The KCET Cutoff 2026 will be released by KEA on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in after each round of counselling. Furthermore, the cutoff for KCET 2026 represents the last rank at which a seat was allotted in a specific college and branch under each category. Subsequently, candidates can use the previous three years (2023, 2024, 2025) of cutoff data on this page to estimate their admission chances at top engineering colleges in Karnataka. Therefore, this page covers historical cutoff trends, expected 2026 ranges, category-wise gaps, and a visual rank-band guide. Moreover, key institutions like RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, PES University, BIT, DSCE, and SIT Tumakuru are covered. Additionally, cutoff trends usually remain fairly stable across years, with 5-15% variation expected for KCET 2026.
Latest: KCET 2026 result is expected between May 17 and May 28, 2026. Subsequently, KEA will release KCET 2026 cutoffs round-wise during counselling on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The data below shows last 3 years of GM Round 1 closing ranks for CSE and expected 2026 cutoffs.
KCET Cutoff 2026 — Overview
What is a KCET cutoff? The KCET cutoff is the last rank at which a seat was allotted in a particular college and branch during the counselling rounds conducted by KEA. Furthermore, KEA publishes the cutoff separately for each category (GM, OBC sub-categories, SC, ST, Cat-I), each round (Round 1, Round 2, Round 3), and each course. Subsequently, candidates with a rank equal to or better than the cutoff are eligible for that seat. Therefore, understanding the cutoff is essential for strategic choice filling during counselling. Additionally, cutoffs typically relax in later rounds due to withdrawals, upgrades, and vacant seats.
KCET 2026 Counselling and Cutoff Dates
KEA will release the KCET 2026 cutoff after each round of counselling. Furthermore, the expected counselling timeline is given below. Therefore, candidates should track cetonline.karnataka.gov.in for the exact dates. Additionally, three rounds of counselling are typically conducted.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Result Declaration | Expected May 17-28, 2026 |
| Counselling Registration | After result declaration |
| Round 1 Cutoff Release | After Round 1 seat allotment |
| Round 2 Cutoff Release | After Round 2 seat allotment |
| Round 3 Cutoff Release | After Round 3 seat allotment |
KCET 2026 Cutoff Source – The official 2026 round-wise cutoff PDFs will be published on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ after each counselling round. Furthermore, candidates should always cross-verify with the official KEA portal.
KCET 2025 Cutoff — Last Year (CSE, GM, Round 1)
KEA released the KCET 2025 Round 1 cutoffs after seat allotment in July 2025. Furthermore, the table below shows the closing ranks for Computer Science Engineering under General Merit at top Karnataka engineering colleges. Subsequently, these ranks are the strongest baseline for predicting 2026 admission chances.
| College | CSE GM Round 1 Closing Rank (2025) |
|---|---|
| R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE), Bangalore | 234 |
| BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), Bangalore | ~500-700 |
| PES University (RR Campus), Bangalore | 934 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bangalore | ~1,100-1,500 |
| Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) | 5,036 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE), Bangalore | 6,465 |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru | ~9,000-10,000 |
KCET 2024 Cutoff (CSE, GM, Round 1)
The KCET 2024 cutoff showed continued tightening at top colleges due to growing demand. Furthermore, the closing ranks below are approximate figures compiled from multiple education sources for Round 1 GM closing ranks. Subsequently, the trends help understand year-over-year variation.
| College | CSE GM Round 1 Closing Rank (2024) |
|---|---|
| R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE) | ~200-280 |
| BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) | ~700-900 |
| PES University (RR Campus) | 1,247 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | ~1,400-1,800 |
| Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) | ~4,800-5,500 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) | ~6,800-7,200 |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru | ~9,500-11,000 |
KCET 2023 Cutoff (CSE, GM, Round 1)
The KCET 2023 cutoffs provide the historical baseline for tracking 3-year trends. Furthermore, the ranks below are approximate figures for Round 1 GM closing ranks compiled from multiple sources. Subsequently, comparing 2023, 2024, and 2025 shows the cutoff trajectory.
| College | CSE GM Round 1 Closing Rank (2023) |
|---|---|
| R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE) | ~180-300 |
| BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) | ~600-800 |
| PES University (RR Campus) | 1,570 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | ~1,200-1,600 |
| Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) | ~4,500-5,200 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) | ~6,200-6,800 |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru | ~8,500-10,500 |
Note: 2023 and 2024 figures are approximate ranges from multiple secondary sources. 2025 RVCE, PES, BIT, and DSCE figures are official Round 1 closing ranks. Always cross-verify with the KEA official portal for exact data.
KCET 2026 Expected Cutoff (CSE, GM, Round 1)
Based on the last 3 years of trends, KCET 2026 cutoffs are likely to vary by 5-15% from the 2025 baseline. Furthermore, top branches like CSE and AI/ML at premier colleges will remain highly competitive. Subsequently, mid-tier and core branches will see modest movement. Therefore, the table below projects the expected 2026 cutoff ranges for CSE GM Round 1 at top colleges.
| College | CSE GM Round 1 Expected (2026) |
|---|---|
| R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE) | 200-300 |
| BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) | 500-900 |
| PES University (RR Campus) | 900-1,400 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | 1,100-1,800 |
| Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) | 4,500-5,800 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) | 6,000-7,500 |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru | 8,500-11,000 |
KCET 2026 Rank Band Visual Guide
This visual rank-band guide helps candidates quickly identify their college tier based on their expected rank. Furthermore, the bands are colour-coded for easy scanning. Subsequently, candidates can match their projected KCET rank to the corresponding tier and target accordingly.
Ultra-Elite Tier (Rank 1 – 500): Top branches at premier Bangalore colleges. CSE at RVCE, top branches at BMSCE. AI/ML and Data Science specialisations at premier institutions. Highly competitive — requires KCET score of 160+ out of 180 plus strong 2nd PUC marks.
Premier Tier (Rank 500 – 5,000): CSE at BMSCE, MSRIT, and PES University. ECE and ISE at RVCE. Most popular branches at Bangalore Tier-1 colleges remain accessible. Requires KCET score of 140+ out of 180.
Mid-Tier (Rank 5,000 – 20,000): CSE at BIT, DSCE, and similar Bangalore colleges. Core branches at top colleges. CSE at SIT Tumakuru, NMIT, and other strong non-Bangalore institutions. Requires KCET score of 120+ out of 180.
Accessible Tier (Rank 20,000 – 50,000+): Most branches at non-Bangalore colleges. Civil, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering accessible at many established colleges. Biotech and Industrial Engineering widely open. Requires KCET score of 80-120 out of 180. Pharmacy admissions typically close around rank 70,000.
Category-wise Cutoff Multipliers
KCET cutoffs vary significantly across reservation categories due to seat reservation quotas. Furthermore, reserved category candidates get higher closing ranks (less competitive) at the same college and branch. Subsequently, the multipliers below show approximate relative cutoff differences vs General Merit at top engineering colleges for CSE.
| Category | Approximate Multiplier vs GM | Example: CSE Closing at RVCE |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) | 1x (baseline) | ~234 (2025) |
| OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | ~2-3x higher rank | ~500-700 |
| SC | ~5-10x higher rank | ~1,500-2,500 |
| ST | ~5-10x higher rank | ~1,500-2,500 |
| Cat-I | ~5-8x higher rank | ~1,500-2,000 |
Note: Multipliers are indicative and vary by college, branch, and round. SC/ST candidates can secure CSE at top colleges with significantly higher ranks than GM due to reservation quotas. This represents one of the largest category gaps among Indian state entrance exams.
Factors Affecting KCET 2026 Cutoffs
Several factors determine the cutoff for each cycle. Furthermore, candidates should understand these variables to estimate their admission chances realistically. Subsequently, the factors below influence both year-over-year and round-over-round changes.
- Number of candidates appearing: KCET 2025 saw 3 lakh+ candidates. A similar or higher count in 2026 would tighten top cutoffs.
- Exam difficulty level: The KCET 2026 final answer key released on May 10, 2026, with grace marks for Physics Q13, Chemistry Q48, and Biology Q29.
- Seat availability: Increased seat intake at some colleges may relax cutoffs; decreased intake tightens them.
- Branch demand: CSE, AI/ML, Data Science remain in highest demand; Civil, Mechanical, Chemical see relaxed cutoffs.
- Counselling round: Round 1 cutoffs are tightest; Rounds 2 and 3 relax due to withdrawals, upgrades, and vacant seats.
- 2nd PUC normalisation: The 50:50 rank formula means strong 2nd PUC PCM/PCB scores can pull a candidate’s rank up significantly.
- Category and quota: SC/ST/Cat-I/OBC reservations significantly affect the closing rank for that category.
Quick Links
Quick Overview
| Name of Exam | KCET 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Cutoff Release | After each counselling round (Round 1, 2, 3) |
| Cutoff Type | Closing ranks by college, branch, category, round |
| Counselling Rounds | 3 rounds |
| Categories | GM, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, SC, ST, Cat-I, EWS |
| Top Branches | CSE, AI/ML, Data Science, ECE, ISE |
| Top Colleges | RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, PES, BIT, DSCE, SIT |
| Rank Formula | 50:50 (KCET marks + 2nd PUC normalised) |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Type of Exam | Engineering Entrance Exams |
Frequently Asked Questions
The KCET Cutoff 2026 is the last rank at which a seat will be allotted in a specific college and branch during the KCET 2026 counselling rounds conducted by KEA. Furthermore, KEA will release the cutoffs separately for each round, category, college, and branch. Therefore, the cutoff determines admission eligibility. Subsequently, candidates with ranks equal to or better than the cutoff secure that seat.
The KCET 2025 Round 1 CSE cutoff at R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE) was 234 for General Merit category. Furthermore, this represents one of the most competitive closing ranks across all engineering colleges in Karnataka. Therefore, candidates targeting RVCE CSE must aim for a top 250-300 rank. Subsequently, the cutoff varies slightly across rounds and significantly across categories.
Based on historical trends, KCET 2026 cutoffs are expected to vary by 5-15% from the 2025 baseline. Furthermore, top branches like CSE at RVCE, BMSCE, and PES University will remain highly competitive with minimal shifts. Subsequently, mid-tier and core branches may see slightly more variation. Therefore, candidates should use 2025 data as a strong starting point and apply 10-15% margin for safety.
Yes, KCET cutoffs differ significantly by category due to reservation quotas. Furthermore, SC/ST closing ranks at top colleges can be 5-10x higher than General Merit closing ranks, while OBC categories see 2-3x higher ranks. Subsequently, in CSE at premier colleges like RVCE or BMSCE, GM stays under 500 while SC/ST closing ranks reach 5,000-10,000. Therefore, this is one of the largest category gaps in any state entrance exam in India.
KCET cutoffs typically relax across counselling rounds due to withdrawals, upgrades, and vacant seats. Furthermore, Round 1 cutoffs are the tightest as eligible candidates secure their top choices. Subsequently, Round 2 cutoffs see modest relaxation as some candidates upgrade and others withdraw. Therefore, Round 3 cutoffs are the most relaxed, offering opportunities for borderline rank candidates.
For CSE at top Bangalore colleges in the General Merit category, candidates should target ranks below 500 for RVCE, below 1,000 for PES University and BMSCE, and below 2,000 for MSRIT. Furthermore, mid-tier colleges like BIT and DSCE close CSE around ranks 5,000-7,000. Subsequently, top non-Bangalore colleges like SIT Tumakuru close around 9,000-11,000. Therefore, target a rank under 3,000 for safe CSE admission at most Tier-1 Bangalore colleges.
For non-CSE branches at the same colleges, cutoffs are generally more relaxed. Furthermore, ECE and ISE at top colleges close around ranks 1,500-5,000, while EEE and Mechanical can extend to 8,000-15,000. Subsequently, Civil Engineering often closes beyond rank 50,000 at many colleges, and Chemical or Biotechnology even further. Therefore, candidates with mid-range ranks can secure good colleges by considering core branches alongside CSE.
For B.Pharm and Pharm.D admissions through KCET, closing ranks were around 70,000 in 2025 at most colleges. Furthermore, this reflects the broader spread of pharmacy seats and demand. Subsequently, candidates with PCB-based ranks have access to a wider range of pharmacy colleges. Therefore, even mid-rank candidates can secure pharmacy admissions at established Karnataka colleges.
If you have any questions about KCET cutoffs, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page to be useful, please share!
i got 40 thousand ranking in kcet could I get the seat in ayush