• Updated on 25 Mar, 2026 by Ankita Banerjee
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KCET 2026 will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The exam is going to take place over multiple sessions on April 23 and 24, 2026. The Kannada language test exam will be conducted on April 22, 2026. The KCET 2026 Exam is available in either English or Kannada. Each subject paper is conducted separately for 80 minutes, with the paper consisting of objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam will have a total of 180 questions, with 60 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. As per the marking scheme, candidates will receive 1 mark for each correct answer, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses.
KCET Exam Pattern 2026
Applicants appearing for the KCET 2026 exam must review the exam pattern for KCET 2026 to ensure effective preparation. The exam will be conducted in an offline, centre-based mode. According to the KCET exam pattern 2026, questions will be asked from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The Kannada language exam is not compulsory for all candidates. Applicants are advised to review the exam pattern to understand the exam structure thoroughly. For more details, candidates can refer to the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-paper based examination) |
| Language Medium | English or Kannada |
| Exam Duration | 1 hour 20 minutes for each session |
| Types of Questions | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Total Number of Questions (Including All the Sections) | 180 Questions |
| Number of Questions | Mathematics/Biology - 60 Questions Physics - 60 Questions Chemistry - 60 Questions |
| KCET Marking Scheme | 1 mark will be allotted for each correct answer. |
| KCET Negative Marking | There is no negative marking for the incorrect answer. |
Check More: KCET Question Paper
KCET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for KCET 2026 awards candidates +1 mark for each correct answer. There will be no negative marking for incorrect responses. Below is an overview of the KCET 2026 marking scheme.
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Incorrect Answer | No negative marking |
| Unanswered Question | No marks deducted |
KCET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Question & Marks Distribution
Candidates can refer to the KCET 2026 subject-wise question and marks distribution below, which allocates 60 marks each for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, making a total of 180 marks.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
| Physics | 60 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics or Biology | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 180 | 180 |
KCET Kannada Language Test
Candidates claiming eligibility under the Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga clauses, whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava, should appear for a Kannada language test on April 22, 2026, to demonstrate their proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Kannada. The test will be conducted at centres in Bidar, Belagavi, Ballari, Vijayapura, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru.
KCET Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise
The syllabus for KCET 2026 is based on the first and second-year Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka State. Below is the breakdown of the subjects and important topics involved in the KCET 2026 Syllabus:
KCET 2026 Syllabus for Physics
The Physics syllabus for KCET 2026 is divided into two parts: PUC I and PUC II, covering both foundational and advanced topics. While PUC I focuses on basic concepts like motion, energy, and thermodynamics, PUC II moves towards electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Candidates should prepare both sections thoroughly, as questions are evenly distributed across the syllabus.
| Level | Syllabus Topics |
| PUC I | Units and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics, Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves |
| PUC II | Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices |
KCET 2026 Syllabus for Chemistry
The Chemistry syllabus for KCET 2026 is divided into PUC I and PUC II levels, covering physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. PUC I focuses on fundamental concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, and basic organic chemistry, while PUC II includes advanced topics like electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, coordination compounds, and biomolecules. A balanced preparation of theory and numerical-based topics is essential for scoring well.
| Level | Syllabus Topics |
| PUC I | Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques, Hydrocarbons |
| PUC II | Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, d and f Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols and Ether, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules |
KCET 2026 Syllabus for Mathematics
The Mathematics syllabus for KCET 2026 covers topics from algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, and statistics. PUC I builds a strong foundation with concepts like sets, functions, and basic calculus, while PUC II focuses on advanced topics such as matrices, integrals, vectors, and probability. Candidates should practice problem-solving extensively, as Mathematics is often considered the most time-consuming section in KCET.
| Level | Syllabus Topics |
| PUC I | Sets and Functions (Sets, Relations & Functions, Trigonometric Functions), Algebra (Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequalities, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequence and Series), Coordinate Geometry (Straight Lines, Conic Sections, Introduction to Three-dimensional Geometry), Calculus (Limits and Derivatives), Statistics and Probability (Statistics, Probability) |
| PUC II | Relations and Functions (Relations and Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions), Algebra (Matrices, Determinants), Calculus (Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Integrals, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations), Vectors and Three-dimensional Geometry (Vectors, Three-dimensional Geometry), Linear Programming, Probability |
KCET 2026 Syllabus for Biology
The Biology syllabus for KCET 2026 is divided into PUC I and PUC II, covering essential topics from botany and zoology. PUC I focuses on foundational concepts such as plant and human physiology, cell structure, and diversity of living organisms. PUC II includes advanced topics like genetics, biotechnology, ecology, and reproduction. Candidates should focus on conceptual clarity and NCERT-based preparation, as many questions are directly derived from these topics.
| Level | Syllabus Topics |
| PUC I | Diversity in the Living World, Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals, Cell Structure and Functions, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology |
| PUC II | Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology in Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, Ecology and Environment |
Read: KCET 2026 Books
KCET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the KCET 2026 Exam Mode?
The KCET 2026 will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
When will the KCET 2026 exam take place?
The KCET 2026 exam is going to be conducted on April 23 and 24, 2026. The Kannada language test will be conducted on April 22, 2026.
What is the duration of the KCET 2026 exam?
Each session of the KCET 2026 exam will last for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
How many questions will be there in the KCET 2026 exam?
The KCET 2026 exam will consist of a total of 180 questions, with 60 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology.
What type of questions will be asked in the KCET 2026 exam?
The KCET 2026 exam will feature Objective (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs).
What is the marking scheme for KCET 2026?
According to the KCET 2026 marking scheme, candidates will receive 1 mark for each correct answer, and there will be no negative marking for incorrect responses.
Is the Kannada Language Test compulsory for all candidates?
No, the Kannada Language Test is not compulsory for all candidates. Only those who claim eligibility under the Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga clauses, and whose mother tongue is Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava, need to appear for this test.
Can candidates take the KCET 2026 exam in any language?
Yes, candidates can choose to take the KCET 2026 exam in either English or Kannada.
What are the centers for the Kannada Language Test?
The Kannada Language Test will be conducted at centers located in Bidar, Belagavi, Ballari, Vijayapura, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru.
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