The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is an important exam for students who want to join undergraduate courses in Karnataka. These include engineering, medical, and other professional programs. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts the KCET exam every year.
To apply for KCET, students must meet certain eligibility criteria. The KEA has divided the eligibility into different clauses. Each clause is for a specific group of students based on their education and location. Clause A is one of the most common clauses. It applies to students who have studied in Karnataka for a minimum number of years.
This article will explain Clause A in detail. You will learn about the conditions, documents needed, and frequently asked questions. We will use simple language so that every student can understand the rules easily.
What is Clause A in KCET?
Clause A is one of the main eligibility clauses for KCET. It is for students who have studied in Karnataka for at least 7 academic years. These 7 years should be from 1st standard to 12th standard (or 2nd PUC).
You must have studied in schools or colleges that are recognized by the Karnataka Government. Also, you must have passed either your SSLC (10th standard) or your 2nd PUC (12th standard) exam in Karnataka.
In short, Clause A is for students who have completed most of their schooling within Karnataka. It helps to ensure that local students get fair access to higher education in the state.
Detailed Eligibility Conditions Under Clause A in KCET
Let us look at the detailed rules that students must meet to be eligible under Clause A.
1) Minimum 7 Years of Study in Karnataka
You must have studied in Karnataka for at least 7 academic years. These 7 years must be between 1st standard and 12th standard. It can be any 7 years in this period, not necessarily continuous.
For example, if you studied in Karnataka from 1st to 5th standard, and then again from 10th to 12th, you still qualify. That is a total of 8 years.
Important note: If you repeated a year, it is counted only once. For example, if you failed in 6th standard and repeated it, it is still counted as only one academic year.
2) Must Have Studied in Government or Recognized Schools/Colleges
You must have studied in schools or colleges that are either run by the government or recognized by the Karnataka Government. Private schools are also valid if they have official recognition from the state government.
This includes:
- Government schools
- State Board schools
- Recognized private schools
- CBSE or ICSE schools that are located in Karnataka and recognized by the government
3) Must Have Passed SSLC or 2nd PUC in Karnataka
You must have passed at least one of these exams in Karnataka:
- SSLC (10th standard) or
- 2nd PUC (12th standard)
The exam must be conducted by a recognized board such as:
- Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB)
- Department of Pre-University Education (DPE)
- Other recognized boards if the institution is located within Karnataka
This rule ensures that students have completed key stages of their education in the state.
KCET 2025 Eligibility Clauses
Apart from Clause A, KCET has several other clauses. Each clause covers a different type of student. Here is a brief overview of the main clauses for 2025:
| 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
Clause A is one of the most important eligibility clauses in KCET. It helps students who have studied in Karnataka for a long time get admission to professional courses like engineering, medical, and more. To qualify under Clause A, you must have studied in Karnataka for at least 7 academic years between 1st and 12th standard. You must also have passed either SSLC (10th) or 2nd PUC (12th) in Karnataka from a recognized school or college.
It is very important to study in government or government-recognized institutions. You also need to submit all the required documents like marksheets, study certificates, and the KCET application form. Make sure all your information is correct before applying.
If you meet all the rules, you can select Clause A in your KCET form and appear for the exam without any issue. This clause supports Karnataka students and gives them fair access to higher education in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Can I claim Clause A if I studied in Karnataka only for 11th and 12th?
No. You need to study in Karnataka for at least 7 years between 1st standard and 12th standard. Studying only for 2 years is not enough.
2) Do CBSE/ICSE students in Karnataka qualify under Clause A?
Yes. If your school is located in Karnataka and is recognized by the state government, you are eligible. It does not matter which board you studied under.
3) What if I failed a year? Does it affect my eligibility?
No. If you repeated a class, it is counted as only one academic year. For example, if you took two years to pass 6th standard, it still counts as one year.
4) Is a Domicile Certificate mandatory for Clause A?
Not always. The main requirement is the study certificate. However, in some cases, KEA may ask for a domicile certificate as additional proof.
5) Can I apply under Clause A if I studied in Kerala/Maharashtra but in Kannada medium?
No. Clause A is only for students who studied within Karnataka. If you studied in another state, even in Kannada medium, you are not eligible under Clause A. You may check Clause D for Kannada medium students in border areas.
