KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test): Pattern, Syllabus & Rank Rules

Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET)

KCET is a state-level, offline entrance examination conducted annually by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). It is the primary gateway for securing government and quota seats in undergraduate courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and Nursing across institutions in Karnataka.

Exam Pattern

The exam is completely objective and conducted over two days using a pen-and-paper (OMR sheet) format.

• Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper).
• Total Marks: 180 marks for the core engineering combination (PCM).
• Question Type: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) only.
• Structure: Conducted in separate sessions per subject.
• Duration: 80 minutes per subject session.
• Marking Scheme: +1 mark for every correct answer.
• Negative Marking: None for incorrect or unattempted responses.
• Medium: English and Kannada.

Session-wise Marks & Question Breakdown

Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates seeking reservation must also clear a separate Kannada Language Test (50 marks) to verify basic linguistic proficiency.

Subject & Course Content (Syllabus)

The KCET syllabus is entirely based on the First and Second Year PUC (Class 11 & 12) curricula prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka. Class 12 concepts generally carry higher weightage.

Mathematics

• 1st PUC: Sets, Relations & Functions, Trigonometric Functions, Complex Numbers, Linear Inequalities, Permutations & Combinations, Sequences & Series, Straight Lines, Limits & Derivatives.
• 2nd PUC: Matrices, Determinants, Continuity & Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Integrals, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Three-Dimensional Geometry, Probability.

Physics

• 1st PUC: Physical World & Measurement, Motion in a Straight Line/Plane, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Oscillations & Waves.
• 2nd PUC: Electric Charges & Fields, Current Electricity, Moving Charges & Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Current, Ray & Wave Optics, Dual Nature of Matter, Atoms & Nuclei, Semiconductor Electronics.

Chemistry

• 1st PUC: Basic Concepts, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, s-Block & p-Block Elements, Hydrocarbons.
• 2nd PUC: Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, d and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Biomolecules.

Biology (for Pharmacy/Agriculture streams)

• 1st PUC: The Living World, Biological Classification, Plant & Animal Kingdoms, Cell Structure & Functions, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology.
• 2nd PUC: Reproduction, Genetics & Evolution, Biology in Human Welfare, Biotechnology & its Applications, Ecology & Environment.

Subject Combinations vs Course Eligibility

• Engineering (B.E./B.Tech): Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri/Farm Science): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB).
• Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc) & Nursing: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
• Pharmacy (B.Pharma/Pharma-D): Either PCM or PCB combinations.

Rank Determination and Domicile Rules

• Rank Calculation: For Engineering, final rank = 50% weightage from Class 12 board marks (PCM aggregate) + 50% weightage from KCET exam score.
• Domicile Rule: Candidates must generally have studied in a recognized Karnataka institution for a minimum of 7 years between Class 1 and Class 12.
• Minimum Marks: General category needs at least 45% aggregate in Class 12 board core subjects (40% for SC/ST/OBC) to qualify for seat allotment.