Under Graduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET / KCET)

https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/

Apply here

About KCET / UGCET

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET / UGCET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to various Undergraduate professional courses offered by colleges and universities in Karnataka.

UG Programmes Covered

  • Engineering (B.E./B.Tech)

  • Pharmacy (B.Pharm / D.Pharm)

  • Agriculture and Allied Sciences

  • Veterinary, Forestry and related courses

Exam Pattern Overview

  • Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (for engineering) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (for medical/agriculture)

  • Mode: Pen-and-Paper (Offline)

  • Total Questions: 180 MCQs

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Marking: 1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking

Important Dates

  • Application Form Dates: 16 Jan - 17 Feb 2026

  • KCET 2026 Examination: First week of April, 2026

Application Fee

  • Gen / OBC (Karnataka Origin)  - Rs750/-

  • ST / SC / Female (Karnataka Origin) - Rs 250/-

  • Outside Karnataka - Rs 750/-

Official Links

Eligibility Criteria (UG – Brief)

  • Candidates should have passed or be appearing in Class XII (10+2) from a recognized board.

  • For Engineering courses, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) are mandatory.

  • For Pharmacy and Agriculture-related courses, eligibility will be as per KEA norms.

  • Domicile and reservation conditions apply as per Government of Karnataka rules.

Documents Required for Application

  • Recent passport-size photograph

  • Scanned signature

  • Class X certificate (Date of Birth proof)

  • Class XII mark sheet / appearing certificate

  • Category / Domicile / Income certificate (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

  • KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission to Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary courses in Karnataka.

  • Candidates must:

    • Have passed or appeared in Class 12 with Physics and Chemistry

    • Mathematics (for Engineering) or Biology (for Medical/Agriculture)

    • Fulfil Karnataka domicile / study requirements for state quota seats

  • KCET is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Biology

    • Total Questions: 180 MCQs

    • Duration: 3 hours

    • Marking Scheme: 1 mark per correct answer

    • No negative marking

  • Yes.
    The KCET syllabus is strictly based on the Karnataka State Board syllabus, which is closely aligned with NCERT textbooks.

  • No, there is no negative marking in KCET.

  • KCET is conducted once a year, generally in April or May.

  • KCET scores are accepted by:

    • Government engineering colleges in Karnataka

    • Aided and private engineering colleges

    • Universities and autonomous institutes under KEA counselling