KCET vs COMEDK: Fees, Difficulty level, Exam Pattern

Aspiring engineering students in Karnataka often ask, “What’s the difference between KCET vs COMEDK?” The KCET entrance exam is conducted for B.Tech admissions into private and government colleges of Karnataka, which can only be taken by Karnataka-domiciled candidates. On the other hand, COMEDK exam scores are accepted by private engineering colleges only, and candidates from any state can apply for this entrance exam. 

While both KCET and COMEDK are state-level entrance exams organised for B.Tech admissions into Karnataka-based colleges, they differ slightly in terms of their difficulty level, eligibility criteria, fee structure, etc. Choosing one from KCET and COMEDK tends to be difficult for an engineering student, as both of them hold their own significance and value.

 KCET vs COMEDK Key Differences

Although both KCET and COMEDK examinations are competitive exams required to take admission in B.Tech colleges of Karnataka are yet distinctive from one another in various aspects listed below. Therefore, here is the difference between KCET and COMEDK.

What is KCET vs COMEDK?

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) and COMEDK (Consortium of Medical Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka) are state entrance examinations conducted in Karnataka.

These are the pathways for an engineering student to get into a good engineering college within Karnataka. 

What is KCET?

Karnataka Common Entrance Test is commonly known as KCET. KCET is a state-level entrance examination organised by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).

The examination is mainly conducted for admission to different undergraduate courses, including engineering, pharmacy, Ayurveda, and homoeopathy studies.

What is COMEDK?

The Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka conducts COMEDK. It is an entrance examination arranged at the state level for undergraduate candidates aspiring to admission to engineering and architecture courses in the top colleges in Karnataka.

Additionally, candidates can secure admission to various colleges that specialise in engineering and architecture courses through this examination.

Eligibility Criteria for COMEDK vs KCET Examination

The KCET Eligibility Criteria is reserved solely for the students who have a study certificate of a minimum of 7 years of education background in Karnataka, or being a child of the Armed Forces could be an exception.
KCET considers marks of 12th board from PCM/PCB stream for medical or engineering and evaluates the score of KCET exam equally, i.e in the ratio of 1:1.

As per the COMEDK Eligibility Criteria, the test is open to all Indian students. COMEDK does not consider the marks of the 12th board, but one should have passed in all the subjects in the 12th board.
This captures the fact that the admission is entirely dependent upon your COMEDK rank. 

COMEDK vs KCET Exam Pattern

The KCET exam pattern and COMEDK exam pattern is almost similar even though KCET is conducted in offline mode and COMEDK is conducted in online mode. Let us look into the difference between COMEDK and KCET in terms of their exam structure.

From the 11th standard syllabus, 18 to 20 marks questions come in COMEDK and KCET out of the 60 marks.

Also Read: Top 25 Government Engineering Colleges under KCET 2025

COMEDK Fees vs KCET Fees

As mentioned earlier, KCET is usually government-aided, hence the admission fees vary from INR 18,000 - INR 36,000(approx), whereas the admission fee for COMEDK tends to be much higher, costing around INR 1.50 Lakh (Approx, even higher). Though the registration fee for both KCET and COMDEK doesn't differ much.

KCET Admission Fee

COMEDK Admission Fee

All the candidates applying for COMEDK will have to pay INR 1800. 

Admission Process For KCET And COMEDK

KCET admission process starts with the verification of documents. Candidates need to produce their 10+2 mark sheets. In contrast, the COMEDK admission process begins after the exam is conducted. Candidates are allotted seats in colleges based on their ranks. The elaborate admission process is as mentioned below:

KCET Admission Process 2025

The complete KCET admission process has been explained through the important pointers provided below.

1. After appearing for the exam, students are required to verify their documents before the counselling process starts.
2.  After the authorities verify the documents, candidates can go ahead with college selection and the course they wish to apply for. 
3. According to the ranks candidates have scored, the seats are allocated to them.
4. Conforming to admission by paying the quoted admission price, the candidate comes to the end of the admission process, getting the college and courses he/she wanted.

COMEDK Admission Process 2025

Here are some points that aspirants must bear in mind with respect to the COMEDK admission process.

1. Once the candidate is done with the examination, he/she can select the colleges and courses they wish to apply for.
2. According to their ranks and preferences, mock seats are allocated to them.
3. After the seats are allocated, candidates have to verify their documents. 
4. Paying the admission fee will confirm the candidate's admission.

KCET vs COMEDK Participating Colleges

There are a number of colleges that accept KCET entrance exam scores for B.Tech admissions. The list of these colleges is provided below along with the details of their fee structure.

Colleges Accepting KCET Scores 2025

Refer to the table below to get the list of top colleges in Karnataka that admit students based on their KCET scores.

Colleges Accepting COMEDK Scores 2025

 COMEDK is a state entrance exam that is accepted in several colleges in Karnataka. Some of them are listed below:

Difficulty Level COMEDK vs KCET

The difficulty level for COMEDK and KCET is considered parallel. For example, suppose the candidates have prepared well, and the fundamental concepts for Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry are clear; in that case, nothing can hinder them from cracking either of the two exams.

However, the difficulty level of KCET is calculated on the higher side as the examination is conducted for admissions to both Government and non-governmental institutes. 

Conclusion: Which is Better Between KCET and COMEDK?

KCET and COMEDK are both state-level exams for admissions in colleges in Karnataka. Applying for any of these exams entirely depends on the students' choice. However, there is one difference, KCET can be opted by candidates of the Karnataka domicile. In contrast, COMEDK can be opted for by candidates from Karnataka and outside.

Nevertheless, both exams are hard to crack and knowing the details is essential before appearing for the exams. Candidates who are eligible for both KCET and COMEDK must review the above-mentioned differences to decide which one to apply for.