Karnataka PGCET 2025: Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Candidates planning to appear for Karnataka PGCET 2025 must meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). These requirements ensure academic readiness and program-specific fit for postgraduate courses like MBA, MCA, ME, and MTech.

Understanding and fulfilling the eligibility conditions is essential for a smooth admission process.


Educational Qualifications For PGCET Karnataka 2025

General Criteria

All candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Additional course-specific requirements apply.

Basic Qualification Standards:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in the relevant stream
  2. Completion of all required subjects
  3. Valid mark sheets and degree certificates


Course-Wise Eligibility

MBA

  1. Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
  2. Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category I of Karnataka)
  3. Degree must be of minimum 3 years
  4. Final-year students may apply


MCA

  1. Bachelor's degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level
  2. Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category I)
  3. BCA or BSc (CS) preferred


ME/MTech

  1. BE/BTech in relevant field from a recognized university
  2. Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category I)
  3. GATE-qualified candidates are given preference


Minimum Percentage Criteria

  1. General: 50% aggregate in qualifying degree
  2. SC/ST/Category I (Karnataka): 45%
  3. GPA to percentage conversion must follow university rules


Age Criteria

There is no upper age limit to apply for Karnataka PGCET 2025. The exam is open to candidates from all age groups, including working professionals.


Work Experience Requirements

For MBA (Part-Time/Evening/Executive)

  1. Minimum 3 years of relevant full-time work experience as of July 31, 2025
  2. Experience must be in a recognized organization
  3. Documents like experience letters, service records, salary slips required

Note: The candidate’s current employer should be located within 40 km of the selected MBA college, applicable only for specific categories.


Experience Evaluation

  1. Full-time experience: Counted as-is
  2. Part-time experience: Calculated on a pro-rata basis
  3. All experience must be supported by verifiable documents


Category-Based Eligibility

General Category

  1. 50% marks in graduation
  2. No relaxation in criteria


SC/ST and Category I (Karnataka)

  1. 45% marks in graduation
  2. Must produce valid caste and domicile certificates


OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)

  1. 50% marks required
  2. Non-creamy layer certificate and income proof needed


Physically Challenged Candidates

  1. Relaxation in minimum marks
  2. Barrier-free exam access
  3. Must submit medical board certificate


Documentation Required

Academic Documents

  1. 10th and 12th marksheets
  2. All semester/year-wise degree mark sheets
  3. Degree or provisional certificate


Category Documents

  1. Caste certificate
  2. Income certificate (for OBC)
  3. Domicile certificate (Karnataka residents)
  4. Disability certificate (if applicable)


Work Experience Documents

  1. Experience letters and salary slips
  2. Service record or HR letter
  3. Employer’s location proof


Document Verification Process

Initial Stage (During Registration)

  1. Upload scanned copies of required documents
  2. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness


Final Stage (During Counselling)

  1. Carry original documents for verification
  2. Mismatches or invalid entries can lead to disqualification


Common Errors to Avoid:

  1. Blurred or incomplete scans
  2. Mismatched personal details
  3. Expired certificates


Special Categories and Exemptions

GATE-Qualified Candidates

  1. Must fill PGCET application form
  2. GATE scores are considered for MTech admission
  3. Eligible for direct counselling and priority seats


Executive/Part-Time MBA Applicants

  1. Must meet experience and location criteria
  2. Current employment proof required
  3. Ideal for working professionals


International and NRI Candidates

  1. Degree equivalency certificate from AIU or embassy
  2. Valid visa, passport, and academic transcripts


Step-by-Step Eligibility Check

  1. Registration Stage: Upload and verify documents online
  2. Pre-Exam Stage: Final check before admit card issue
  3. Counselling Stage: Original document verification and eligibility clearance


Common Eligibility Issues

  1. Incomplete degree
  2. Unrecognized university
  3. GPA not converted to percentage
  4. Invalid or expired category certificate
  5. Work experience not verifiable


Resolution Tips:

  1. Keep backups of all documents
  2. Get certificates verified from issuing authorities
  3. Cross-check all details before submission


How to Ensure You Meet the Criteria

Before Applying

  1. Check course-specific requirements
  2. Verify your marks and academic eligibility
  3. Prepare all documents in advance


During Application

  1. Double-check all entries
  2. Upload clear and correct documents
  3. Review details before final submission

Meeting the eligibility criteria is the foundation for success in Karnataka PGCET 2025. Review all requirements carefully and be thorough with your documentation to avoid any last-minute hurdles.