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 Exam Pattern
Updated on 18 October 2026 · Compiled from official Karnataka Examinations Authority notices
KCET is an objective, OMR-based test in four subject papers. Engineering candidates write Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Paper structure
Per the KEA 2026 schedule, the test was held on two days in four sessions. On 23 April Physics ran 10.30 to 11.50 am and Chemistry 2.30 to 3.50 pm, and on 24 April Mathematics ran 10.30 to 11.50 am and Biology 2.30 to 3.50 pm. The Kannada Language Test was on 22 April. Each question has four options.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
Engineering uses PCM. Farm science uses PCMB. B.Pharm and Pharm.D use the higher of PCM or PCB.
Marking scheme
- One mark per correct answer, each paper out of 60.
- No negative marking for wrong answers.
- No mark if more than one circle is marked for a question.
- No choice of questions: attempt all of them.
OMR sheet and versions
Answers go on an Optical Mark Reader sheet. Each subject paper has different versions, and the version code is printed on the facing sheet. Marking the version code wrongly can delay your rank, because KEA treats it as a reason for an intermediary rank.
Syllabus basis and language
Questions are set on the first and second PUC syllabus of the Karnataka Department of School Education (Pre-University). KEA publishes the CET syllabus after review by subject experts.
The paper is bilingual. KEA posts a model OMR sheet on its website.
Non-exam courses
B.P.T., B.Sc Allied Health Science, BPO and D-Pharma are filled on qualifying exam marks. B.Sc Nursing and Naturopathy and Yoga use the mark rules in the bulletin. Medical and AYUSH use NEET-UG, and Architecture uses NATA.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a negative mark in KCET?
No, the bulletin states there is no negative evaluation for wrong answers. Leave no question blank, but do not mark two options.
Is KCET online?
No. The 2026 test used OMR answer sheets. Check the 2027 bulletin in case the mode changes.