Introduction
The reservation policy of KCET 2026 is designed to promote equitable access to professional education for all sections of society in Karnataka. The Karnataka Examinations Authority implements reservations as mandated by state and central government policies. These provisions ensure that students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and other designated groups receive proportional representation in professional colleges. Understanding the reservation structure helps eligible candidates leverage available benefits during the counseling and seat allocation stages of KCET 2026.
Category-Wise Reservation Structure in KCET 2026
- Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates are entitled to 15% reservation of total available seats under KCET 2026 as per Karnataka government norms
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates receive 3% reservation, while Other Backward Class (OBC) candidates benefit from a 32% reservation across participating institutions
- General Merit category candidates compete for the remaining unreserved seats, with merit rank being the primary selection criterion in KCET 2026
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates may be eligible for additional reservation provisions as per the latest state government orders
Special Category Reservations Under KCET 2026
- Candidates with physical disabilities receive horizontal reservation benefits applicable across all vertical category quotas in KCET 2026
- Children of ex-servicemen are eligible for a designated quota within the available seat matrix at participating institutions
- Rural quota provisions ensure that students from rural backgrounds receive preferential consideration during the seat allocation process
- Hyderabad-Karnataka region candidates benefit from region-specific seat reservations as mandated by Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution
Conclusion
The reservation policy embedded within KCET 2026 reflects Karnataka's commitment to inclusive education and social equity. Eligible candidates must obtain valid category certificates from the appropriate authorities well before the application deadline to avail of these benefits. Certificates that are outdated, incorrectly issued, or obtained from non-authorized officials will not be accepted during the counseling process. All candidates claiming reservation benefits under KCET 2026 should thoroughly review the official KEA guidelines to ensure their documentation is complete and compliant, securing every advantage they are rightfully entitled to.