KSET 2025 Notification Out – Apply Online for Karnataka SET Exam
The KSET 2025 Notification has been officially released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test. This exam is the mandatory gateway for candidates who aspire to become Assistant Professors in universities and colleges across Karnataka.
📌 What is KSET 2025?
The Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2025 is a state-level eligibility examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) under the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi.
Qualifying in KSET is compulsory for appointment as Assistant Professor in universities, government colleges, and private institutions across Karnataka. It serves as a benchmark of academic and teaching competence, ensuring that only candidates who meet national-level standards are certified as eligible to enter the higher education system.
Unlike a recruitment exam, KSET does not provide direct jobs. Instead, it acts as an eligibility gateway. Candidates who clear the exam are awarded the KSET Eligibility Certificate, which allows them to apply for Assistant Professor vacancies whenever notified by Karnataka’s universities or the state government.
📝 KSET 2025 Notification Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | Assistant Professor (Lecturer in Karnataka Colleges & Universities) |
| Total Subjects | 33 Subjects |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Eligibility | Master’s Degree with 55% (General) & 50% (Reserved) |
| Job Title | Assistant Professor |
🎓 KSET Eligibility Criteria 2025 – Education & Age Limit
The KSET 2025 Notification clearly lays out who can and cannot apply for this important exam. Since this is the gateway to becoming an Assistant Professor in Karnataka, understanding the eligibility conditions is crucial before filling out the online form.
📘 Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Degree) or its equivalent in the relevant subject, from a UGC-recognised university or institution.
Those who are in the final year of their Master’s programme can also apply. However, their candidature will be treated as provisional until they submit proof of having successfully passed with the required marks.
The exam is designed in line with UGC-NET standards, ensuring parity and maintaining academic quality across universities.
👉 Note: This provisional acceptance is a big relief for students who don’t want to lose a year waiting. It allows them to take the test alongside finishing their degree – saving time and keeping their academic journey seamless.
📊 Minimum Marks Requirement
To ensure only academically competent candidates move forward, the notification sets minimum qualifying marks in the Master’s Degree as follows:
General (Unreserved): 55% aggregate
SC / ST / Cat-I / IIA / IIB / IIIA / IIIB / PwD / Transgender: 50% aggregate
⏳ Age Limit
No upper age limit has been prescribed for KSET 2025.
This means any eligible postgraduate, whether fresh out of college or someone who has been in academia for years, can attempt the exam.
⚖️ KSET 2025 Selection Process
The selection process of KSET 2025 is very different from typical government recruitment exams. Instead of multiple stages like prelims, mains, and interviews, KSET is a single-step eligibility test. Clearing it means you are academically certified to apply for Assistant Professor posts in Karnataka. Let’s break it down step by step:
✍️ Stage 1: Written Examination
The exam is conducted in two papers on the same day.
Paper I: General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude – tests reasoning, comprehension, divergent thinking, and overall teaching aptitude.
Paper II: Subject-Specific Paper – based on the candidate’s chosen subject from the 33 subjects listed in the notification.
👉 Unique Value Insight: Unlike recruitment exams that may focus heavily on rote memorisation, Paper I ensures that candidates have the core skills of a teacher and researcher. Paper II then tests their depth of subject knowledge. Together, these reflect what higher education truly requires.
📊 Stage 2: Qualifying Marks
To maintain academic standards while promoting inclusivity, the minimum qualifying marks are set as:
General Candidates: 40% aggregate (both papers combined).
Reserved Categories (SC/ST/Cat-I/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB/PwD/Transgender): 35% aggregate.
👉 Unique Value Insight: This cut-off rule shows a balanced approach. It recognises the need for quality in higher education, while also giving underrepresented groups a fairer chance to enter academia.
🏆 Stage 3: Merit & Result Preparation
Only the top 6% of total candidates appearing in both papers will be declared qualified.
Merit lists are prepared subject-wise and category-wise, following UGC-NET norms.
👉 Unique Value Insight: This 6% cap means qualifying KSET is not just about clearing a cut-off – it’s about performing better than thousands of peers. This ensures only the best-prepared candidates make it through, which strengthens the teaching quality in Karnataka universities.
📜 Stage 4: Issuance of KSET Certificate
Candidates who qualify receive the KSET 2025 Eligibility Certificate.
This certificate is the official proof that you are eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in Karnataka’s universities and colleges.
👉 Important Clarification:
KSET does not guarantee a job. It is an eligibility test only, not a recruitment drive.
The actual appointment of Assistant Professors is carried out later by universities or the Karnataka Government through their own recruitment notifications.
📝 KSET Exam Pattern 2025 – Paper 1 & Paper 2
The Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2025 is structured to evaluate not just subject knowledge, but also a candidate’s teaching and research aptitude.
| Paper | Marks | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 100 | 50 (Compulsory) | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | 200 | 100 (Subject chosen by candidate) | Conducted along with Paper I |
📌 Key Points (from Notification)
Objective Type Questions (MCQs) only.
Each question carries 2 marks.
No negative marking mentioned in notification.
Both papers are conducted together in a single session (unlike older KSET formats).
Candidates must appear for both papers to be considered for qualification.
📚 Paper-Wise Details
✍️ Paper I (General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude)
Designed to test teaching/research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.
Total: 50 Questions | 100 Marks
📖 Paper II (Subject-Specific)
Based on the subject chosen by the candidate (out of 33 subjects with codes).
In-depth testing of subject knowledge.
Total: 100 Questions | 200 Marks
📊 Karnataka SET Cut Off & Qualifying Marks 2025
The KSET 2025 Notification clearly defines the minimum qualifying marks required for candidates to be considered eligible. However, clearing these minimum marks does not guarantee qualification. Instead, KSET follows a two-step filtering process:
📌 Minimum Qualifying Marks (Aggregate in Both Papers)
General / Unreserved: 40%
SC / ST / Cat-I / IIA / IIB / IIIA / IIIB / PwD / Transgender: 35%
👉 Note: These thresholds ensure that all candidates demonstrate a basic level of academic competence, while also providing fair category-based relaxation to support inclusivity in higher education.
🏆 Merit & Final Qualification (UGC-NET Norms)
After applying the above cut-off, only the top 6% of total candidates (who appeared in both papers) will actually be declared as qualified for KSET 2025.
The merit list is prepared subject-wise and category-wise to maintain fairness.
👉 Note: This two-tier process makes KSET more than just about “passing marks.” It is highly competitive – even if you cross 40% or 35%, your final selection depends on how you perform relative to thousands of other aspirants. This is why serious, focused preparation is critical.
🗓️ Karnataka SET 2025 Exam Date & Important Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 28 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 18 September 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 19 September 2025 |
| Admit Card / Hall Ticket Download | 24 October 2025 |
| KSET Exam Date 2025 | 2 November 2025 |
👨🏫 Assistant Professor Recruitment via KSET 2025 – Job Title
The only job role mentioned in the official KSET 2025 Notification is:
Assistant Professor (Lecturer posts in Karnataka universities & colleges)
🖥️ How to Apply for KSET 2025 Online
The KSET 2025 Application Form is available only in online mode. Candidates must carefully follow the steps below:
✅ Step-by-Step Process
Visit Official Website
Click on “KSET 2025 – Apply Online”
Read the instructions carefully before proceeding.
Registration
Enter your basic details (name, mobile number, email ID, date of birth, category, etc.).
Create a login ID and password.
Fill Application Form
Provide academic qualifications, subject code (from the list of 33 subjects), and exam centre preference (from the 11 cities).
Upload Documents
Passport-size photo & signature (as per size/format given in notification).
Caste/PwD/Transgender certificate (if applicable).
Pay Examination Fee
Payment through Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking only.
⚠️ No challan/DD/offline payment accepted.
Submit & Print Application
Check all details carefully before submission.
Download and print the application form & payment receipt for future use.
🔗 KSET 2025 Apply Online Link
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for KSET 2025 | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| KEA Official Website | Click Here |
💰 Karnataka SET 2025 Application Fee & Online Payment
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, Cat-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB | ₹1,000/- |
| Cat-I, SC, ST, PwD, Transgender | ₹700/- |
📚 Karnataka SET 2025 Syllabus & Subject List (33 Subjects)
The KSET 2025 Syllabus strictly follows the UGC-NET prescribed syllabus for each subject, ensuring that the standard of examination matches national benchmarks. The exam is designed to assess both general teaching aptitude and in-depth subject knowledge.
✍️ Paper I – General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude
This section is common for all candidates and focuses on essential academic and teaching skills:
Reasoning Ability
Comprehension
Divergent Thinking
General Awareness
Teaching Aptitude
Research Aptitude
📖 Paper II – Subject-Specific Paper
Based on the subject selected by the candidate out of the 33 available disciplines.
Tests the candidate’s specialisation and depth of knowledge.
Each subject has a unique subject code for easy identification during application.
📌 Subject Codes & List of Subjects (As per Notification)
| Code | Subject | Code | Subject | Code | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kannada | 12 | Criminology | 23 | Folk Literature |
| 02 | English | 13 | Law | 24 | Comparative Literature |
| 03 | Economics | 14 | Commerce | 25 | Physical Education |
| 04 | Political Science | 15 | Management | 26 | Life Sciences |
| 05 | Sociology | 16 | Tourism Administration | 27 | Environmental Sciences |
| 06 | History | 17 | Philosophy | 28 | Home Science |
| 07 | Education | 18 | Linguistics | 29 | Geography |
| 08 | Library & Info. Science | 19 | Sanskrit | 30 | Computer Science & Applications |
| 09 | Mass Communication & Journalism | 20 | Urdu | 31 | Electronic Science |
| 10 | Psychology | 21 | Hindi | 32 | Earth Sciences (Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography etc.) |
| 11 | Social Work | 22 | Anthropology | 33 | Mathematical Sciences |
🏛️ KSET 2025 Exam Centres Across Karnataka (11 Cities)
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced 11 exam centres for the KSET 2025 Exam. Candidates can select one while filling the online application form.
| Centre | Centre |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Belagavi |
| Ballari | Vijayapura |
| Davanagere | Dharwad |
| Kalaburagi | Mangalore |
| Mysuru | Shivamogga |
| Tumkur | — |
📑 Documents Required for KSET 2025 Application
To complete the KSET 2025 Online Application, candidates must keep scanned copies of essential documents ready. These are required both for online submission and for verification at later stages.
📌 Mandatory Documents (To be Uploaded Online)
Passport Size Photograph (Recent, colour, as per given dimensions).
Signature (scanned, clear on white background).
Proof of Educational Qualification
Postgraduate Degree Certificate (if already completed), OR
Final Year Marksheet / Provisional Certificate (if appearing in final year).
Caste / Category Certificate (for SC, ST, Cat-I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB candidates).
PwD (Persons with Disability) Certificate – for candidates claiming disability reservation.
Transgender Identity Proof (if applicable).
📢 Karnataka Jobs Apply Now
KSCCF Recruitment 2025 – 34 Vacancies
💰 Salary: ₹45,000/month
Posts under Karnataka State Co-operative Federation (KSCCF)
👉 Apply Now – KSCCF 2025 RecruitmentKarnataka PGCET 2025 Result Out
📄 Direct link to check scorecard online
👉 Download PGCET 2025 Scorecard
🏢 KEA KSET 2025 Notification – Conducting Authority
The KSET 2025 will be organized by:
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru – 560012
Phone: 080-23460460
Email: [email protected]
🏁 Final Thoughts on KSET Recruitment 2025
The KSET 2025 Notification offers a golden opportunity for postgraduates who aim to become Assistant Professors in Karnataka. With no age limit, affordable application fees, and 33 subject options, this is one of the most awaited recruitment exams of the year.
If you are eligible, apply online for KSET 2025 without delay and prepare according to the official syllabus & exam pattern.
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📖 KSET 2025 Preparation Strategy – Score High in Paper 1 & Paper 2
Clearing the KSET 2025 Exam requires a balance of subject knowledge and teaching/research aptitude. Since only the top 6% of candidates qualify, your preparation must be focused and strategic.
1️⃣ Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Go through the KSET Exam Pattern 2025 carefully (Paper I & Paper II).
Download the official UGC-NET syllabus for your chosen subject – since KSET follows the same syllabus.
Make a study plan dividing time between Paper I (General Aptitude) and Paper II (Subject Knowledge).
2️⃣ Prioritise Paper I (General Aptitude)
Paper I carries 50 compulsory questions (100 marks) and is often the deciding factor for merit. Focus on:
Teaching & Research Aptitude
Logical & Analytical Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
General Awareness
👉 Tip: Practice at least 20–30 MCQs daily from reasoning and comprehension to build speed and accuracy.
3️⃣ Master Your Subject for Paper II
Revise core concepts from your postgraduate syllabus.
Go through UGC-NET previous years’ papers for your subject (very relevant for KSET).
Prepare short notes for quick revision before the exam.
4️⃣ Practice Previous Papers & Mock Tests
Solve KSET previous year question papers to understand difficulty level.
Attempt online mock tests in exam-like conditions (3 hours combined).
Analyse mistakes and revise weak areas regularly.
5️⃣ Focus on Time Management
Remember, both papers are held in a single 3-hour session.
Practice completing Paper I in 45 minutes so you have enough time for Paper II.
Avoid spending too long on any one question.
6️⃣ Stay Updated & Confident
Keep an eye on official updates from KEA regarding hall ticket, exam centres, and instructions.
Stay consistent with preparation – even 1–2 hours daily adds up over months.
Confidence comes from revision + practice – not just reading theory.
✨ Note: Many candidates prepare only for Paper II (subject knowledge) and ignore Paper I, which leads to disqualification. To qualify in the top 6%, you need a balanced approach – strong Paper I + solid Paper II performance.
❓ KSET 2025 FAQs
The Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) is conducted to determine eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor in Karnataka universities and colleges.
Candidates must have a Master’s Degree with 55% marks (General) or 50% marks (reserved categories). Final-year PG students can also apply provisionally.
No. There is no upper age limit for appearing in KSET 2025.
Yes. Students in the final year of their postgraduate degree are eligible to apply, but their result must be produced later for confirmation.
The exam has two papers held in a single session:
Paper I: 50 questions, 100 marks, General Aptitude
Paper II: 100 questions, 200 marks, Subject-specific
General candidates: 40% aggregate in both papers
Reserved categories: 35% aggregate
Additionally, only the top 6% of candidates will be declared qualified.
The test is conducted in 33 subjects, including Kannada, English, Commerce, Political Science, Sociology, Life Sciences, Law, and more.
No. Clearing KSET only provides an eligibility certificate. Recruitment for Assistant Professors is carried out separately by universities and the Karnataka Government.