The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is an entrance exam for students who want to study professional courses like engineering, pharmacy, and farm science in Karnataka. Every year, thousands of students from Karnataka and other states apply for KCET. To apply for KCET, students must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
Many students from outside Karnataka are confused about whether they can apply for KCET. The good news is that KCET allows non-Karnataka students to apply under certain conditions. These conditions are explained through specific eligibility clauses. Each clause has its own rules and document requirements.
In this article, we will explain the basic KCET eligibility criteria. We will also explain all the clauses under which non-Karnataka students can apply. We will also list the documents required for each clause. This will help students from other states understand if they are eligible and how they can apply.
KCET Eligibility Criteria 2025
To apply for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2025, students must meet specific academic, nativity, and category-based eligibility conditions. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has clearly outlined who can apply for different professional courses through KCET. Below are the detailed KCET eligibility criteria based on educational qualifications, nativity, course-wise requirements, and special category conditions.
KCET 2025 – Educational Qualification Requirements
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 or 2nd PUC examination in 2025. They must submit their qualifying exam results during the counselling process.
Note: Students who completed their qualifying examination from Karnataka State Open University are not eligible to apply for KCET 2025.
Compulsory and Optional Subjects in Class 12
- Compulsory Subjects: Physics and Mathematics
- Optional Subjects: Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Electronics / Computer Science
- Language Requirement: English must be one of the languages of study.
KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification Table
| Course | Eligibility Criteria |
| B.Tech | Class 12 with 45% (40% for SC/ST) in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. English as a language subject. |
| B.Arch | Class 12 with 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. Must appear for JEE Main Paper 2 or NATA. |
| B.V.Sc & A.H | Class 12 with Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Must attend a practical test. |
| B.Pharma | Class 12 with PCB or PCM. Minimum 45% (40% for SC/ST). |
| B.Sc Agri/Forestry/Horti | Class 12 with PCMB. Agriculture quota students must attend a practical test with 50% weightage. |
| B.Tech (Agri/Bio/Food) | Class 12 with PCMB. Same as B.Sc Agriculture group. |
| B.F.Sc (Fisheries) | Class 12 with PCMB. Practical test required for Agriculture Quota. |
KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Nativity Conditions
To be eligible for a government seat, applicants must fulfil one of the following nativity conditions:
1) State Education Requirement: Candidates must have studied in a Karnataka government or recognized school for at least seven academic years from Class 1 to 12 as of 1st July 2025. They must also have appeared and passed SSLC (Class 10) or 2nd PUC (Class 12) from Karnataka.
2) Parent Education Condition: Students who have passed 1st and 2nd PUC (or 11th and 12th) in Karnataka and either of their parents studied in Karnataka for 7 years are eligible.
3) Children of Defence Personnel: Students whose parents served in Karnataka for at least 1 year during 11th and 12th are eligible.
4) Children of CAPF Personnel: Candidates whose parents served in Central Armed Police Forces and declared Karnataka as their hometown at the time of joining can apply. They must produce a domicile certificate from the CAPF Record Office. These candidates can have studied outside Karnataka.
KCET 2025 Eligibility – Category-Wise Conditions
Some categories have special eligibility conditions. Students must provide appropriate documentation.
| Category | Additional Criteria |
| Jammu & Kashmir Migrants | Must submit a migration certificate issued by District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner from any state in India. |
| Kannada, Tulu, Kodava Speakers | Must have studied for 7 years in Kannada-speaking regions of South Solapur, Akkalkot, Jeth, Gadhinglaj (MH) or Kasargod, Hosadurga (KL). Must clear Kannada Language Test. |
| Kannada Medium Students Outside Karnataka | Students who studied in Kannada medium for 10 years (Classes 1 to 10) outside Karnataka are exempted from the language test. |
| Children of Karnataka MPs | Must have completed schooling in any part of India, and their parents must be a current Member of Parliament from Karnataka. |
By understanding and fulfilling the KCET 2025 eligibility criteria, students can ensure that their application is valid and avoid disqualification at later stages. All supporting documents for educational qualifications, nativity, and category-based claims must be produced during the counselling process.
KCET Eligibility for Other State Students
KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is mainly conducted for students who are residents of Karnataka. However, students from other states in India may also be eligible to apply under certain conditions. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has defined clear rules to decide which non-Karnataka students can participate in KCET and apply for government quota seats.
If you are a student from a different state, here’s what you need to know about your eligibility for KCET 2025:
| Category | KCET Eligibility Status | Notes |
| Parents studied or worked in Karnataka | Eligible (Clause b, c, d, etc.) | Proof required |
| CAPF/Defence/Central Govt employees | Eligible if posted in Karnataka | Document proof needed |
| Mother tongue is Kannada/Tulu/Kodava | Eligible (Clause n) | Must clear Kannada Language Test |
| General students from other states | Not eligible for KCET | Apply via COMEDK instead |
| Studied in Karnataka from Class 1 to 12 | Eligible | Satisfies Clause a |
1) Government Seat Eligibility for Other State Students
Most KCET government seats are reserved for Karnataka residents. However, students from other states can apply only if they meet specific eligibility clauses. These are known as Clause a to o and include criteria related to parents’ education, job history in Karnataka, mother tongue, etc.
2) Eligibility Through Parent’s Education or Employment
If your parents are from Karnataka or have worked/studied in the state, you may be eligible even if you studied outside Karnataka. Below are some commonly used eligibility clauses:
- Clause b – You studied Class 1 to 10 outside Karnataka, but either parent studied in Karnataka for 7 years.
- Clause c – You completed Class 11 and 12 in Karnataka, and either parent is a Karnataka government employee.
- Clause d – You completed Class 11 and 12 in Karnataka, and your parent works in the central government or defense, and was posted in Karnataka during your study period.
3) Children of Defence and Central Government Employees
You may apply for KCET if your father or mother works in the armed forces, central services, or CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) and satisfies the following:
- Served in Karnataka for at least one year during your PUC or 11th and 12th education.
- Declared Karnataka as their home state in official service records. This is usually required for CAPF wards.
Required Documents: A certificate from the employer or record office, proof of home town declaration, and proof of service in Karnataka.
4) Candidates From Disputed Border Regions
If your mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava, and you have studied in a disputed Kannada-speaking area of Maharashtra or Kerala (like South Solapur, Akkalkot, Jeth, Gadhinglaj, Kasargod, or Hosadurga), then you may apply under Clause n.
- You must have studied from Class 1 to 10 in that region.
- You must pass the Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA to be eligible.
5) KCET Not for General Category Students from Other States
If you are from another state and do not meet any of the eligibility clauses (a to o) or cannot qualify through defence, domicile, or language criteria, you are not eligible to apply for KCET 2025 under government quota seats.
However, you may still apply for admission to private colleges in Karnataka through COMEDK (Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka), which allows students from all over India to compete for seats.
KCET Eligibility Clauses and Required Documents
Here is a quick summary of each clause and the documents required:
| Clause | Eligibility Clauses | Document Required |
| Clause a | The candidate should have studied and passed in one or more Government or Government recognised educational institutions located in the State of Karnataka for a minimum period of SEVEN academic years 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 case of the candidate who had taken more than one year to pass a class or standard, the years of academic study is counted as one year only. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate. 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate. 3) Candidate’s STUDY CERTIFICATE obtained from the head of the institution which should be countersigned by concerned Block Educational Officer (BEO) / DDPU (7 years of study in Karnataka including 10th or 12th) (Refer formats in the following pages) 4) If claiming Rural quota: – Rural Study Certificate from 1st to 10th std for Ten Complete Years and should be countersigned by BEO. Further, General Merit students should also produce NCLC obtained from the concerned Tahasildar. (Refer formats in the following pages) 5) If claiming Kannada Medium quota: Kannada Medium Study Certificate from 1st to 10th std for Ten Complete Years and should be countersigned by BEO; as per the format. 6) If claiming reservation benefits: Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-‘D’, Category-I in Form ‘E’ and 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in Form ‘F’. Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only. Income certificate to be produced by SC / ST / Cat-1 to claim fee exemption. |
| Clause b | The candidate should have studied and passed either 1st and 2nd year Pre-University Examination or 11th and 12th standard examination within the State of Karnataka from an Educational Institution run or recognized by the State Government and that either of the parents should have studied in Karnataka for a minimum period of SEVEN years. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate; 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate; 3) Candidate’s study certificate for having studied both 1st & 2nd PUC or 11th & 12th standard in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution. 4) Study certificate for either parent having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where he / she had studied. 5) If claiming reservation benefits:- Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form-E and 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in Form-F. Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only. |
| Clause c | The candidate and either of the parent’s mother tongue should be Kannada, Tulu, Kodava or Beary and either of parent was domiciled in the state of Karnataka, such candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board or any other Institution located outside Karnataka and should be residing outside the State of Karnataka as on 1st May of 2023. Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with – 3) a domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and his either of parent have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on 01-05-2023. The place of the Issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate / father / mother. 4) a 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. 5) Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate with mother tongue details. 6) Candidate / Father / Mother 10th standard marks card / cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada / Tulu / Kodava. 7) A duly sworn declaration regarding mother tongue of the candidates. |
| Clause d | A candidate whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, Kodava or Beary should have resided and studied for a period of SEVEN YEARS between 1st and 12th standards in disputed Kannada speaking area of South Sholapur or Akkalkot or Jath or Gadhinglaj Taluks of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga or Manjeshwar Taluks of Kerala State. Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with – 3) Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk. 4) Candidate’s study certificate issued by the head of institution, which should be countersigned by Taluk Education Officer. 5) Candidate / Father / Mother 10th standard marks card / cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada / Tulu / Kodava. 6) A duly sworn declaration regarding mother tongue of the candidate. |
| NOTE: The candidates claiming eligibility under Clauses ‘c’ and ‘d’ above, should invariably speak, read and write Kannada and must secure a minimum of 12 marks in Kannada Language Test to be conducted by KEA as otherwise, they will not be eligible. (For newly registered candidates only) (Those UGCET-2023 candidates who have already appeared for Kannada examination on 22-05-2023 are not eligible to appear for Kannada Language Test once again) | ||
| Clause e | In the case of a candidate who is the son or daughter of defense personnel who has worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year in Karnataka during the Two year period of study of candidates in PUC / 11th and 12th 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. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with – 3) The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution. 4) Employment certificate of the parent issued by the Controlling Office where the parent is working indicating the period during which he has worked in the State of Karnataka i.e., from the reporting date to till date. |
| Clause f | Son or daughter of serving Defense personnel from Karnataka who at the time of joining the Defense service had declared his / her 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 branch (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 Qualifying Exam from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate; 3) If claiming reservation benefits: Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-‘D’, Category-I in Form ‘E’ and 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B in Form ‘F’ , Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only, along with; 4) 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 / OR. |
| Clause g | In the case of a candidate who is a son or daughter of a defence personnel who had served in Karnataka for at least one year and is posted on duty to the disturbed areas of Jammu and Kashmir or North-East and whose family is permitted by Defence Authorities to continue to stay in Karnataka. Such candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government recognised educational institution located in Karnataka | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with – 3) The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution. 4) 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 his family is permitted to stay in Karnataka. The present working place of the parent should be indicated in NAME and not by CODE NUMBERS. |
| Clause h | Son or daughter of an ex-servicemen who at the time of joining the defence service had declared a place in Karnataka as his home town, 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 countersigned by the Director Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement. Further, the candidate should have passed the Qualifying Exam from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate; 3) If claiming reservation benefits :- Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form-E and 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in Form-F Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only. 4) 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. |
| Clause i | In the case of a candidate being a son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government or an employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking, who is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment and has worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year in Karnataka during the Two year period of study of candidates in PUC / 11th and 12th Standard course and such candidate has studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government recognised educational institution located in the State of Karnataka | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with; 3) The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka issued by the head of the educational institution. 4) A certificate from the employer indicating the parent’s period of employment in the State of Karnataka and also showing that he is transferable anywhere in India. 5) A certificate from employer indicating parent as an employee of Union Government or an employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking |
| Clause-j | Son or daughter of a working or retired employee of the Union Government or employeeof Union or Karnataka State Government undertaking or Joint Sector undertaking wheresuch employee;(a) had declared to the employer at the time of joining service any place inKarnataka to be his hometown; and(b) had studied in any Government or Government recognised educationalinstitution or institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of sevenyears; and(c) was or is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms andconditions of his employment.Further, the candidate should have passed the Q. E. from a University or Board orany other institution located anywhere in India. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate; 3) If claiming reservation benefits:- Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form-E and 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in Form-F Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only; along with – 5) A study certificate of the parent employee for having studied for at least 7 years in the State of Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where he / she had studied. 6) Home town declaration certificate of the parent employee while joining the service and showing that he is transferable anywhere in India issued by the employer. |
| Clause-k | Son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka. Further, the candidate should have passed the Q. E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate;3) If claiming reservation benefits :- Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by ConcernedTahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-D, Category-I in form-E and 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in Form-F.Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name ofthe candidate only.4) Certificate showing that the parent is / was a Member of Parliament elected fromKarnataka issued by the Parliament Secretariat. |
| Clause-l | Son or daughter of serving or retired employee: (a) belonging to 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 Candidate’s study outside the State from 1st standard to 2nd PUC or 12th standard examination can be added to make up the seven years study within Karnataka as required under clause (a) above. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate ; 3) If claiming reservation benefits :- Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form-E and 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B in Form-F, Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only; along with – 4) 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. The certificate should also indicate the period during which he has served or is serving outside the state of Karnataka and if the parent is a State Government Employee, a certificate from the concerned Head of the Department or the Head of the Office where such parent is employed should be produced in this regard. |
| Clause-m | Son or daughter of Jammu & Kashmiri migrants, proof of such migration (IDENTITY CARD) should be obtained and produced from the jurisdictional “District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner” of any state in India. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with 3) A original certificate (IDENTITY CARD) issued by the Jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India, as the proof of migration. The candidates who are claiming eligibility under clause ‘m’ are eligible only for the seats earmarked by the Government. |
| Clause-n | The candidates who have studied TEN full academic years in Kannada Medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside the state of Karnataka and should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government-recognised educational institution. Provided such candidates need not appear for Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate along with – 3) A domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and his father / mother have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on 01-05-2023. The place of the Issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate / father / mother. 4) Candidate’s Study certificate, for having studied in Kannada Medium from 1st standard to 10th standard issued by the head of the institution and countersigned by BEO. |
| Clause-o | Son / Daughter of working or Retired employee in Central Armed Police Force service, who at the time of joining the CAPF service (Central Armed Police Force) had declared the hometown as a place in the State of Karnataka, proof of such domicile having been produced by obtaining the extract from the Record Office of the CAPF Unit where the Parent’s service record is maintained. Further, the candidate should have passed the QE from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India. | 1) SSLC / 10th standard Marks Card of the candidate 2) 2nd PUC / 12th standard Marks Card of the candidate; 3) If claiming reservation benefits: Caste / Caste Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tahsildar- For SC / ST in Form-‘D’, Category-I in Form ‘E’ and 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B in Form ‘F’, Caste Certificate or Caste Income Certificate or Income Certificate should be in the name of the candidate only; along with, 4) Parent’s home town declaration certificates while joining the service issued by Record Office of the CAPF unit, where the parent’s service records are maintained. |
| NOTE: The SC, ST, Category-I, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B eligibility criteria is applicable to candidates who are claiming eligibility for Government seats under clauses (a), (b), (f), (h), (j), (k) (l) and (o) and the same is not applicable to clauses (c), (d), (e), (g), (i), (m) and (n) of Item – 6 i.e., Eligibility Clauses to claim Government Seats as per proviso of rule 9 (2) of CET-2006 Admission Rules. | ||
Conclusion
In conclusion, KCET is not an open national-level exam for all students in India. It is primarily meant for Karnataka candidates and those with strong connections to the state through parents or language. If you’re from another state and meet any of the special clauses, you can apply for KCET and compete for government quota seats. Otherwise, COMEDK or private university exams are your best options to study in Karnataka.
If you are from outside Karnataka and want to apply for KCET, first check which clause applies to you. Then prepare the required documents and apply within the deadline. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your application is accepted.
FAQs
1) Can Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu medium students apply?
Yes. You can apply under Clause (y) for private or management quota seats. You must meet the academic eligibility with PCM or PCB subjects in 12th standard.
2) What if my parent studied in Karnataka but I didn’t?
If your parent studied in Karnataka and your mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, or Beary, you can apply under Clause (c). You must also pass the Kannada Language Test.
3) Is KCET compulsory for NRI students?
No. NRI students do not need to write KCET. They must apply through the NRI or Management quota. Admission will be based on 12th marks or other entrance tests as decided by the college.
4) Can I claim rural quota if I studied outside Karnataka?
No. To claim rural quota, you must have studied in a rural school located in Karnataka. If you studied outside the state, you are not eligible for the rural quota.
