Karnataka admissions are run by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). KCET is the main test for engineering and several other courses, and rank is based on both the entrance score and Class 12 marks. The Kalyana Karnataka region has special reservation under Article 371(J).
What each exam is for, who can take it, how it works and how you get selected.
Class 12 (PUC II) with the subjects required for the course; Kannada-language and study-in-Karnataka conditions apply to some quotas.
A written test in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, with separate papers for each subject, conducted by KEA.
KEA combines KCET marks with Class 12 marks as per its rules to prepare the rank list.
Do not neglect Class 12 marks because they affect your rank.
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
A national multiple-choice exam.
KEA holds state-quota counselling for MBBS, BDS and AYUSH seats.
Keep your study certificates ready.
Class 12 with PCM.
A computer-based test for private engineering colleges in the COMEDK consortium.
A separate route that is not run by the state.
Apply to both KCET and COMEDK for wider options.
Karnataka-domicile and study-in-Karnataka rules apply to state-quota seats; Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371-J) candidates have regional reservation.
| Category | Share | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SC, ST | Set by Karnataka law | The shares were revised by state law; confirm the current figures in the KEA brochure. |
| Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Varies by category | Separate groups for backward classes. |
| Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371-J) | Regional reservation | Applies to candidates from the region. |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% | Income and asset conditions apply. |
Karnataka reserves seats by category groups (Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B), SC and ST, plus EWS; SC/ST shares were revised by state law, so check the KEA brochure for the current figures.
Authority: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA); DTE Karnataka for diploma. KEA runs registration, document verification, choice entry and seat allotment through its online portal.
Check the dates: the state authority publishes a schedule for registration, document verification, choice filling and each round.
Register on the official counselling portal with your exam roll number, mobile number and email, and pay the registration fee if asked.
Upload or present documents: mark sheets, entrance score card, domicile, category and income certificates, photo ID and passport photographs.
Fill your college and course choices in order of preference. Add more choices than you think you need; the system allots the first available choice on your list.
Check the provisional allotment result when it is published, then accept it by paying the seat acceptance fee or reporting to the college as instructed.
Choose whether to freeze the seat or float for a better option in the next round, if the state allows it.
Report to the allotted college with original documents, pay the fees and complete admission before the last date, because a missed deadline can cancel your seat.
Medical route: NEET-UG score, then KEA counselling for state-quota MBBS/BDS/AYUSH seats.
The Department of Technical Education (DTE), Karnataka runs diploma admission, mainly on Class 10 merit, and lateral entry into the second year of engineering is possible through the diploma entrance (DCET). Check the DTE Karnataka site for courses, colleges and dates.
Diploma admissions: Class 10 merit; lateral entry via DCET. Department of Technical Education (DTE) Karnataka. Official site
These schemes help students from villages, small towns and lower-income families. Names and amounts change, so verify on the official portal.
Food and accommodation assistance for eligible backward-class students, via the State Scholarship Portal.
Regional reservation in education for candidates from the region.
To apply for a state scholarship: confirm eligibility on the portal, keep your income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar-linked bank account, previous marks and proof of admission ready, register on the scholarship portal, fill the form during the open window and submit it through your college so that it can be verified. Windows usually open after admissions and close within a few weeks, so check the dates early.
*Exam names, bodies, quota percentages and portals change between admission cycles. Always confirm on the official state portal and in the current information brochure.