KCET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Criteria for Age, Courses, Language Test, and Documents Required

Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) prescribe the eligibility criteria for KCET 2026. The official notification has not been released yet. Candidature of students will be purely provisional, subject to the fulfilment of academic and other eligibility criteria. There is no upper age limit in the KCET 2026 exam.

Only the candidate who holds the verification slip will be eligible to enter their priority of options for allotment of seats for admission to Professional Courses. The verification slip is a crucial official document issued by KEA after successful document verification.

In 2025, around 10,000 had their results initially withheld due to wrong registration numbers and the 2nd PUC marks entry.

Over 400 candidates, who reappeared in KCET 2025 after being allotted seats in the previous years but did not join, had their ranks withheld till pending investigation.

Related Articles:

• KCET 2026 Reservation
• KCET 2026 Exam Dates
• KCET 2026 Detailed Syllabus

Key Summary

• There is no restriction on the number of times you can appear for KCET. In 2025, 26% were reappearing candidates.
• The Kannada Language Test does not affect rank or cutoff since it is a qualifying exam.
• KEA considers the best PUC marks, including improvement examinations, for 50% weightage in rank calculation.
• Candidates must have at least 40% disability as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for reservation as PwD.

KCET Eligibility 2026: General Criteria

• Must be an Indian citizen
• No upper age limit, but a minimum of 17 years for some courses like B.Pharm.
• Passed or appearing in the 2nd PUC from a recognised board.

KCET Eligibility 2026: Kannada Language Test

The Kannada Language Test, which is a mandatory qualifying test, will be conducted on 22nd April. The test will be conducted only in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Vijayapura, and Mangalore; therefore, such candidates will have to appear for KCET 2026 in a test centre located at these centres only.

• The candidates claiming eligibility for Government seats under Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga clauses and whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, Kodava or Beary, will have to give the language test to establish their ability to speak, read and write Kannada.
• The minimum passing marks shall be 12 out of 50 marks to be considered for assignment of ranks and to become eligible for allotment of seats in CET-2026.
• However, the Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates, who have studied TEN full academic years in Kannada Medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside the state of Karnataka, need not appear for the Language Test.

Ques. Do people fail the Kannada language test?

Ques. What is the syllabus for the Kannada language test?

KCET 2026: Agriculturist Quota Eligibility

Agriculturist Quota is applicable only for Undergraduate courses. The Practical Examination will be conducted at the following centres by the concerned Agricultural / Veterinary Universities.

Practical Test Fees:

• Rs 500/- for General and OBC
• Rs 250/- for SC, ST and Category-1
• Should be paid at the respective practical test centre on the day of verification of documents in the form of a demand draft.

Merit List:

• Based on 25% marks each, secured in 2nd PUC and CET and 50% marks secured in the practical test.
• In case of B.V.Sc & AH, based on 50% of Marks secured in CET and 50% of marks scored in the practical test.

Ques. Who can claim Agriculturist Quota in KCET 2026?

KCET Eligibility 2026: Specific Clauses

KEA prescribes various eligibility clauses and documents required for KCET 2026. Details for various eligibility clauses are discussed below.

Clause A

The candidate should have studied and passed in one or more government-recognised educational institutions in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years from 1st standard to 2nd PUC / 12th standard as on 1st July 2026, and must have appeared and passed either SSLC / 10th standard or 2nd PUC / 12th standard examination from Karnataka State.

In case of the candidate who had taken more than one year to pass a class or standard, the years of academic study are counted as one year only.

Documents to be Produced

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Study certificate
• Rural Study Certificate for completing 10 years from 1st to 10th, if claiming the rural quota
• Kannada Medium Study Certificate for completing 10 years from 1st to 10th, if claiming the rural quota.
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits.

Clause B

The candidate should have studied and passed either the 1st and 2nd year Pre-University Examination within the State of Karnataka from an Educational Institution run or recognised by the State Government, and either of the candidate’s parents should have studied in Karnataka for seven years.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits
• A study certificate for either of the parents, having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka, from the head of the educational institution where they had studied.
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied both 1st & 2nd PUC or 11th & 12th standard in Karnataka, issued by the Head of the educational institution.

Clause C

The candidate and either of their parents’ mother tongue should be Kannada, Tulu or Kodava. Either of the parents should have been domiciled in the State of Karnataka, and such candidates should have passed the qualifying examination from a University or Board or any other Institution located outside Karnataka.

They should be residing outside the State of Karnataka as on 1st May 2026. Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 12th standard mark card of the candidate
• Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and either of their parents have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on 01-05-2026. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother.
• Domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue Authorities of the state of Karnataka regarding the previous domicile of the father/mother of the candidate, as a place in the state of Karnataka. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the father/mother.
• Candidate’s Study certificate, Transfer Certificate.
• Father/Mother’s 10th standard marks card/ cumulative record in original in support of mother tongue as Kannada/Tulu/Kodava.
• A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidates.

Clause D

A candidate whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu or Kodava should have resided and studied for a period of SEVEN years between 1st and 12th standards in the disputed Kannada-speaking areas of South Solapur or Akkalkot or Jeth or Gadhinglaj taluka of Maharashtra State or Kasargod or Hosadurga Taluks of Kerala State.

Provided that the candidate shall undergo a Kannada Language test conducted by KEA.

Documents to be Produced :

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card and 2nd PUC/12th standard Marks Card of the candidate
• Residential certificate from the concerned Tahsildar of the respective disputed Taluk.
• Candidate’s study certificate issued by the head of the institution, which should be countersigned by the Taluk Education Officer.
• A duly sworn declaration regarding the mother tongue of the candidate.
• NOTE: The candidates claiming eligibility under c and d above should invariably speak, read and write Kannada and must secure a minimum of 12 marks in Kannada Language Test to be conducted by KEA. Otherwise, they won’t be assigned ranks.

Clause E

In the case of a candidate who is the son or daughter of defence personnel who have worked continuously in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year in Karnataka during the two-year period of study of candidates in PUC/11th and 12th standard.

The candidate should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any Government or Government-recognised educational institution located in the State of Karnataka.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Cards
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka, issued by the head of the educational institution
• Employment certificate of the parent issued by the Controlling Office where the parents are working, indicating the period during which they have worked in the state of Karnataka, i.e., from the reporting date to the current date.

Clause F

Son or daughter of serving Defence personnel from Karnataka who, at the time of joining the Defence service, had declared their hometown a place in the State of Karnataka.

Proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced by obtaining the extract from the AG’s (Army Hqs) respective branch of the integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and respective Record Offices for JCOs/OR.

Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Card
• 2nd PUC/12th standard Marks Card of the candidate;
• If claiming reservation benefits:- Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tahsildar as per the prescribed format given in the brochure
• Parents’ home town declaration certificate while joining the service, issued by the respective branch of the Integrated HQ of MoD for Officers and the respective record offices for JCOs.

Clause G

In the case of a candidate who is a son or daughter of defence personnel who has served in Karnataka for at least one year and is posted on duty in Field/Active service, and whose family is permitted by Defence Authorities to continue to stay in Karnataka.

Such candidates should have studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognised educational institution located in Karnataka.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Cards
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied the 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka, issued by the head of the educational institution
• Service certificate of the parent issued by the Controlling Office, indicating the period during which the parent has worked in Karnataka and a certificate showing the present place of posting, indicating that their family is permitted to stay in Karnataka. The present working place of the parent should be indicated by name and not by code numbers.

Clause H

Son or daughter of ex-servicemen who, at the time of joining the defence service, had declared a place in Karnataka as their hometown.

Proof of such domicile should be obtained and produced from the “Deputy Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement” of that district, and the same should be countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement.

Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by Concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits
• Parents’ hometown declaration certificate while joining the service, issued by the Joint Director/Deputy Director of the concerned district and countersigned by the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Bangalore.

Clause I

In the case of a candidate being a son or daughter of an employee of the Union Government of the Union of Karnataka State Government Undertaking or Joint Sector Undertaking, who is liable to be transferred anywhere in India and has worked in Karnataka for a minimum period of one year during the two-year period of study of candidates in PUC/11th or 12th standards.

The candidate has studied and passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognised educational institution located in the state of Karnataka.

Documents Required:

• SSLC/10th standard Marks Cards
• 2nd PUC/12th Standard Marks Card of the candidate
• The candidate’s study certificate for having studied the 2nd PUC or equivalent examination in Karnataka, issued by the head of the educational institution
• A certificate from the employer indicating the parent’s period of employment in the state of Karnataka, and also showing that they are transferable anywhere in India.
• A certificate from the employer indicating parents as an employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government Undertaking or the Joint Sector Undertaking.

Clause J

Son or daughter of a working or retired employee of the Union Government or employee of the Union or Karnataka State Government undertaking or Joint Sector undertaking where such employee;

(a) had declared to the employer at the time of joining service, any place in Karnataka to be their hometown;

(b) had studied in any government or government-recognised educational institutions or institutions located in Karnataka for a minimum period of seven years; and was or is liable to be transferred anywhere in India as per the terms and conditions of his employment.

The candidate should also have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board, or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC/10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits along with:
• A study certificate of the parent employee for having studied for at least 7 years in Karnataka from the Head of the educational institution where they had studied.
• Home town declaration certificate of the parent employee while joining the service, and showing that they are transferable anywhere in India, issued by the employer.

Clause K

Son or daughter of Members of Parliament elected from Karnataka.

Further, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from a university or board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Caste Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits
• Certificate showing that the parent is/was a Member of Parliament elected from Karnataka, issued by the Parliament Secretariat.

Clause L

Son or daughter of serving or retired employee:

(a) belonging to All India Service of Karnataka cadre; and

(b) of the Karnataka State Government, who has served or is serving outside the State of Karnataka during the period corresponding to candidate’s study outside the state from 1st standard to 2nd PUC or 12th standard examination can be added to make up for seven years within Karnataka as required under clause (a) above.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits
• Certificate from the Principal Secretary/Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, DPAR, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore, where the parent belongs to the All India Service of Karnataka cadre, stating that the parent is a member of such All India cadre. Such a certificate should also state the period for which they have served or are serving outside Karnataka, and if they are a State Government employee, a certificate certifying the same from the concerned head of the office/department.

Clause M

For the son or daughter of Jammu and Kashmir migrants, a proof of migration is needed to be produced from the jurisdictional “District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner” of any state in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• As proof of migration, an original certificate issued by the Jurisdictional District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of any state in India. Under the clause, candidates can claim eligibility for the seats earmarked by the government.

Clause N

The candidates who have studied 10 full years in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard in places outside of Karnataka need not appear for the Kannada Language Test conducted by KEA.

However, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination from any government or government-recognised educational institution.

Documents to be Produced:

SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet

2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet

A domicile certificate issued by the concerned Revenue or Municipal Authorities certifying that the candidate and their parent have resided outside the state of Karnataka as on May 1, 2026. The place of the issuing authority should correspond to the place of domicile of the candidate/father/mother

A study certificate issued by the head of the institution for having studied in Kannada medium from 1st standard to 10th standard.

Clause O

Son/daughter of a working or retired employee in the Central Armed Police Force service, who at the time of joining the CAPF service had declared the hometown as a place in the state of Karnataka, proof of such domicile having been produced by obtaining the extract from the Record Office of the CAPF unit where the parents’ service record is maintained.

Further, the candidate should have passed the Q.E. from a University or Board or any other institution located anywhere in India.

Documents to be Produced:

• SSLC / 10th standard mark sheet
• 2nd PUC/ 12th standard mark sheet
• Caste/Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar- For SC/ST in Form-D, Category-I in Form E and 2A, 2B, 3 and 3B in Form F, if claiming reservation benefits
• Parents’ hometown declaration certificate while joining the service, issued by the Record Office of the CAPF unit, where the parents' service records are maintained.

Ques. What are the eligibility clauses ‘A’ to ‘O’ in KCET 2026 eligibility criteria?

Ques. Which clauses do not require the Kannada Language Test?

KCET Eligibility 2026: Documents Required

Students should keep the following documents before applying to KCET 2026.

• Recent passport-size colour photograph
• Candidate’s signature
• Left thumb impression
• Class 10th marks card
• 2nd PUC marks card
• Category certificate, Rural study certificate, and Income certificate (if applicable)
• Kannada medium certificate ( if studied in Kannada from 1st to 10th std.)
• Domicile Certificate ( If Applicable)
• Aadhar card for verification
• Defence/Service Certificate (If Applicable)