KSET 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online by September 5, Exam on October 11
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the official notification for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2026. This state-level eligibility test determines candidates’ suitability for Assistant Professor positions in universities, first-grade colleges, and higher education institutions across Karnataka. Complete information of KSET regarding Important Dates, Eligibility, Application Fee are as follows.
Online applications opened on August 10, 2026. Eligible postgraduate candidates can apply until September 5, 2026, with the last date for fee payment on September 6, 2026. The examination is scheduled for October 11, 2026 (Sunday), from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
KSET is not a direct recruitment drive. Qualifying candidates become eligible to apply for Assistant Professor vacancies advertised separately by individual institutions.
Table of Contents
- KSET 2026 Overview
- KSET 2026 Important Dates
- Eligibility Criteria for KSET 2026
- KSET 2026 Application Fee
- KSET 2026 Exam Pattern
- Subjects and Exam Centres
- How to Apply for KSET 2026
- Hall Ticket and Important Instructions
- What Qualifying KSET Means
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
KSET 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Karnataka State Eligibility Test 2026 (KSET 2026) |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Assistant Professor |
| Notification Date | August 10, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | August 10, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 5, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | September 6, 2026 |
| Hall Ticket Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Exam Date | October 11, 2026 |
| Exam Time | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Number of Subjects | 37 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit |
KSET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August 10, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | August 10, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 5, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | September 6, 2026 |
| Hall Ticket Release | October 1, 2026 |
| KSET Exam Date | October 11, 2026 |
| Exam Timing | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
Eligibility Criteria for KSET 2026
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification from a UGC-recognised university or institution.
- General category: Minimum 55% marks in Master’s degree (without rounding off).
- Reserved categories (SC, ST, Category-I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, PwD, Transgender): Minimum 50% marks (without rounding off).
Final-year postgraduate students or those awaiting results may apply provisionally. They must obtain the required qualification and percentage within the period prescribed by KEA rules.
No upper age limit applies for appearing in KSET 2026.
KSET 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, Category-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB & Other States | ₹750 |
| Category-I, SC, ST, PwD & Transgender | ₹500 |
The fee is non-refundable. Pay only through the official KEA portal.
KSET 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam is offline (OMR-based) and consists of two papers conducted in a single three-hour session.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | Common – Teaching & Research Aptitude |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | Subject-specific |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
Each question carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking. Paper I tests reasoning, comprehension, general awareness, and academic aptitude. Paper II is based on the subject chosen by the candidate (aligned with the postgraduate subject). The syllabus broadly follows the UGC-NET pattern.
Minimum qualifying marks (aggregate of both papers):
- General: 40%
- Reserved categories: 35%
Note that final eligibility is determined by a 6% rule (approximately 6% of candidates appearing in both papers are declared eligible, subject-wise and category-wise). Scoring only the minimum may not be sufficient.
Subjects and Exam Centres
KEA will conduct KSET 2026 in 37 subjects, including Commerce, Kannada, Economics, English, Political Science, History, Sociology, Geography, Hindi, Management, Education, Psychology, Law, Social Work, Computer Science & Applications, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sciences, among others.
Candidates should normally choose the subject matching their postgraduate degree. Check the official notification for subject equivalence rules.
Exam centres include Bengaluru, Belagavi, Ballari, Vijayapura, Davangere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, and Mangaluru. Some subjects may be limited to Bengaluru—verify centre availability during application.
How to Apply for KSET 2026
- Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea or the direct application portal.
- Complete new candidate registration.
- Fill in personal, contact, and academic details carefully.
- Select the correct KSET subject and preferred exam centre.
- Upload the prescribed photograph and documents.
- Review all information thoroughly.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation for future reference.
Official links (available on the KEA portal):
- Notification PDF
- Online Application Portal
Double-check name, category, postgraduate subject, marks, and chosen paper before final submission, as corrections may not be allowed later.
Hall Ticket and Important Instructions
Hall tickets will be available for download from October 1, 2026. Verify all details (name, roll number, subject, centre, timing) immediately after downloading. Report any discrepancies through the prescribed channel.
Prohibited items inside the exam hall include mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, calculators, and other electronic gadgets (unless specifically permitted). Carry a valid photo ID along with the hall ticket. Keep copies of the application form, fee receipt, and relevant certificates until the process concludes.
What Qualifying KSET Means
Clearing KSET makes you eligible to apply for Assistant Professor posts where KSET qualification is accepted. Actual appointment depends on vacancies notified by universities or colleges, along with fulfilment of educational qualifications, reservation norms, and document verification at that stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the KSET 2026 notification released?
August 10, 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
September 5, 2026 (fee payment until September 6).
When is the KSET 2026 exam?
October 11, 2026 (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM).
Is there an age limit?
No upper age limit.
How many subjects are offered?
37 subjects.
Can final-year PG students apply?
Yes, provisionally, subject to meeting the required percentage later.
Action for aspirants: Confirm your eligibility and subject mapping immediately. Complete the application well before the deadline, then focus on preparation—especially Paper II, which carries two-thirds of the total marks.
Stay updated only through the official KEA website. For the latest official notification and application link, visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes based on the official KSET 2026 notification. Always refer to the official KEA website and notification PDF for authoritative details.