Do you dream of seeing your name on the KCET toppers list? Each year, thousands of students write the KCET exam with high hopes. Only a few reach the top, and their stories can teach you valuable lessons. These toppers were once regular students just like you. They worked hard, stayed focused, and followed a smart study plan. KCET is not just about one exam day.
It’s about how you prepare every single day leading up to it. In this article, you will learn about the KCET toppers from the past few years. You will also see how they studied, what books they used, and how they stayed motivated. Whether you’re in Class 11 or 12, this guide can help you understand what it takes to succeed. If they can do it, so can you. Read on to learn their strategies and plan your own path to the top.
KCET Toppers – Year Wise
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is one of the most crucial exams for students aiming for undergraduate courses in engineering, medical, and other professional programs in Karnataka. Every year, a number of students achieve remarkable scores and secure top ranks. By looking at the KCET toppers from the past years, we can understand the trends, the competition, and the factors that contribute to their success. Here, we provide an overview of the top rankers from recent years and analyze their performances.
KCET 2024 Toppers
The KCET 2024 exam witnessed fierce competition, with students from various coaching centers performing exceptionally well. The top three students who secured the highest ranks in the engineering stream of KCET 2024 are:
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Harsha Karthikeya |
| 2 | Manoj Sohan |
| 3 | PJ Abhinav |
KCET 2023 Toppers
The results of KCET 2023 demonstrated strong competition, with students putting in consistent efforts throughout the year. The top five students of KCET 2023 are listed below:
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Vignesh Natraj |
| 2 | Arjun Krishna Swami |
| 3 | Samrush Shetty |
| 4 | Sumedh SS |
| 5 | Madhav Surya |
KCET 2022 Toppers
The KCET 2022 exam had a similar level of competition, with many students focusing equally on their PUC exams and the CET. Below are the top 9 rankers of KCET 2022:
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Apoorv Tandon |
| 2 | Siddhartha Singh |
| 3 | Atmakuri Venkata Madhi |
| 4 | Shishir RK |
| 5 | Vishal Bysani |
| 6 | Saagar |
| 7 | Mahesh Kumar V |
| 8 | Siddarth GV |
| 9 | Sathvik V |
KCET 2021 Toppers
The top three students from KCET 2021 in the engineering stream were:
| AIR | Name |
| 1 | Meghan HK |
| 2 | Premankur Chakraborty |
| 3 | BS Anirudh |
KCET 2020 Toppers
KCET 2020 saw an even higher level of competition, with many students scoring above 97% in both board exams and CET. The top 10 rankers of KCET 2020 are:
| AIR | Name |
| 1 | Rakshith M |
| 2 | Shubhan R |
| 3 | M. Shashank Balaji |
| 4 | Shashank P |
| 5 | Sandeepan Naskar |
| 6 | Nakul Abhay Bapat |
| 7 | S. Srivas |
| 8 | Advaith Prasad Curpod |
| 9 | Gaureesha Kajampady |
| 10 | Deepit S. Patil |
How to Become a KCET Topper
Becoming a KCET topper is an achievable goal for any student with the right approach and consistent effort. While it’s true that KCET is competitive, it is not impossible to achieve a top rank. The toppers of previous years didn’t just rely on luck; they followed a strict study plan, practiced regularly, and used the best resources to enhance their learning. If you aspire to become a KCET topper, here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan and prepare effectively.
1) Strong Foundation: Master the PUC Syllabus
A strong understanding of your Class 11 and 12 syllabus is the first step towards becoming a KCET topper. The KCET exam is based on the Karnataka PUC (Pre-University Course) syllabus. You must first ensure that you have a clear grasp of the core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These subjects form the backbone of the exam and contribute the most to your score.
- Start Early: Don’t wait for the last moment to start preparing for KCET. Begin your preparation as soon as possible, preferably by the time you are in Class 11. This will give you ample time to cover the syllabus and revise important topics.
- Concept Clarity: Understanding concepts is more important than rote memorization. In subjects like Physics and Chemistry, many concepts are interrelated. Spend time understanding the fundamental principles before moving on to complex problems. For Mathematics, mastering the basics is essential, as every advanced problem will rely on fundamental concepts.
- Focus on Important Topics: While every topic in the syllabus is important, some carry more weight in the exam. Focus on topics that are frequently tested in past years. For example, in Physics, topics like Mechanics, Optics, and Thermodynamics are often given importance. Similarly, in Mathematics, Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry are key areas.
2) KCET-Specific Preparation: Focus on the Karnataka State Board Topics
KCET follows the Karnataka state board syllabus, which is different from the NCERT syllabus followed by many other competitive exams like JEE. Therefore, students should focus specifically on the Karnataka state board textbooks and related resources. This will give you an edge in the exam, as KCET questions are mostly based on the state syllabus.
- Use State Board Textbooks: The best resource for KCET preparation is the official Karnataka state board textbooks. Make sure to read them thoroughly and refer to additional materials like guides and reference books, but always start with the state board books.
- Understand the Question Patterns: KCET often repeats the type of questions asked in previous years. By practicing previous years’ papers, you will become familiar with the structure and types of questions that are commonly asked. Identify the frequently tested topics and focus more on them.
- Identify Exam Patterns: The KCET exam consists of three sections—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section has 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and the total exam time is three hours. It is important to understand the weightage of different topics in each subject. Focus on areas that are often given more importance in the exam.
3) KCET Mock Tests & Revision Strategy
Mock tests and revision play a crucial role in KCET preparation. Many students focus on studying concepts but fail to practice under exam-like conditions, which leads to time management issues and exam stress. Taking mock tests and following a structured revision plan helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
This section covers the importance of mock tests, an effective revision strategy, and common mistakes to avoid during the final phase of preparation.
Importance of Mock Tests: Mock tests simulate the real KCET exam environment and help students:
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in different subjects.
- Improve speed and accuracy by practicing time-bound problem-solving.
- Develop a strategy for attempting different sections effectively.
- Boost confidence before the actual exam.
How Many Mocks to Take?
- 1-2 mocks per week during the first few months.
- 3-4 mocks per week in the last two months.
- Daily mocks in the last 15 days before the exam.
Best Mock Test Series for KCET 2025
- Phodu Club KCET Test Series (recommended for realistic questions).
- Previous years’ KCET question papers (solve at least 10-15 papers).
KCET Last-Month Revision Plan
A well-structured revision plan ensures that you retain all important concepts and formulas before the exam. Follow these steps for effective revision:
1) Topic-wise Revision Checklist
- List all chapters and mark them as strong, moderate, or weak.
- Spend more time on weak topics while revising strong ones quickly.
- Prioritize high-weightage topics from previous years’ trends.
2) Formula Sheets & Mind Maps
- Create separate formula sheets for Physics and Mathematics.
- Use flowcharts and tables to revise Organic and Inorganic Chemistry reactions.
- Revise important concepts daily for better retention.
3) Daily Revision Plan for Last 15 Days
- Day 1-5: Revise Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics topic-wise.
- Day 6-10: Solve previous years’ question papers and analyze mistakes.
- Day 11-15: Take full-length mock tests and revise weak areas.
4) Previous Year Papers: Identify Repeating Patterns
Solving previous years’ KCET papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. By doing so, you can identify the types of questions that are repeatedly asked and the important topics that are often tested.
- Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Gather question papers from at least the last 5-10 years and solve them thoroughly. This will not only give you an idea of the kind of questions to expect but also help you get comfortable with the format and structure of the exam.
- Identify Important Topics: As you solve the papers, look for recurring questions or topics. These are usually the topics that are frequently tested and are crucial for your preparation. Allocate extra time to revise these topics and ensure that you have mastered them.
- Analyze Mistakes: After solving a paper, always go back and check your answers. If you made mistakes, understand why and make sure you don’t repeat them. This analysis will help you improve your problem-solving skills and increase your accuracy.
5) Revision Plan: Quick Revisions in the Last Month
The last month before the exam is crucial for revision. By this time, you should have covered the entire syllabus, and now it’s time to consolidate your learning.
- Create a Revision Schedule: In the final month, create a revision timetable that allows you to quickly go over all the important topics. Make sure to focus on high-weightage topics and areas where you feel less confident.
- Quick Notes: While revising, use short notes and formula sheets that you created earlier. These notes should contain all the key points, formulas, and concepts that you can refer to quickly during your revision. This will help you save time and improve your recall ability.
- Avoid Learning New Topics: In the final month, avoid learning new topics. Instead, focus entirely on revising what you’ve already studied. Trying to learn new concepts at the last moment can cause confusion and unnecessary stress.
6) Stay Healthy & Manage Stress
Preparing for KCET can be stressful, and maintaining good health is essential to perform well in the exam. Physical and mental well-being play a significant role in achieving success.
- Take Breaks: Studying for long hours without breaks can lead to burnout. Make sure to take short breaks during study sessions. This will help you stay focused and refreshed.
- Exercise Regularly: A healthy body contributes to a clear mind. Engage in light physical activities like walking, stretching, or yoga. This will help you reduce stress and increase your concentration.
- Eat Well & Sleep Well: Your brain needs proper nutrition to function effectively. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and proteins. Also, ensure you get enough sleep every night, especially in the weeks leading up to the exam.
7) Best Resources & Books for KCET 2025
Choosing the right study materials is crucial for KCET preparation. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) sets the exam based on NCERT and Karnataka PUC textbooks, so these books should be your primary focus. Along with these, some reference books can help in concept clarity, numerical practice, and advanced problem-solving.
This section lists the best books for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry along with tips on how to use them effectively.
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 |
How to Use These Books Effectively?
- Start with NCERT & PUC books to understand concepts.
- Solve all examples and exercises given in these books.
- Move to Dinesh Mathematics for additional problem-solving.
- Practice at least 30-40 MCQs daily to improve speed and accuracy.
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 |
How to Use These Books Effectively?
- Read NCERT and PUC books thoroughly to build concepts.
- Solve all numerical problems from NCERT and PUC books.
- Use Pradeep and S Chand for extra practice and tricky numericals.
- Revise important formulas and derivations regularly.
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 |
How to Use These Books Effectively?
- Read NCERT Chemistry thoroughly, highlighting key points.
- Solve all in-text and back-exercise questions from NCERT.
- For Physical Chemistry, practice numerical problems daily.
For Organic Chemistry, focus on reaction mechanisms and name reactions. - For Inorganic Chemistry, make short notes for quick revision.
Conclusion
Becoming a KCET topper is not impossible. Many students from regular schools have done it with consistent effort and the right plan. The toppers you read about in this article followed simple strategies. They understood their textbooks, solved many questions, revised regularly, and managed their time well. You don’t need to study all day, but you must study smart every day. Focus on your PUC syllabus, practice KCET-based questions, and take mock tests seriously.
Use the books and online resources mentioned here to strengthen your preparation. Keep track of your progress and avoid last-minute pressure. If you stay disciplined and believe in your plan, your rank will reflect your efforts. Always remember, every single mark matters in KCET. So, give your best and aim high. With hard work and the right approach, you can also become a topper and secure admission into the best engineering colleges in Karnataka.
