KCET 3rd Round Cutoff 2026: College-Wise Ranks, Category Trends & Counselling Dates
KCET 3rd Round Cutoff 2026: For top engineering branches like CSE at RV College of Engineering, the 2025 closing rank was around 280, while ECE settled at approximately 740 in the General Merit category — with 2026 figures awaited. The KCET 3rd round cutoff is the final closing rank for admissions to various undergraduate courses in Karnataka colleges, determined by factors such as exam difficulty and seat availability. While the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is yet to release the official 2026 cutoffs, the 2025 data provides a crucial benchmark for prospective candidates. 2026 cutoff will be updated post-release.
KCET 2026 Counselling: Key Dates & Schedule
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has outlined a tentative schedule for the KCET 2026 counselling process, with the third round expected later in the year.
| Event | Tentative Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| KCET Exam Window | April 22-24 |
| KCET Result Declaration | First Week of June |
| Document Verification | May 11 – May 22 (Expected) |
| Option Entry (3rd Round) | September |
| Provisional Seat Allotment (3rd Round) | September |
| Last Date for Reporting to Colleges (3rd Round) | September |
KCET 3rd Round Cutoff 2025 (Latest — 2026 awaited): Top Branches & Colleges
The KCET 3rd round cutoff 2025 provides insights into the closing ranks for various engineering branches across prominent colleges in Karnataka.
| College Name | Branch | General Merit Closing Rank (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| RV College of Engineering, Bangalore | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | 280 |
| RV College of Engineering, Bangalore | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 740 |
| RV College of Engineering, Bangalore | Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 1,100 |
| PES University (EE Campus), Bangalore | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | 1,800 |
| PES University (EE Campus), Bangalore | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 3,045 |
| PES University (EE Campus), Bangalore | Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 5,037 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | 3,000 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 7,000 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) | Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 10,000 |
KCET 3rd Round Cutoff Trends: 2024 vs 2023
Analyzing the last year KCET cutoff 3rd round for 2024 and 2023 reveals shifts in demand and competition across various engineering disciplines and institutions.
| College Name | Branch | Closing Rank (2024) | Closing Rank (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV College of Engineering, Bangalore | Information Science Engineering (ISE) | 489 | 1,402 |
| RV College of Engineering, Bangalore | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | — | 749 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore | Information Science Engineering (ISE) | 4,251 | 4,148 |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | — | 3,085 |
| JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru | Information Science Engineering (ISE) | 4,537 | — |
| Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bangalore | Information Science Engineering (ISE) | 4,835 | — |
FAQs
Q: What is considered a good KCET rank for admission to top engineering colleges?
A: For highly sought-after branches like CSE in top Bangalore colleges such as RVCE or PES, a KCET rank typically under 500 in the General Merit category is considered very competitive. Other branches may see closing ranks extending up to 2,000-5,000.
Q: How is the KCET cutoff determined by the KEA?
A: The KCET cutoff is determined by several factors, including the overall difficulty level of the KCET exam, the total number of candidates who appeared and qualified, and the availability of seats across different courses and colleges. These factors collectively influence the opening and closing ranks for each counselling round.
Q: When will the KCET 2026 3rd round cutoff be officially released?
A: The official KCET 2026 3rd round cutoff is expected to be released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) in September 2026, following the completion of the third round of counselling and seat allotment. Candidates should monitor the KEA official website for the latest updates.
Q: Is it possible to secure a seat in the 3rd round of KCET counselling with a relatively lower rank?
A: Yes, the 3rd round (often referred to as the extended or casual vacancy round) typically has more relaxed cutoffs compared to the initial rounds. This round aims to fill any remaining vacant seats, offering an additional opportunity for candidates with comparatively lower ranks to secure admission.
Q: What documents are essential for KCET counselling and verification?
A: Key documents required for KCET counselling include the KCET admit card and rank card, 2nd PUC (Class 12) marks card, SSLC (Class 10) marks card, study certificate, caste and income certificates (if applicable), and a Karnataka domicile certificate. It is crucial to have both original documents and photocopies ready for verification.
Q: Does the KCET cutoff vary significantly across different reservation categories?
A: Yes, KCET cutoffs vary significantly across different reservation categories such as General Merit (GM), Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Reserved categories generally have higher (more relaxed) closing ranks compared to the General Merit category, reflecting the reservation policies.
How can I check the KCET 3rd Round Cutoff 2026?
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will release the KCET 2026 cutoff on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Students can check institute-wise and round-wise KCET cut off marks there.
What kind of information is available in the KCET 3rd Round Cutoff 2026?
The KCET 3rd Round Cutoff 2026 provides college-wise opening and closing ranks for various engineering branches. It also includes category-wise cutoff details for General, OBC, SC, and ST categories.
How do I navigate the official website to find the KCET Engineering Cutoff 2026 PDF for the 3rd Round?
On the official website's homepage, look for various options on the left side. You should select the "KCET Cut Off 2026 Rank" button, specifically "KCET Engineering Cutoff 2026 PDF 3rd Round," from the list.
What should a student do if their rank is borderline for KCET 2026 admission after initial rounds?
If your rank is on the borderline, it is advisable to wait for later rounds, such as the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Many seats often open up in these subsequent rounds, offering more opportunities.
How does the KCET 2026 counselling process relate to the cutoff marks?
Candidates can participate in the KCET 2026 counselling process based on their exam rank and the cutoff marks. The authorities will hold two rounds of extended KCET counselling and two rounds of Karnataka CET counselling.
