Are you planning to pursue your post-graduation in Karnataka this year? The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the information bulletin for PGCET 2025, and we’re here to break it down for you in simple terms. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test for MBA, MCA, and M.E./M.Tech programs in Karnataka for the academic year 2025-26.
Important Dates You Shouldn’t Miss
Mark your calendars! Here’s the timeline for PGCET 2025:
Information Bulletin Publication: April 25, 2025
Online Registration Period: April 25 to May 10, 2025 (until 11:59 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment: May 12, 2025 (until 6:00 PM)
Admission Ticket Download: Will be announced on the KEA website
Special Category Certificate Submission (Ex-defense): Will be notified late
Remember, this schedule may change, so keep checking the KEA website (http://kea.kar.nic.in) for updates!
How to Register for PGCET 2025
Registration is a breeze if you follow these simple steps:
Visit the KEA website and find the PGCET 2025 registration link
Select “New User” and login using your DigiLocker account
Complete your registration details
Receive your USER ID/Application number on your registered mobile number
Login with your USER ID and password to continue with the application
Completing Your Application: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once registered, here’s how to complete your application:
Login using your USER ID and password
Fill in all required details in the online application
Verify all information carefully before proceeding
Accept the declaration after confirming all details are correct
Pay the application fee (Rs. 700/- per course)
Take a final printout of your completed application
Good news for SC, ST, and Category-1 candidates from Karnataka: You can get a fee exemption! Just make sure you enter the correct RD number of your income certificate in the online application.
Online Verification System – No Physical Documents Needed!
Here’s something convenient: PGCET 2025 uses an application-cum-verification module. This means:
No physical verification of documents required
School study details verified through SATS
Caste, income, and Kalyana Karnataka status verified online
All verification happens through web services
Karnataka candidates need to be extra careful when entering:
RD numbers for caste/income certificates
SSLC register numbers
Personal details
The system will automatically fetch and verify your information, making the process smooth and paperless!
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?
Before applying, make sure you meet these requirements:
You must have the requisite qualification as per PG rules/University norms
For government seats, you need to satisfy at least one eligibility clause (details in the bulletin)
General category: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in qualifying degree
SC/ST/Category-I: Minimum 45% aggregate marks in qualifying degree
Only Karnataka origin candidates can claim reservation benefits
During the Entrance Test: What to Expect
On exam day, keep these points in mind:
Use BLUE or BLACK INK BALL POINT PEN ONLY to mark answers on OMR sheet
Read all instructions on the OMR answer sheet carefully
After the test, you’ll get to take home a replica of your filled OMR sheet (keep it safe for a year!)
There’s NO NEGATIVE MARKING, but multiple answers for one question won’t be awarded marks
After the Exam: Next Steps
Once you’ve taken the test:
Answer key will be published on the KEA website
You can file objections within the prescribed date if needed
Merit lists will be prepared separately for MBA, MCA, and M.E./M.Tech/M.Arch programs
Rankings are based ONLY on entrance test marks, not on qualifying examination marks
All candidates must provide study certificates and category certificates (if applicable)
Special Note About M.Architecture Admissions
Interested in M.Architecture? Please note that KEA will NOT conduct PGCET-2025 for M.Architecture courses. Instead, candidates should qualify in PGETA-2025 conducted by the Council of Architecture. However, you must still register for PGCET-2025, fill the application, and pay the fees to be eligible for KEA counseling.1
Important Reminders
False information can lead to seat cancellation and criminal proceedings
Keep checking the KEA website for updates
Read the refund and forfeiture conditions carefully
If you want to surrender your seat, it must be done through KEA only
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now well-equipped to navigate the PGCET 2025 process for Karnataka admissions. The online system makes the process much more convenient than in previous years, but remember to be extra careful when entering your details!
Syllabus for PGCET 2025
PGCET-2025 new syllabus for MBA, MCA and M.E. / M.Tech. Courses are hosted on the KEA
Website http://kea.kar.nic.in for the information of the candidates.
The PGCET 2025 covers different subjects based on the course you’re applying for:
MBA: General knowledge, reasoning, quantitative analysis, English, and business-related topics.
MCA: Mathematics, logical reasoning, computer awareness, and general aptitude.
M.E. / M.Tech: Relevant engineering subjects based on your specialization.
M.Arch: (Note: KEA does NOT conduct the test for M.Arch; see the official bulletin for details.)
Tip: Review previous years’ question papers and focus on your course-specific subjects.
Exam Duration, Question Paper, and OMR Answer Sheets
Here’s how the exam works:
Duration: Each paper lasts 2 hours (120 minutes).
Question Paper:
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Each question has four options; only one is correct.
OMR Answer Sheet:
Use only a blue or black ballpoint pen to mark answers.
Carefully read all instructions before starting.
After the test, you’ll get a replica of your filled OMR sheet-keep it for one year.
Marking Scheme:
No negative marking for wrong answers.
If you mark more than one answer for a question, you won’t get any marks for that question.
Table: PGCET 2025 Written Test Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking | No negative marking |
| Answer Sheet | OMR (Blue/Black ballpoint pen only) |
| Take-home Copy | Replica of filled OMR sheet provided |
Determination of Merit and Publication of Merit Lists
How is your rank decided?
Merit List: Prepared separately for MBA, MCA, and M.E./M.Tech courses.
Basis: Only your PGCET marks count for ranking (qualifying degree marks are just for eligibility).
Eligibility for Counseling: You must have the minimum marks in your qualifying exam:
General: 50% aggregate
SC/ST/Category-I: 45% aggregate (Karnataka origin only)
Objections: After the test, KEA publishes the answer key. You can submit objections (with proof) within the deadline.
Certificates: At counseling, bring your study certificate and, if applicable, caste/income certificate (in the correct format and in your name).
Key Points to Remember
Read the OMR instructions carefully.
Don’t mark multiple answers for a single question.
Keep your OMR replica safe for a year.
Only Karnataka-origin candidates can claim reservation benefits.
All admissions are subject to document verification and eligibility.
What Documents Do You Need for PGCET 2025 Seat Selection?
When you attend the seat selection process, make sure you have these documents ready. Missing any of them could affect your admission!
Mandatory Documents for All Candidates
PGCET 2025 Admission Ticket / Hall Ticket
Printout of your PGCET 2025 application form
Original SSLC / 10th standard marks card
Original PUC / 12th standard marks card
All years/semesters degree marks cards (for qualifying exam)
Degree certificate / Provisional degree certificate
Study certificate (from the head of the institution, showing years and standards studied)
Passport size photographs (recent, as specified by KEA)
Additional Documents for Reserved Category Candidates
Caste Certificate (Form D for SC/ST, Form E for Category-I, Form F for 2A/2B/3A/3B)
Must be issued by a Tahsildar and in the candidate’s name.
Income Certificate (for those claiming fee exemption/reservation)
Caste-Income Certificate (if applicable)
Kalyana Karnataka (371J) Certificate (if claiming this reservation)
Domicile Certificate (if required for eligibility)
Other Important Documents
Transfer Certificate (TC)
Migration Certificate (for candidates from outside Karnataka)
Work Experience Certificate (if required for part-time courses or specific programs)
Table: PGCET 2025 Documents Checklist
| Document Type | Who Needs It? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PGCET 2025 Hall Ticket | All candidates | Download from KEA website |
| Application Printout | All candidates | Final printout after online submission |
| SSLC/10th Marks Card | All candidates | Original required |
| PUC/12th Marks Card | All candidates | Original required |
| Degree Marks Cards (all years) | All candidates | Originals required |
| Degree/Provisional Certificate | All candidates | Originals required |
| Study Certificate | All candidates | From institution head, as per KEA format |
| Passport Photos | All candidates | Recent, as per KEA guidelines |
| Caste/Income/Caste-Income Certificate | Reserved category only | In candidate’s name, correct form (D/E/F) |
| Kalyana Karnataka Certificate (371J) | If claiming 371J quota | Issued by competent authority |
| Domicile Certificate | If required | For eligibility/reservation |
| Transfer/Migration Certificate | If applicable | For students from outside Karnataka |
| Work Experience Certificate | If applicable | For part-time/specific courses |
Friendly Reminders
All certificates must be in the candidate’s name. For married women, the certificate should also mention the husband’s name if required.
Bring originals and a few photocopies of each document.
Incorrect or fake documents = seat cancellation and legal action.
Reservation benefits are only for Karnataka-origin candidates with valid certificates.
Study certificate must specify standards and academic years as per the institution’s admission register.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Seat Selection
Double-check your documents using the checklist above.
Keep everything organized in a folder for easy access.
Arrive early at the counseling center to avoid last-minute stress.
If you’re claiming any reservation, make sure your certificates are up-to-date and in the correct format.
If you want to surrender your seat, do it through KEA-not just by skipping college reporting.
NOTE: Refer below PDF for more information
