KCET Eligibility Criteria: Domicile Requirements, Minimum Percentage Required

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is conducted every year by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission into professional courses like Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, and Architecture. To apply to the KCET exam 2026, you need to refer to the KCET eligibility criteria. The KCET eligibility criteria are set by the authorities to filter out the candidates with the required eligibility to take the KCET exam.

KCET Eligibility Criteria will be released by KEA on the official website along with the official brochure. Before filling out the KCET application form 2026, you must ensure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria for admission to government seats in the colleges of Karnataka.

Who Is Eligible for KCET 2026?

If you are interested in taking up the KCET exam,

• You should be an Indian citizen (OCI/PIO candidates may also apply if domicile conditions are met).
• You must have passed 2nd PUC/Class 12 or equivalent examination with the required subject combinations.
• You must fulfil the domicile requirement of Karnataka.
• Meet the minimum marks requirement in their chosen stream, i.e., Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Architecture, etc.

More KCET Exam Related Articles

KCET Exam Centres 2026	KCET Syllabus 2026
KCET Exam Pattern 2026	KCET Mock Test 2026

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Course-Wise Details

The KCET eligibility criteria 2026 differ a little for every course. The KCET eligibility criteria are decided and released by the authorities along with the information brochure. The KCET eligibility criteria 2026 for different courses are as follows:

KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Course-Wise Details

Educational Qualification	Passed 2nd PUC / Class 12 / Equivalent	Passed Class 12 / 2nd PUC	Passed Class 12 / 2nd PUC	Passed Class 12 / 2nd PUC
Mandatory Subjects	Physics & Mathematics (compulsory) + one optional subject (Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Electronics)	Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Mathematics	Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Mathematics (PCB/PCM)	Mathematics (compulsory) + Physics & Chemistry
Minimum Marks (General)	45% aggregate in PCM	45% aggregate	–	50% aggregate in PCM
Minimum Marks (Reserved – SC/ST/OBC)	40% aggregate in PCM	40% aggregate	–	45% aggregate in PCM
Additional Requirements	English must be studied as one of the languages	–	No specific aggregate required	Must have a valid NATA score along with KCET

KCET 2026 Nationality and Domicile Requirements

To be eligible for admission through the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET), candidates must meet certain nationality and domicile conditions set by the authorities. These nationality and domicile requirements are set by the authorities to provide benefit firstly to the Karnataka-based candidates. 

The KCET 2026 Nationality and domicile requirement is as follows:

KCET 2026 Nationality and Domicile Requirements

Criteria	Details
Nationality Requirement	Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
Domicile Requirement (Study in Karnataka)	Candidate must have studied in Karnataka for a minimum of 7 academic years between Class 1 and Class 12.
Parents’ Residence / Employment in Karnataka	Children of Karnataka State Govt employees, Central Govt employees, or defense personnel posted in Karnataka are eligible.
Proof of Domicile / Required Documents	- Certificates from Class 1–12.- Parents’ domicile/residence certificate.- Parents’ employment certificate (if applicable).- Kannada medium / rural study certificate (if applying under quota).

What Is the Minimum Percentage Required in Class 12 for KCET 2026?

The minimum percentage required in class 12 to take the KCET exam 2026 is set by the authorities. The minimum percentage required to take the KCET exam varies depending on the program:

• Engineering (B.Tech/B.E): 45% in PCM (40% for reserved).
• Agriculture/Veterinary: 50% in PCB (40% for reserved).
• Pharmacy (B.Pharm): 45% in PCB/PCM (40% for reserved).
• Architecture (B.Arch): 50% in PCM (45% for reserved).

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Relaxation for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

The KCET 2026 eligibility criteria relaxation for reserved categories is mentioned below:

KCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Relaxation for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

Category / Quota	Relaxation / Benefits	Notes
SC/ST/OBC	Relaxed minimum aggregate (40% instead of 45%/50%).	Access to reserved quota seats in government and aided institutions.
Rural Quota	If you have studied in rural areas of Karnataka for at least 10 full academic years.	Eligible for additional reservation benefits.
Kannada Medium Quota	Studied from Class 1 to 10 in Kannada medium schools.	Applies even if schools are outside Karnataka in border areas.
Hyderabad-Karnataka Quota	Students from Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir, Gulbarga, Bellary, and Koppal.	Additional seat allocation as per government rules.
PwD (Physically Disabled) Candidates	Relaxation in eligibility and reservation of special seats.	Applies to all courses eligible under KCET 2026.

The KCET eligibility criteria 2026 cover academic qualifications, subject combinations, domicile rules, and minimum marks requirements for different programs like Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, and Architecture. There is no strict age limit barrier for KCET exam eligibility. Before applying for the KCET 2026 exam, you should surely check the KCET eligibility criteria to avoid getting disqualified during the KCET document verification process.