KCET Merit List 2026: Complete Guide for Students

The KCET exam is one of the most important exams for candidates seeking admission to professional courses like engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, and veterinary science in Karnataka state.  

After the KCET exam, the authorities prepare the KCET merit list, which plays an important role in determining the eligibility for the counselling and admission process for the candidate. The KCET merit list acts as a reference for you to know your rank and chances of securing admission to your preferred college and course. In this article, we will understand the merit list, how it is prepared, and its importance for you. 

What is the KCET Merit List?

The KCET merit list contains the ranks of the candidates who appeared for the KCET exam. The ranking is done on the basis of candidates' KCET scores. The KCET merit list is published by KEA for the declaration of the KCET result. 

The list determines:

• Eligibility for counselling.
• Priority for seat allocation.
• Admission in various professional courses in Karnataka.

Eligibility for Inclusion in the KCET Merit List

The KCET Merit list includes the number of candidates who have good scores. The KCET Merit list does not contain all the candidates. The eligibility criteria include:

• Minimum Marks Requirement: The minimum score for KCET (not KCT) is set by KEA authorities for each subject, depending on the course you’ve applied for. You must secure passing marks in all subjects to be eligible for the merit list.
• Domicile Criteria: The KCET serves students only from Karnataka and domicile rules ensure that state residents receive priority in admission. You are generally considered a resident if you satisfy the following:

1. Completed 2nd PUC/12th grade from a Karnataka school.
   
   
2. Have a Karnataka Residential Certificate (KRC) or equivalent proof issued by the state.
   
   
3. Parents have been permanent residents of Karnataka for a specified number of years.

• Category Reservations: Karnataka has a reservation policy to ensure equality in education for disadvantaged groups. The Karnataka education authority includes candidates from various categories in the merit list based on eligibility. 

1. SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe): Reserved seats in state colleges.
   
   
2. OBC (Other Backwards Classes): Eligible for quota benefits in admissions.
   
   
3. EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Allocated seats under horizontal reservation.
   
   
4. Special Categories: Includes candidates with disabilities, armed forces background, or other state-specific quotas.

• Valid KCET Registration:

1. The candidates who have successfully submitted the KCET application form are eligible for the merit list and counseling.
2. For KCET, you need to have appeared for all the required subjects that match your chosen course.
3. During the KCET application process, you need to upload/submit authentic documents.

• PUC/12th marks card
• Birth certificate or ID proof
• Domicile certificate (if applicable)
• Caste or category certificate (if applicable)

Checking Your KCET Merit List 2026

To check the KCET Merit List 2026:

1. Visit the official KEA website: kea.kar.nic.in
2. Navigate to the “KCET 2026 Merit List” link
3. Enter details such as application number, date of birth, and CET registration number.
4. Download or take a printout for reference during counselling.

Implications of the KCET Merit List

The KCET Merit List has multiple implications:

1. Counselling Eligibility: If your name is in the merit list, then you can participate in the KCET counselling process.
2. Course and College Preference: Your rank helps in checking the priority in choice filling process. If you have a high rank, you can choose a better college.
3. Reservation Benefits: The  Merit list is made based on the KCET reservations. So the candidates can take up the reservation benefits. 
4. Admission Decisions:  Colleges depend on the official merit list to verify eligibility and allocate seats.

The KCET 2026 merit list is the key document for anyone aiming for professional courses in Karnataka. The KCET merit list helps in determining your eligibility, rank and priority in the counselling process. If you are aiming for top colleges, a high rank in the merit list is an option which can open doors for you to the prestigious institutes and courses. By carefully following the above guidelines, you can confidently navigate the KCET 2026 merit list and admission process.