Kerala SET 2026 Exam Date Out: Schedule, Exam Shifts, and Admit Card Details
The official Kerala SET 2026 exam date is now live. Candidates can access the complete examination schedule, shift details, and essential preparation guidelines directly from the official portal to ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming assessment.
Kerala SET Exam Date 2026 Out
The LBS Centre for Science & Technology has officially released the Kerala SET 2026 exam date. The examination is scheduled for 22 February 2026, covering 31 distinct subjects across 14 designated exam centers throughout Kerala. Candidates are encouraged to download the official notification PDF and access their admit cards via the official website, ensuring they stay informed regarding any further updates or scheduling adjustments.
Check Kerala SET Result 2026 Here
Kerala SET Exam: Overview
The LBS Centre for Science & Technology facilitates the Kerala State Eligibility Test (SET) annually. Refer to the schedule provided below for essential details regarding the Kerala SET January 2026 session.
| Kerala SET January 2026 Exam Date | |
| Exam Name | Kerala SET / SET Exam Kerala |
| Full Form | Kerala State Eligibility Test |
| Conducting Body | LBS Centre for Science & Technology & Government of Kerala |
| Department | Government of Kerala, Department of General Education |
| Level | State Level |
| Session | January 2026 |
| Kerala SET Admit card | Released |
| Exam Date | 22 February 2026 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Question |
| Papers |
|
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 minutes) |
| Total no. of Questions | 120 Questions each Paper |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Official Website | https://lbsedp.lbscentre.in/setjan26/ |
| Notification | Download PDF |
LBS Kerala SET 2026 Exam Pattern
The Kerala SET exam pattern 2026 consists of two objective-type papers, rigorously testing a candidate's general knowledge, teaching aptitude, and subject-specific mastery at the postgraduate level. Mastering this pattern is critical for creating an effective study plan and optimizing time management during the test.
| Particular | Subject | Total No. of Questions | Marks Allotted for Each Question | Durations |
| Paper I | General Knowledge (Part A) and Aptitude in Teaching (Part B) | 120 (60 questions for each part) | 1 | 2 Hours |
| Paper-II | All 33 subjects except Mathematics and Statistics | 120 questions | 1 | |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 80 questions | 1.5 |
LBS Kerala SET 2026 Exam Qualifying Marks
To qualify for the Kerala SET January 2026, candidates must achieve the minimum prescribed scores in both Paper I and Paper II, in addition to meeting the required aggregate percentage. Achieving these benchmarks is a mandatory requirement to earn LBS Kerala SET certification.
| Kerala SET Minimum Percentage of Marks | |||
| Category | Paper I | Paper-II | Total |
| General | 40 | 40 | 48 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 35 | 35 | 45 |
| Differently Abled/SC/ST | 35 | 35 | 40 |
| Codes | Districts |
| 01 | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 02 | Kollam |
| 03 | Pathanamthitta |
| 04 | Alappuzha |
| 05 | Kottayam |
| 06 | Idukki |
| 07 | Ernakulam |
| 08 | Thrissur |
| 09 | Palakkad |
| 10 | Malappuram |
| 11 | Kozhikode |
| 12 | Wayanad |
| 13 | Kannur |
| 14 | Kasaragod |
Kerala SET Eligibility Criteria
Prospective candidates must thoroughly review the LBS Kerala SET eligibility criteria before applying. Failure to satisfy these requirements will result in the disqualification of the application form for the Kerala SET January 2026 examination.
| Kerala SET January 2026 Eligibility Criteria | |
| Subjects | Minimum Educational Qualification |
| All Subjects | Master’s Degree in the concerned subject with 50% marks and B.Ed degree from a recognised university |
| Exceptions are mentioned below | |
| Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | MSc.Ed with 50% marks or equivalent grade from any Regional Institutes of Education sponsored by the NCERT. |
| Botany, Zoology | MSc.Ed in the respective subject or MSc.Ed in Life Science with 50% marks or equivalent grade from any Regional Institutes of Education sponsored by the NCERT. |
| Commerce, French, German, Geology, Home Science, Journalism, Latin, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Russian, Social Work, Sociology, Statistics, and Syriac | B.Ed. is not required. |
| Biotechnology | Master’s Degree in Biotechnology with 50% marks and B.Ed in Natural Science. |
| All Subjects | First Year PG/B.Ed candidates are not eligible to apply for Kerala SET 2026. |
LBS Kerala SET 2026 Exam Qualifying Marks
Qualifying for the Kerala SET January 2026 requires meeting specific minimum marks in both papers. General category candidates need at least 40% in each paper with a 48% aggregate. OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) applicants require 35% in each paper and a 45% aggregate. For SC/ST and Differently Abled candidates, the requirement is 35% per paper with a 40% aggregate. The minimum thresholds are detailed below:
| LBS Kerala SET Minimum Percentage of Marks | |||
| Category | Paper I | Paper-II | Total |
| General | 40 | 40 | 48 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 35 | 35 | 45 |
| Differently Abled/SC/ST | 35 | 35 | 40 |
Kerala SET 2026 Syllabus
The official Kerala SET 2026 syllabus covers 31 subjects, divided into two papers. Paper I is mandatory for all, evaluating Teaching and Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Communication, Higher Education, and Environmental awareness. Paper II evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in their chosen specialized subject.
Kerala SET 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
Expert Kerala SET Preparation Tips center on a disciplined study schedule and deep mastery of both papers. Success hinges on practice—utilizing previous years’ question papers and mock tests is vital for enhancing speed and accuracy. Consistent revision and remaining updated on current trends will significantly improve your overall performance.
LBS Kerala SET Previous Year Paper
Leveraging Kerala SET Previous Year Question Papers is a strategic move for any aspirant. These papers offer deep insights into the difficulty level, question distribution, and recurring topics. Regular practice helps candidates identify their weak areas, manage time effectively during the exam, and build the necessary confidence to succeed.
LBS Kerala SET 2026 Cut Off
The Kerala SET 2026 Cut Off marks serve as the minimum threshold for qualification. Determined by the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, these cut-offs fluctuate based on factors such as candidate volume, paper difficulty, and overall applicant performance. Clearing the category-wise cut-off is essential for securing your certification.
Kerala SET: FAQs
The Kerala SET examination is conducted twice annually, typically held in July and January.
The Kerala SET cut-off marks are segmented by category according to official guidelines:
General: 48% aggregate (40% in each paper)
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 45% aggregate (35% in each paper)
SC/ST/Differently Abled: 40% aggregate (35% in each paper)
The Kerala SET structure is defined as follows:
Paper I: Comprises 120 questions total (60 questions each for Part A and Part B), with one mark awarded per correct answer.
Paper II: Features 120 questions (one mark each), except for Mathematics and Statistics, which consist of 80 questions carrying 1.5 marks each.
Yes, a B.Ed. degree is mandatory for Kerala SET eligibility. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in their respective subject with at least 50% marks, alongside a recognized B.Ed. degree to apply for the January 2026 session.
The Kerala SET application fees are as follows:
General/OBC: ₹1000
SC/ST/Differently Abled: ₹500
Additional processing charges and GST apply depending on the selected online payment method.
The Kerala SET certification holds lifetime validity. Once qualified, candidates remain eligible for higher secondary teaching positions throughout the state of Kerala indefinitely.
Exemptions from the B.Ed. requirement exist under specific conditions, particularly for certain language degrees.
Holders of a B.Ed. in Hindi from the Dakshin Bharatha Hindi Prachar Sabha are exempt from requiring an equivalency certificate. Note: Qualifications obtained via unrecognized open universities are not accepted.
Educational qualifications acquired from unrecognized correspondence courses or open universities do not satisfy the eligibility criteria for the Kerala SET.
There is no negative marking system in the Kerala SET exam. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.
There is no upper age limit for the Kerala State Eligibility Test. Candidates of any age who fulfill the academic requirements are eligible to appear for the examination.
The Kerala SET examination is conducted across 31 distinct subjects.