KSET 2026 - Karnataka State Eligibility Test for Assistant Professors

- KSET 2026 is a state-level eligibility test conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in universities, first-grade degree colleges, and higher education institutions across Karnataka.
- The exam is conducted in 37 subjects, covering diverse fields such as Commerce, Economics, English, Political Science, History, Sociology, Geography, Law, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Performing Arts.
- Candidates who qualify KSET 2026 are eligible for Assistant Professor positions in government, aided, and private institutions within Karnataka.
- The exam follows the UGC-NET pattern and adheres to UGC guidelines for Assistant Professor eligibility.
- No upper age limit is prescribed for candidates appearing in KSET 2026.

- Candidates must hold a Master's degree (or be in the final year) from a UGC-recognized university.
- Minimum marks required: 55% for General category candidates and 50% for SC-A/SC-B/SC-C, ST, OBC (Category-I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB), PwD, and Transgender candidates.
- Candidates who completed their postgraduate examination on or before 19 September 1991 and hold a Ph.D. degree are given a 5% relaxation (50% instead of 55%).
- Candidates must appear for KSET in the same subject as their postgraduate studies, subject to interdisciplinary-subject notes.
- Candidates can appear for KSET 2026 in only one subject, even if they hold multiple postgraduate degrees.
- Reservation benefits apply only to candidates domiciled in Karnataka.
- Foreign degree holders must obtain equivalence certification from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) before applying.
- Candidates who have already obtained eligibility in a subject through a previous KSET exam cannot reapply for the same subject.

- The selection process consists of two papers: Paper-I (General Paper) and Paper-II (Subject Paper), conducted in a single sitting.
- Paper-I assesses teaching/research aptitude, general awareness, reasoning ability, and analytical thinking (50 questions, 100 marks).
- Paper-II is subject-specific (100 questions, 200 marks).
- Answers must be marked on an OMR sheet.
- Minimum qualifying marks: 40% for General category and 35% for reserved categories (combined marks of both papers).
- Only around 6% of total candidates who appear for both papers are declared successful for Assistant Professor eligibility.
- Subject-wise and category-wise merit lists are prepared based on combined marks scored in both papers.
- The result declaration process is governed by UGC/KSET guidelines, and the decision of KEA is final.

General, SC, ST, OBC (Category-I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB), PwD, Transgender

- Scanned photograph and signature in JPEG format (as per specified file size on the portal).
- Valid category certificate (for reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, PwD, Transgender).
- Medical certificate with UDID number for PwD candidates.
- Identity certificate for Transgender candidates.
- Equivalence certificate from AIU for foreign degree holders.
- Proof of postgraduate degree or final year PG examination (if applicable).
- Valid photo ID (Voter ID, Driving Licence, Passport, or Aadhaar Card) for exam day.

- General, Category-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B candidates, and candidates from other states: Rs. 750/-
- Category-1, SC-A, SC-B, SC-C, ST, PwD, and Transgender candidates: Rs. 500/-
- Fee payment is accepted only through online mode.
- Fee once paid is non-refundable.