KSET 2025: Karnataka State Eligibility Test Registration Opens September 2; 6% Candidates to Qualify for Assistant Professor Roles

Bengaluru, September 1, 2025 – The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced that the registration for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2025 will commence on September 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Aspiring candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges across Karnataka can apply through the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The application window will remain open until September 18, 2025, with the deadline for fee payment set for September 19, 2025. The KSET 2025 examination is scheduled for November 2, 2025.

Key Details of KSET 2025

The KSET is a state-level eligibility test conducted by the University of Mysore, designated as the nodal agency by the Government of Karnataka. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the exam is a prerequisite for candidates aspiring to secure Assistant Professor roles in Karnataka’s higher education institutions, including government, aided, and private colleges. The test will cover 33 subjects and consist of two papers: Paper I, which assesses teaching and research aptitude, and Paper II, which evaluates subject-specific knowledge. Both papers will feature objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and will be conducted in offline mode (OMR-based) on the same day in two separate sessions.

According to KEA, only the top 6% of candidates who appear for both papers and meet the minimum qualifying marks will be declared eligible for Assistant Professor positions. The minimum qualifying marks are set at 40% aggregate for the General category and 35% for SC/ST/Cat-I/PwD candidates, as per UGC guidelines. The merit list will be prepared subject-wise and category-wise, adhering to the state government’s reservation policy.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for KSET 2025, candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university in a subject related to their chosen KSET subject. General category candidates require a minimum of 55% marks, while SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and Transgender candidates need at least 50%. Candidates in the final year of their Master’s degree may apply provisionally but must provide proof of passing within the stipulated time. Ph.D. holders who completed their Master’s degree before September 19, 1991, are eligible for a 5% relaxation in marks (from 55% to 50%). Candidates who have previously qualified for KSET in the same subject or have cleared UGC-NET/CSIR-NET before 1989 are not permitted to reapply.

Application Process

The KSET 2025 application process is entirely online. Candidates can follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the “Admissions” section and click on the “KSET 2025” registration link.
3. Register by providing the required details to generate login credentials.
4. Log in to fill out the application form with academic, personal, and contact information.
5. Upload scanned copies of a recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
6. Pay the application fee online: ₹1,000 for General, Cat-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and other state candidates; ₹700 for Cat-I, SC, ST, PwD, and Transgender candidates.
7. Review all details, submit the application, and download the confirmation page for future reference.

KEA advises candidates to complete the application process early to avoid technical issues and ensure all documents, including educational certificates and ID proof, are ready before applying.

Exam Schedule and Admit Card

The KSET 2025 exam will be held on November 2, 2025, across 12 centers in Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Davangere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, and Mangaluru. For 15 specific subjects, candidates must choose Bengaluru as their exam center. Admit cards will be available for download from October 24, 2025, on the KEA portal. Candidates must verify all details on the admit card and carry a printed copy to the exam center.

Important Notes

• No Negative Marking: The KSET exam does not penalize incorrect answers, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions.
• Language of Exam: Paper I is bilingual (English and Kannada), while Paper II is primarily in English, except for subjects like Kannada, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, and Marathi, which are in their respective languages.
• Result and Certification: The KSET 2025 results are expected to be announced in January or February 2026. Qualified candidates will receive an eligibility certificate, valid for life, allowing them to apply for Assistant Professor positions in Karnataka. However, the certificate is valid only within the state, and candidates seeking national-level eligibility must appear for the UGC-NET.

Preparation Tips

KEA recommends that candidates thoroughly review the syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II, available on the official website. Practicing previous years’ question papers and enrolling in coaching programs, such as those offered by Chandu Biology Classes, can enhance preparation. Candidates should also stay updated by regularly checking the KEA portal for notifications.

The KSET 2025 is a significant opportunity for postgraduate and Ph.D. candidates to establish their academic careers in Karnataka. With only 6% of candidates qualifying, thorough preparation and adherence to the application process are crucial for success. For detailed information, candidates are encouraged to visit cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Sources: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), University of Mysore, and recent updates from educational portals.