Access the complete KSET Syllabus 2026, including the latest exam pattern, Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics, eligibility criteria, application dates, and qualifying marks based on the latest KEA notification. Stay updated on exam dates and expert preparation strategies.
KSET Exam Pattern 2026
The KSET 2026 examination is divided into two parts: Paper 1, which is compulsory for all candidates, and Paper 2, which focuses on the candidate's chosen subject. Paper 1 consists of 50 questions worth 100 marks, while Paper 2 features 100 questions worth 200 marks. Candidates are required to appear for both papers to qualify.
| Paper | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
KSET Syllabus 2026
The KSET examination evaluates candidates through two papers. Paper 1 assesses teaching and research aptitude, whereas Paper 2 is subject-specific. The official KSET 2026 notification highlights 37 specialized subjects for Paper 2, reflecting the updated structure for this year's examination cycle.
KSET Paper I Syllabus
Paper 1 is designed to evaluate your fundamental teaching methodology and research aptitude.
1. Teaching Aptitude
- Nature, objectives, characteristics, and basic requirements of teaching.
- Learner’s characteristics: Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor.
- Methods of teaching: Lecturing, discussion, problem-solving, and project-based.
- Evaluation systems: Types, methods, and evaluation tools.
- The teacher’s role in curriculum development.
2. Research Aptitude
- Research: Meaning, characteristics, and types (qualitative and quantitative).
- Steps in research: Identification of research problems, hypothesis formulation, research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
- Types of research: Descriptive, analytical, experimental, and historical.
- Research ethics, plagiarism, citation, and referencing.
- Research funding agencies, research journals, and publications.
3. Comprehension
- Reading comprehension skills.
- Understanding a passage, identifying the theme, and interpreting information.
- Drawing inferences and conclusions.
4. Communication
- Communication: Types (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written), barriers, and process.
- Communication skills for effective teaching and learning.
- ICT-based communication tools and their use in education.
5. Reasoning (Including Mathematical)
- Number series, letter series, analogies.
- Logical and analytical reasoning.
- Coding-decoding, Venn diagrams.
- Visual reasoning and problem-solving.
6. Data Interpretation
- Tabulation, graphs, and charts.
- Interpretation of data presented in the form of tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and histograms.
7. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Basics of computer systems and networking.
- Use of ICT tools in teaching and education.
- Internet, online resources, and digital education.
8. People and Environment
- Environmental issues: Global warming, pollution, climate change, and sustainability.
- Sustainable development and energy resources.
- Social and environmental awareness.
Download KSET Paper 2 Syllabus PDF
KSET Paper II focuses on the candidate's chosen elective from the 37 available subjects. The paper includes 100 mandatory objective-type questions, with each question carrying two marks.
| Code | Subject | Link |
| 00 | General Paper | Download |
| 01 | Commerce | Download |
| 02 | Kannada | Download |
| 03 | Economics | Download |
| 04 | English | Download |
| 05 | Political Science | Download |
| 06 | History | Download |
| 07 | Sociology | Download |
| 08 | Geography | Download |
| 09 | Hindi | Download |
| 10 | Management | Download |
| 11 | Tourism Administration | Download |
| 12 | Education | Download |
| 13 | Library & Information Science | Download |
| 14 | Mass Communication & Journalism | Download |
| 15 | Psychology | Download |
| 16 | Social Work | Download |
| 17 | Criminology | Download |
| 18 | Law | Download |
| 19 | Sanskrit | Download |
| 20 | Physical Education | Download |
| 21 | Folk Literature | Download |
| 22 | Urdu | Download |
| 23 | Public Administration | Download |
| 24 | Computer Science & Applications | Download |
| 25 | Physical Science | Download |
| 26 | Mathematical Science * | Download |
| 27 | Chemical Science | Download |
| 28 | Life Science | Download |
| 29 | Environmental Science | Download |
| 30 | Home Science | Download |
| 31 | Electronic Science | Download |
| 32 | Earth Science | Download |
| 33 | Archaeology | Download |
| 34 | Anthropology | Download |
| 35 | Marathi | Download |
| 36 | Philosophy | Download |
| 37 | Women Studies | Download |
| 38 | Linguistics | Download |
| 39 | Performing Arts | Download |
| 40 | Music | Download |
| 41 | Visual Arts | Download |
Karnataka SET Qualifying Marks
The Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) is the gateway for candidates aspiring to work as assistant professors or lecturers in colleges and universities across Karnataka. Please refer to the table below for the category-wise qualifying marks for both papers.
- General category: 40% aggregate marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Reserved categories: 35% aggregate marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2
KSET syllabus
The KSET Paper 1 syllabus covers 10 key areas: Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, ICT, People & Environment, and Higher Education Systems (including Polity and Governance). This section contains 50 questions worth 100 marks.
KSET Paper 2 is a two-hour examination worth 200 marks, focused on your selected specialization. The KSET 2026 curriculum encompasses 37 subjects, including General Paper, Commerce, Kannada, Economics, English, Political Science, and more.
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the KSET examination.
The KSET Paper 2 exam covers a diverse range of disciplines, such as Kannada, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Psychology, Philosophy, Anthropology, Commerce, Management, Law, Education, Journalism, and Public Administration.