KSET Exam Date 2026: Schedule, City Intimation & Admit — Explained

KSET 2026 is the primary qualifying examination for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in universities and colleges across Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is expected to conduct the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2026 in February 2026. This examination consists of two papers and tests candidates across 41 different subjects. Understanding the timeline for the city intimation slip and the official exam schedule is critical for effective preparation.

KSET 2026: Quick Overview

When is the KSET Exam Date 2026?

The official notification for KSET 2026 is projected to release in November 2025, with the application window opening shortly after. Historically, KEA conducts the examination on a Sunday to accommodate the maximum number of candidates. Based on previous cycles, the exam is likely to be held in the second or third week of February 2026.

The exam is conducted in a single day in two shifts. Paper I is held from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by Paper II from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There is usually a 30-minute break between the two papers. Candidates are advised to reach the examination center at least 90 minutes before the commencement of Paper I for biometric verification.

Important Dates for KSET 2026 (Tentative)

• Release of Official Notification: November 2025
• Online Application Start Date: December 2025
• Last Date to Apply: January 2026
• City Intimation Slip Release: 10 days before the exam
• Admit Card Download: 4-5 days before the exam
• KSET 2026 Exam Date: February 2026

Understanding the KSET 2026 City Intimation Slip

The City Intimation Slip is a preliminary document released by KEA before the actual admit card. Its primary purpose is to inform candidates about the city and district where their exam center is located. This allows candidates, especially those residing in rural areas or outside Karnataka, to make travel and lodging arrangements in advance.

It is important to note that the City Intimation Slip is not the Admit Card. It does not contain the specific name of the college or school assigned as the exam venue. The exact venue details are only provided in the final hall ticket. Candidates can download this slip by entering their Application Number and Date of Birth on the KEA portal.

KSET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specific academic requirements set by KEA. The eligibility is strictly based on Master's degree percentages and subject relevance.

• General/Unreserved Category: Must have secured at least 55% marks (without rounding off) in Master’s Degree or equivalent examination from universities/institutions recognized by UGC.
• OBC (Cat-I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB) / SC / ST / PwD: Must have secured at least 50% marks (without rounding off) in Master’s Degree.
• Final Year Students: Candidates currently pursuing their Master's degree or those awaiting results can apply. However, they must complete their degree with the required percentage within two years from the date of the KSET result.
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to apply for KSET 2026. This makes it a viable option for professionals looking to transition into academia later in their careers.

KSET 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The KSET exam follows an offline (OMR-based) objective pattern. Both papers consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Paper I is common for all candidates and tests Teaching and Research Aptitude. It includes topics like Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Communication, and Higher Education Systems. Paper II is based on the specific subject chosen by the candidate during the application process.

Each question carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, which encourages candidates to attempt all questions. However, marks are not awarded for questions with multiple bubbles shaded on the OMR sheet.

List of 41 Subjects in KSET 2026

Candidates must choose the subject of their Post-Graduation. If your specific PG subject is not in the list, you may appear in a related subject. Below are the prominent subjects available:

Other subjects include Sociology, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Education, Law, Library Science, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Environmental Science. For a full detailed list and syllabus for each, you can check our /kset-syllabus-2026 guide.

KSET 2026 Qualifying Marks and Cut-off

To be considered for the Assistant Professor eligibility, candidates must clear two hurdles. First, they must obtain the minimum qualifying marks in both papers combined. Second, they must fall within the top 6% of appearing candidates in their respective subject and category.

• General Category: 40% aggregate marks in both papers.
• Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PH): 35% aggregate marks in both papers.

Meeting the 40% or

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the expected KSET 2026 exam date?
  The KSET 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for February 2026, likely in the second or third week.
• Is there negative marking in the KSET exam?
  No, there is no negative marking in the KSET examination.
• When will the KSET 2026 city intimation slip be released?
  The city intimation slip is typically released about 10 days before the exam date.
• How many papers are there in the KSET exam?
  The exam consists of two papers: Paper I (9:30 AM-10:30 AM) and Paper II (11:00 AM-1:00 PM).
• What is the official website for KSET?
  The official website is cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Related Resources

• CSIR NET 2026
• UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2026
• State PCS 2026
• CTET February 2026
• SSC CGL 2026 Cut-off

How to follow this exam update

Staying updated on the KSET 2026 exam date and related notifications from KEA is crucial for your preparation. Bookmark the official website and check TrueJobs.co.in regularly for the latest updates and detailed guides on the KSET examination process.