KCET 2026 SC and ST category closing ranks for Round 1 are expected to range from 5,000 to 25,000 for SC and 15,000 to 55,000 for ST across top engineering colleges in Karnataka, based on 2025 KEA allotment data.
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) conducts KCET counselling in multiple rounds, releasing closing ranks after each allotment. For SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) students, reserved seats mean the closing rank is numerically much higher than the General category cutoff for the same seat. The KCET 2026 Round 1 allotment and cutoff is expected around July 12, 2026. Knowing these expected ranks helps you prioritise your option entry wisely.
- KCET total marks is 180 — Physics (60), Chemistry (60), and Mathematics or Biology (60).
- SC students can secure top college CSE seats with ranks up to 6,000–12,000, based on 2025 Round 1 closing data.
- ST students can secure CSE seats at premier colleges with ranks up to 18,000–30,000, based on 2025 trends.
- KCET 2026 Round 1 cutoff is expected to be released around July 12, 2026 on the official KEA portal.
- SC reservation in government and government-aided colleges is 15%; ST reservation is 3%.
| Direct Link: KCET 2026 Round 1 Seat Allotment and Cutoff (Expected July 12, 2026) — Official KEA Portal |
KCET 2026 SC and ST Cutoff Overview
The KCET cutoff is published by KEA as a closing rank — the rank of the last student allotted a seat in a specific college and course combination during that round. For SC and ST students, this closing rank is numerically higher than the General category cutoff for the same seat, reflecting the reservation benefit. The KCET 2026 counselling is expected to begin in July 2026, with Round 1 results announced shortly after the option entry window closes.
| Category | Reservation (Govt/Aided Colleges) | Expected Score Range (out of 180) | Round 1 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% | 80–130 marks (expected) | Expected July 2026 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 3% | 65–115 marks (expected) | Expected July 2026 |
| SC Rural (sub-quota) | Within SC 15% | Slightly relaxed vs SC Urban | Expected July 2026 |
KCET 2025 SC Category Round 1 Closing Ranks
The table below shows KCET 2025 Round 1 SC category closing ranks for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) across key colleges. These figures are the reference base for estimating KCET 2026 SC expected cutoffs. All figures are based on 2025 KEA allotment data.
| College Name | Course | SC Closing Rank 2025 (Round 1) |
|---|---|---|
| R.V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 6,184 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 8,231 |
| BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 9,672 |
| PES University, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 12,890 |
| JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 15,340 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 18,450 |
| BNM Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 20,100 |
| R.V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 12,540 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 15,820 |
| BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 17,310 |
KCET 2025 ST Category Round 1 Closing Ranks
ST category closing ranks are numerically higher than SC ranks because fewer seats are reserved for ST students per college. Students in the ST category with lower KCET scores can still secure admission at top-tier institutions. The table below lists KCET 2025 ST category Round 1 closing ranks based on KEA allotment data.
| College Name | Course | ST Closing Rank 2025 (Round 1) |
|---|---|---|
| R.V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 18,542 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 22,180 |
| BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 28,340 |
| PES University, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 35,780 |
| JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 40,260 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 45,620 |
| BNM Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | Computer Science and Engineering | 52,300 |
| R.V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 32,460 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 38,910 |
Expected KCET 2026 SC and ST Cutoff Trends
Based on 2024 and 2025 KCET allotment patterns, KCET 2026 SC and ST closing ranks for Round 1 are expected to stay within 5–8% of 2025 figures. A slight tightening in CSE and AI-related branches is possible as demand continues to grow. The table below presents expected closing rank ranges by branch for KCET 2026.
| Branch | Expected SC Closing Rank 2026 | Expected ST Closing Rank 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering (Top 3 colleges) | 5,800 – 10,500 | 17,000 – 30,000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (Top 3 colleges) | 11,500 – 18,000 | 30,000 – 42,000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Top 3 colleges) | 18,000 – 28,000 | 42,000 – 62,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering (Top 3 colleges) | 22,000 – 35,000 | 50,000 – 75,000 |
| Civil Engineering (Top 3 colleges) | 28,000 – 45,000 | 60,000 – 90,000 |
Factors Affecting KCET 2026 SC and ST Cutoff
Several variables determine where the KCET 2026 SC and ST closing ranks settle. Understanding these helps you gauge how competitive your rank is before the Round 1 allotment is released.
- Number of SC and ST applicants: A rise in the number of category students competing for reserved seats directly tightens the closing rank.
- KCET 2026 exam difficulty: A tougher paper shifts marks downward across all students, which may slightly relax closing ranks for reserved categories.
- Seat matrix changes by KEA: Any increase or decrease in reserved seats in specific colleges or courses changes the supply side of the cutoff equation.
- Branch preference concentration: CSE, AI and ML, and Data Science attract the most SC and ST applicants, resulting in tighter closing ranks at top colleges in these branches.
- Round 1 vs subsequent rounds: Round 1 closing ranks are typically the most competitive. Vacated seats in subsequent rounds can carry slightly relaxed cutoffs.
- Urban vs Rural sub-quota: KEA maintains separate sub-quotas within the SC category — SC Rural closing ranks are usually more relaxed than SC Urban for the same college and course.
KCET 2026 SC and ST Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected KCET 2026 SC closing rank for CSE at top Bengaluru colleges?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, the expected KCET 2026 SC closing rank for Computer Science at top colleges like RVCE and MSRIT is in the range of 5,800 to 10,500 for Round 1. Exact figures will be available only after KEA releases the 2026 allotment result.
Ques. Why is the ST category closing rank higher in number than the SC rank?
Ans. ST students have only 3% reservation in government and aided colleges, compared to 15% for SC. Fewer reserved seats mean more students compete for limited spots, so the last seat gets allotted at a higher rank number — which represents a lower score, extending the reservation benefit further for ST students.
Ques. When will KCET 2026 Round 1 cutoff be released?
Ans. KEA is expected to release the KCET 2026 Round 1 seat allotment result and cutoff ranks around July 12, 2026. You can check the official cutoff on the KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in after the allotment is published.
Ques. Can SC and ST students from other states claim reservation in KCET?
Ans. No. SC and ST reservation in KCET applies only to students belonging to Karnataka-notified caste lists and holding Karnataka domicile. Students from other states are not eligible for category-based reserved seats in KCET counselling.
Ques. What documents are needed to claim SC or ST category in KCET 2026?
Ans. You need a valid caste certificate issued by the competent Karnataka authority, income certificate (where applicable), and Karnataka domicile proof. Ensure the certificate is in the KEA-accepted format and uploaded during the KCET 2026 application to avail reservation benefits.
Ques. What is the total marks for KCET and how does it relate to SC and ST cutoff ranks?
Ans. KCET is conducted for 180 total marks — Physics (60), Chemistry (60), and Mathematics or Biology (60). Based on 2025 trends, SC students scoring between 80 and 130 marks and ST students scoring between 65 and 115 marks typically fall within the closing rank range for top to mid-tier colleges in Karnataka.
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