KARNATAKA PGCET 2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission into various postgraduate programs including MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch.

Eligibility criteria ensure that candidates possess the necessary academic qualifications and experience to pursue their chosen course successfully.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria in Detail

Eligibility for Full-Time MBA

• Educational Qualification: A minimum of a three-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Minimum Marks:
• General (Unreserved) category candidates must score at least 50% aggregate in all years of the qualifying degree.
• Reserved categories (SC, ST, Category-I of Karnataka) have a relaxation and must score at least 45% aggregate.

Eligibility for Part-Time MBA

• Educational Qualification: Same as full-time MBA—a minimum three-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum Marks: Same as full-time MBA (50% general, 45% reserved).
• Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience as of July 31, 2026. The employer must be situated within 40 km of the institution where admission is sought.

Eligibility for MCA (Full-Time)

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics /Statistics/ Computer Science/Computer Applications or equivalent at 10+2 or graduation level.
• Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate for general category and 45% for reserved categories.

Eligibility for MCA (Lateral Entry)

• Educational Qualification: BCA/B.Sc. (Computer Science/IT) with Mathematics at graduation level.
• Minimum Marks: Same as MCA full-time.

Eligibility for M.Tech / M.E. / M.Arch (Full-Time)

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in the relevant engineering /architecture discipline or equivalent.
• Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate for general category, 45% for reserved categories.
• Additional: Candidates with valid GATE scores get preference in admission.

Eligibility for M.Tech / M.E. / M.Arch (Part-Time)

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of work experience in the related field.
• Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate for all candidates.

Karnataka PGCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification required to appear for Karnataka PGCET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must have a three-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university for MBA and M.Tech/M.E. For MCA, a bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level is required.

Q2. What is the minimum percentage required in the qualifying degree?
Ans. General category candidates need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, whereas reserved category candidates (SC/ST/Catagory I) require at least 45%.

Q3. Is work experience mandatory for Karnataka PGCET part-time MBA?

Ans. Yes, candidates applying for part-time MBA must have at least 3 years of work experience in a relevant field as of July 31, 2026. The employer should be located within 40 km of the college where admission is sought.

Q4. Are there any age limits for PGCET 2026 exam?

Ans. No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing in the PGCET 2026 examination.

Q5. Can GATE qualified candidates apply for M.Tech through PGCET?

Ans. Yes, GATE qualified candidates are eligible and generally given preference during admission for M.Tech/M.E programs. They may be exempted from the PGCET exam

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