Engineering entrance exams
KCET 2027: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Eligibility
Karnataka Common Entrance Test · conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
KCET (Karnataka CET) is the Karnataka Examinations Authority’s entrance test for government-quota seats in engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, veterinary and other professional courses in Karnataka. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology are separate papers of 60 questions each (1 mark per question, 80 minutes per paper) with no negative marking. For engineering ranks, KEA has combined KCET marks and Class 12 PCM marks equally.
When is KCET?
KCET is held once a year, usually in April.
KCET at a glance
- Conducted by
- Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
- Mode
- Pen and paper (OMR)
- Papers
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
- Per paper
- 60 questions, 60 marks, 80 minutes
- Negative marking
- None
- Engineering rank
- 50% KCET PCM marks + 50% Class 12 PCM marks
KCET exam pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
- Engineering aspirants take Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; Biology is for medical-allied, agriculture and similar courses.
- MBBS and BDS seats in Karnataka are filled with NEET scores through KEA counselling.
KCET syllabus
Physics
- Units and measurements
- Kinematics
- Laws of motion
- Work, energy and power
- Rotational motion
- Gravitation
- Properties of solids and liquids
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetic theory of gases
- Oscillations and waves
- Electrostatics
- Current electricity
- Magnetic effects of current and magnetism
- Electromagnetic induction and alternating currents
- Electromagnetic waves
- Optics
- Dual nature of matter and radiation
- Atoms and nuclei
- Electronic devices
- Experimental skills
Chemistry
- Some basic concepts of chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Chemical bonding and molecular structure
- Chemical thermodynamics
- Solutions
- Equilibrium
- Redox reactions and electrochemistry
- Chemical kinetics
- Classification of elements and periodicity
- p-block elements
- d- and f-block elements
- Coordination compounds
- Purification and characterisation of organic compounds
- Basic principles of organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Organic compounds containing halogens, oxygen and nitrogen
- Biomolecules
- Principles of practical chemistry
Mathematics
- Sets, relations and functions
- Complex numbers and quadratic equations
- Matrices and determinants
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem
- Sequences and series
- Limits, continuity and differentiability
- Integral calculus
- Differential equations
- Coordinate geometry
- Three-dimensional geometry
- Vector algebra
- Statistics and probability
- Trigonometry
Questions are based on the Karnataka first and second PUC syllabus.
KCET eligibility
- Second PUC / Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics plus Chemistry or another listed subject, with at least 45% aggregate (40% for reserved categories) for engineering.
- Government-quota seats need you to meet the “Karnataka candidate” rules in the KEA brochure.
How to prepare for KCET
- 1Board marks count for half your engineering rank, so your Class 12 PCM marks matter as much as KCET.
- 2With no negative marking, attempt every question.
- 3Each paper is 60 questions in 80 minutes — practise subject-wise timed tests.
- 4Use the Karnataka PUC textbooks as your primary source.
KCET FAQs
Is there negative marking in KCET?
No. KCET has no negative marking — each correct answer earns 1 mark.
How is the KCET engineering rank calculated?
KEA has given equal (50:50) weight to your KCET marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and your Class 12 / second PUC marks in the same subjects. Check the current brochure for the exact rule.
How long is each KCET paper?
Each subject paper has 60 questions for 60 marks and lasts 80 minutes.
Is KCET used for MBBS admission?
No. MBBS and BDS seats in Karnataka are allotted using NEET UG scores, though KEA conducts the counselling.
Practise KCET on GyanBook
Timed quizzes and mock tests that follow the real marking scheme, instant scores with step-by-step solutions, and progress tracking for every subject. Free to start.
Related exams
GyanBook India is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with the body that conducts KCET. These details were checked against official sources on 13 October 2026. Exam dates, eligibility rules and patterns can change — always confirm them on the official website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) before you apply.