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KCET 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

India · 4 subjects · 55 topics · Updated 2026-04-06

Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is the state-level exam for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses in Karnataka's government and private colleges. Conducted by KEA, it is mandatory for Karnataka domicile students.

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Verified 2026-04-24

Year: 2026
Subjects: 4
Topics: 55

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📋 Exam Pattern

180 MCQs: Physics(60), Chemistry(60), Mathematics(60), 1 hour each subject, 60 marks per subject. No negative marking.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 with PCM with minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST). Karnataka domicile or appropriate category.

Subjects & Topics Covered — 55 topics across 4 subjects

Mathematics

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15 topics · Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations· Matrices and Determinants· Permutations and Combinations + more

Physics

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15 topics · Physics and Measurement· Kinematics· Laws of Motion + more

Chemistry

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15 topics · Atomic Structure· Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure· Classification of Elements and Periodicity + more

Biology

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10 topics · Cell Biology and Cell Organelles· Genetics and Molecular Biology· Human Physiology + more

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Frequently Asked Questions — KCET

Everything you need to know about KCET. Scroll down for the complete study guide.

What is KCET and who is it for?

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission to B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Arch, and other professional degree programmes in government, aided, and private colleges across Karnataka. It is open to students who have completed their Class 12 (2nd PUC) from a recognised board in Karnataka — students from outside Karnataka are also eligible but compete under the General category (non-Karnataka) for a limited number of seats. KCET tests Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology at the Class 11 and 12 level. It is the gateway to some of Karnataka's best engineering colleges including RV College of Engineering, PES University, and BMS College of Engineering.

What is the KCET exam pattern?

KCET consists of 3 papers of 60 questions each (180 minutes per paper): Paper 1 — Physics (60 questions, 60 marks), Paper 2 — Chemistry (60 questions, 60 marks), and Paper 3 — Mathematics OR Biology (60 questions, 60 marks, candidate's choice based on their stream). Each question carries 1 mark with no negative marking. The exam is conducted offline (pen-and-paper) over 2 days at designated centres in Karnataka. Candidates appearing for Medical (NEET) can take Biology in Paper 3 for B.Pharm or para-medical courses. The KCET marks are considered along with 50% weight given to Class 12 PCM/PCB marks for the final merit ranking.

How does KCET admission and ranking work?

KCET admission is based on the combined merit score: 50% KCET exam marks + 50% Class 12 PCM/PCB marks (for relevant streams). Separate rank lists are prepared for different categories (GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, SC, ST, etc.). For government college seats (70% of total), Karnataka domicile students compete within their category. For private college seats (30% management quota), Karnataka students have access to 85% of management quota seats. Top colleges like RVCE (Computer Science) typically require a rank within 500 for GM category; BMSCE (CS) requires rank within 1,000. Other top options include UVCE Bangalore, PES University, and MIT Manipal.

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Exam Name	KCET
Country	🇮🇳 India
Subjects	Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Total Topics	55
Official Source	https://example.com
Last Updated	2026-04-06