KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Check Age Limit, Course-Wise Eligibility, Nationality

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025 will be released by KEA on the official website along with the official brochure. Based on the Karnataka CET eligibility rules, applicants must have scored a minimum of 45% in physics and mathematics, along with chemistry/ biology/ biotechnology/ computer/ electronics. They must have passed the 2nd PUC/ 10+12 from a recognized board of Karnataka.

Before filling out the KCET application form 2025, candidates are advised to ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria for admission to government seats in the colleges of Karnataka.

The KCET exam 2025, a state-level entrance test will be conducted for admission to various undergraduate programmes, including engineering, architecture, medical, computer and more. Only candidates who meet the eligibility will be able to sit for the KCET exam 2025.

Check the detailed KCET 2025 eligibility criteria, including nationality, domicile, qualification, age limit and clauses on this page.

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025

To appear for the KCET 2025 on Apr 18 and Apr 19, 2025, the following eligibility criteria for KCET must be met:

• Mother Tongue: The candidate's mother tongue must be Kannada, Tulu, and Kodava. Also, the candidate must be a resident of Kannada for at least 7 years between the 1st and 12th standards.
• Educational Qualification: The candidate should have passed the 2nd PUC/10+2 or any equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks in Physics and Mathematics along with Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Computer/Electronics. (40% for the reserved category).
• Nationality: Applicants must be a citizen of India.
• Domicile: Candidates should have passed the SSLC/10th or 2nd PUC/12th standard exam from Karnataka.

Note: The candidates who have studied for 10 academic years in Kannada medium from class 1st to class 10th outside Karnataka cannot appear for the exam as per the KCET eligibility criteria 2025.

KCET Age Limit

The candidate must be 17 years old to appear in the KCET examination as the KCET 2025 upper age limit. Candidates of a special category can get an age exception of 5-6 years as per the eligibility.

Download: KCET Previous Year Question Papers

Course-Wise KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025

The detailed course-wise eligibility for KCET 2025 has been shared below for applicants' reference:

KCET Eligibility for Medical (MBBS)/ Dental (BDS)

Here’s what candidates must keep in mind before applying to the KCET medical exam:

• Eligibility to Qualify for KCET: Applicants must have passed the 2nd PUC/12th Std./equivalent exam, with English as one of the languages, and obtained min. 50% marks in the aggregate sum of physics, chemistry, and biology (SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B category candidates should have a minimum of 40%).
• Eligibility in CET: Candidate must have scored a minimum of 50% of marks in aggregate in PCB Subjects (40% for SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B category candidates).
• Eligibility Criteria for KCET Rank: Students will be able to get it on the imprints acquired in PCB Subjects in CET.

KCET Eligibility for Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani, and Yoga (ISM and H)

The KCET criteria for homoeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy, Unani, and yoga (ISM and H) are the same as for medical/dental courses.

• Eligibility to Qualify for KCET: They must have passed the 2nd PUC/12th Std./equivalent exam, with English as one of the languages, and obtained min. 50% marks in the aggregate sum of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B category candidates should have a minimum of 40%).
• Eligibility in CET: For CET, no minimum marks are prescribed.
• Eligibility Criteria for KCET Rank: By taking imprints in level with extents in QE and CET in PCB subjects.

KCET Eligibility for Engineering (B.E)/ Technology (B.Tech) Eligibility

The details of CET Karnataka eligibility for the engineering/technology program are shared below.

• Eligibility to Qualify for KCET: They must have passed the 2nd PUC/12th Std./equivalent exam, with english as one of the languages, and obtained min. 45% marks in the aggregate total of physics and mathematics, alongside chemistry/ biotechnology/ biology/ electronics/ computer (SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B category candidates should have min. 40%).
• Eligibility in CET: For CET, no minimum marks are prescribed.
• Eligibility Criteria for KCET Rank: By taking imprints in parallel extents in QE and CET in PCM subjects.

KCET Eligibility for Architecture (B.Arch)

KEA exam eligibility criteria for the B.Arch course are shared below:

• Eligibility to Qualify for KCET: They must have passed the 2nd PUC/12th Std./equivalent exam, with mathematics as a compulsory optional subject, and obtained min. 50% marks in the aggregate of all subjects (SC, ST, Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B category candidates should have min. 45%).
• Eligibility in CET: A minimum of 40% of marks in NATA is required for all categories of students, including SC, ST, and OBC.
• Eligibility Criteria for KCET Rank: By taking imprints obtained in all subjects in the qualifying examination and NATA taken in break even with extents.

KCET Eligibility for B.Sc.

The detailed KCET eligibility criteria 2025 for the B.Sc program (Agriculture, Forestry, Sericulture, Agri. Biotech, Horticulture), B.H.Sc. Course (Home Science), and B.Tech (Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Fisheries Science, Food Science and Technology., Agri. Marketing and Cooperation) courses are shared below:

• Eligibility to Qualify for KCET: The candidate must have passed the 2nd PUC/12th Std./equivalent exam, with physics, chemistry, and mathematics or biology as optional subjects.
• Eligibility in CET: For CET, no minimum marks are prescribed.
• Eligibility Criteria for KCET Rank: By taking imprints in approach extents in QE and CET in PCM subjects.

Must Read: What are the Benefits of taking up KCET Exam 2025?

KCET 2025 Eligibility Clauses and Documents Required

KCET eligibility criteria 2025 clauses along with the documents required are shared below for the applicants:

Code A:

• The candidate should have studied and passed in one or more government-recognized educational institutions located in the State of Karnataka for a minimum period of seven academic years.
• Must be 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.
• In the case of the candidate who had taken more than one year to pass a class or standard, the years of academic study are counted as one year only.

Documents Required for Code A:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet.
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet.
• Study certificate.
• Rural Study Certificate for complete 10 years from 1st to 10th, if claiming rural quota.
• Kannada Medium Study Certificate for complete 10 years from 1st to 10th, if claiming rural quota.
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the 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.

Code B:

• The candidate should have studied and passed either the 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.
• The candidate’s parents should have studied in Karnataka for seven years.

Documents Required for Code B:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet.
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet.
• Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by the 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.
• A 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.
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied both 1st & 2nd PUC or 11th & 12th standard in Karnataka is issued by the Head of the educational institution.

Code C:

• The candidate and either of their parent’s mother tongue should be Kannada, Tulu or Kodava.
• Either of the parents should have domiciled in the State of Karnataka, such candidates should have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board or any other Institution located outside Karnataka.
• They should be residing outside the State of Karnataka as of 1st May of 2025. Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

Documents Required for Code C:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 12th standard mark card of the candidate
• Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and either of their parents has resided outside the state of Karnataka as of 01-5-2025.
• The place of the Issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother.
• 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 the Issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the father/mother.
• Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate.
• Father/Mother’s 10th standard marks card/ cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada/Tulu/Kodava.
• A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidates.

Code D:

• A candidate whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu or Kodava should have resided and studied for a period of 7 years between 1st and 12th standards in disputed Kannada-speaking areas of South Solapur or Akkalkot or Jeth or Gadhinglaj taluka of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga Taluks of Kerala State.
• As provided, the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

Documents Required for Code D:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card and 2nd PUC/12th standard Marks Card of the candidate.
• Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk.
• The candidate’s study certificate is issued by the head of an institution, which should be countersigned by the Taluk Education Officer.
• A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidate.

Attempt Free: KCET Mock Test 2025 Sample Paper

Code E:

• In the case of a candidate who is the son or daughter of defence personnel who has worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two years of study of candidates in PUC/11th and 12h standard course.
• The candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government-recognised educational institution located in the State of Karnataka.

Documents Required for Code E:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Cards
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka is issued by the head of the educational institution
• Employment certificate of the parent issued by the Controlling Office where the parents are working, indicating the period during which they have worked in the state of Karnataka i.e., from the reporting date to the current date.

Code F:

• The son or daughter of serving defence personnel from Karnataka who at the time of joining the defence service had declared their hometown a place in the State of Karnataka.
• Proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced by obtaining the extract from the AG’S (Army Hqs) respective branch of integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective Record Offices for JCOs/OR.
• Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents Required for Code F:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card.
• 2nd PUC/12th standard Marks Card of the candidate;
• If claiming reservation benefits:- Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tahsildar as per the prescribed format given in the brochure.
• Parent’s home town declaration certificate while joining the service issued by respective branch of integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective record offices for JCOs.

Code G:

• In the case of a candidate who is a son or daughter of defence personnel who has served in Karnataka for at least one year and is posted on duty in Field/Active service and whose family is permitted by Defense Authorities to continue to stay in Karnataka.
• Such candidates should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognized educational institution located in Karnataka.

Documents Required for Code G:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Cards.
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate.
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka is issued by the head of the educational institution.
• 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 their family is permitted to stay in Karnataka.
• The present working place of the parent should be indicated in name and not by code numbers.

Code H:

• The son or daughter of ex-servicemen who at the time of joining the defence service had declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown.
• Proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced from the “Deputy Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement” of that district and the same should be countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement.
• Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents Required for Code H:

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet.
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet.
• 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.
• Parent’s home town 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.

Code I:

• A candidate who is a son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government of the Union of Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment.
• The applicant has worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two-year period of study of candidates in PUC/11th or 12th standards course and the candidate has studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognized educational institution located in the state of Karnataka.

Documents Required for Code I:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Cards.
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate.
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka is issued by the head of the educational institution.
• A 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.
• A certificate from the employer indicating parents as an employee of Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking.

Code J:

• The 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 any place in Karnataka to be their hometown, and
• (b) had studied in any government or government-recognized educational institutions or institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years; and was or is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms.

Documents Required for Code J:

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the 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 along with:
• 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.
• Home town declaration certificate of the parent employee while joining the service and showing that they are transferable anywhere in India issued by the employer.

Code K:

• The son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka. Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents Required for Code K:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet.
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet.
• Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by the 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.

Code L:

• The son or father of serving or retired employee and are:
• (a) belonging to the All India Service of Karnataka cadre; and
• (b) of the Karnataka State Government, who has served or is serving outside the State of Karnataka during the period corresponding to the candidate’s study outside the state from 1st standard to 2nd PUC or 12th standard examination can be added to make up for 7 years within Karnataka as required under clause (a) above.

Documents Required for Code L:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the 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.
• Such a certificate should also 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.

Code M:

• For the son or daughter of Jammu and Kashmir migrants, proof of migration is needed to be produced from the jurisdictional “District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner” of any state in India.

Documents Required for Code M:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet.
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet.
• As proof of migration, an original certificate is 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.

Code N:

• The candidates having studied 10 full years in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside of Karnataka need not appear for the Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA.
• However, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognized educational institution.

Documents Required for Code N:

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

Code O:

• The son/daughter of a working or retired employee in the Central Armed Police Force service, who at the time of joining the CAPF service had declared the hometown as a place in the state of Karnataka.
• They must have proof of such domicile having been produced by obtaining the extract from the Record Office of the CAPF unit where the parents’ service record is maintained.
• Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents Required for Code O:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet.
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet.
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the 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.
• Parent’s home town declaration certificate while joining the service issued by the Record Office of the CAPF unit, where the parent's service records are maintained.

Also Read: KCET Reservation 2025

KCET Eligibility Criteria General Conditions

KCET eligibility criteria 2025 include various factors such as nationality, reservation, educational qualification, nativity, age limit, and many more.

Candidates who are willing to apply for the KCET 2025 must check all the requirements as specified by the KEA authority. If, under any circumstances, the candidates do not meet the eligibility criteria, then the authority has the right to cancel their candidature for the academic session.

Some of the KCET 2025 eligibility criteria are discussed below:

1. Nationality

Candidates who are willing to apply for the KCET 2025 must be a citizens of India.

2. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have passed their class 12th/ PUC examination. Candidates who already appeared in the class 12th/PUC exam and are waiting for their results can also apply for KCET 2025.

Aspirants who have passed their qualifying examination/Class 12th/PUC from Karnataka State Open University are not eligible to apply for KCET 2025.

Candidates must have taken their compulsory subjects, such as physics and mathematics, in their class 12 along with chemistry/ biotechnology/ biology/ electronics/ computer science as optional subjects with english.

Applicants must have obtained an aggregate minimum of 45% marks in the optional subjects in the qualifying examination (40% in the case of SC, ST, Category-I, and OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) category candidates).

Must Learn: How to Crack KCET 2025?

KCET Eligibility Criteria for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga Candidates

Candidates have to undergo a Kannada language test conducted by the Karnataka Education Authority (KEA) to check their ability to speak, read, and write Kannada to satisfy the KCET eligibility criteria 2025.

Minimum Score: They have to obtain 12 marks out of 50 in the test to gain admission to the Government seats. Those who have studied for 10 academic years in Kannada medium from class 1st to class 10th outside Karnataka need not appear for the Kannada language test conducted by Karnataka Education Authority (KEA) as per KCET 2025 eligibility criteria.

Also Read:  KCET Important Topics 2025

KCET Eligibility Criteria for Different Categories

KCET 2025 eligibility criteria for candidates belonging to different categories are discussed below. Candidates can check KCET eligibility clause 2025 as per the section and can apply for KCET 2025.

Also, the candidates who fulfil the criteria are eligible for Government seats. Apart from all these, candidates must be Indian citizens to apply for the exam.

KCET Eligibility Criteria for Migrant Candidates of Jammu & Kashmir

Candidates who belong to the children of migrants of Jammu and Kashmir are required to show proof of their migration. They can get proof of the migration from the Jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India.

KCET Eligibility Criteria Related to Mother Tongue of Candidates

The mother tongue of the aspirants must be Kannada, and they must have resided or studied for at least seven years in the disputed Kannada-speaking areas between their 1st to 12th standard in the disputed area of South Solapur or Akkalkot or Jeth or Gadhinglaj Taluks of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga Taluks of Kerala State. Such candidates will have to clear the Kannada Language test.

Candidates who have studied for ten academic years in the Kannada language from 1st to 10th standard outside Karnataka do not have to appear for the Kannada Language Test conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).

Such candidates must have studied and passed the qualifying exam from any recognized educational institute.

Quick Link: KCET Exam Pattern 2025

KCET Exam Eligibility Criteria for Children/ Ward of Members of Parliament

Children of Members of Parliament who are representing Karnataka must have cleared high school from any institution located in any part of India.

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Candidates of Central & State Government Employees

In case a candidate is a son/daughter of an employee of the Union Government or an employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking and if their parents are likely to be transferred to any part of the country and have worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of 1 year during the 2 years, i.e., 11th and 12th standard of the candidate.

Such candidates must have cleared the qualifying exam from any recognized educational institute in the state of Karnataka.

Children of serving or retired employees of the Union Government or employees of Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking where the employee had mentioned to the employer at the time of joining service that their domicile was any place in Karnataka or had studied in any recognized educational institute or institutions in Karnataka for a minimum period of 7 years; and are liable to be transferred to any part of India according to the terms and conditions of their employment.

It is imperative for the candidates (in such a case) to have cleared the qualifying exam from a University or Board or any other institution located in any part of India.

KCET Important Links: Top 25 Engineering Colleges Accepting KCET 2025