Candidate’s study certificate for 2ndPUC 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 the state of Karnataka and also showing that they are transferable anywhere in India
  • Certificate from the employer indicating parents as an employee of Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking

CODE J

  • SSLC/Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 mark sheet
  • Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by 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 along with:
  • A study certificate of the parent employee for having studied for at least at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where they had studied.
  • Hometown declaration certificate of the parent employee while joining the service and showing that he is transferable anywhere in India issued by the employer.

CODE K

  • SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet
  • Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by 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
  • Certificate showing that the parent is/was a Member of Parliament elected from Karnataka issued by the Parliament Secretariat

CODE L

  • SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet
  • Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by 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
  • Certificate from the Principal Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, DPAR, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore where the parent belongs to All India Service of Karnataka cadre stating that the parent is a member of such All India cadre.
  • Certificate to state the period for which they have served or are serving outside Karnataka and if they are a state government employee, a certificate certifying the same from the concerned head of the office/department.

CODE M

  • SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet
  • As the proof of migration, an original certificate issued by Jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India. Under the clause, candidates can claim eligibility for the seats earmarked by the government.

CODE N

  • SSLC / Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2nd PUC/ Class 12 mark sheet
  • A domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidates and their parent have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on May 1, 2014. The place of 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 n Kannada medium from 1ststandard to 10thstandard

CODE O

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are eligible for KCET exam?

A candidate who has studied and is passed in one or more Government recognized educational institutions located in the State of Karnataka for a minimum period of 7 academic years commencing from 1st standard to 2nd PUC to 12th standard as on July 1 on the date of examination.

Can non-Karnataka students apply for KCET?

Students from different states can not apply for KCET. The eligibility criteria are clear – only Karnataka residents can participate. This ensures fair representation for local candidates. Understanding this rule is crucial for non-resident students placed in Karnataka.

Is Kannada compulsory for KCET?

The mother tongue of either of the parents must be Kannada, Kodava or Tulu, and at least one of the parents must have resided in Karnataka for 7 years or more. These candidates must write the Kannada test that is conducted by the Karnataka Education Authority.

What is the eligibility clause for students in Karnataka?

The candidate should have studied and passed in one or more Government or Government recognised educational institutions located in the State of Karnataka for a minimum period of SEVEN academic years commencing from 1st standard to Qualifying Examination.

Whose income certificate is required for KCET?

All the eligible candidates whose income is less than Rs. 8.00 Lakhs, should obtain income certificate from the concerned Tahasildar and enter the RD number of the income certificate to become eligible for Supernumerary Quota (SNQ).

What is the difference between KCET and CET?

KCET primarily caters to Karnataka-based institutions, while CET encompasses colleges across India. KCET focuses on state-specific syllabi, while CET follows a national curriculum. Exam patterns and eligibility criteria vary between the two.

Is maths compulsory for KCET?

Mathematics is a compulsory subject in the KCET exam, and skipping it would disqualify you from the examination.

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