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:
- Bachelor’s degree in the relevant stream
- Completion of all required subjects
- Valid mark sheets and degree certificates
Course-Wise Eligibility
MBA
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category I of Karnataka)
- Degree must be of minimum 3 years
- Final-year students may apply
MCA
- Bachelor's degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category I)
- BCA or BSc (CS) preferred
ME/MTech
- BE/BTech in relevant field from a recognized university
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Category I)
- GATE-qualified candidates are given preference
Minimum Percentage Criteria
- General: 50% aggregate in qualifying degree
- SC/ST/Category I (Karnataka): 45%
- 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)
- Minimum 3 years of relevant full-time work experience as of July 31, 2025
- Experience must be in a recognized organization
- 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
- Full-time experience: Counted as-is
- Part-time experience: Calculated on a pro-rata basis
- All experience must be supported by verifiable documents
Category-Based Eligibility
General Category
- 50% marks in graduation
- No relaxation in criteria
SC/ST and Category I (Karnataka)
- 45% marks in graduation
- Must produce valid caste and domicile certificates
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- 50% marks required
- Non-creamy layer certificate and income proof needed
Physically Challenged Candidates
- Relaxation in minimum marks
- Barrier-free exam access
- Must submit medical board certificate
Documentation Required
Academic Documents
- 10th and 12th marksheets
- All semester/year-wise degree mark sheets
- Degree or provisional certificate
Category Documents
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate (for OBC)
- Domicile certificate (Karnataka residents)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Work Experience Documents
- Experience letters and salary slips
- Service record or HR letter
- Employer’s location proof
Document Verification Process
Initial Stage (During Registration)
- Upload scanned copies of required documents
- Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness
Final Stage (During Counselling)
- Carry original documents for verification
- Mismatches or invalid entries can lead to disqualification
Common Errors to Avoid:
- Blurred or incomplete scans
- Mismatched personal details
- Expired certificates
Special Categories and Exemptions
GATE-Qualified Candidates
- Must fill PGCET application form
- GATE scores are considered for MTech admission
- Eligible for direct counselling and priority seats
Executive/Part-Time MBA Applicants
- Must meet experience and location criteria
- Current employment proof required
- Ideal for working professionals
International and NRI Candidates
- Degree equivalency certificate from AIU or embassy
- Valid visa, passport, and academic transcripts
Step-by-Step Eligibility Check
- Registration Stage: Upload and verify documents online
- Pre-Exam Stage: Final check before admit card issue
- Counselling Stage: Original document verification and eligibility clearance
Common Eligibility Issues
- Incomplete degree
- Unrecognized university
- GPA not converted to percentage
- Invalid or expired category certificate
- Work experience not verifiable
Resolution Tips:
- Keep backups of all documents
- Get certificates verified from issuing authorities
- Cross-check all details before submission
How to Ensure You Meet the Criteria
Before Applying
- Check course-specific requirements
- Verify your marks and academic eligibility
- Prepare all documents in advance
During Application
- Double-check all entries
- Upload clear and correct documents
- 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.