The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the KSET 2026 notification on 10 August 2026. KSET stands for Karnataka State Eligibility Test, and it is held to select candidates for Assistant Professor posts in Karnataka. Candidates who pass this exam become eligible to apply for teaching jobs in universities and first-grade colleges across Karnataka. The exam will be held in offline mode (OMR based). Online applications started on 10 August 2026. This article gives you all details about KSET 2026, including dates, eligibility, fees, exam pattern, syllabus, and how to apply online.
KSET Notification 2026 Out
KEA has issued the official notification for KSET 2026 under notification number ED/KEA/01/KSET-26/2026-27. Candidates who qualify for KSET become eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor in any Government, Aided or Private University, First Grade College, or Higher Education Institution in Karnataka. The exam will be conducted for 37 subjects across 11 exam centres, and candidates must apply only through the official KEA website before the last date.
KSET Notification 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Exam Name | Karnataka State Assistant Professors Eligibility Test (KSET) 2026 |
| Notification Number | ED/KEA/01/KSET-26/2026-27 |
| Notification Date | 10.08.2026 |
| Exam Date | 11.10.2026 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR based) |
| Total Subjects | 37 |
| Total Exam Centres | 11 |
| Apply Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
| Notification | Download PDF |
KSET Important Dates 2026
| Event | Tentative / Announced Date |
| Official Notification Release | 10 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | August 10, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | September 5, 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | September 6, 2026 |
| Admit Card Download Date | October 1, 2026 |
| KSET 2026 Exam Date | October 11, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | November / December 2026 |
KSET Exam Date 2026 Out
KSET will have two papers on the same day, held in a single session with no break. Both papers are objective type with multiple choice questions. Candidates must attempt both papers using OMR sheets.
| Scheduled Date | Shift / Session | Exam Timing | Duration |
| October 11, 2026 | Morning Entry | 8:30 AM onwards | — |
| October 11, 2026 | Single Shift | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3 Hours (180 Mins) |
KSET Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent examination from a university or higher educational institution recognized by the UGC. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria as notified officially:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent from a UGC recognised university |
| General Category Marks | 55% marks (no rounding off) |
| Reserved Category Marks (SC/ST/OBC/Category-1/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB/PwD/Transgender) | 50% marks (no rounding off) |
| Final Year PG Candidates | Eligible to apply provisionally |
| Time Limit to Submit Final Marks Card | Within 2 years from KSET result declaration |
| Ph.D. Holders (Master’s completed by 19.09.1991) | 5% marks relaxation (50% instead of 55%) |
| PwD Minimum Disability Required | Not less than 40% |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
KSET Selection Process
The KSET result will be declared following UGC-NET guidelines, and candidates must clear minimum qualifying marks before being considered for the merit list. The selection process is completed in three stages, as given below.
Stage 1:
The total number of candidates who become eligible for Assistant Professor equals 6% of the total candidates who appeared in both Paper I and Paper II.
Stage 2:
- The 6% slots are distributed subject-wise and category-wise, based on the marks scored by candidates who appeared in both papers.
- General category candidates must score at least 40% in the combined total of both papers to be considered for this merit list.
- Reserved category candidates must score at least 35% in the combined total of both papers to be considered for this merit list.
Stage 3:
- As per UGC-SET rules, only 6% of candidates who appeared in both papers are declared eligible.
- The eligible list is prepared subject-wise and category-wise, following the reservation policy of the Karnataka Government.
- For General category, eligibility is calculated from candidates scoring 40% or above in that subject.
- For reserved categories, eligibility is calculated from candidates scoring 35% or above in that subject.
- The final result is declared by KEA on its official website, and its decision on the merit list is final.
KSET 2026 Apply Online Link
Candidates can apply for KSET 2026 only through the official KEA website. The application link is given below, which will take you directly to the official website application link. Applications sent through any other method, like post or email, will not be accepted. The last date to apply online is 5 September 2026.
How to Apply for KSET 2026?
Follow these simple steps to complete your KSET 2026 application.
- Visit the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
- Click on the KSET 2026 online application link
- Register with your basic details and create a login
- Fill in personal, educational, and subject details
- Upload your photograph and signature in JPEG format
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Application Fee
The KSET application fee depends on the candidate’s category. Fee payment is accepted only through online mode. No offline payment method like demand draft or money order is allowed.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, Category II-A, II-B, III-A, III-B, and other state candidates | Rs. 750/- |
| Category-I, SC-A, SC-B, SC-C, ST, PwD, and transgender candidates | Rs. 500/- |
KSET Exam Pattern 2026
KSET Paper I tests general teaching and research aptitude, along with reasoning and general knowledge. Paper II is based on the subject chosen by the candidate at the time of application. Both papers carry 2 marks for each correct answer, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.
Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | General Paper (Teaching and Research Aptitude) |
| Number of Questions | 50 (Compulsory) |
| Marks per Question | 2 marks |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Negative Marking | No |
Paper II Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Subject Paper (Based on chosen subject) |
| Number of Questions | 100 (Compulsory) |
| Marks per Question | 2 marks |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Negative Marking | No |
KSET Qualifying Marks
Candidates need to score a KSET minimum qualifying mark in both papers combined to be considered for the KSET merit list. The qualifying percentage is different for general and reserved category candidates.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General (GM) | 40% marks combined in both papers |
| SC-A/SC-B/SC-C/ST/CAT-1/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB/PwD/Transgender | 35% marks combined in both papers |
KSET Exam Centre 2026
KSET 2026 will be held at 11 centres across Karnataka. Subjects are divided into Part A and Part B. Part A subjects (18 subjects) can be taken at any of the 11 centres, while Part B subjects (19 subjects) are held only in Bengaluru.
- Bengaluru
- Belagavi
- Ballari
- Vijayapura
- Davanagere
- Dharwad
- Kalaburagi
- Mysuru
- Shivamogga
- Tumakuru
- Mangaluru
KSET Helpline
Candidates facing any issues during registration or the exam process can contact KEA through the helpline number or email. This helpline can be used for any queries related to KSET 2026.
- Phone: 080-23460460
- Email: kset2026kea@gmail.com
