KCET papers by year
Each set contains the Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology papers with answer keys. Request a year and we send the full set.
| Year | What’s included | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Physics · Chemistry · Mathematics · Biology · answer keys | Request the 2025 set KCET → |
| 2024 | Physics · Chemistry · Mathematics · Biology · answer keys | Request the 2024 set KCET → |
| 2023 | Physics · Chemistry · Mathematics · Biology · answer keys | Request the 2023 set KCET → |
| 2022 | Physics · Chemistry · Mathematics · Biology · answer keys | Request the 2022 set KCET → |
| 2021 | Physics · Chemistry · Mathematics · Biology · answer keys | Request the 2021 set KCET → |
Also in the School Corner: MHT-CET, AP & TS EAMCET and CUET past papers, with a sheet comparing each state pattern with JEE Main.
KCET exam pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Chemistry | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
| Biology | 60 | 60 | 80 minutes |
One mark per question, multiple choice, no negative marking. Conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates take Mathematics and/or Biology according to the courses they want.
Speed is the KCET skill. Sixty questions in 80 minutes is about 80 seconds a question, with no penalty for a wrong answer — so every question should be attempted. That is a different habit from JEE Main, where wrong answers cost marks.
Always confirm the current pattern and eligibility rules at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.How KCET ranks work for engineering
KCET is set on the First and Second PUC syllabus. For engineering ranks, KEA has combined the CET score with the candidate’s Second PUC marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, so PUC board marks and CET marks count together. Medical and dental seats in Karnataka are allotted on NEET scores.
This is why PU colleges that integrate board and CET preparation tend to do better than those that treat CET as a last-minute crash course.
Where KCET differs from JEE Main
| KCET | JEE Main | |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus base | First and Second PUC | NCERT Classes 11–12 |
| Marks per question | 1 | 4 |
| Negative marking | None | −1 |
| Question style | Short, speed-based MCQs | Multi-step MCQs and numerical answers |
| Time per question | About 80 seconds | About 2.4 minutes |
A PU student preparing for both should do JEE-depth problem solving during the year and switch to KCET speed drills in the final weeks.
Questions people ask
Where can I download KCET previous year question papers?
AcademicX Campus shares KCET papers for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology from 2021 to 2025 with answer keys, free for students, teachers and PU colleges. Request any year from the table on this page.
What is the KCET exam pattern?
KCET has separate papers for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Each paper has 60 multiple-choice questions of one mark each, lasts 80 minutes and has no negative marking.
Is there negative marking in KCET?
No. KCET does not deduct marks for wrong answers, so students should attempt every question.
Do PUC marks count for KCET engineering ranks?
Yes. For engineering ranks, KEA has combined the CET score with the candidate’s Second PUC marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Check the current KEA brochure for the exact rule.
Is KCET used for MBBS admission in Karnataka?
No. Medical and dental seats are allotted on NEET scores; KCET is used for engineering and several other professional courses.