KCET 2018 Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme and Sample Papers

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) is conducted for providing admission to first year professional courses in Medical, Technology & Engineering, Architecture, Farm Science and Pharmacy courses

The exam is scheduled on April 18 and April 19, 2018. On April 18, Candidates have to appear for Biology and Mathematics paper and on April 19 for Physics and Chemistry.

• Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates have to appear for Kannada language test on April 20
• Around 16 sets of question papers are created for KCET exam
• Candidates will be given 80 minutes to solve each paper
• No Negative marking is applicable

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KCET 2018 Marking Scheme

There will be 60 MCQs in each paper and all the questions will carry one mark each. Candidates will get ONE mark for each correct response while no marks will be deducted for incorrect response or for questions not attempted.

KCET 2018 Detailed Pattern

KCET 2018 will be conducted in Pen and paper mode across 53 cities of Karnataka. All the questions will be in multiple choice question formats.

• The time duration for completing each paper will be 70 minutes, apart from 10 minutes extra which are meant for reading and filling in other details.
• The total duration would be 210 minutes (for 3 papers).
• The number of questions in each paper will be 60.
• Candidates can refer to the following table to get complete information about KCET 2018 Pattern:

KCET 2018 Exam Duration

KCET 2018 Question Paper will be set from the syllabus of First and Second year PUC recommended by Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka. Candidates are required to familiarize themselves with the syllabus to score well in the Karnataka Common Entrance Test 2018.

To get admission into architectural courses, candidates need to give the NATA entrance exam and for medical courses, NEET entrance exam.

KCET Syllabus

• Physics- class 12 syllabus which would include topics like Electrostatics, Magnetism, Optics, Current electricity and Waves.
• Chemistry- 12^th standard syllabus with topics like Organic chemistry, surface chemistry, solid state, electrostatics, polymers and biomolecules.
• Mathematics- Algebra, Integral calculus, Differential calculus, vectors, trigonometry, probability and linear programming.

Use Of Optical Response Sheet

KCET 2018 is an offline paper i.e. OR sheet will be given to candidates to mark their answer. Candidates should keep the following points in their mind while marking their answers on ORS Sheet.

• Candidates will be given a two-page optical response sheet (ORS) to mark their answers. The two pages of the ORS will have the same lay-out.
• The first page of the ORS is machine readable. It is designed to leave impressions of the responses on the second page.
• Applicants should not separate or disturb the alignment of the two pages of the ORS under any circumstances.
• Candidates are required to mark answers to all the questions on the first page of the ORS by darkening the appropriate bubble.
• Candidates should use BLACK BALL POINT pen for darkening the bubbles.
• Candidates need to apply an adequate pressure to ensure that a proper impression is made on the second page of the ORS.
• Instructions for darkening the bubbles will be printed on the question paper and candidates must strictly follow these instructions.
• The second page of the ORS will be given to the candidates by the invigilator at the end of the examination.

Details About Kannada Language Test

Along with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics paper, Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga have to appear for Kannada language Test.

• As per the last year trends, test is  conducted at basic level just to check the efficiency of candidates in kannada language

• Candidates have to obtain minimum 12 marks out of 50 to clear the exam
• The kannada language test will be conducted at Bangalore only

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques 1: Is there are a choice of questions allowed in the individual papers in KCET?

Ans: No, no choice of questions is allowed in the individual papers in KCET. Each paper will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions carrying 1 mark each and the maximum mark that a student can score in each paper is 60.

Ques 2: If I mark a wrong option and then rectify the mistake by marking the correct option to a particular question in KCET, will I be penalized?

Ans: Multiple option marking will be awarded zero marks in KCET.

Ques 3: What are the paper that’s candidates have to appear for in KCET?

Ans:KCET Farm Science applicants need to appear for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers, while aspirants of Engineering, and Technology courses, need to take the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics papers. For Pharma programs, candidates need to appear for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology papers.

Ques 4: Are NEET/NATA scores compulsory for candidates wanting to pursue Medical/Architecture programs through KEA?

Ans: Aspirants willing to pursue Medical/Dental//AYUSH programs should compulsorily have a valid NEET score (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and for admission to Architecture programs, aspirants should mandatorily have a valid NATA score (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) or JEE Paper-2 score in order to be considered eligible for admission through KEA for Government share of seats.

Ques 5: Why is it compulsory to use a blue/black ballpoint pen only for marking answers in KCET?

Ans:The KCET response sheets will be read by OMR machines to score each candidate’s answers. A blue/black ballpoint pen will make the best possible mark on the response sheets and also replicate the impression on the sheet attached below. Since the machines are programmed to read only darkened spots of a specific shape, it is important that the marks are made in strict accordance with the instructions printed on the response sheets. Please note that torn or soiled response sheets and options not marked properly may lead to a lower score in the exam

Ques 6: What are Question paper versions and why are these important?

Ans: Question paper on each subject will have 16 different versions and the version code will be printed in bold on the top sheet of the question paper. The version codes used in each paper will be from A - 1 to A - 4, B - 1 to B - 4, C - 1 to C -  4 and D - 1 to D - 4. Version codes are used in order to prevent usage of unfair means among examinees.

Ques 7: Where can I get sample papers of individual subjects of KCET?

Ans: The KEA official website hosts the sample papers from past years of KCET for the convenience of candidates.

Ques 8: How exactly should the answers be marked on the OMR sheets in KCET?

Ans: KCET is an offline test and examinees will be issued a 2-page OMR Sheet to mark their answers. The answers to the questions should be marked on Page 1 by darkening the appropriate circle of the corresponding question. For example, if the answer to question no 3 is option D, the examinee needs to darken the circle D against serial number 3 on the OMR sheet.

Ques 9: I am a general category candidate. I am not claiming any reservation status for admission through KCET. Do I still have to appear for the Kannada Language Test?

Ans: No. Only Candidates who are seeking reservation under Horanadu & Gadinadu Kannadiga clauses will have to appear for the Kannada Language Test.

Ques 10: Is there any exception for the Kannada Language Test criteria?

Ans: Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga candidates who have studied ten full academic years in a Kannada Medium (1st - 10th standard) in places outside the state of Karnataka need not appear for Kannada Language Test under KCET.

Ques 11: Which programs allow admission under the Agriculturist quota?

Ans: Farm Science programs like B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture, B.Sc. (Hons) Sericulture, B. Sc. (Hons) Horticulture, B. Sc. (Hons) Forestry, B.Sc. Agri-Bio Tech, B. H. Sc. (Home Science), B. Tech (Agri. Engg), B. Tech (Food Technology), B. Tech (Dairy Tech), B. F. Sc. (Fisheries), B. Tech (Food Science &Tech)., B.Sc. (Hons) Agri. Marketing & Co-Op. as well as Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V. Sc. & A.H.) has the provision of Agriculturist Quota. A minimum of 50% marks in the Practical Examination is required to claim admission under the Agriculturist Quota.

Ques 12: Where are the Practical Examination for Agriculturist Quota for KCET conducted?

Ans: Practical Examination will be conducted at select locations by concerned Agricultural/Veterinary Universities against a Test Fee of INR 500 (INR 250 reserved category candidates) payable in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favor of the Comptroller of the respective University. The DD has to be deposited at the respective Practical Test Centre on the day of document verification.

Ques 13: In case of Agriculturist Quota, how is the score calculated?

Ans: In case of Agriculturist Quota, the score is the summation of 25% marks each, secured in concerned combinations in PUC 2nd year (PCM/PCB) & KCET and 50% marks secured in the Practical Test. In case of B.V. Sc. & AH, the composite score comprises of 50% of marks secured in CET (PCB) and 50% of marks scored in the Practical Test.

Ques 14: How long should I retain my KCET OMR Sheet examinee copy?

Ans: At the end of the examination, Page 2 of the OMR response sheet set is handed out to the examinees by the invigilator for the records. You should preserve your KCET OMR sheet examinee copy of all the subjects for a minimum period of one year from the date of receiving the admission offer.

Ques 15: What is the procedural requirement that needs to be followed without fail at the end of the examination?

Ans: KCET candidates are required to compulsorily affix their left-hand thumb impression in the space provided on the bottom portion of Page 1 of OMR response sheet with the ink-pad provided by the Invigilator, after completion of each Test. Only those OMR response sheets will be evaluated, scored and ranked which has the candidate’s left-hand thumb impression in place

Ques 16: What are the mandatory details that candidates need to fill in in the OMR Response sheets?

Ans: It is mandatory that the candidates write and shade their Name, CET Number, Question booklet Version Code and Serial number correctly on the appropriate boxes of the OMR response sheet. OMR response sheets without these details will not be evaluated, scored and ranked.

Ques 17: If I mark a wrong option by mistake, can I mark another option as an answer and be scored for the same?

Ans: Once a circle is darkened, there is no way to erase the same. Use of markers, white fluid or any other method to undo the shading is not allowed, nor will another OMR response sheet will be allotted to the candidates. Candidates are advised not to attempt rectifying a mistake on the OMR response sheet as a soiled response sheet will not be evaluated by KEA.

Ques 18: Which books should I follow in preparation for KCET?

Ans: Relevant subject books published by NCERT will help you brush up on your 10+2 level knowledge. Candidates should note that the Karnataka State's Department of Pre-University Education prescribed syllabi for PUC 1st and 2nd syllabi year is covered in KCET.

Ques 19: I belong to Horanadu state. As I have to take an extra Kannada paper I want to know do I also need to choose Kannada as my medium of paper in rest of the exams too?

Ans: No, For appearing in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics section candidates can either opt for English or Kannada language. There is no compulsion in that

Ques 20: Can I carry my  ORS sheet with me after completion of exam?

Ans: Yes, the candidates are allowed to carry a copy of ORS sheet along with them

Ques 21: Can you suggest me some books for preparation of Physics section?             

Ans: Candidates are advised to first go through NCERT books of class 11 and 12 to clear their concepts. They can also take help of following reference books

Ques 22: Is Negative marking applicable in KCET exam?

Ans: No, There is no negative marking in KCET. Candidates are advised not to leave any question unanswered. Choose the option your most sure of.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College