Karnataka DCET (Karnataka DCET)

Content Writer Priya Singh
Updated On Date: Oct 30, 2025

KARNATAKA DCET 2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

KARNATAKA DCET 2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Karnataka Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET) 2026, conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), is held for admission to 2nd year (lateral entry) B.E./B.Tech and 1st year B.Arch courses in participating colleges across Karnataka. To appear for the exam, candidates must meet certain academic and eligibility requirements prescribed by KEA. The eligibility criteria primarily focus on educational qualifications, minimum marks in diploma or equivalent courses, and state domicile conditions. Only candidates who have completed a recognized diploma in engineering/architecture with the minimum aggregate percentage and who satisfy the domicile/residency rules of Karnataka are eligible to apply.

Karnataka DCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria in Detail

Academic Qualification

  • For B.E. / B.Tech (Lateral Entry 2nd Year / 3rd Semester): Passed a 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology from a recognized institution; must have obtained minimum 45% aggregate marks in the final year (5th & 6th semester) of Diploma. For SC/ST (and reserved categories of Karnataka) the minimum is 40%.
  • Candidates appearing for the final year of Diploma (in year of exam) may also be eligible (subject to final passing before admission) – check official notification.

Domicile / Nationality / Residence

  • Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
  • Candidate must satisfy Karnataka-domicile or study-in-Karnataka criteria (as determined by KEA) to avail state quota seats. While exact clause may vary, past pattern includes: candidates must have studied in Karnataka, or parents must have domicile/study years in Karnataka

Reserved / Category Marks Relaxation

  • For general category diploma holders: Minimum 45% in final year (5th & 6th semester) of Diploma.
  • For SC/ST and Karnataka backward/reserved categories: Minimum 40%
Click Here For Karnataka DCET Application Form

Karnataka DCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Q1. What is the basic academic qualification required?

Ans. You must have completed a Diploma in Engineering/Technology (recognized institution) to be eligible for the DCET exam for lateral entry into B.E./B.Tech.

Q2. What is the minimum mark requirement in the diploma?

Ans. For general category candidates: minimum 45 % aggregate in the relevant final year diploma semesters.

For SC/ST (and similar reserved categories): relaxed to 40 %.

For B.Arch lateral entry (if applicable): minimum 50% for general.

Q3. Is there any age limit for DCET 2026?

Ans. No standard maximum or minimum age limit is specified in most sources for DCET.

Q4. How many times can I attempt DCET?

Ans. There is no commonly specified limit to number of attempts (as long as you meet eligibility) for DCET based on available sources.

Q5. Are there separate criteria for B.Arch via lateral entry through DCET?

Ans. Yes, For B.Arch, apart from the diploma qualification, additional criteria (like minimum marks and aptitude test such as NATA) may apply.

 
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