KMAT vs PGCET: Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Colleges

KMAT vs PGCET: KEA administers the PGCET for MBA and other postgraduate degrees, while the KMAT is for admission to MCA and MBA programs in colleges. Because KMAT is a national-level exam with eligibility restrictions, competition is stiffer than for PGCET. The exam difficulty is the same for the PGCET and the KMAT

As a result, leading universities that accept the KMAT now require a higher score unlike the PGCET, which assigns you to a college based on your rank. The complexity of the KMAT questions fluctuates from year to year. The reasoning and quantitative sections contain most of the KMAT's moderate to difficult questions.

KMAT or PGCET Which is Better?

Both the exams are conducted for management courses and the difference between pgcet and kmat has been stated below.

What is KMAT?

Karnataka Post Graduate Private Colleges' Association (KPPGCA) administers the KMAT Karnataka, also known as the Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT), for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), and Master of Computer Applications courses. 

The organisation was founded to encourage professional education while facilitating and streamlining enrollment to postgraduate professional courses. KMAT Karnataka was launched in 2003 in response to the need for a uniform admission exam for Karnataka state. More than 170 AICTE-approved MBA colleges and over 55 MCA colleges provide admissions based on KMAT exam marks.

Also Read: MBA After MCA

What is PGCET?

The Karnataka Examination Authority administers the Karnataka PGCET, or Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test, yearly. Karnataka PGCET is the entrance exam for PG degrees such as MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech., and M.Arch in Karnataka. 

Candidates taking the PGCET test have 150 minutes to complete up to 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Continue reading to learn more about the Karnataka PGCET, including the application process, eligibility criteria, pattern, and syllabus.

Also Read: How to Prepare for Karnataka PGCET 2026 in 15 Days?

Difference Between KMAT and PGCET

You can check out the differences between KMAT and PGCET in the table below.

Also Read: Top 6 Certification Courses for MBA Finance Students

KMAT or PGCET Eligibility Criteria

You can check out the eligibility criteria for KMAT and PGCET below.

KMAT Eligibility Criteria

Previously, only the ones from Karnataka were eligible to sit the KMAT exam. However, starting in 2018, this domicile criteria was removed. The ones from other states can take the KMAT exam under the new eligibility requirements. 

The eligibility criteria specify the entrance requirements, such as educational qualifications, minimum marks, and other characteristics. The Karnataka KMAT 2026 eligibility criteria are based on University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.  The KMAT eligibility criteria are the same for all participating universities; however, colleges may specify additional requirements for final admissions.  

Academic Eligibility Criteria for MBA: 

• You must have graduated from a recognized college or university in any of the following disciplines: commerce, management, arts, social sciences, engineering, or technology.
• Your ultimate admissions eligibility will be determined by your KMAT exam performance, academic record, and related topics.

Qualifying marks:

• You must have received a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA in your bachelor's degree final exams.
• For applicants in the SC/ST category, the minimum aggregate required is 45% or an equivalent CGPA.

KMAT 2026 Eligibility for MCA:

• The ones seeking admission to MCA courses through the KMAT 2026 exam must have a bachelor's degree in any field.
• You must have received a 50% aggregate in the final year of your bachelor's degree.
• In addition, you must have studied mathematics in their Class 12 exams.

Age Limit:

• KPPGCA has not specified an age limit for Karnataka KMAT. You must be at least 21 years old at the time of admission.

Also Read: Online MBA vs Regular MBA

PGCET Eligibility Criteria

You can check the PGCET eligibility criteria for different courses below.

PGCET Eligibility Criteria for MCA

The eligibility criteria for MCA through Karnataka PGCET 2026 are listed below:

• You must have completed their graduation or equivalent test from a recognized university.
• The qualifying examination should cover the following topics:
  • Mathematics Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Application
  • Computer Programming
• Business Mathematics/Business Statistics must be included as an optional subject in the bachelor's course.
• General category candidates must get a minimum qualifying score of 50% (45% for SC/ST and Karnataka Category 1 candidates).

PGCET Eligibility Criteria for M.Tech/M.E/M.Arch:

For admission to a full-time M.Tech/M.E./M.Arch program through Karnataka PGCET, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must have completed the qualifying examination at a recognized university.
• Those with genuine GATE scores must register for the Karnataka PGCET. However, they are not required to take the exam.
• General category candidates must have a minimum of 50%. In comparison, SC/ST and Category I Karnataka, you must score 45% in the qualifying examination.

Also Read: Top 10 MBA Colleges in Karnataka under PGCET 2026