COMEDK Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Age Limit & More

The COMEDK UGET (Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka Undergraduate Entrance Test) is a highly sought-after entrance examination that opens doors to premier private engineering and architecture institutions in Karnataka. It is a critical step for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate programs in these fields, offering a fair and transparent selection process to over 150 participating colleges across the state.

Conducted annually, the exam attracts thousands of students from all over India, making it a competitive and inclusive platform for academic advancement. However, understanding the eligibility criteria is vital for students to determine whether they meet the basic and specific requirements for admission. Overlooking these details can lead to disqualification, wasted effort, and disappointment during the application or counselling process.

The eligibility criteria for COMEDK UGET are comprehensive, covering aspects like citizenship, academic qualifications, age, and reservation benefits. These rules ensure that candidates have the foundational skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen programs. Additionally, COMEDK promotes equal opportunities by offering category-based relaxations and a lack of domicile restrictions, allowing students from across the country to compete on a level playing field.

This guide aims to provide a detailed explanation of the COMEDK UGET 2025 eligibility criteria. Whether you are aiming for an engineering or architecture program, this resource will help you navigate the requirements with confidence and clarity, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey ahead.

COMEDK Basic Eligibility Criteria

The basic eligibility criteria for COMEDK UGET 2025 are designed to ensure that candidates meet the foundational requirements to apply for the entrance examination. These criteria cover aspects like citizenship and domicile, providing a clear framework for students across India.

Citizenship Requirements

To appear for COMEDK UGET 2025, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Indian Nationals Only: The exam is open exclusively to Indian citizens. Students holding foreign citizenship, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are not eligible to apply.
• Open to All States: Unlike some state-level entrance exams that restrict eligibility to residents of the respective state, COMEDK UGET allows students from every part of India to apply.

This inclusivity ensures equal opportunities for students aspiring to study in Karnataka, regardless of their home state.

COMEDK Domicile Rules

COMEDK UGET 2025 provides flexibility in domicile requirements, making it accessible to students from across India. This inclusivity is a significant advantage, particularly for candidates who wish to study in Karnataka but are not residents of the state. However, specific rules apply to candidates seeking reservation benefits. Let’s break down the domicile rules:

Open to All Students in India: COMEDK UGET does not require candidates to be Karnataka residents to participate in the examination or apply for general merit (GM) seats.

Students from any state, such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, or Uttar Pradesh, can compete on equal terms with Karnataka residents.

Implications for General Merit Admissions

The absence of domicile restrictions for general category seats means that students across India have access to a diverse range of colleges under COMEDK without geographical barriers.

Domicile Requirements for Reservations

Reserved Category Candidates

For candidates seeking Karnataka-specific reservations, a valid Karnataka domicile certificate is mandatory.

This ensures that reservation benefits are extended only to Karnataka residents from these categories.

Kalyana Karnataka Region (KKR/HK) Quota

Candidates claiming seats under the KKR/HK reservation (as per Article 371J) must provide both a KKR/HK certificate and a Karnataka domicile certificate during counselling.

The dual approach—general merit flexibility combined with domicile requirements for specific reservations—strikes a balance between inclusivity and regional support for deserving candidates. This rule ensures that Karnataka residents receive priority for reservation benefits, while students nationwide can still compete for general merit seats.

COMEDK Qualification Requirements

The qualification requirements for COMEDK UGET 2025 form the backbone of the eligibility criteria, ensuring that candidates possess the academic foundation and skills necessary for their chosen undergraduate programs. These criteria vary based on the type of course—engineering (B.E./B.Tech) or architecture (B.Arch). Below is an in-depth explanation of the qualification requirements for both streams, along with examples and practical tips.

For Undergraduate Engineering Courses (B.E./B.Tech)

To apply for engineering courses, candidates must meet the following academic qualifications:

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have successfully passed their second PUC (Pre-University Course) or 10+2 Higher Secondary Examination from a recognized board such as CBSE, ICSE, or any state board. The qualification must be recognized by the State or Central Government of India to ensure standardisation of academic credentials.

Core Subjects

The last two years of study (in 10+2) must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects.

English is a compulsory subject and must have been studied during the same period.

Minimum Marks

• General Merit (GM) Candidates: General category candidates must secure a minimum aggregate of 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.Candidates must pass each subject individually, ensuring a consistent level of proficiency in all core areas.
• Reserved Category Candidates (SC/ST/OBC ): Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories of Karnataka benefit from a relaxation in marks. They need to secure a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in PCM.

This 5% relaxation aims to encourage more participation from underprivileged groups.

Entrance Test Participation

• Mandatory COMEDK Entrance Test Attempt: All candidates seeking admission through COMEDK must attempt the COMEDK UGET entrance test.The test serves as a standardised assessment to evaluate the academic preparedness of candidates for undergraduate engineering programs.
• Zero Marks Disqualification: Candidates who score zero or below in the entrance test will not be eligible for ranking or admission.
• Exclusion of Diploma Holders: Candidates holding a Diploma in Engineering are not eligible to apply for COMEDK UGET.

This is because lateral entry provisions (admission directly into the second year of an engineering program) are not offered under COMEDK.

Illustrative Example for Engineering Qualification

Let’s consider two students, Ravi and Priya:

• Ravi scored 85% in PCM in his CBSE 12th board exams, with Chemistry as an optional subject. He meets the general merit criteria and can apply for COMEDK UGET.
• Priya scored 38% in PCM, despite being an SC candidate from Karnataka. Since her marks are below the 40% threshold, she does not qualify, even with category-based relaxation.

For Undergraduate Architecture Courses (B.Arch)

Candidates aspiring to join architecture programs must meet a separate set of academic qualifications. Admission to B.Arch courses involves an evaluation of academic performance as well as aptitude in architecture.

Educational Qualification

• Completion of 10+2 or Equivalent Examination: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Mathematics as a mandatory subject.The examination must be recognized by the Central or State Government.
• 10+3 Diploma Option: Students who have completed a 10+3 Diploma from a recognized institution are also eligible, provided Mathematics was a compulsory subject.

Minimum Marks

• General Merit (GM) Candidates: General category candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).Additionally, the overall aggregate across all subjects must also meet the 50% threshold.
• Reserved Category Candidates (SC/ST/OBC): For reserved categories, the minimum aggregate requirement is relaxed to 45% in PCM and overall.

This ensures broader access to architecture education for underrepresented groups.

Aptitude Test Requirement

Qualifying Exams: Candidates must qualify in either of the following national-level aptitude tests:

• NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) conducted by the Council of Architecture.
• JEE Main Paper 2 (Architecture) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Minimum NATA/JEE Scores

A valid NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 score is mandatory.

Candidates who pass other aptitude tests must still qualify for NATA or JEE to be eligible for admission.

Test Components

The NATA test evaluates skills in drawing, observation, sensitivity to aesthetics, and critical thinking.

Candidates must meet the cut-off marks for individual components and the overall qualifying score.

Separate COMEDK Process

• Unlike engineering courses, COMEDK does not conduct a specific entrance test for architecture.
• Candidates must submit their NATA or JEE scores while applying for counselling.

Illustrative Example for Architecture Qualification

• For example, two students,Arjun, scored 52% in PCM and 60% overall in his 10+2 exams. He also qualified in NATA with a score of 120 out of 200. He meets the criteria for general merit admission to B.Arch. 
• Kavya, who belongs to the OBC category in Karnataka, scored 46% in PCM and 50% overall in her 10+2 exams. Despite qualifying in NATA, she does not meet the 45% PCM requirement for her category and is thus ineligible.

Age Criteria

Age eligibility is a key requirement for applying to COMEDK UGET 2025, ensuring that candidates are adequately prepared for undergraduate studies. The criteria define both minimum age limits and provisions for exceptions.

Minimum Age Requirement

Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2025.This ensures that students entering undergraduate programs have reached a suitable level of maturity to handle college-level academics and responsibilities.

No Upper Age Limit

COMEDK UGET does not impose an upper age limit for applicants.

This inclusive policy allows older candidates, including those who have taken gap years or pursued alternative academic paths, to apply for undergraduate programs without restrictions.

Special Provision for Younger Candidates

Candidates who are below 17 years of age as of January 1, 2025, must obtain and submit an eligibility certificate from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). This certificate confirms their readiness to participate in undergraduate education despite being younger than the standard age requirement.

Practical Example:

For instance, a candidate born on January 2, 2008, would need to procure an eligibility certificate from VTU to qualify for COMEDK UGET 2025. Conversely, a candidate born in 2006 would meet the age requirement without additional documentation.

The age criteria balance inclusivity with academic preparedness, ensuring that all candidates are ready for the challenges of undergraduate education.

COMEDK Reservation Policies

COMEDK UGET 2025 provides reservation exclusively for candidates from the Kalyana Karnataka (KKR/HK) region, ensuring educational opportunities for students from this designated area under Article 371J of the Indian Constitution. There are no reservations for any other categories, such as Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC), in terms of seat allocation. However, SC/ST/OBC candidates of Karnataka are eligible for relaxation in the minimum marks criteria for PUC or equivalent examinations.

Kalyana Karnataka (KKR/HK) Region Reservation

• Candidates classified as ‘local persons’ from the Kalyana Karnataka region are eligible for reserved seats in educational institutions.
• This reservation is granted under Karnataka Government Order No. DPAR 06 PLX 2012 dated 06.11.2013, which ensures that candidates from this region have equitable access to higher education opportunities.
• The government order, which can be accessed on the official website, outlines the eligibility and documentation requirements for candidates claiming this regional quota.

Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC Candidates

While SC/ST/OBC candidates from Karnataka do not have seat-specific reservations, they benefit from relaxed eligibility criteria in the minimum aggregate marks required in PUC (10+2) or equivalent:

• General candidates must secure 45% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• SC/ST/OBC candidates are required to secure a reduced aggregate of 40% in PCM, provided they submit valid caste and income certificates during counselling.

Document Submission Requirements

• Kalyana Karnataka Reservation: Candidates claiming seats under the Kalyana Karnataka quota must submit a valid KKR/HK certificate and a Karnataka domicile certificate during counselling.
• SC/ST/OBC Relaxation: Candidates claiming relaxed eligibility must provide valid caste and income certificates issued by a competent authority. Failure to submit these certificates will result in disqualification from eligibility relaxation.

Key Notes on Reservation

• Kalyana Karnataka region candidates have reservation benefits in seat allocation.
• SC/ST/OBC candidates of Karnataka have no seat-specific reservations but enjoy relaxation in the academic eligibility criteria.
• All other candidates compete under the general merit category, ensuring fairness in the admissions process.

This dual approach ensures that disadvantaged groups receive appropriate support while maintaining a transparent and inclusive admission framework.

Other Key Points

COMEDK UGET 2025 includes several additional provisions to make the application and admission process flexible and inclusive for students. Here are the key points:

• Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the COMEDK UGET exam. Candidates can reappear in successive years, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria, including age and academic qualifications.
• Recognized Boards: Candidates must have completed their qualifying exams (10+2 or equivalent) from recognized boards such as CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards. Certifications from unrecognised boards will not be accepted.
• Provisional Eligibility: Students awaiting their 10+2 results can apply provisionally for COMEDK UGET. Admission will be granted only after they meet the eligibility criteria once results are declared.

COMEDK Disqualification Criteria

Meeting the eligibility criteria is a crucial part of the COMEDK UGET 2025 application process. Failure to comply with the stated rules or providing incorrect information can lead to disqualification. Below are the specific scenarios and conditions under which candidates may face disqualification:

1) Academic Non-Compliance

Candidates who fail to meet the minimum academic qualifications will not be considered for the entrance exam or admission process.

• Minimum Marks Not Achieved: General category candidates must secure a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in their qualifying examination. SC/ST/OBC candidates of Karnataka must achieve at least 40% aggregate marks in PCM.Candidates who do not meet these thresholds will be disqualified, even if they excel in the entrance exam.
• Unrecognized Board Certification: Candidates whose 10+2 or equivalent education is from an unrecognised board will be disqualified. The board must be recognized by the Central or State Government.

2) Invalid or Incomplete Documentation

Proper documentation is essential during the application and counselling processes.

• Failure to Submit Valid Certificates: Candidates claiming category-based relaxations (SC/ST/OBC or Kalyana Karnataka) must provide valid caste, income, and domicile certificates during counselling.Missing, incorrect, or invalid certificates will result in the removal of eligibility benefits, and the candidate may lose their rank or counselling eligibility.
• Incorrect Personal Information: Any mismatch in the details provided during registration and those on official documents can lead to disqualification.

3) Misrepresentation or Fraudulent Activity

Providing false information or engaging in fraudulent practices will result in immediate disqualification.

• Submission of Fake Documents: Candidates found submitting forged certificates or tampered documents will be permanently banned from COMEDK.
• False Claims of Reservation: Candidates who falsely claim SC/ST/OBC or Kalyana Karnataka status will be disqualified and barred from future exams.

4) Entrance Test Rules Violations

Adherence to examination rules is critical during the entrance test.

• Cheating or Misconduct: Candidates engaging in unfair practices, using prohibited materials, or violating examination hall protocols will be disqualified immediately.
• Scoring Zero or Negative Marks: Candidates who score zero marks or below in the entrance test will not be included in the rank list.

5) Age Non-Compliance

Candidates who fail to meet the age criteria will be disqualified unless they submit an eligibility certificate from VTU (for candidates below 17 years as of January 1, 2025).

How to Verify Eligibility

Ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria for COMEDK UGET 2025 is a vital step in the application process. Verifying your eligibility early helps avoid unnecessary complications, disqualification, or delays during the examination and counselling processes. Here are the key methods to verify your eligibility:

1) Official Website Information

The official COMEDK website is the most reliable source for eligibility guidelines. Candidates should:

• Visit the Eligibility Section on the website, where detailed information on academic qualifications, age requirements, and reservation policies is provided.
• Regularly check for updates or notifications, as the eligibility rules may be revised based on regulatory changes.
• Download the official information brochure, which includes comprehensive details about eligibility criteria for both engineering (B.E./B.Tech) and architecture (B.Arch) programs.

2) Self-Assessment

Candidates should perform a self-check based on the eligibility requirements, including:

• Academic Qualifications: Verify your 10+2 or equivalent marks and ensure you meet the minimum aggregate percentage required (45% for general candidates, 40% for SC/ST/OBC of Karnataka).
• Age Compliance: Confirm that you meet the minimum age requirement of 17 years by December 31, 2025, or obtain an eligibility certificate from VTU if you are below 17 years as of January 1, 2025.

3) COMEDK Helpdesk and Support

For additional clarity, candidates can contact the COMEDK helpline through the contact details provided on the official website. The helpdesk can assist with:

• Clarifications regarding eligibility requirements for specific cases.
• Guidance on document preparation and submission for reserved category candidates or special provisions (e.g., Kalyana Karnataka quota).

By following these steps, candidates can confidently verify their eligibility, ensuring a smooth application and admission process without the risk of disqualification.

Conclusion

COMEDK UGET 2025 serves as a crucial gateway for students aspiring to join top engineering and architecture institutions in Karnataka. Understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step toward a successful application process. From academic qualifications and age requirements to reservation policies and documentation, every detail plays an important role in ensuring your eligibility.

For engineering aspirants, the focus on core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with the requirement of scoring at least 45% (40% for SC/ST/OBC of Karnataka), highlights the need for a solid academic foundation. Similarly, architecture aspirants must meet specific criteria, including qualifying in NATA or JEE Paper 2, to demonstrate their aptitude for the field. The reservation policies provide regional support to candidates from the Kalyana Karnataka (KKR/HK) region and ensure relaxed eligibility for SC/ST/OBC candidates from Karnataka.

To avoid complications, candidates must carefully review the eligibility guidelines on the official COMEDK website and verify their compliance. The COMEDK helpdesk is a valuable resource for resolving doubts and ensuring proper documentation during counselling.

By understanding the eligibility requirements and adhering to them, candidates can focus their energy on preparation, confident in their readiness for the application and admission process. Best wishes to all COMEDK UGET 2025 aspirants for a bright academic future!