Are you dreaming of joining top engineering or medical colleges in Karnataka? Then KCET 2025 is the key to your future. Every year, lakhs of students compete in the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) to secure a seat in reputed institutions.
Whether you aim for Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, or Veterinary Science, KCET is your pathway. To succeed, you must understand the exam pattern, focus on high-weightage chapters, and follow a smart preparation strategy. Many students waste time on topics that rarely appear in the exam. You can avoid this mistake by studying only what truly matters.
This guide gives you the complete KCET 2025 exam pattern, subject-wise chapter weightage, and the best preparation tips. With the right approach, scoring high is not as hard as it seems. Read on to boost your chances of getting into your dream college through KCET 2025. Your preparation starts now.
KCET Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (2025)
Before starting your preparation, you must understand the KCET 2025 exam pattern. Knowing the exam format helps you plan better and stay focused. KCET is conducted every year by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). It is held for students seeking admission into undergraduate courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary, and other professional fields.
KCET 2025 will be conducted in offline mode. You will need to write the exam using pen and paper. The questions will be of multiple-choice type (MCQs). Each question will have four options. You must choose the correct one and mark it on the OMR sheet.
If you want to join Engineering, you must take the Mathematics paper. If you are applying for B.Sc. Agriculture, Veterinary, or Pharmacy, you must take Biology instead of Mathematics.
KCET Duration and Timing
Each paper in KCET lasts for 1 hour and 20 minutes (80 minutes). The total duration for all three papers is 240 minutes (4 hours). However, the exams are conducted over two days. On Day 1, Physics and Chemistry papers are held. On Day 2, Mathematics or Biology papers are held.
There is also a separate Kannada Language Test for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates. This test checks your Kannada language ability and is compulsory if you claim eligibility under the Kannada medium clause.
KCET 2025 Exam Format Overview
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Mathematics / Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Kannada Language Test | 50 | 50 | 60 minutes (only for eligible students) |
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer gives 1 mark.
- There is no negative marking.
- No marks are deducted for wrong answers.
- No marks are given for unanswered questions.
This marking scheme is helpful. You can attempt all questions without fear of losing marks. So, it is better to try all questions, even if you are unsure.
Language Medium: KCET question papers are available in two languages:
- English
- Kannada
You can choose the medium based on your comfort. The Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology papers are provided in both English and Kannada. However, if there is any confusion or difference in translation, the English version is treated as final.
Key Points to Remember
- There is no negative marking, so attempt all questions.
- All papers are based on the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus of Karnataka State Board.
- You must carry a black or blue ballpoint pen to mark your answers.
- The use of calculators, mobile phones, or smart watches is strictly not allowed inside the exam hall.
- OMR sheets must be filled carefully. Wrong bubbling can lead to rejection.
KCET Subject Wise Important Chapters & Weightage
Understanding the subject-wise chapter weightage is one of the smartest ways to prepare for KCET 2025. It helps you focus more on high-scoring chapters and avoid wasting time on low-weightage ones. Below is a detailed subject-wise analysis for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, including important topics from both First and Second PUC.
Important Chapters for KCET Physics
KCET First PUC Important Topics
| Chapters | Weightage (Marks) |
| Gravitation | 8 |
| Motion in a Straight Line | 7 |
| Oscillations | 7 |
| Thermodynamics | 7 |
| Mechanical Properties of Solids | 4 |
| Mechanical Properties of Fluids | 4 |
| Kinetic Theory | 4 |
| Units and Measurement | 3 |
| Physical World | 2 |
Focus more on Gravitation, Oscillations, and Thermodynamics. These chapters usually have numerical problems, so practice formulas and problem-solving techniques.
KCET Second PUC Important Topics
| Chapters | Weightage (Marks) |
| Magnetism and Matter | 7 |
| Alternating Current | 7 |
| Electromagnetic Induction | 6 |
| Nuclei | 6 |
| Atoms | 5 |
| Communication Systems | 3 |
| Electromagnetic Waves | 2 |
AC circuits, Magnetic effects, and Modern Physics carry high weightage. Revise derivations, formulas, and circuit analysis techniques regularly.
Important Chapters for KCET Chemistry
KCET First PUC Important Topics
| Chapters | Weightage (Marks) |
| Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry | 8 |
| Classification of Elements and Periodicity | 8 |
| Some p-Block Elements | 7 |
| s-Block Elements | 6 |
| Thermodynamics | 4 |
| Redox Reactions | 4 |
| Hydrogen | 3 |
| Environmental Chemistry | 2 |
The mole concept and periodic trends are commonly tested, so understand the logic behind numerical questions and trends.
KCET Second PUC Important Topics
| Chapters | Weightage (Marks) |
| Solid State | 7 |
| Solutions | 7 |
| Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers | 7 |
| Coordination Compounds | 6 |
| Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 6 |
| Surface Chemistry | 6 |
| Biomolecules | 6 |
| Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen | 5 |
| Polymers | 5 |
| Chemistry in Everyday Life | 4 |
| General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements | 4 |
Practice naming reactions, isomerism, and organic mechanism-based questions. Coordination Chemistry is also scoring if you understand structure and hybridisation.
Important Chapters for KCET Biology
KCET First PUC Important Topics
| Chapters | Weightage (Marks) |
| Neural Control and Coordination | 5 |
| Photosynthesis in Higher Plants | 5 |
| Respiration in Plants | 5 |
| Plant Growth and Development | 5 |
| Biomolecules | 5 |
| Plant Kingdom | 5 |
| Cell Cycle and Cell Division | 5 |
| Body Fluids and Circulation | 4 |
| Morphology of Flowering Plants | 4 |
| Anatomy of Flowering Plants | 4 |
| Locomotion and Movement | 4 |
| Breathing and Exchange of Gases | 3 |
| Living World | 3 |
| Excretory Products and their Elimination | 3 |
| Digestion and Absorption | 3 |
| Biological Classification | 2 |
Give priority to processes like Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Cell Cycle. Diagrams are important for morphology and anatomy-based questions.
KCET Second PUC Important Topics
| Chapters | Weightage (Marks) |
| Human Reproduction | 7 |
| Microbes in Human Welfare | 6 |
| Biotech: Principles and Processes | 6 |
| Organism and Population | 6 |
| Ecosystem | 6 |
| Environmental Issues | 6 |
| Biotech: Applications | 5 |
| Reproduction in Organisms | 5 |
| Reproductive Health | 5 |
| Evolution | 5 |
| Biodiversity and Conservation | 4 |
Biotechnology and Ecology chapters are very important. Learn terminologies and steps of PCR, DNA technologies, and food chain cycles.
Use this weightage list as a daily reference. Cover high-weightage chapters first, revise them multiple times, and solve MCQs regularly. Stick to NCERT textbooks and use this guide to avoid wasting time on low-weightage topics.
KCET Important Questions
The following questions are example important questions for KCET 2025. These are based on chapters with high and medium weightage and are meant for reference only. Practicing such questions will help students understand the type and level of problems likely to appear in the exam. Below are 10 sample questions for each subject.
KCET Important Questions for Physics
1) If the radius of the first Bohr orbit in a hydrogen atom is ‘r’, what is the radius of the second orbit?
A: 4r (since radius ∝ n²).
2) How is a galvanometer converted into an ammeter?
A: By connecting a low-resistance shunt in parallel.
3) The De-Broglie wavelength of an electron and photon are the same. Which property will also be the same?
A: Momentum (λ = h/p).
4) What type of motion is represented by the force F = -kx acting on a particle?
A: Simple harmonic motion (SHM).
5) In Young’s double-slit experiment, how does the fringe width change if the wavelength of light increases?
A: Fringe width increases (β = λD/d).
6) What is the energy of a photon of frequency ν?
A: E = hν (Planck’s equation).
7) On what factors does the magnetic moment of a current loop depend?
A: Current (I), area (A), and number of turns (N).
8) A convex lens forms a real image. If the object moves closer to the lens, what happens to the image distance?
A: Increases.
9) The half-life of a radioactive substance is 10 days. How long will it take for ¾ of the sample to decay?
A: 20 days (2 half-lives).
10) What is the unit of electric flux?
A: Nm²/C or Vm.
KCET Important Questions for Chemistry
1) What are the products when H₂S reacts with acidified KMnO₄?
A: Sulfur (S) and Mn²⁺.
2) Which lanthanide exhibits a +4 oxidation state?
A: Cerium (Ce).
3) What is an ambidentate ligand?
A: A ligand with two different donor atoms (e.g., SCN⁻).
4) What is the IUPAC name of [Co(NH₃)₅Cl]Cl₂?
A: Pentaamminechlorocobalt(III) chloride.
5) What is the hybridization of Xe in XeF₄?
A: sp³d² (square planar).
6) Why does the rate of a reaction double for every 10°C rise in temperature?
A: Due to an increase in effective collisions.
7) What is the pH of a 0.01 M NaOH solution?
A: 12 (pOH = 2, pH = 14 – 2).
8) What is the product when benzene reacts with CO/HCl in the presence of AlCl₃?
A: Benzaldehyde (Gattermann-Koch reaction).
9) How many σ bonds are present in ethene (C₂H₄)?
A: 5 (1 C=C σ bond + 4 C-H σ bonds).
10) Which catalyst is used in the contact process for H₂SO₄ production?
A: V₂O₅ (Vanadium pentoxide).
KCET Important Questions for Mathematics
1) If cos x + cos²x = 1, what is the value of sin²x + sin⁴x?
A: 1 (since sin²x = 1 – cos²x = cos x).
2) What is the mean deviation of the data 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 17?
A: 3 (mean = 10, MD = Σ|xi – mean|/n).
3) What is the probability of getting a sum of 7 when two dice are rolled?
A: 6/36 = 1/6.
4) What is the derivative of sin⁻¹(2x√(1 – x²)) with respect to x?
A: 2/√(1 – x²) (chain rule).
5) What is the area bounded by y = x² and y = 2x?
A: 4/3 sq. units (integrate 2x – x² from 0 to 2).
6) What is the value of ∫(1/x + eˣ)dx?
A: ln|x| + eˣ + C.
7) How many terms are in the expansion of (1 + x)¹⁰⁰?
A: 101.
8) What is the distance between the parallel lines 3x + 4y = 9 and 6x + 8y = 15?
A: 3/10 (parallel lines formula).
9) What is the modulus of (1 + i)/(1 – i)?
A: 1 (simplifies to i, |i| = 1).
10) What is the solution of dy/dx = y/x?
A: y = kx (separable variables).
KCET Important Questions for Biology
1) Where does protein synthesis occur in a cell?
A: Ribosomes.
2) Which hormone is responsible for apical dominance?
A: Auxin.
3) Which enzyme fixes CO₂ in C4 plants?
A: PEP carboxylase.
4) What is the genetic material of HIV?
A: Single-stranded RNA.
5) What is the male gametophyte in angiosperms?
A: Pollen grain.
6) What is the process of converting glucose to pyruvate called?
A: Glycolysis.
7) Which gland regulates calcium homeostasis?
A: Parathyroid gland.
8) Who is the pioneer of the “Green Revolution” in India?
A: M.S. Swaminathan.
9) Which part of the brain controls body temperature?
A: Hypothalamus.
10) What is the vector for malaria?
A: Female Anopheles mosquito.
These questions cover high-weightage topics from previous years. For thorough preparation, practice derivations, numericals (Physics/Math), and diagrams (Biology).
KCET Preparation Strategy (2025)
Scoring well in KCET 2025 requires proper planning, regular practice, and a smart strategy. Many students prepare for both board exams and entrance exams at the same time. To balance both, you must follow a clear schedule, focus on key chapters, and use the right materials. Here are the best strategies to help you prepare for KCET effectively.
1) Focus on High-Weightage Chapters
Start your preparation by focusing on the chapters that carry the most marks. Go through the KCET chapter-wise weightage list and pick the topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics that are frequently asked. Finish these topics first before moving to medium and low-weightage chapters.
2) Make a Daily Revision Plan
Prepare a weekly study timetable. Spend at least 6–7 hours daily, including both new topics and revision. Keep mornings for fresh topics and evenings for revision. Allocate 1 hour each day for solving MCQs from previous years.
Sample plan:
- 3 hours: New chapter from Physics, Chemistry, or Math/Biology
- 1 hour: NCERT-based quick notes revision
- 1 hour: Practice numericals or diagrams
- 1 hour: Mock test or PYQ practice
Revise every topic at least 3–4 times before the exam.
3) Use the Right Books and Study Materials
Always begin your preparation with NCERT textbooks. KCET is mostly based on the Karnataka Board (PUC) syllabus, which is similar to NCERT. After completing NCERT, move to MCQ books and practice sets. Recommended resources include:
Best Books for KCET 2025: Mathematics
Mathematics in KCET requires speed, accuracy, and strong conceptual understanding. The questions are mostly formula-based, application-oriented, and calculation-intensive. The best way to prepare is by practicing numerous problems from different sources.
| Book Name | Author | Key Features | Best For |
| NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) | NCERT | – Clear fundamental concepts- Strong alignment with KCET syllabus | Students needing strong basics and direct KCET relevance |
| Mathematics for 1st Year PUC | Dr. PG Umarani | – Karnataka PUC-specific content- Chapter-wise solved examples & exercises | State board students focusing on KCET + PUC syllabus |
| Mathematics by Dinesh | Dinesh Publications | – Advanced problem-solving- Tricky questions & objective-type practice | Students aiming for high scores through extra practice |
Best Books for KCET 2025: Physics
Physics in KCET is a mix of theory-based and numerical-based questions. Some chapters require deep conceptual understanding, while others focus on formula application and calculations.
Recommended Books:
| Book Name | Author | Key Features | Best For |
| NCERT Physics (Class 11 & 12) | NCERT | – Fundamental concept clarity- Directly aligned with KCET question patterns | Students who want strong basics & theory |
| Physics for 1st Year PUC | AS Govind | – Tailored for Karnataka PUC syllabus- Solved examples & objective questions | State board students focusing on KCET-specific content |
| New Course Physics | Pradeep | – Advanced-level problems- Strong numerical practice | Students aiming for high accuracy in numericals & competitive-level prep |
| Principles of Physics | S Chand | – Detailed explanations- Extra practice problems & theory coverage | Those who need additional reference for deeper understanding |
Best Books for KCET 2025: Chemistry
Chemistry in KCET consists of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. A combination of theory-based and numerical-based preparation is needed.
| Book Name | Author | Key Features | Best For |
| NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 & 12) | NCERT | – Simple language, covers all basics- Direct source for KCET questions | Students who want strong fundamentals and KCET-aligned content |
| Modern ABC Chemistry | SP Jauhar | – Detailed explanations- Solved examples & practice MCQs | Students needing extra clarity and MCQ practice |
| New Course Chemistry | Pradeep | – Strong focus on reaction mechanisms & numericals- Advanced practice | Those aiming for high accuracy in numericals & competitive prep |
| Chemistry for 1st Year PUC | Prof. Somashekara Prasad | – Karnataka PUC syllabus-focused- Clear concept explanations | State board students prioritizing KCET + PUC exam prep |
4) Practice Mock Tests and PYQs
Mock tests help you improve speed and accuracy. Try to complete each paper in 80 minutes instead of the full 90 minutes. This will give you buffer time during the actual exam. After each mock test, analyze your mistakes. Make a separate notebook for difficult or tricky questions.
Conclusion
KCET 2025 is your chance to enter some of the best colleges in Karnataka. If you prepare smartly, you can score well and get the branch and college you want. Focus more on high-weightage chapters and solve as many practice questions as you can. Stick to NCERT books because most KCET questions come directly from them.
Do not leave your revision until the last minute. Practice previous year papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Avoid skipping Physics and Chemistry numericals. Make a daily study plan and follow it without fail. Stay calm and confident during your preparation. Remember, hard work with the right strategy always brings good results. With the help of this guide, you now know what to study, how to study, and how to avoid common mistakes. Keep practicing and stay focused. Your KCET 2025 success is in your hands.
