EXAM SYLLABUS

The authorities have stated that the Karnataka CET 2026 syllabus is prescribed according to the first and second year PUC curriculum set by the Department of Pre-University Education, Government of Karnataka. The KCET 2026 syllabus PDF will be made available online on the official website, from where candidates can download the subject-wise syllabus for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Syllabus for KCET exam is given below:

EXAM SYLLABUS

The authorities have stated that the Karnataka CET 2026 syllabus is prescribed according to the first and second year PUC curriculum set by the Department of Pre-University Education, Government of Karnataka. The KCET 2026 syllabus PDF will be made available online on the official website, from where candidates can download the subject-wise syllabus for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Syllabus for KCET exam is given below:

EXAM PATTERN

KCET Examination will be held as an Objective Type Offline Pen & Paper based Test. Question paper will contain a total of 180 Questions and 180 Marks, being 1 mark for each question. The total duration of the examination will be 240 Minutes. The Section-wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below:

Mode of Examination

KCET Examination will be held as an Offline Pen & Paper based Test. Questions will be Objective type Multiple choice in nature.

Medium of Examination

Question Paper for KCET Examination will be available in English & Kannada.

Marking Scheme

1. One mark will be allotted for each correct answer.

2. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The criteria for eligibility KCET are decided by the conduction body itself. The candidate’s eligibility for KCET Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

1. Candidates applying for KCET Examination must be a citizen of India & domicile of Karnataka.

2. All Candidates of Indian Origins (PIO) /Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can also apply for the examination.

Age Limit

The minimum age to apply for the KCET is 17 years. There is no limit on maximum age.

Education Qualification

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The criteria for eligibility KCET are decided by the conduction body itself. The candidate’s eligibility for KCET Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

1. Candidates applying for KCET Examination must be a citizen of India & domicile of Karnataka.

2. All Candidates of Indian Origins (PIO) /Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can also apply for the examination.

Age Limit

The minimum age to apply for the KCET is 17 years. There is no limit on maximum age.

Education Qualification

IMPORTANT DATES

Along with the official notification, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the KCET 2026 exam dates. According to the released schedule, the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 will be conducted on 23 April and 24 April 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully check the official notification on the KEA website for detailed and updated exam schedule information.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Here is a detailed exam analysis for the upcoming KCET Exam 2026, based on the previous year’s exam trends. This analysis includes the last exam dates, exact timing, shift details, pattern, difficulty level, and expected cutoffs to help understand what candidates can expect in 2026.

KCET 2026 Exam Analysis (Based on 2025 Exam)

When Was the Last KCET Exam Conducted

The most recent Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2025 was conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority in April 2025.

Main subject exams were held on:

16 April 2025 – Physics and Chemistry

17 April 2025 – Mathematics and Biology

Additionally, the Kannada language test for specific candidates was conducted on 15 April 2025.

The exam was conducted across multiple centers in Karnataka for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses.

Exact Time and Shift Details (2025)

The KCET exam was conducted in two shifts each day.

Morning Shift
Exam Time: 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM

Afternoon Shift
Exam Time: 2:30 PM to 3:50 PM

Subject-wise schedule:

16 April 2025
Physics: 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Chemistry: 2:30 PM – 3:50 PM

17 April 2025
Mathematics: 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Biology: 2:30 PM – 3:50 PM

Each subject paper had 80 minutes duration.

KCET Exam Pattern

The KCET exam follows an offline OMR-based format.

Mode of Exam
Offline (Pen and Paper)

Question Type
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Subject-wise Questions

Physics: 60 questions
Chemistry: 60 questions
Mathematics: 60 questions
Biology: 60 questions

Marks per Question
1 mark

Total Marks
180 (PCM combination)

Negative Marking
No negative marking

Difficulty Level (Based on 2025 Paper Analysis)

Overall Difficulty
Moderate to moderately difficult.

Subject-wise difficulty:

Physics
Moderate to difficult, with conceptual questions.

Chemistry
Moderate and comparatively easier than physics.

Mathematics
Moderate to difficult with time-consuming problems.

Biology
Moderate and mostly theory-based.

Important Topics Asked in 2025

Physics
Mechanics
Electrostatics
Thermodynamics
Modern Physics

Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Chemical Thermodynamics

Mathematics
Calculus
Probability and Statistics
Coordinate Geometry
Matrices and Determinants

Good Attempts (Expected)

Physics
45+ questions

Chemistry
42–47 questions

Mathematics
38–42 questions

These attempts were considered strong for achieving a high rank in the exam.

Expected Cutoff Trends

Cutoffs depend on college, branch, category, and difficulty level.

Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka
Rank below 5,000 usually required.

Good Engineering Colleges
Rank 5,000 – 15,000

Average Colleges
Rank above 20,000.

Cutoffs may vary each year depending on:
Number of candidates
Difficulty of the exam
Available seats.

What to Expect in KCET 2026

Difficulty Level
Likely Moderate, similar to 2025.

Exam Pattern
Expected to remain the same OMR-based MCQ format.

Competition
High because 3 lakh+ students appear every year.

Important Preparation Areas

Calculus and Algebra

Electrodynamics

Organic Chemistry

Modern Physics

EXAM ANALYSIS 2023

Section Wise Analysis

Physics

1. Questions from Classes 11 and 12 textbooks will be presented.

2. The maximum number of questions from Class 12 textbooks. 

3. Numerical-based questions will be present. 

4. The difficulty level will be between moderate to difficult. 

5. A score of more than 85% is mandatory to qualify for the KCET 2023 examination. 

Chemistry

1. Thorough preparation of concepts from Class 11 and 12 since most questions will be from these levels

2. It can be expected that the Chemistry portion won’t be as difficult as Physics this year.

3. Numerical-based questions from the Physical Chemistry portion should be optimised.

4. Organic chemistry reactions and equations must be emphasised more than the other topics

5. Physical chemistry concepts and equations must be crisp and clear.

Biology

1. The quotient of tough questions must be lower from this question paper section. 

2. All the candidates should practise the previous year’s questions.

3. Repetitive questions can come through this year. 

4. For merit list counselling, a score between 80-85% is enough for the candidate.

Mathematics

1. Similar to the previous sections, questions will be from Class XI and XII.

2. The percentage of difficult questions will be more.

3. Formulas must be remembered categorically by all the candidates.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Here is a detailed exam analysis for the upcoming KCET Exam 2026, based on the previous year’s exam trends. This analysis includes the last exam dates, exact timing, shift details, pattern, difficulty level, and expected cutoffs to help understand what candidates can expect in 2026.

KCET 2026 Exam Analysis (Based on 2025 Exam)

When Was the Last KCET Exam Conducted

The most recent Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2025 was conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority in April 2025.

Main subject exams were held on:

16 April 2025 – Physics and Chemistry

17 April 2025 – Mathematics and Biology

Additionally, the Kannada language test for specific candidates was conducted on 15 April 2025.

The exam was conducted across multiple centers in Karnataka for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses.

Exact Time and Shift Details (2025)

The KCET exam was conducted in two shifts each day.

Morning Shift
Exam Time: 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM

Afternoon Shift
Exam Time: 2:30 PM to 3:50 PM

Subject-wise schedule:

16 April 2025
Physics: 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Chemistry: 2:30 PM – 3:50 PM

17 April 2025
Mathematics: 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Biology: 2:30 PM – 3:50 PM

Each subject paper had 80 minutes duration.

KCET Exam Pattern

The KCET exam follows an offline OMR-based format.

Mode of Exam
Offline (Pen and Paper)

Question Type
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Subject-wise Questions

Physics: 60 questions
Chemistry: 60 questions
Mathematics: 60 questions
Biology: 60 questions

Marks per Question
1 mark

Total Marks
180 (PCM combination)

Negative Marking
No negative marking

Difficulty Level (Based on 2025 Paper Analysis)

Overall Difficulty
Moderate to moderately difficult.

Subject-wise difficulty:

Physics
Moderate to difficult, with conceptual questions.

Chemistry
Moderate and comparatively easier than physics.

Mathematics
Moderate to difficult with time-consuming problems.

Biology
Moderate and mostly theory-based.

Important Topics Asked in 2025

Physics
Mechanics
Electrostatics
Thermodynamics
Modern Physics

Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Chemical Thermodynamics

Mathematics
Calculus
Probability and Statistics
Coordinate Geometry
Matrices and Determinants

Good Attempts (Expected)

Physics
45+ questions

Chemistry
42–47 questions

Mathematics
38–42 questions

These attempts were considered strong for achieving a high rank in the exam.

Expected Cutoff Trends

Cutoffs depend on college, branch, category, and difficulty level.

Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka
Rank below 5,000 usually required.

Good Engineering Colleges
Rank 5,000 – 15,000

Average Colleges
Rank above 20,000.

Cutoffs may vary each year depending on:
Number of candidates
Difficulty of the exam
Available seats.

What to Expect in KCET 2026

Difficulty Level
Likely Moderate, similar to 2025.

Exam Pattern
Expected to remain the same OMR-based MCQ format.

Competition
High because 3 lakh+ students appear every year.

Important Preparation Areas

Calculus and Algebra

Electrodynamics

Organic Chemistry

Modern Physics

EXAM ANALYSIS 2023

Section Wise Analysis

Physics

1. Questions from Classes 11 and 12 textbooks will be presented.

2. The maximum number of questions from Class 12 textbooks. 

3. Numerical-based questions will be present. 

4. The difficulty level will be between moderate to difficult. 

5. A score of more than 85% is mandatory to qualify for the KCET 2023 examination. 

Chemistry

1. Thorough preparation of concepts from Class 11 and 12 since most questions will be from these levels

2. It can be expected that the Chemistry portion won’t be as difficult as Physics this year.

3. Numerical-based questions from the Physical Chemistry portion should be optimised.

4. Organic chemistry reactions and equations must be emphasised more than the other topics

5. Physical chemistry concepts and equations must be crisp and clear.

Biology

1. The quotient of tough questions must be lower from this question paper section. 

2. All the candidates should practise the previous year’s questions.

3. Repetitive questions can come through this year. 

4. For merit list counselling, a score between 80-85% is enough for the candidate.

Mathematics

1. Similar to the previous sections, questions will be from Class XI and XII.

2. The percentage of difficult questions will be more.

3. Formulas must be remembered categorically by all the candidates.

EXAM ANALYSIS 2022

This analysis will help all the candidates who have appeared in the exam or all those aspirants who are going to appear for the KCET Exam in the future.

Section Wise Analysis

Biology

Some of the major highlights of the KCET 2022 Biology paper are as follow:

1. All questions conformed to the  prescribed syllabus revised by the Karnataka PU Board

2. Options such as "None of the above", "All of these" and "Both (A) and (B)" are used in many questions 

3. In Q.No. 2 Student may be confused between Option B or C due to a spelling mistake in Option A 

4. In Q.No19 The student is expected to choose an incorrect statement, namely option D. But in the English version, an incomplete statement in option B may confuse the  student  between option D and option B. However, the same statement B in the Kannada version is true. 

5. A well-prepared student can achieve approx. 50-55 points in this paper.

6. Depending on the weighting, the test consists of 15  I PU questions and 45  II PU parts.

Physics

Some of the major highlights of KCET 2022 Physics paper are as follow:

1. Physics section was moderate in difficulty level.

2. EM waves, diodes, semiconductor, magnetism were some of the asked topics in Physics section

3. The maximum questions asked in this subject will be numerical-based questions.

4. Most of the questions are expected from class 12th textbooks.

Chemistry

Some of the major highlights of KCET 2022 Chemistry paper are as follow:

1. Chemisrty was overall easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level.

2. Some of the asked topics in Chemisty were oxidation, atomic structure.

3. Overall, candidates described the difficulty level as moderate for both the papers.

4. The majority of questions were conceptual and easy to solve.

Mathematics

Some of the major highlights of KCET 2022 Mathematics paper are as follow:

1. The students who appeared for the KCET 2022 found the Mathematics Paper easy or moderate.

2. Similar to previous sections, KCET Mathematics section questions will be asked from Class 11th and Class 12th Textbooks.

3. All the questions were within the syllabus of I PUC and II PUC.

STUDY TIPS

The only deciding factor for the selection or rejection of a candidate is the Strategy & Planning which is used by them for their preparation for the KCET Examination. A good and result-oriented Strategy & Planning for the examination will definitely allow the candidates to make their way through KCET Examination. The foremost step in planning involves preparing a study plan based on the Syllabus.

1. Focus on top priority topics from all the sections first.

2. Prepare notes yourself while learning.

3. Do not leave any topic in your preparation.

4. Be perfect with the concepts.

5. Taking Online Mock Tests will help you identify your level of preparation and how much you have prepared for the exam. It will also help you identify your weak areas.

6. Study from the best resources and books.

7. Daily Revision is the key to success.

8. Doubts should be cleared not ignored.

9. Always have a positive mindset, you need to become an optimistic person to crack any exam in this world.

STUDY PLAN

6-Month Study Plan

Months 1 & 2: Build Strong Fundamentals

Focus: Concept clarity (PUC 1 & 2 syllabus)

Physics

Kinematics, Laws of Motion

Work, Energy & Power

Thermodynamics

Electrostatics, Current Electricity

Chemistry

Basic Concepts, Atomic Structure

Chemical Bonding

Thermodynamics & Equilibrium

Organic Chemistry basics (GOC, Hydrocarbons)

Mathematics

Sets, Relations, Functions

Trigonometry

Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations

Permutations & Combinations

Months 3 & 4: Complete Syllabus + Practice

Focus: Remaining syllabus with MCQs

Physics

Magnetism, EMI, AC

Optics, Atoms & Nuclei

Chemistry

Electrochemistry, Kinetics

Coordination Compounds

Aldehydes, Ketones, Amines

Mathematics

Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integrals)

Matrices & Determinants

Vectors & 3D Geometry

Month 5: Revision & Mock Tests

Focus: Accuracy + speed

Revise all subjects using notes

Solve KCET previous year papers

Take 2–3 full-length mock tests per week

Analyze mistakes and weak areas

Month 6: Final Revision & Exam Readiness

Focus: Performance optimization

Full syllabus revision (2–3 cycles)

Attempt mock tests every alternate day

Focus on high-weightage chapters

Light study in the last week

3-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Complete Syllabus Revision

Focus: Concept clarity + coverage

Physics

Mechanics, Work–Energy–Power

Thermodynamics

Electrostatics, Current Electricity

Chemistry

Chemical Bonding

Thermodynamics & Equilibrium

Organic Chemistry basics (GOC, Hydrocarbons)

Mathematics

Trigonometry

Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations

Permutations & Combinations

Month 2: Practice & Strengthening

Focus: Application and speed

Physics

Magnetism, EMI, AC

Optics, Atoms & Nuclei

Chemistry

Electrochemistry, Kinetics

Coordination Compounds

STUDY TIPS

The only deciding factor for the selection or rejection of a candidate is the Strategy & Planning which is used by them for their preparation for the KCET Examination. A good and result-oriented Strategy & Planning for the examination will definitely allow the candidates to make their way through KCET Examination. The foremost step in planning involves preparing a study plan based on the Syllabus.

1. Focus on top priority topics from all the sections first.

2. Prepare notes yourself while learning.

3. Do not leave any topic in your preparation.

4. Be perfect with the concepts.

5. Taking Online Mock Tests will help you identify your level of preparation and how much you have prepared for the exam. It will also help you identify your weak areas.

6. Study from the best resources and books.

7. Daily Revision is the key to success.

8. Doubts should be cleared not ignored.

9. Always have a positive mindset, you need to become an optimistic person to crack any exam in this world.

STUDY PLAN

6-Month Study Plan

Months 1 & 2: Build Strong Fundamentals

Focus: Concept clarity (PUC 1 & 2 syllabus)

Physics

Kinematics, Laws of Motion

Work, Energy & Power

Thermodynamics

Electrostatics, Current Electricity

Chemistry

Basic Concepts, Atomic Structure

Chemical Bonding

Thermodynamics & Equilibrium

Organic Chemistry basics (GOC, Hydrocarbons)

Mathematics

Sets, Relations, Functions

Trigonometry

Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations

Permutations & Combinations

Months 3 & 4: Complete Syllabus + Practice

Focus: Remaining syllabus with MCQs

Physics

Magnetism, EMI, AC

Optics, Atoms & Nuclei

Chemistry

Electrochemistry, Kinetics

Coordination Compounds

Aldehydes, Ketones, Amines

Mathematics

Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integrals)

Matrices & Determinants

Vectors & 3D Geometry

Month 5: Revision & Mock Tests

Focus: Accuracy + speed

Revise all subjects using notes

Solve KCET previous year papers

Take 2–3 full-length mock tests per week

Analyze mistakes and weak areas

Month 6: Final Revision & Exam Readiness

Focus: Performance optimization

Full syllabus revision (2–3 cycles)

Attempt mock tests every alternate day

Focus on high-weightage chapters

Light study in the last week

3-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Complete Syllabus Revision

Focus: Concept clarity + coverage

Physics

Mechanics, Work–Energy–Power

Thermodynamics

Electrostatics, Current Electricity

Chemistry

Chemical Bonding

Thermodynamics & Equilibrium

Organic Chemistry basics (GOC, Hydrocarbons)

Mathematics

Trigonometry

Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations

Permutations & Combinations

Month 2: Practice & Strengthening

Focus: Application and speed

Physics

Magnetism, EMI, AC

Optics, Atoms & Nuclei

Chemistry

Electrochemistry, Kinetics

Coordination Compounds

Biomolecules & Polymers

Mathematics

Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integrals)

Matrices & Determinants

Vectors & 3D Geometry

Solve topic-wise MCQs daily

Attempt 1–2 mock tests per week

Month 3: Mock Tests & Final Revision

Focus: Exam readiness

Revise complete syllabus

Attempt full-length mock tests every alternate day

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas

Focus on high-weightage topics

1 Month Study Plan

Week 1: Full Syllabus Revision

Focus: Refresh concepts and formulas

Physics

Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Electrostatics & Current Electricity

Chemistry

Chemical Bonding

Thermodynamics & Equilibrium

Organic Chemistry (GOC, Hydrocarbons)

Mathematics

Trigonometry

Complex Numbers

Permutations & Combinations

Week 2: Practice & Accuracy

Focus: Strengthen weak areas

Solve topic-wise MCQs from all subjects

Revise weak chapters daily

Practice numerical-based questions in Physics & Maths

Week 3: Mock Test Phase

Focus: Time management

Attempt 4–5 full-length mock tests

Analyze mistakes after each test

Revise formulas and concepts

Week 4: Final Revision & Strategy

Focus: Confidence building

Revise high-weightage chapters

Take alternate-day mock tests

Light study in the last 2–3 days

Avoid learning new topics

OVERVIEW

Karnataka Common Entrance Test commonly known as KCET is organized by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). It is conducted for admission to professional courses like Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharma), Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharma), Agriculture courses (Farm Science), and Veterinary courses. KCET is held for candidates who want to take a variety of courses in engineering, science and agriculture, etc. offered by various institutes in the state of Karnataka. This entrance exam is organized to allow eligible candidates admission to various undergraduate courses in Karnataka.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. KCET Application & Examination

Candidates must first register online and appear for the KCET 2026 examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

2. Result Declaration & Rank List

After the exam, KEA releases the KCET results and rank list. Rankings are prepared based on KCET scores (along with qualifying examination criteria as prescribed).

3. Document Verification

Qualified candidates must participate in document verification, either online or at designated KEA centres, to confirm eligibility, category, and reservation claims.

4. Online Counselling (Option Entry)

Candidates who complete verification can enter their preferred colleges and courses through the online counselling portal.

5. Seat Allotment

KEA conducts seat allotment in multiple rounds based on:

KCET rank

Reservation category

Candidate’s choices

Availability of seats

6. Fee Payment & Seat Confirmation

Candidates allotted a seat must pay the prescribed fee online and confirm their admission choice within the given deadline.

7. Reporting to the Allotted College

Finally, candidates must report to the allotted institute with original documents to complete the admission process.