KCET 2025: KEA Opens Marks Entry for Candidates Without Ranks

Bengaluru, May 26, 2025 – The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has initiated a marks entry process for candidates who did not receive ranks in the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2025, following the announcement of results on May 24, 2025. This step addresses concerns raised by some candidates who cleared their 2nd PUC or Class 12 examinations but were not assigned ranks due to missing or unprocessed qualifying examination marks.

The KCET 2025 results, declared on May 24, saw over 2.75 lakh candidates qualify for admission to professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and veterinary sciences across Karnataka. However, a number of candidates reported discrepancies, noting that their ranks were withheld due to incomplete marks data. To resolve this, KEA has opened a dedicated portal for affected candidates to submit their qualifying examination marks.

Marks Entry Process for Non-Ranked Candidates

KEA has provided a link on its official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, where candidates can log in using their registration number and password to enter their Class 12 or 2nd PUC marks. This process is primarily for students who studied outside the Karnataka state board or whose marks were not automatically retrieved from boards like CBSE or CISCE. The authority has clarified that students from the Karnataka state board, CBSE, and CISCE within Karnataka do not need to submit marks manually, as these were obtained directly from the respective boards.

Candidates who submit their marks through this portal will have their ranks published subsequently, with KEA announcing that spot ranks will be assigned after May 29, 2025. This ensures that all eligible candidates have an opportunity to participate in the upcoming KCET 2025 counselling process, expected to commence in June.

Background and Context

The KCET 2025 examination, conducted on April 15, 16, and 17, 2025, saw a total of 3,30,787 registered candidates, with 3,11,996 appearing for the test. The results, announced by Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar at 11:30 AM on May 24, included subject-wise scores, total marks, and ranks for most candidates. The rank list was compiled using the best scores from the first two examinations of the 2nd PUC, as conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board (KSEAB). For CBSE and CISCE students within Karnataka, marks were retrieved online and factored into the rankings.

KEA also addressed specific cases, such as that of Suchivrath Kulkarni, who missed the mathematics examination due to a controversy involving the sacred thread (janivara). His rank was calculated based on his CET physics marks and an average of his PUC marks, resulting in an engineering rank of 2.06 lakh.

Next Steps for Candidates

Candidates who did not receive ranks are urged to promptly submit their marks through the KEA portal to ensure their eligibility for counselling. The KCET 2025 counselling process, which will facilitate seat allotment for various undergraduate courses, is expected to begin in June. Qualified candidates must prepare essential documents, including their KCET scorecard, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, valid ID proof, and caste or category certificates, if applicable.

KEA has advised candidates to regularly check the official websites—kea.kar.nic.in, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, and karresults.nic.in—for updates on the counselling schedule and further instructions.

Ensuring Fairness and Transparency

To maintain fairness, KEA cross-verified submitted mark sheets before assigning ranks and implemented measures like CCTV surveillance at exam centers to prevent malpractice during the KCET 2025 examination. The authority’s proactive approach in addressing ranking issues demonstrates its commitment to ensuring an equitable admission process for all candidates.

For further details, candidates can visit the official KEA website or contact the authority directly for assistance with marks entry or result-related queries.