Cracking the Karnataka CET exam

Over the years entrance tests to various courses across the country have undergone a multitude of changes. The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is no exception.

Many engineering institutes have turned into universities and entrance to the medical course is only through The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). KCET is one of the most important entrance tests for those looking to pursue engineering in Karnataka.

Most of the technical institutes offering BE/BTech and affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, or autonomous or private universities in the state reserve seats for intake of students through the KCET.

The test is conducted annually by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission into engineering colleges, while also acting as a common exam for intake into BPharma and some BSc courses.

To be eligible for the test, students must have compulsorily opted for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in their 10+2. Students seeking admission to medical, dental, unani, homoeopathy or Ayurveda courses should compulsorily qualify in the UGNEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency whereas students seeking admission to Architecture course must compulsorily qualify in NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture).

Exam pattern and syllabus

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test consists of three compulsory papers — Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each paper has 60 questions for one mark each and a maximum of two papers shall be conducted on the same day. The entire exam is for a total of 180 marks and the exam is conducted over the course of two days.

Each paper has multiple choice questions with four answers. A key difference between KCET and other competitive exams is that KCET does not carry negative marking. So students need not worry about losing marks for any incorrect answer.

Each paper will be held for a duration of 80 minutes, giving more than a minute to attempt and solve each and every question.

The syllabus for the exam mostly matches with that of I and II PUC syllabus of the State Board.

However, students opting for BSc Agriculture and BPharma shall be required to write the Biology paper as well.

Preparation strategy

You can prepare for KCET by getting short notes ready, multiple revisions and finally, practicing mock papers.

Though the exam is relatively easy when compared to that of JEE, students are advised not to take KCET lightly. JEE requires a thorough understanding of concepts where as KCET may be more factual.

In 2021, since the II PU exams were cancelled, the marks scored in 10+2 or II PU Board exams were not considered for allotting ranks. The KEA generally considers marks scored in 10+2/II PU along with the KCET exams (50% weightage to PU marks and 50% to CET scores) while allotting ranks. This makes scoring in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology papers of 10+2/II PU exams equally important.

Exam strategy

Focus on scoring marks. Though you get 80 minutes to answer 60 questions, a few of them take more time. This makes planning and timing very important.

Since there is no negative marking, one should answer all the questions irrespective of whether one knows the answer to the question or not. This is where practicing mock papers truly helps.

Ultimately, the scores will depend on how one performs on the day of the exam. In spite of thorough preparation, if one is not able to remain calm and cool, they will not be able to perform their best. Along with good preparation, the right attitude is also important to ace the KCET.