KEA is a government body that conducts centralized examinations for candidates seeking admission to professional courses such as engineering, medical, dental, architecture, law, and other streams of higher education in Karnataka. It was set up to provide a transparent and efficient admission process and ensure equal opportunities for students across the state.

Over the years, KEA has built a reputation for being a key facilitator of access to quality education and government recruitment. The KEA Karnataka Examination Authority is a government body responsible for conducting various entrance exams for professional courses in Karnataka.KEA Karnataka Examination Authority typically conducts exams.

Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions:

• KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test): This is for admission to undergraduate courses in Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, and Agriculture.

• COMEDK: For private medical and engineering colleges in Karnataka.

• NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): For admission to MBBS and BDS courses (though NEET is a national-level exam, KEA conducts counseling for Karnataka state seats).

Postgraduate Admissions:

• PGCET (Post Graduate Common Entrance Test): For admission to MBA, MCA, M.Tech, and other PG programs.

• Karnataka State Post Graduate Entrance Test (KSPGET): For courses like M.Ed, M.Sc, etc.

Counseling and Seat Allocation:

• After conducting the exams, the KEA Karnataka Examination Authority organizes the counseling process for allotting seats based on rank and preferences.

Key Dates and Timelines for 2025

The KEA Karnataka Examination Authority organizes a range of entrance exams for various courses, including medical, engineering, agriculture, and more. It's important to stay updated on the official timelines to avoid any confusion or missed opportunities. In 2025, KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has published revised schedules for the following:

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)

KCET is one of the most crucial exams for students seeking admission to professional courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agriculture. For KCET 2025, the KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has set clear timelines:

• KCET Application Form Release: March 2025

• KCET Last Date for Application Submission: April 2025

• KCET Exam Dates: May 2025

• KCET Results Announcement: June 2025

COMEDK (Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka) Exam

For students looking to join private colleges, the COMEDK exam is another significant event:

• COMEDK Application Form Release: January 2025

• COMEDK Exam Date: May 2025

• COMEDK Result Declaration: June 2025

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

While NEET is a nationwide exam, KEA Karnataka Examination Authority plays a significant role in counselling for state quota seats. NEET 2025 will occur as scheduled by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Keep a close eye on the official KEA website (https://kea.kar.nic.in) for any updates or changes.

For more details about KCET, NEET, and PGCET, click here KCET

Online Application Process: Streamlined for 2025

KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has introduced several enhancements in the online application process for 2025. In an effort to make the system more user-friendly, KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has implemented a new portal design that guides applicants step-by-step through the entire process, from filling the form to uploading documents and paying fees.

Simplified Registration

• Students will now be able to register and submit the application with just a few clicks. KEA has made its system easier to use. 

Document Uploads

•  In 2025, the KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has introduced clearer guidelines for uploading the required documents, such as photo IDs, marksheets, and caste certificates. Students will also get an instant preview to ensure that their documents are correctly uploaded before submission.

Payment Gateway Improvements

• The online fee payment system has been enhanced to offer more secure and diverse payment options. Now students can use debit cards, credit cards, UPI, and even net banking to pay for application fees.

To get more details, click KEA 2025

Revised Eligibility Criteria

KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has revised eligibility criteria for certain courses in 2025 to ensure that students meet the required academic qualifications. Some notable changes include:

Engineering and Technology Programs

• To be eligible for courses like B.Tech, students must have completed 12th grade (or equivalent) with a minimum of 45% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics combined, instead of the previous 40%. Reserved category students are still given a relaxation of 5%.

Medical Programs (MBBS, BDS)

•  The eligibility for Medical courses has become stricter with a requirement for 50% marks in the qualifying examination (12th grade). Additionally, the age limit has been increased to allow more candidates to appear in the NEET-based counselling process.

KEA Karnataka Examination Authority Counselling Process

1. Registration Candidates apply online via the KEA Official Website.

2. Document Verification: Physical verification at KEA centers.

3. Option Entry: Candidates select colleges/courses in order of preference.

4. Seat Allotment: Merit-based allotment through the CSAP algorithm.

5. Fee Payment & Admission: Confirm seats by paying fees and reporting to colleges.

Key Functions of KEA Karnataka Examination Authority 

The key functions that are offered by KEA are as follows:

 Conduct Entrance Exams

• Organizes state-level exams like KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test), DCET (Diploma CET), PGCET (Post Graduate CET), and UGCET (Undergraduate CET).

• Manages exams for admissions to engineering, medical, agriculture, architecture, and pharmacy courses.

  Counselling & Seat Allotment

•   Conducts centralized counselling for government, private, and deemed institutions.

•   Implements the Common Seat Allocation Process (CSAP) for merit-based seat distribution.

 Document Verification

• Verifies eligibility documents (e.g., domicile, caste, income certificates) for candidates.

  Fee Regulation

•  Determines fee structures for seats under government quotas (e.g., Government, Private, COMED-K seats).

Policy Implementation

•  Enforces Karnataka’s reservation policies (SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories) and ensures compliance with admission guidelines

Fee structure

The fee structure offered by KEA for various examinations is given below:

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) 2025 Fees

Note: The exam fee is non-refundable, and there may be additional charges like center fees or service charges. The fees are subject to change. Please check the official website to stay updated 

 COMEDK 2025 Exam Fees

Note:This fee is applicable to both engineering and medical aspirants and covers the application and test fee. The fees are subject to changes. Please check the official website to stay updated.

NEET 2025 Exam Fees (For Karnataka Students, applicable for state counseling)

Note: These are the exam fees set by NTA for NEET, and the state counseling fee for Karnataka is separate and will be communicated by KEA. The fees are subject to changes. Please check the official website to stay updated. 

PG CET 2025 Fees (Postgraduate Common Entrance Test)

NOTE: Always double-check the official KEA website (https://kea.kar.nic.in) for the most up-to-date fee details before applying, as they can be subject to change. 

For more details, visit the website Karnataka Examination Authority 

Introduction of New Courses and Fields in 2025

In 2025, KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has introduced a few exciting new programs designed to align with emerging industry trends:

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 

• With the growing demand for tech professionals, new programs in Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning have been introduced under Engineering and Technology disciplines.

Sustainable Engineering

• As the world turns its focus to sustainability, KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has introduced Sustainable Engineering programs focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and environmental engineering.

Interdisciplinary Programs

•  New interdisciplinary courses have been launched, blending engineering with fields like biotechnology, robotics, and urban planning, allowing students to gain expertise in more than one discipline.

For further details about the courses, click here KEA COURSES 

Student Support and Mental Health Resources

Recognizing the mental pressure associated with entrance exams, KEA has introduced several initiatives for student support:

Helpline and AI Chatbots

• A 24/7 helpline and AI-driven chatbots will be available to help students with any queries regarding application processes, exam schedules, and results.

Counseling Services

• KEA Karnataka Examination Authority has partnered with mental health professionals to offer counseling services to students struggling with exam stress.

• Workshops and one-on-one support are available to ensure student well-being.

Also, take a look at the KCET Examination.

Contact Information

• Office Address:
  Karnataka Examination Authority,
  18th Cross, Sampige Road, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 560012.

• Helpline:+91 8867325152

• Email: keauthority-ka@nic.in

• Website: kea.kar.nic.in

Conclusion

The KEA Karnataka Examination Authority continues to be a vital institution in Karnataka’s education ecosystem. It not only plays a crucial role in shaping the future of students through entrance exams and counseling but also upholds the values of transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity. With its continued commitment to excellence, KEA is helping students realize their academic dreams and securing the future of Karnataka’s workforce.

 FAQS

1. How do I apply for KEA exams?

The process has the following steps - Visit the official Karnataka Examination Authority website, Register and fill out the application form for the exam you want to take, Upload documents and pay the application fee, and Submit the form and keep a copy for reference.

2. What is KCET?
KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is an entrance exam conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority for admissions to undergraduate courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science in Karnataka.

3. How do I apply for KEA exams?

The following are the steps for Karnataka Examination Authority exams:Visit the official KEA website, register and fill out the application form for the exam you want to take, and upload documents.

4. What exams does KEA conduct?
Karnataka Examination Authority conducts exams like: KCET (for Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, etc.), PGCET (for MBA, MCA, M.Tech, etc.), NEET-based Counseling (for Medical and Dental admissions), Architecture (NATA-based), Law admissions (5-year LLB)

5. How does KEA counseling work?
After the exam results, the Karnataka Examination Authority organizes counseling: Document verification, choose preferred courses and colleges, seat allotment based on rank and preferences, and report to the allotted college to confirm admission.

6. How can I check my KEA results?

The following are the steps to check results: Visit the Karnataka Examination Authority website, go to the Results section, and enter your registration number or hall ticket number to view your results.