Snq Quota KCET Cutoff: Engineering Branch-Wise Closing Ranks & Eligibility 2026
Snq Quota KCET Cutoff: CSE General Merit ranks often close under 1,000, while SNQ ranks can be significantly lower (more competitive), with 2026 figures awaited. The SNQ Quota KCET Cutoff is the closing rank for Supernumerary Quota seats, which are 5% additional seats in all engineering colleges, offering tuition fee waivers for economically weaker candidates with family incomes below ₹8 Lakhs annually. While the official 2026 cutoffs are yet to be released, analysis of 2025 data indicates that SNQ ranks are consistently more competitive than General Merit ranks for the same branches, reflecting the high demand for subsidized education. 2026 cutoff will be updated post-release.
KCET 2026: Key Examination Dates
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the schedule for the KCET 2026 examination and related events.
| Event | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | January 16 |
| Application End Date | February 27 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | March 3 |
| Admit Card Release | April 10 |
| Kannada Language Test | April 22 |
| Physics & Chemistry Exams | April 23 |
| Mathematics & Biology Exams | April 24 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | April 26 |
| Objection Window Closes | April 30 |
| Final Answer Key Release | May 10 |
| Document Verification | May 11 (extended till May 21) |
| Result Declaration (Expected) | Before June 6 |
Top Engineering Branches: KCET 2025 Closing Ranks by Category (Latest — 2026 awaited)
Here is a snapshot of KCET 2025 closing ranks for popular engineering branches across various categories in top colleges, providing insight into the competitive landscape.
| College Name | Branch | General Merit (GM) | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV College of Engineering | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | 593 | 315 | 7,102 | 3,308 |
| RV College of Engineering | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 573 | — | — | — |
| PES University | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | 2,154 | 763 | 13,626 | 10,879 |
| BMS College of Engineering | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | 2,156 | 925 | 10,068 | 4,795 |
| BMS College of Engineering | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 1,417 | — | — | — |
| University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 5,418 | — | — | — |
Understanding SNQ Quota Eligibility for KCET
The Supernumerary Quota (SNQ) in KCET offers significant benefits, including tuition fee waivers, for eligible economically weaker candidates.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Quota Percentage | 5% of additional seats in all engineering colleges |
| Family Annual Income | Less than ₹8 Lakhs |
| Eligible Categories | All caste categories (General Merit, SC, ST, OBC) |
| Fee Benefit | Tuition fee waived; only university fees (approx. ₹30,000-₹40,000 annually) |
| Allotment Basis | Purely on KCET merit (rank) within income slabs |
| Application Process | No separate application; eligibility determined during document verification with valid income certificate |
KCET 2025 Counselling Schedule (2026 Awaited)
The KCET 2025 counselling process involved multiple rounds for seat allotment, providing a reference for the upcoming 2026 schedule.
| Event | Date (2025) |
|---|---|
| KCET Exam | April 15-17 |
| Result Declaration | May 24 |
| Document Verification | June 27 – July 15 |
| Option Entry (Choice Filling) Begins | July 8 |
| Round 1 Option Entry/Choice Filling Ends | July 15 |
| Round 2 Option Entry Opens | September 11 |
| Round 2 Option Entry Closes | September 14 |
| Provisional Round 2 Seat Allotment | September 18 |
| Final Round 2 Allotment | September 21 |
| Provisional Round 3 Allotment | September 10/11 |
| Round 3 Fee Payment & Reporting Deadline | September 13 |
FAQs
Q: How does the SNQ quota impact KCET cutoff ranks?
A: The SNQ quota significantly impacts cutoffs by creating 5% additional seats with tuition fee waivers. This makes SNQ seats highly desirable, resulting in much lower (more competitive) closing ranks compared to General Merit ranks for the same college and branch.
Q: What is the income limit for SNQ quota eligibility in KCET?
A: To be eligible for the SNQ quota in KCET, a candidate’s family annual income must be less than ₹8 Lakhs. A valid income certificate issued by the government is required during document verification.
Q: Are all categories eligible for the KCET SNQ quota?
A: Yes, candidates belonging to all caste categories, including General Merit, SC, ST, and OBC, are eligible to apply for the 5% Supernumerary Quota in KCET, provided they meet the specified income criteria.
Q: How are SNQ seats allotted in KCET counselling?
A: SNQ seats are allotted purely based on a candidate’s KCET rank. A separate merit list is prepared, prioritizing students with higher ranks and lower income slabs, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder meritorious students.
Q: Can I get a top engineering branch like CSE through the SNQ quota with a moderate KCET rank?
A: While SNQ cutoffs are very competitive, securing a top branch like CSE with a moderate KCET rank is challenging. SNQ seats for highly demanded branches in premier colleges often close at very low ranks, sometimes even better than general merit cutoffs for the same branch.
Q: What is the fee benefit for students admitted through the SNQ quota?
A: Students admitted through the SNQ quota are exempt from paying tuition fees. They typically only need to pay university fees, which range from approximately ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per year, leading to substantial savings over the four-year engineering program.
