KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria (Released) - Check Age Limit, Marks Required, No of Attempts, Important Factor

Updated By Dipanjana Sengupta on 07 Feb, 2025 18:13

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025 is released by KEA at kea.kar.nic.in 2025. According to the KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria, candidates have to the citizens of Karnataka and score at least 50-60% marks from a recognised university listed under VTU.

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KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025 is released by the Karnataka Examination Authority for aspiring candidates of the KCET 2025 exam. According to the KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria, candidates have to the citizens of Karnataka and score at least 50% to 60% marks from a recognised university listed under Visvesvaraya Technological University. The eligibility criteria of KCET 2025 entail various aspects such as the nationality of the candidate, the score obtained in the qualifying exam, caste category, combination of subjects, domicile criteria etc. Candidates must have a complete awareness of the KCET eligibility criteria 2025 before filling out the KCET Application Form 2025. The eligibility criteria of KCET 2025 will vary as per the category of the candidates. The KCET 2025 aspirants must meet the eligibility criteria of KCET 2025 to appear for the exam.

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KCET eligibility criteria

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Detailed KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025

Check the detailed eligibility criteria of KCET 2025 below.

1. Candidates must be Indian citizens and residents of Karnataka.  
2. Candidates should have completed the qualifying examination with at least 50-60% marks from a university recognized by VTU (Visvesvaraya Technological University).  
3. Candidates who have obtained their qualifying exam certification from a university not recognized by VTU or from Karnataka State Open University are not eligible to apply for KCET 2025.  
4. Candidates who are currently taking the qualifying exam (2nd PUC (Pre-University Colleges)/ 12th board exams) in 2025 and whose results are pending can apply for KCET 2025, but they will not be eligible for admission if they do not pass the qualifying examination.  
5. Candidates wishing to enrol in medical, dental, or Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, and Homeopathy) courses must qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).  
6. Candidates aiming for admission to architecture programs are required to take either the NATA (National Aptitude Test for Architecture) or the JEE Main 2025 paper 2.  
7. For agriculture quota candidates, the merit list will be determined based on 25% of the marks obtained in relevant combinations in the 2nd PUC & KCET and 50% of the marks earned in the practical examination.  

KCET Eligiblity Criteria 2025 : Domicile Rules

KEA has set certain parameters for various clauses A to O as part of KCET 2025 eligibility criteria. Candidates satisfying any of the domicile rules mentioned below are eligible to appear for KCET. Applicants must produce appropriate documents supporting their eligibility, The domicile rules for KCET 2025 are as follows -

RulesClause CodeDomicile NormsApplicability of Kannada Language Test
Domicile Rule 1A
  • 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 2nd PUC / 12th standard as on 1st July of the year in which the Entrance Test is held and must have appeared and passed either SSLC / 10th standard or 2nd PUC / 12th standard examination from Karnataka State.
No
Domicile Rule 2B
  • The candidate should have studied and passed either 1st and 2nd year Pre-University Examination or the 11th and 12th standard examination within the State of Karnataka from an Educational Institution run or recognized by the State Government and either of the parents should have studied in Karnataka for a minimum period of SEVEN years.
No
Domicile Rule 3C
  • The candidate and either of the parent’s mother tongue should be Kannada, Tulu or Kodava and either of the parents was 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 1st May of 2023. Provided that the candidate must undergo a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA.
Yes
Domicile Rule 4D
  • A candidate whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu or Kodava should have resided and studied for SEVEN YEARS between 1st and 12th standards in disputed Kannada speaking area of South Sholapur or Akkalkot or Jath or Gadhinglaj Taluks of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga or Manjeshwar Taluks of Kerala State. These candidates shall undergo a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA.
Yes
Domicile Rule 5E
  • In the case of a candidate who is a son or daughter of defence personnel who has worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year in Karnataka during the Two years of study of candidates in PUC / 11th and 12th Standard course.
No
Domicile Rule 6F
  • 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 of Karnataka. (Defence Candidate)
No
Domicile Rule 7G
  • In the case of a candidate who is a son or daughter of defence personnel who had served in Karnataka for at least one year and is posted on duty in Field / Active Service and whose family is permitted by Defence Authorities to continue to stay in Karnataka. Such candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government recognised educational institution located in Karnataka
No
Domicile Rule 8H
  • Son or daughter of ex-servicemen who at the time of joining the defence service had declared a place in Karnataka as his hometown. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India
No
Domicile Rule 9I
  • In the case of a candidate being a son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government or an employee of the Union or 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 in Karnataka during the Two years of study of candidates in PUC / 11th and 12th Standard course. and such candidate has studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government recognised educational institution located in the State of Karnataka
No
Domicile Rule 10J
  • Son or daughter of a 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 that any place in Karnataka to be his hometown; 
  • (b) had studied in any Government or Government recognised educational institution or institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years
No
Domicile Rule 11K
  • Son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q. E.(Qualifying Exam) from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India
No
Domicile Rule 12L
  • Son or daughter of serving or retired employee:(a) belonging to All India Service of Karnataka cadre; and (b) of the Karnataka State Government, who has served or is serving outside the State of Karnataka.
No
Domicile Rule 13M
  • Son or daughter of Jammu & Kashmiri migrants, proof of such migration (IDENTITY CARD) should be obtained and produced from the jurisdictional “District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner” of any state in India
No
Domicile Rule 14N
  • The candidates who have studied TEN full academic years in Kannada Medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside the state of Karnataka. Such candidates need not appear for the Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA.
No
Domicile Rule 15O
  • Son / Daughter of a working or Retired employee in the Central Armed Police Force service, who at the time of joining the CAPF service (Central Armed Police Force) had declared the hometown as a place in the State of Karnataka
No

KCET 2025 Course-Wise Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission into UG courses in the state of Karnataka must meet the eligibility criteria set by KEA. Only eligible candidates will be allowed to proceed with the KCET 2025 application process. The course-wise KCET 2025 eligibility criteria is as follows -

Name of the CourseEligibility Requirements
BTech
  • The candidates must have passed Class 12th with a minimum of 45% of marks in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology/ Biotechnology.
  • English should be one of the compulsory languages in Class 12th.
  • For SC/ ST, the minimum qualifying mark is 40%
BArch
  • The candidates must have passed Class 12th with a minimum of 50% of marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • The candidates must have appeared for NATA or JEE Main Paper 2.
  • For SC/ ST, the minimum qualifying marks in Class 12th should be 45%.
  • BSc(Hons) Agriculture
  • BSc (Hons) Horticulture
  • BSc (Hons) Sericulture
  • BSc (Hons) Forestry
  • BTech Bio-Technology
  • BTech Agriculture Engineering
  • BTech Food Technology
  • BTech Dairy Technology
  • B.F.Sc (Fisheries)
  • The candidates must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB) as the subjects.
  • For admission through Agriculture Quota, the candidates must have to undergo a Practice Test, which will have 50% weightage in the admission process
B.VSc & AH (Vetinary Science and Animal Husbandry)
  • The candidates must have passed Class 12th with English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as the major subjects.
  • There will be a Practical Test for B.VSc & AH applicants. 
B.Pharma
  • The candidates must have passed Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as the major subjects in Class 12th.
  • For the General category, the minimum qualifying marks in Class 12th should be 45% and the same for SC/ ST is 40%. 
Lateral Entry B.Pharma
  • The candidates must have passed a Diploma in Pharmacy
Pharma D
  • Candidates passed in 12th Std/Second PUC with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
  • Passed in Diploma in Pharmacy Examination from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India
Naturopathy & Yoga
  • The candidates must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as the major subjects with a minimum 50% aggregate
  • Minimum 40% for reserved categories

Can other state students apply for KCET?

One question that candidates often wonder is: Can other state students apply for KCET? No, students who do not have a Karnataka domicile cannot apply for KCET. The exam is conducted specifically for students with Karnataka domicile. If you are an other state student aiming for admission into Karnataka colleges, you can explore other entrance exams like COMEDK which is conducted for admission to private engineering colleges in Karnataka.

KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria - Documents Required Candidates

The table below contains the list of documents required for admission through the KCET 2025 Exam.  

Rules

Code

List of Documents

Domicile Rule 1

CODE A

  • SSLC or Class 10 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.
  • Rural Study Certificate for complete 10 years from Class 1 to Class 10, (if claiming rural quota).
  • 2nd PUC or Class 12 mark sheet.
  • Kannada Medium Study Certificate for complete 10 years from Class 1 to Class 10, (if claiming rural quota).
Domicile Rule 2

 CODE B

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet.
  • 2nd PUC or Class 12 mark sheet.
  • Study certificate for either of the parents having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where they had studied.
  • 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.
  • Candidate’s study certificate for having studied both 1st & 2nd PUC or Class 11 & 12 standard in Karnataka issued by the Head of the educational institution.
Domicile Rule 3

CODE C

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet.
  • Class 12 mark sheet of the candidate.
  • Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and either of the parents has resided outside the state of Karnataka as of 01-5-2019. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother.
  • Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate.
  • 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.
  • Father/Mother 10th standard marks card or cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada/Tulu/Kodava.
  • A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidates.
Domicile Rule 4

 CODE D

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Card.
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card.
  • Candidate’s study certificate issued by the head of the institution, which should be countersigned by Taluk Education Officer.
  • Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk.
  • A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidate.
Domicile Rule 5

CODE E

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Cards.
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card.
  • Employment certificate of the parents issued by the Controlling Office where the parent’s working period is indicated..
  • Candidate’s study certificate for 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution.
Domicile Rule 6

CODE F

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Card.
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate.
  • 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.
  • Caste/Caste Income certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar.
Domicile Rule 7

CODE G

  • SSLC/Class 10 Marks Cards.
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate.
  • 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 candidate’s study certificate for the 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka is issued by the head of the educational institution.
  • The present working place of the parent should be indicated in name and not by code numbers..
Domicile Rule 8

CODE H

  • SSLC/Class 10 mark sheet.
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 mark sheet.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Domicile Rule 9

CODE I

  • SSLCor Class 10 Marks Cards.
  • 2nd PUC/Class 12 Marks Card of the candidate.
  • 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.
  • Candidate’s study certificate for 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution.
  • Certificate from the employer indicating parents as an employee of Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking.
Domicile Rule 10

CODE J

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet.
  • 2nd PUC or 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.
  • Hometown declaration certificate of the parent employee while joining the service and showing that he is transferable anywhere in India issued by the employer.
  • A study certificate of the parent employee for having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where they had studied.
Domicile Rule 11

CODE K

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet
  • 2nd PUC or 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.
Domicile Rule 12

CODE L

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet.
  • 2nd PUC or 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.
Domicile Rule 13

CODE M

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet.
  • 2nd PUC or Class 12 mark sheet.
  • As proof of migration, an original certificate was issued by the 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.
Domicile Rule 14

CODE N

  • SSLC or Class 10 mark sheet.
  • 2nd PUCor Class 12 mark sheet.
  • Study certificate issued by the head of the institution for having studied in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard.
  • A domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidates and their parents have resided outside the state of Karnataka as of May 1, 2014. The place of issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother.
Domicile Rule 15

CODE O

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

Want to know more about KCET

FAQs about KCET Eligibility

Is Practical Test mandatory for admission in B.Sc Agriculture through KCET?

Only those candidates aspiring for admission in B.Sc Agriculture through Farmers/ Agriculture Quota will have to undergo a practical test. 

Which category candidates need to appear for Kannada Language Test through KCET?

Karnataka residents who studied outside Karnataka or resided in disputed Kannada speaking area of South Sholapur or Akkalkot or Jath or Gadhinglaj Taluks of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga or Manjeshwar Taluks of Kerala State. These candidates shall undergo a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA.

What is the minimum 12th score needed to appear in KCET exam?

The candidate must have scored a minimum of 45% (40% for reserved category) in class 12th to appear for KCET test. The candidates from B.Arch stream need to have a minimum of 50% (45% for reserved category) in class 12th for appearing in KCET.

What is the age limit to appear in KCET exam?

The minimum age to apply for KCET is 17 years. There is no upper age limit to apply for KCET.

What is the eligibility for Diploma students in KCET Exam?

Diploma students cannot apply for KCET exam. However, they can apply for Karnataka Diploma CET (KDCET) for lateral entry into B.E and B.Arch programmes offered by KCET Participating Institutions.

How many attempts can I give in KCET Exam?

Only once can the students apply for KCET Exam.

What is the eligibility of OBC category for appearing in KCET Exam?

The eligibility to apply for KCET for OBC (2A, 2B, 3A and 3B) candidates is same as the eligibility criteria for SC and ST candidates.

What is the eligibility of ST category for appearing in KCET Exam?

ST category candidates with an aggregate of 40% at the 10+2 level where they have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in addition to either of the subjects - Chemistry/Computer/Electronics/Biology/Biotechnology are eligible to apply for KCET. The rest of the eligibility criteria remains same.

What is the eligibility of SC category for appearing in KCET Exam?

SC category students must at least have an aggregate score of 40% in the qualifying level (class XIIth) exam (or equivalent). SC candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects at the qualifying level along with either of the subjects - Chemistry/Computer/Electronics/Biology/Biotechnology to be eligible for KCET. The rest of the eligibility criteria remains same.

What is the eligibility of General EWS category for appearing in KCET Exam?

Candidates who had PCM and PCB subjects in their qualifying examination can apply. For General category and other categories, the minimum marks required in 12th Class is different for every course.

What is the eligibility of General category for appearing in KCET Exam?

Candidates who had PCM and PCB subjects in their qualifying examination can apply. For General category and other categories, the minimum marks required in 12th Class is different for every course.

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