KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualification, Attempts & Reservation

Before applying for KCET 2026, it’s important to check the age criteria set by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. While many undergraduate entrance examinations do not impose a strict upper age limit, KCET specifies a minimum age requirement. Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of July 1 of the admission year for most courses. For instance, specifically for Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2025. There is generally no specified maximum age limit for most courses offered through KCET. Relaxations in the age criteria are typically provided for candidates belonging to special categories. While specific numerical relaxations for all reserved categories are not uniformly detailed for KCET 2026, special category candidates may receive an age exception, often ranging from five to six years. Knowing the age rules in advance ensures you apply within the permitted criteria and make full use of any relaxation benefits.

KCET 2026 offers relaxations for candidates belonging to specific reserved categories as per Karnataka Examinations Authority guidelines. These benefits primarily include concessions in qualifying marks. For instance, while general category candidates typically need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination subjects, candidates from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes (Category-I, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) are eligible with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks. To avail these relaxations, candidates must possess and upload valid and up-to-date category certificates during the application and registration process. These documents are crucial for verification. The Karnataka Examinations Authority follows a clear official protocol for the verification of these certificates to ensure that only eligible candidates receive the benefits. This systematic approach ensures fairness and transparency in the admission process. By understanding and following the process, eligible candidates can make full use of the category-based benefits available for KCET.

KCET 2026 is open to Indian citizens as per Karnataka Examinations Authority rules. Eligibility for admission to government seats through KCET is primarily for candidates with Karnataka domicile. This means applicants must generally satisfy specific domicile requirements. A common criterion states that a candidate should have studied and passed in one or more Government or Government recognized educational institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven academic years, commencing from the 1st standard up to the 2nd PUC or 12th standard, as of July 1 of the year in which the entrance test is held. Additionally, such candidates must have appeared and passed either their SSLC or 10th standard or 2nd PUC or 12th standard examination from Karnataka State. There are specific clauses for domicile, including provisions for children of defence personnel who have served in Karnataka, or candidates whose parents have resided and studied in Karnataka for a minimum period. OCI or PIO card holders are generally eligible, provided they meet the domicile requirements applicable to them. However, for foreign applicants and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates, it is essential to directly verify their eligibility with the individual colleges or concerned authorities, as KCET primarily caters to Indian citizens fulfilling the Karnataka domicile conditions. While provisions exist for migrant candidates of Jammu and Kashmir or specific mother tongue criteria for certain candidates residing outside Karnataka, who may need to undergo a Kannada Language test, direct admission for foreign nationals through KCET into government seats is typically not available. By understanding these rules early, candidates can ensure they meet the required nationality or domicile conditions before applying.

Before preparing for KCET 2026, it’s essential to know if there’s a cap on the number of attempts. Most national-level examinations, such as UPSC, JEE Advanced, or CLAT UG, impose restrictions on the number of times a candidate can appear. However, for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test, conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority, there is no specified limit on the number of attempts. This means that candidates can appear for KCET multiple times, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria each time they apply. The absence of an attempt limit allows aspirants to re-appear for the examination if they wish to improve their scores or seek admission to their preferred course or institution in subsequent years. This policy offers flexibility to students who may need more than one attempt to achieve their desired outcome. Being aware of attempt limits helps you plan your preparation strategy effectively and avoid exhausting your chances prematurely.

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