The Karnataka Examinations Authority has officially released the notification for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test 2025. Aspiring candidates looking to secure an Assistant Professor position in universities and colleges across Karnataka, fill the Application form by 18th September 2025. The KSET 2025 examination is provisionally scheduled for Sunday, the 2nd of November, 2025. The details regarding the KSET 2025 Notification, along with the Apply Link, Exam date, and Syllabus, have been provided below.
Karnataka SET 2025 Notification
The Government of Karnataka has delegated the responsibility of conducting the Karnataka State Eligibility Test to the Karnataka Examinations Authority. The KSET 2025 serves as the mandatory qualification for recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in various institutions across the state, including Government, Aided, and Private colleges and universities. The entire application process is online, and no other mode of application will be accepted.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Exam Name | Karnataka State Eligibility Test 2025 (KSET 2025) |
| Purpose | To determine eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges in Karnataka (Government, Aided, Private) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Apply Link | Click Here |
| Number of Subjects | 33 Subjects (As listed in the official notification) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper-based OMR Sheet) |
| Exam Date | 2nd November 2025 (Sunday) |
| Exam Timing | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Single Session) |
KSET 2025 Important Dates
Candidates must carefully note all the critical deadlines to ensure a smooth application process. Missing any date could lead to disqualification.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Online Application | 28th August 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 18th September 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 19th September 2025 |
| Release of Admit Card | 24th October 2025 |
| Date of KSET 2025 Examination | 2nd November 2025 (Sunday) |
KSET 2025 Exam Date
The KSET 2025 examination is officially scheduled to be held on Sunday, the 2nd of November, 2025. The test will be conducted in a single, continuous session without any breaks, running from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Candidates are required to attempt both Paper-I and Paper-II within this designated three-hour window and are expressly not permitted to leave the examination center before the session concludes at 1:00 PM.
Karnataka SET 2025 Application Process
The application process for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test 2025 is a completely online endeavor managed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. Prospective candidates must navigate to the official KEA website to begin their registration. The Karnataka SET 2025 Application Process has been opened on August 28, 2025, and will be active till September 18, 2025. It is absolutely important to note that the payment of the application fee must be completed by the following day, September 19, 2025, as no extensions are anticipated.
Steps to apply for the KSET 2025 Application Form
- Visit the official KEA website: https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/
- Navigate to the KSET 2025 application link.
- Complete the online registration by providing necessary basic details.
- Carefully fill out the detailed application form with personal, academic, and category details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any required category certificates as per the specified format and size.
- Proceed to pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
- Review all entered information thoroughly before finally submitting the form.
- It is recommended to download and print a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
Karnataka SET 2025 Application Fee
The examination fee varies based on the candidate’s category. The payment must be made online through the payment gateway provided on the KEA portal.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, Cat-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB & Other State Candidates | ₹ 1,000 |
| Cat-I, SC, ST, PwD & Transgender Candidates | ₹ 700 |
KSET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility conditions set by the authorities.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination from a UGC-recognized university. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwD, Transgender, and OBC categories, the minimum requirement is 50% marks.
- Appearing Candidates: Students who are currently in their final year of Master’s degree or are awaiting their results can also apply. Such candidates will be admitted provisionally. However, they must pass their Master’s degree with the required percentage within two years from the date of the KSET result to claim eligibility.
- Subject Relevance: Candidates must choose the KSET subject that aligns precisely with their post-graduation subject. If a subject is not available in the KSET list, candidates are advised to appear for the UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET.
- PhD Relaxation: Ph.D. degree holders who completed their Master’s level examination by 19th September 1991 are eligible for a 5% marks relaxation.
- Category Certificate: Reserved category candidates must enter a valid RD number from their valid category certificate issued by the competent Karnataka authority. The certificate must be issued on or before the last date of application.
Karnataka SET 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus for Paper II of the KSET 2025 will be based entirely on the subject selected by the candidate during application. The syllabus is generally aligned with the post-graduate level curriculum of that specific subject. Candidates should refer to the official notification or the KEA website for the detailed syllabus of their chosen subject.
KSET 2025 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is key to effective preparation. The KSET 2025 will be conducted in a single session on November 2, 2025.
- Mode of Exam: Offline (OMR Sheet-based)
- Type of Questions: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Number of Papers: Two (Paper I and Paper II)
- Session: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (3 hours without any break)
- Marking Scheme: Each question carries 2 marks. There is no mention of negative marking in the provided information.
| Paper | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 50 (Compulsory) | 100 | 3 Hours (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) | Tests teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, and general awareness. |
| II | 100 (Compulsory) | 200 | Based on the subject selected by the candidate. |
Karnataka SET Qualifying Marks
The qualifying marks for the KSET are determined by the KEA. Candidates need to secure the minimum required marks in both papers combined to be declared qualified. The final qualifying criteria are based on the aggregate performance of all candidates and are announced with the results. Qualifying for the KSET grants eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor, but does not guarantee a job.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General (GM) | 40% Aggregate marks in Paper I and Paper II taken together |
| SC / ST / Cat-I / IIA / IIB / IIIA / IIIB / PwD / Transgender | 35% Aggregate marks in Paper I and Paper II taken together |
KSET 2025 Exam Centers
The KSET 2025 Exam Centers are strategically located across various cities in Karnataka to accommodate candidates appearing for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test. These centers are selected to ensure convenience and accessibility for all test-takers, minimizing travel-related challenges. Each candidate will be assigned an exam center based on their preferences and availability. Candidates must familiarize themselves with their designated exam center’s location and facilities ahead of time.
- Bangaluru
- Belagavi
- Bellary
- Bidar
- Davangere
- Dharwad
- Kalaburgi
- Mysuru
- Shivamogga
- Tumkur
- Udupi
- Vijayapura
