The KCET 2026 cutoff is the closing rank at which KEA fills the last seat during counselling. Every college, branch, and category has its own closing rank. KEA declared the KCET 2026 result on June 9, 2026. About 3.12 lakh candidates received ranks. The Round 1 seat allotment is expected on July 15, 2026 at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
KCET 2026 Round 1 allotment is expected on July 15, 2026. Official college-wise closing ranks will be on the KEA portal after that date.
Here is what the KCET 2026 cutoff looks like based on previous-year trends:
- You need a rank below 600 in GM (General Merit) to get CSE at RVCE. That is Karnataka’s most competitive KCET seat in 2025.
- The expected MSRIT CSE GM closing rank in 2026 is around 3,500 to 4,000. The 2025 final-round figure was 3,478.
- SC category candidates can get into BMSCE and MSRIT CSE with ranks up to 15,000. This is based on 2025 allotment data.
- Your KCET rank uses a 50:50 formula. Half comes from KCET exam marks. The other half comes from Class 12 (PUC) board marks.
- You need PCM marks of at least 45 out of 100 in Class 12 to qualify. SC/ST candidates need at least 35 out of 100.
- About 3.12 lakh candidates appeared for KCET 2026 — more than in 2025. Closing ranks for popular branches may tighten.
- Option entry closed on June 30, 2026. The next event is the July 15 Round 1 allotment on the KEA portal.
| Direct Link to Check KCET 2026 Cutoff (Round 1 Seat Allotment) (Soon) |
| KEA Official Portal – cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Key Summary
- KCET 2026 result was declared on June 9, 2026. Round 1 seat allotment is expected on July 15, 2026.
- The expected GM closing rank for CSE at RVCE in 2026 is around 550 to 600. The 2025 figure was 499.
- The KCET rank formula gives equal weight to KCET exam marks and PUC board marks.
- RVCE CSE GM closing rank moved from 220 in 2021 to 499 in 2025. That is a shift of 279 ranks over four years.
- After Round 1 on July 15, two more rounds in August and September 2026 will offer additional seats.
What is KCET Cutoff 2026?
The KCET cutoff is the closing rank at which KEA fills the last seat during counselling. Every college, branch, and reservation category has its own closing rank. Your rank must equal or better that closing rank to secure that seat.
Two types of cutoff apply to KCET. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum Class 12 marks needed to enter counselling. The admission cutoff is the closing rank published after each allotment round. The admission cutoff tells you whether a specific seat is within reach.
Previous Year Official KCET Cutoff
The table below shows the final-round GM (General Merit) closing ranks for CSE at four top Karnataka engineering colleges. Data covers five years and comes from KEA’s official seat allotment results.
| Year | RVCE CSE – GM Closing Rank | MSRIT CSE – GM Closing Rank | BMSCE CSE – GM Closing Rank | UVCE CSE – GM Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 220 | 1,800 | 2,600 | 3,000 |
| 2022 | 252 | 2,100 | 2,900 | 3,300 |
| 2023 | 280 | 2,500 | 3,100 | 3,500 |
| 2024 | 390 | 3,000 | 3,300 | 3,800 |
| 2025 | 499 | 3,478 | 3,600 | 4,000 |
Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority – Official Allotment Data
RVCE CSE closing rank moved from 220 in 2021 to 499 in 2025. That is a shift of 279 ranks over four years. MSRIT CSE moved from 1,800 to 3,478 in the same period — a movement of 1,678 ranks. Both trends confirm that competition for top Karnataka engineering seats has grown steadily every year.
Ques. Will the KCET 2026 cutoff be tighter than 2025?
Ans. About 3.12 lakh candidates appeared for KCET 2026. That is more than in 2025. More candidates for the same seats usually tightens closing ranks. For RVCE CSE GM, a shift of 50 to 100 ranks beyond 499 is a reasonable expectation. The official Round 1 closing ranks on July 15, 2026 will confirm this.
KCET Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
The table below tracks all key events in the KCET 2026 cutoff and counselling cycle. Upcoming events appear first, followed by events that have already passed.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | July 15, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Extended / Final Round Allotment | September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| KCET 2026 Exam | April 22 – 24, 2026 | Over |
| KCET 2026 Result and Rank Card | June 9, 2026 | Over |
| Option Entry and Choice Filling | June 22 – 30, 2026 | Over |
Factors Affecting KCET Cutoff 2026
KCET 2026 closing ranks will be shaped by several factors. Knowing these helps you judge whether your target college’s cutoff will loosen or tighten this year.
- Number of candidates: About 3.12 lakh students appeared for KCET 2026. More candidates competing for the same seats usually tightens closing ranks.
- Seat intake per college: If KEA approves more seats at a college, the closing rank loosens. Unchanged intake means demand is the only driver.
- Exam difficulty: A harder paper compresses the score distribution. This shifts which marks map to which rank and indirectly affects closing ranks.
- PUC board marks for the cohort: Half your KCET rank comes from Class 12 marks. A year with higher board scores across the board tightens combined ranks at competitive colleges.
- Category seat reservation: Reserved seats for SC, ST, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B are fixed per college. Vacant reserved seats from early rounds can shift GM closing ranks in the extended round.
- New branch specialisations: Branches like CSE (AI and ML) draw some demand away from core CSE. This can slightly loosen the core CSE closing rank at some colleges.
- Option entry preferences: How many candidates put a college in their top choices sets that college’s closing rank. Colleges that trend on social media often see tighter Round 1 closes.
KCET Cutoff: Home State vs Other State Quota
KCET seats are reserved for Karnataka domicile candidates. Candidates from Kannadiga migrant communities can qualify under special quotas. The table explains each quota and how it affects your access to seats.
| Quota | Who Qualifies | How Closing Rank Compares to GM |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Home State (GM) | Students domiciled in Karnataka for at least 7 years | Standard GM closing ranks apply |
| Horanadu Kannadiga (HK) | Kannadigas who migrated from traditional Karnataka border areas to other states | Separate rank list; closing ranks are higher (easier to secure a seat) |
| Gadinadu Kannadiga (GK) | Kannadiga migrants settled outside Karnataka for at least 10 years | Separate rank list; closing ranks are higher (easier to secure a seat) |
| Hyderabad-Karnataka Region (Article 371J) | Candidates from Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari districts | Dedicated share of seats in regional colleges; closing ranks are much higher than GM |
The Hyderabad-Karnataka quota under Article 371(J) covers six Kalyana Karnataka districts. Colleges in those districts reserve a fixed share of seats for local candidates. The closing rank for this quota is typically 5,000 to 15,000 ranks higher than GM at the same college. That makes those seats far more accessible if you qualify for this category.
KCET Category-Wise Cutoff 2026
KEA allocates seats across multiple reservation categories. The table below shows expected 2026 closing ranks for CSE at RVCE across Karnataka’s main categories. These are projections based on 2025 final-round data. Official figures will be published after July 15.
| Category | Description | RVCE CSE – Expected Closing Rank (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| GM (General Merit) | Open to all Karnataka domicile students; no reservation | ~500 – 650 (Expected) |
| 2A | Other Backward Classes – the largest OBC group in Karnataka | ~1,200 – 1,800 (Expected) |
| Category 1 | Economically backward among socially forward castes | ~1,800 – 2,500 (Expected) |
| 3A | OBC – Scheduled Caste converts to Christianity | ~2,000 – 3,500 (Expected) |
| 2B | OBC – Muslim and Christian minority groups | ~2,500 – 4,000 (Expected) |
| 3B | OBC – Brahmin communities who migrated from Maharashtra and Goa | ~2,500 – 4,000 (Expected) |
| SC | Scheduled Caste – 15 seats reserved out of every 100 | ~5,000 – 8,000 (Expected) |
| ST | Scheduled Tribe – 3 seats reserved out of every 100 | ~8,000 – 15,000 (Expected) |
The gap between GM and SC closing ranks at RVCE CSE is typically 4,000 to 7,000 ranks. SC and ST candidates who miss RVCE can still get into NIE and DSCE. Ranks in the 15,000 to 25,000 range are competitive at those colleges for reserved categories.
Ques. I belong to Category 2A. What rank do I need for MSRIT CSE?
Ans. Based on 2025 data, a 2A rank around 5,000 to 7,000 should be competitive for MSRIT CSE. The GM closing rank there was 3,478 in 2025. The 2A closing rank is typically 1,500 to 3,000 ranks higher than GM at the same college. The official 2026 figure will be published after July 15.
KCET Cutoff for Top Colleges 2026
The table below shows 2025 final-round GM closing ranks for CSE and ECE at Karnataka’s most popular KCET engineering colleges. Use these as your 2026 planning baseline. Official 2026 figures will be published after the July 15 Round 1 allotment.
| College | Location | CSE – GM Closing Rank (2025) | ECE – GM Closing Rank (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV College of Engineering (RVCE) | Bengaluru | 499 | ~1,200 |
| BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) | Bengaluru | ~3,500 | ~7,000 |
| MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | Bengaluru | 3,478 | ~8,500 |
| University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) | Bengaluru | ~4,000 | ~9,000 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) | Bengaluru | ~8,000 | ~15,000 |
| National Institute of Engineering (NIE) | Mysuru | ~12,000 | ~18,000 |
| KLE Technological University | Hubballi | ~10,000 | ~16,000 |
| BIT – Bangalore Institute of Technology | Bengaluru | ~12,000 | ~20,000 |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT) | Tumkur | ~15,000 | ~22,000 |
| Sahyadri College of Engineering | Mangaluru | ~20,000 | ~28,000 |
RVCE holds the lowest CSE GM closing rank among all KCET-participating colleges. A rank under 500 in GM is your best shot at the most competitive engineering seat in Karnataka.
KCET Branch-Wise Cutoff 2026
Closing ranks differ sharply across branches. CSE attracts the most candidates and shows the lowest closing rank each year. The table below shows expected 2026 GM closing ranks at RVCE and MSRIT, based on 2025 final-round data.
| Branch | RVCE – GM Closing Rank (Expected 2026) | MSRIT – GM Closing Rank (Expected 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | ~500 – 650 | ~3,500 – 4,000 |
| CSE (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) | ~700 – 1,000 | ~4,500 – 5,500 |
| Information Science and Engineering (ISE) | ~1,000 – 1,500 | ~5,500 – 7,000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) | ~1,200 – 1,800 | ~8,000 – 10,000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) | ~3,500 – 5,000 | ~12,000 – 15,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | ~5,000 – 7,000 | ~15,000 – 20,000 |
| Civil Engineering | ~7,000 – 10,000 | ~20,000 – 28,000 |
Each specialisation branch typically has a closing rank 200 to 500 ranks higher than core CSE in the same college. Specialisation branches let you get into your target college with a slightly weaker rank than core CSE requires.
KCET Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The five-year trend in KCET closing ranks shows consistent tightening at top colleges. The table tracks GM closing ranks for CSE at four colleges from 2021 to 2025, with a 2026 projection.
| Year | RVCE CSE (GM) | MSRIT CSE (GM) | BMSCE CSE (GM) | UVCE CSE (GM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 220 | 1,800 | 2,600 | 3,000 |
| 2022 | 252 | 2,100 | 2,900 | 3,300 |
| 2023 | 280 | 2,500 | 3,100 | 3,500 |
| 2024 | 390 | 3,000 | 3,300 | 3,800 |
| 2025 | 499 | 3,478 | 3,600 | 4,000 |
| 2026 (Expected) | ~550 – 650 | ~3,800 – 4,200 | ~4,000 – 4,500 | ~4,200 – 4,800 |
RVCE CSE shows the sharpest single-year movement. The closing rank shifted by 109 ranks from 2024 (390) to 2025 (499). MSRIT CSE moved by 478 ranks in the same period. BMSCE and UVCE shifted more gradually — around 300 to 500 ranks each across four years. Higher candidate numbers in 2026 point to further tightening of 50 to 150 ranks at top colleges.
Ques. How much does the KCET cutoff shift between Round 1 and the final round?
Ans. At top colleges, Round 1 closing ranks are tighter than the final round. At RVCE CSE, Round 1 and the extended-round closing ranks differed by 100 to 150 ranks in 2025. Candidates who miss Round 1 should keep their option active. Vacant seats from rejected allotments re-open in later rounds.
KCET Round-Wise Counselling Cutoff
KEA runs KCET counselling in multiple allotment rounds. Each round fills fresh seats. Closing ranks loosen progressively as candidates accept or reject their allotments. The table uses 2025 data to show how ranks shifted across rounds. The example covers RVCE and MSRIT CSE in the GM category.
| Round | Approx. Timeline (2025 Reference) | RVCE CSE – GM Closing Rank | MSRIT CSE – GM Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | July 2025 | ~350 – 400 | ~2,800 – 3,000 |
| Round 2 | August 2025 | ~430 – 470 | ~3,100 – 3,300 |
| Extended / Final Round | September 2025 | 499 | 3,478 |
At RVCE CSE, Round 1 and the final-round closing ranks differed by 100 to 150 ranks in 2025. Candidates just above the Round 1 closing rank can still get that seat in Round 2 or the extended round. Stay active in the process. Do not withdraw your option entry after Round 1.
KCET Marks vs Rank 2026
Your KCET rank depends on two inputs. The first is your KCET exam score (out of 180 marks across Physics, Chemistry, and Maths). The second is your Class 12 (PUC) board marks. KEA uses a 50:50 formula: half comes from KCET marks and the other half from PUC marks. The table below shows approximate rank brackets for different KCET score ranges, assuming an average PUC performance.
| KCET Marks (out of 180) | Approximate GM Rank Range | College Tier Accessible (CSE, GM) |
|---|---|---|
| 165 and above | Under 300 | RVCE CSE is within reach |
| 155 – 164 | 300 – 1,500 | RVCE other branches; BMSCE and MSRIT CSE borderline |
| 145 – 154 | 1,500 – 4,000 | BMSCE and MSRIT CSE; RVCE specialisation branches |
| 135 – 144 | 4,000 – 8,000 | UVCE and DSCE CSE; MSRIT and BMSCE ECE |
| 125 – 134 | 8,000 – 18,000 | NIE, KLE Tech, BIT CSE; mid-tier Bengaluru colleges |
| 110 – 124 | 18,000 – 40,000 | SIT, Sahyadri, and other approved private colleges |
| Below 110 | Above 40,000 | Lower-tier approved colleges; non-CS branches at mid-tier colleges |
These ranges are based on 2025 allotment data. Your PUC marks play a big role. Strong board marks can often push your combined rank well above what your KCET exam score alone would suggest.
PUC marks contribute half of your final KCET rank. A strong Class 12 result can compensate for a lower KCET exam score. Your board performance directly shapes your college options.
KCET Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the KCET 2026 cutoff for CSE at RVCE?
Ans. The official RVCE CSE closing rank for 2026 will be published after July 15, 2026. The 2025 final-round GM closing rank was 499. The 2026 closing rank is expected between 550 and 650. The extended-round closing rank is typically 100 to 150 ranks higher than Round 1.
Ques. How is the KCET rank calculated?
Ans. KEA uses a 50:50 formula. Your KCET exam marks (out of 180) get half the weight. Your Class 12 PUC board marks get the other half. The combined score determines your rank on the merit list. A strong PUC result can compensate for a weaker KCET exam score.
Ques. When will the KCET 2026 Round 1 closing ranks be published?
Ans. The KCET 2026 Round 1 seat allotment is expected on July 15, 2026 at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. College-wise, branch-wise, and category-wise closing ranks will be published on the same date. Check your allotment status using your application number on the KEA portal.
Ques. What is the minimum mark in KCET to qualify for counselling?
Ans. There is no minimum KCET exam marks requirement — any candidate who appears gets a rank. The Class 12 condition is separate. General category candidates need PCM marks of at least 45 out of 100. SC/ST candidates need at least 35 out of 100. Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates must also score 12 out of 50 in the Kannada Language test.
Ques. Can I get a better seat in Round 2 if I dislike my Round 1 allotment?
Ans. Yes. If you get a Round 1 seat but prefer a different college or branch, keep your option active. Participate in Round 2 for an upgrade. Your Round 1 seat is held until you secure a better one. Closing ranks at most colleges are 100 to 300 ranks higher in the final round than in Round 1. Upgrade options do open up.
Ques. What is the difference between GM cutoff and category cutoff in KCET?
Ans. The GM (General Merit) cutoff is the closing rank for open, unreserved seats. Category cutoffs are closing ranks for reserved seats in SC, ST, 2A, 2B, and other categories. A reserved-category candidate competes only against others in the same category for those seats. At RVCE CSE in 2025, the GM closing rank was 499. SC closing ranks at the same college were in the 5,000 to 8,000 range. The gap shows how much easier reserved seats are to access.
Ques. Does KCET cutoff vary between government and private colleges?
Ans. Yes, significantly. Government colleges like UVCE have tight closing ranks because of lower fees and strong reputations. Top private colleges like RVCE, BMSCE, and MSRIT show closing ranks that are tighter than most government colleges. Their placement records and campus reputations drive this competition. Your target rank should reflect both the college type and its branch history.
Ques. What rank do I need to get pharmacy through KCET 2026?
Ans. KCET is used for B.Pharm and Pharm.D admissions too. Closing ranks for pharmacy are generally much higher than engineering. A weaker rank can still get you a good pharmacy seat. For top pharmacy colleges in Karnataka, a GM rank in the 10,000 to 50,000 range is usually competitive. KEA will publish the official pharmacy closing ranks after July 15, 2026.
Ques. I scored 140 marks in KCET. Which engineering college can I expect?
Ans. A KCET score of 140 with a strong PUC result puts you in the 3,000 to 6,000 GM rank range. At that rank, BMSCE and MSRIT CSE are borderline options. UVCE CSE is possible in the extended round. NIE, DSCE, and KLE Tech offer CSE comfortably in this range. Your final rank also depends on PUC marks — a 90-plus PUC score helps significantly at 140 KCET marks.
Ques. How do I check the KCET 2026 Round 1 allotment result?
Ans. After July 15, 2026, go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Log in with your KCET 2026 application number. Your allotted college, branch, and category will appear on screen. Download the allotment letter. Accept the seat and pay the confirmation fee. Then report to the college with your original documents within the time given.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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