KCET 2027
Karnataka Common Entrance Test (UGCET)
KCET (also called UGCET) is the Karnataka state entrance test conducted by KEA for Government-share seats in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture and allied courses. The engineering rank combines KCET marks and 2nd PUC marks in equal proportion.
- Conducted by
- Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
- Mode
- Offline, OMR-based pen-and-paper test (multiple choice)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Duration
- 80 minutes per subject paper, over two days in four sessions
KCET 2027 Eligibility
Updated on 18 October 2026 · Compiled from official Karnataka Examinations Authority notices
KCET eligibility has two parts: academic marks and Karnataka origin or study. Both come from the CET-2026 information bulletin.
Academic qualification for engineering
A candidate must pass the Qualifying Examination (2nd PUC or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, with Chemistry, Bio-Technology, Biology, Electronics or Computer Science as an optional subject, and English as one of the languages of study.
The aggregate in the optional subjects must be at least 45 percent, and 40 percent for SC, ST, Category-1 and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) candidates. If Chemistry marks pull the aggregate down, marks in Biotechnology, Biology, Electronics or Computer Science can be used for eligibility only, not for ranking.
Other courses
| Course | Minimum in qualifying exam |
|---|---|
| Naturopathy and Yoga | 50% in PCB, 40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, OBC |
| Farm science courses | Passed with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology |
| B.V.Sc & A.H. | 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, 40% for reserved categories |
| B.Pharm | 45% aggregate (40% reserved) in PCB or PCM, or Diploma in Pharmacy with 45% |
| B.Sc Nursing | 45% in PCB, with English passed individually (40% for reserved Karnataka categories) |
| BPT | 40% in PCB (35% reserved) |
| B.Sc Allied Health Science | 35% in PCB |
Only Karnataka SC/ST/OBC candidates get the relaxed percentages. Source: CET-2026 bulletin.
Karnataka origin and study clauses
- Clause a: studied seven years in Karnataka, including the 10th or the 12th standard (study certificate countersigned by the BEO, or SATS data).
- Clause b: studied and passed 1st and 2nd PUC (or 11th and 12th) in Karnataka, and either parent studied in Karnataka for at least seven years.
- Clause c: Kannada, Tulu, Kodava or Beary mother tongue with Karnataka-domiciled parent, studied outside Karnataka and residing outside as on 1 May 2026; Kannada Language Test applies.
- Other clauses (d to o) cover Defence, Jammu and Kashmiri migrants, Central Government and other special groups. Read the bulletin text.
- OCI and PIO candidates under clauses a1 and b1 are treated like citizens for General Category seats only.
Age, attempts and appearing candidates
Candidates for B.Pharm, Pharm.D and Naturopathy and Yoga must have completed 17 years on 31 December 2026. The bulletin pages we checked set no upper age limit or attempt cap for engineering.
Students appearing for the qualifying exam can apply. Students who passed Karnataka 2nd PUC Annual in 2026 need not submit marks cards, as KEA gets them from the PU Department. Students who passed earlier or from other boards must submit marks.
Special cases
- Improvement candidates: the Karnataka PU board conducts one annual and two improvement exams, and KEA uses the results announced for these when it declares ranks. A candidate who passes and later withdraws subjects to improve is treated as a supplementary candidate.
- Previous year seat allotted candidates: the bulletin has a section on who is not eligible for CET-2026 after being allotted a seat earlier. Read it before applying.
- Diploma holders: Diploma in Pharmacy holders are eligible for B.Pharm and the lateral entry second year.
More KCET eligibility guides
Frequently asked questions
Is a minimum KCET score needed for engineering?
For several courses the bulletin says no minimum marks are prescribed in CET, but you must meet the qualifying exam percentage. Engineering eligibility is based on the 45 or 40 percent rule.
Can CBSE or ICSE students apply?
Yes, if they meet a Karnataka origin or study clause. They must submit their Qualifying Examination marks to KEA.