KSET Cut Off: Previous Year Cut-off Marks and Qualifying Rules

The KSET cut off is the lowest aggregate score, out of 300, at which candidates qualify in a given subject and category. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) publishes it subject-wise and category-wise with the result. There is no sectional cut-off for Paper 1 or Paper 2; only the combined score counts. The KSET 2026 exam was held on 11 October 2026, and its cut-offs will be known only when the result is declared.

Two rules set the cut-off. First, you need a minimum aggregate of 40% (120 marks) as a General candidate or 35% (105 marks) in a reserved category. Second, the number of qualifiers is capped at about 6% of candidates who appeared in both papers, divided by subject and category. Because of the second rule, the real cut-off is usually far above the minimum.

Qualifying criteria

Previous year KSET cut-off

KSET 2025 cut-off: Commerce (out of 300)

These figures are as reported from the KEA KSET 2025 result for Commerce. The GM transgender cut-off was reported as 120. Other subjects have their own cut-offs, which you should check in the official subject-wise list for your subject.

Qualification trend

Figures are as reported with the results and are indicative. Participation rose sharply in 2025, and the number of qualifiers rose with it, because the slots are linked to the number of candidates who appear.

What affects the KSET cut-off

• Number of candidates in your subject: More candidates means more slots, but also more competition for each slot. Popular subjects such as Commerce, English and Kannada tend to have tight cut-offs.

• Paper difficulty: A tougher Paper 2 in a subject pulls that subject's cut-off down.

• Category-wise slots: Slots follow the reservation rules, so cut-offs differ by category, and small categories can swing from year to year.

• Ties and score bunching: With 2 marks per question and no negative marking, many candidates land on the same scores, so a single question can change your result.

How to set your target

Cut-offs change every year with difficulty, the number of applicants and the slots available. Treat last year's figures as a benchmark only, and aim for a clear margin above them rather than a bare pass. For a subject like Commerce, a General candidate aiming for about 180 or more out of 300 (around 60%) leaves a working margin over the 2025 figure.

• Paper 1 target: Aim for 70 or more out of 100. It is the most practice-friendly part of the exam.

• Paper 2 target: Aim for 110 to 120 or more out of 200, depending on your subject's past cut-off.

• Mock benchmark: Your full-length mock scores should sit consistently above your target for several weeks before the exam.

Official subject-wise cut-off lists are published with the result on the KEA website.