The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is an important exam for students in Karnataka. It helps students get admission into undergraduate courses in engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, and other fields. Every year, thousands of students apply for this exam. To apply, students must meet certain eligibility conditions.
These eligibility conditions are explained through specific clauses. These clauses are used to verify the educational background, residential status, and category of each student. Knowing which clause applies to you is very important during the application process. If you select the wrong clause, your application may be rejected.
This article will give you a clear understanding of the KCET 2025 exam, its eligibility clauses, and how to choose the correct clause. We will also answer some common questions students usually have about the KCET eligibility process.
Overview of KCET 2025
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a yearly state-level exam that gives students a chance to join professional courses in Karnataka, such as engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) organizes KCET to manage admissions into government and private colleges across the state.
KCET Key Dates:
- Application Start: January 23, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 24, 2025 (extended from February 18)
- Correction Window: April 18 – May 2, 2025 (for editing form details)
- Kannada Language Test: April 15, 2025
- Exam Dates: Physics and Chemistry on April 16; Mathematics and Biology on April 17, 2025
- Answer Key Release: Final version by April 25, 2025
- Result Declaration: May 24, 2025
- Counselling Begins: June 2025
KCET Exam Structure and Format
KCET is conducted in an offline (pen-and-paper) format. Students must complete three subject papers, each lasting 80 minutes and containing 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The total score is 180 marks. The subjects depend on the course chosen: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for engineering; Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for agriculture or pharmacy streams.
Subject Breakdown:
| Subject | Questions | Duration | Marks |
| Physics | 60 | 80 minutes | 60 |
| Chemistry | 60 | 80 minutes | 60 |
| Mathematics / Biology | 60 | 80 minutes | 60 |
Every correct answer earns one mark. There is no negative marking.
The exam is offered in both English and Kannada, accommodating students from Kannada-medium schools. Additional language competency is assessed through a separate Kannada test held on April 15, mainly for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates.
KCET Eligibility Criteria
To appear in KCET 2025, students must have completed their 2nd PUC or equivalent. They must also have studied Physics and Chemistry, along with Mathematics or Biology, depending on the chosen course. General category students need a minimum of 45% marks, while SC/ST candidates must secure at least 40% in these subjects. There is no upper age limit, but candidates must be at least 17 years old by the end of the admission year.
KCET Syllabus and Preparation
The KCET syllabus follows the Karnataka PU Board curriculum for Class 11 and 12. KEA has revised and updated the syllabus to include new topics aligned with JEE Main and NEET standards. Students should focus on core chapters such as Kinematics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Organic Chemistry, Algebra, and Plant Physiology. Reviewing the revised syllabus and practicing MCQs from past years are essential for success.
What is KCET Eligibility Clause?
KCET eligibility clauses help identify which category a student belongs to. These clauses are important for deciding if the student is eligible for admission through the KCET route.
Each clause has specific rules based on the student’s:
- Domicile (where the student lives)
- Education history (where the student studied)
- Parent’s education and work background
- Reservation status (SC, ST, OBC, GM, etc.)
- Government service background
The clause you select decides whether you qualify for government seats or private quota seats. If you choose the wrong clause, KEA may reject your application during document verification.
There are 15 main eligibility clauses in KCET. You must read each one carefully before selecting your clause. Let’s look at each clause in detail.
KCET Eligibility Clause (Detailed Explanation)
| Clause | Eligibility Criteria | Documents Required | Additional Notes |
| Clause-a | The candidate must have studied and passed in one or more Government or Government-recognized educational institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven academic years, starting from 1st standard to 2nd PUC/12th standard. The candidate must have appeared and passed either SSLC/10th standard or 2nd PUC/12th standard examination from Karnataka. If the candidate took more than one year to pass a class, it is counted as one year only. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, countersigned by the Block Educational Officer (BEO) or DDPU, confirming seven years of study in Karnataka.4. Rural Study Certificate (if applicable): For candidates claiming rural quota, a certificate confirming ten complete years of study in rural areas, countersigned by the BEO.5. Kannada Medium Study Certificate (if applicable): For candidates claiming Kannada medium quota, a certificate confirming ten complete years of study in Kannada medium, countersigned by the BEO.6. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar with RD number. | – Candidates claiming rural or Kannada medium quotas must provide additional certificates.- General Merit candidates claiming rural quota must also submit a Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (NCLC).- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-b | The candidate must have studied and passed either 1st and 2nd year Pre-University Examination or 11th and 12th standard examination within Karnataka. Additionally, either parent must have studied in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Candidate’s Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, confirming study in Karnataka for 1st and 2nd PUC or 11th and 12th standard.4. Parent’s Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution where the parent studied, confirming at least seven years of study in Karnataka.5. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar with RD number. | – The parent’s study certificate must clearly indicate the duration of study in Karnataka.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-c | The candidate and either parent’s mother tongue must be Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, or Beary. The parent must have been domiciled in Karnataka, and the candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located outside Karnataka. The candidate must also pass a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Domicile Certificate: Issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities, certifying that the candidate and parent have resided outside Karnataka as of 01-05-2025.4. Parent’s Domicile Certificate: Issued by the Revenue Authorities of Karnataka, certifying the parent’s previous domicile in Karnataka.5. Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, confirming the candidate’s study details and mother tongue.6. Mother Tongue Proof: 10th standard marks card or cumulative record of the candidate, father, or mother, showing mother tongue as Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, or Beary.7. Sworn Declaration: A duly sworn declaration regarding the candidate’s mother tongue. | – The candidate must pass the Kannada Language Test with a minimum of 12 marks.- The domicile certificates must correspond to the place of residence of the candidate and parent. |
| Clause-d | The candidate must have resided and studied for a period of seven years between 1st and 12th standards in disputed Kannada-speaking areas of South Sholapur, Akkalkot, Jath, or Gadhinglaj Taluks of Maharashtra, or Kasargod, Hosadurga, or Manjeshwar Taluks of Kerala. The candidate must also pass a Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Residential Certificate: Issued by the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk.4. Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, countersigned by the Taluk Education Officer.5. Mother Tongue Proof: 10th standard marks card or cumulative record of the candidate, father, or mother, showing mother tongue as Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, or Beary.6. Sworn Declaration: A duly sworn declaration regarding the candidate’s mother tongue. | – The candidate must pass the Kannada Language Test with a minimum of 12 marks.- The residential certificate must confirm residence in the disputed Kannada-speaking areas. |
| Clause-e | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a defence personnel who has worked continuously in Karnataka for at least one year during the candidate’s two-year period of study in PUC/11th and 12th standard. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a Government or Government-recognized educational institution in Karnataka. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, confirming study in Karnataka for 2nd PUC or equivalent.4. Parent’s Employment Certificate: Issued by the Controlling Office, indicating the period of service in Karnataka. | – The employment certificate must clearly indicate the duration of service in Karnataka.- The candidate must have studied and passed the qualifying examination in Karnataka. |
| Clause-f | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a serving defence personnel who declared Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining the defence service. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located anywhere in India. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar with RD number.4. Parent’s Home Town Declaration Certificate: Issued by the respective branch of the integrated HQ of MoD for Officers or Record Offices for JCOs/OR. | – The home town declaration certificate must confirm the parent’s declaration of Karnataka as their hometown.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-g | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a defence personnel who served in Karnataka for at least one year and is posted to disturbed areas of Jammu and Kashmir or North-East. The family must be permitted to stay in Karnataka, and the candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a Government or Government-recognized educational institution in Karnataka. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, confirming study in Karnataka for 2nd PUC or equivalent.4. Parent’s Service Certificate: Issued by the Controlling Office, indicating the period of service in Karnataka and current posting details. | – The service certificate must confirm the parent’s service in Karnataka and current posting in disturbed areas.- The candidate must have studied and passed the qualifying examination in Karnataka. |
| Clause-h | The candidate must be the son or daughter of an ex-serviceman who declared Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining the defence service. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located anywhere in India. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar with RD number.4. Parent’s Home Town Declaration Certificate: Issued by the Deputy Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, and countersigned by the Director. | – The home town declaration certificate must confirm the parent’s declaration of Karnataka as their hometown.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-i | The candidate must be the son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government, Union/Karnataka State Government Undertaking, or Joint Sector Undertaking. The parent must have worked in Karnataka for at least one year during the candidate’s two-year period of study in PUC/11th and 12th standard. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a Government or Government-recognized educational institution in Karnataka. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, confirming study in Karnataka for 2nd PUC or equivalent.4. Parent’s Employment Certificate: Issued by the employer, indicating the period of employment in Karnataka and transferability anywhere in India.5. Employer’s Certificate: Confirming the parent’s employment with the Union Government, Union/Karnataka State Government Undertaking, or Joint Sector Undertaking. | – The employment certificate must confirm the parent’s transferability anywhere in India.- The candidate must have studied and passed the qualifying examination in Karnataka. |
| Clause-j | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a working or retired employee of the Union Government, Union/Karnataka State Government Undertaking, or Joint Sector Undertaking. The parent must have declared Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining service, studied in Karnataka for at least seven years, and is transferable anywhere in India. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located anywhere in India. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar with RD number.4. Parent’s Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, confirming at least seven years of study in Karnataka.5. Parent’s Home Town Declaration Certificate: Issued by the employer, confirming the declaration of Karnataka as the hometown and transferability anywhere in India. | – The parent’s study certificate must confirm at least seven years of study in Karnataka.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-k | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a Member of Parliament elected from Karnataka. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located anywhere in India. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar.4. Parent’s MP Certificate: Issued by the Parliament Secretariat, confirming the parent’s election from Karnataka. | – The MP certificate must confirm the parent’s election from Karnataka.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-l | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a serving or retired employee belonging to the All India Service of Karnataka cadre or the Karnataka State Government. The parent must have served or is serving outside Karnataka during the candidate’s study period from 1st standard to 2nd PUC/12th standard. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination in Karnataka. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar with RD number.4. Parent’s Service Certificate: Issued by the Principal Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, DPAR, Government of Karnataka, confirming the parent’s service outside Karnataka. | – The service certificate must confirm the parent’s service outside Karnataka.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause-m | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a Jammu & Kashmiri migrant. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located anywhere in India. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Migration Identity Card: Issued by the jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India, confirming the migration. | – The migration identity card must confirm the candidate’s status as a Jammu & Kashmiri migrant.- Candidates under this clause are eligible only for seats earmarked by the Government. |
| Clause-n | The candidate must have studied ten full academic years in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside Karnataka. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a Government or Government-recognized educational institution. No Kannada Language Test is required. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Domicile Certificate: Issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities, confirming residence outside Karnataka as of 01-05-2025.4. Kannada Medium Study Certificate: Issued by the head of the institution, countersigned by the BEO, confirming ten years of study in Kannada medium. | – The domicile certificate must confirm residence outside Karnataka.- The study certificate must confirm ten years of study in Kannada medium. |
| Clause-o | The candidate must be the son or daughter of a working or retired employee in the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) who declared Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining the service. The candidate must have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board located anywhere in India. | 1. SSLC/10th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 10th standard examination.2. 2nd PUC/12th Marks Card: Proof of passing the 12th standard examination.3. Caste/Caste Income Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/Category-1/2A/2B/3A/3B candidates, issued by the concerned Tahsildar.4. Parent’s Home Town Declaration Certificate: Issued by the Record Office of the CAPF unit, confirming the declaration of Karnataka as the hometown. | – The home town declaration certificate must confirm the parent’s declaration of Karnataka as their hometown.- Income certificates are required for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates to claim fee exemption. |
Conclusion
Understanding the KCET eligibility clause is one of the most important steps in your admission journey. It helps the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) decide if you qualify for government quota or reserved category seats. Many students lose their chances simply because they selected the wrong clause or failed to submit the correct documents.
You can avoid such mistakes by reading each clause carefully, talking to your parents about their education and work details, and collecting all the necessary documents before applying. If you are still confused, seek help from your school or a KEA help center.
The KCET 2025 exam can open the door to your dream college, but only if you follow the rules correctly. So, take your time, double-check your application, and ensure your eligibility clause is correct. With the right information and preparation, you will be one step closer to a successful future.
