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When it comes to pursuing higher education like MBA, MArch, ME, etc in Karnataka state, the Postgraduate Common Entrance Test (PG CET) is an important exam. It is known to all that every year, thousands of candidates appear in the exam to secure a good rank in this exam. More importantly, it is inevitable to avoid the concern of how the PG CET score and percentile affect the final rank. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the Karnataka PG CET score and percentile in determining one’s rank and shed light on the correlation between them.
| Particulars | Relevant Details |
| Exam Name | Karnataka Postgraduate Common Entrance Test (Karnataka PGCET) |
| Conducting Body | KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) |
| Offered Course | MBA, MCA, MTech, etc |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/ |
Contents
Understand Karnataka PGCET Score vs Percentile
Understanding the relationship between the Karnataka PGCET score vs percentile or rank is mandatory for the aspirants of this exam. It is known to all that with good knowledge of exams candidates can increase their chances of getting selected to pursue postgraduate studies in Karnataka.
The score reflects the number of correct answers and the percentile measures relative performance among test-takers. The percentile score of a candidate usually represents the percentage of candidates who have scored equal to or lesser than the given percentile score in the exam. Both the score and the percentile play significant roles in determining the final rank of any aspirant.
Also Read: Karnataka PGCET Marks vs Rank: Get Expected Cutoffs
Karnataka PGCET Score
Let’s take a look at the following pointers to build a better understanding of Karnataka PGCET score vs percentile. But before that, it is essential to note that the raw score (marks) achieved by a candidate is not the sole determinant of their rank.
- Type of Questions- The Karnataka PG CET examination comprises multiple-choice questions for a total of 100 marks and is divided into different sections, depending on the chosen field of study.
- Total Score- The total score obtained by a candidate in the exam is a crucial determinant in the ranking process. The higher the score, the better the chance of securing a favourable rank.
- Score Calculation- The score is calculated based on the number of correct answers and negative markings for incorrect ones.
Karnataka PGCET Percentile
The percentile of an individual in the Karnataka PG CET examination reflects their performance relative to other candidates who appeared for the same test. It is a statistical measure that reveals the percentage of candidates whose scores are either equal to or below a particular candidate’s score.
- The percentile score obtained by a candidate helps in determining their ranking among all the test-takers.
- A higher percentile indicates that the candidate has performed better than a large proportion of the other candidates.
- Thus, a higher percentile translates into a better rank in the Karnataka PG CET.
Karnataka PGCET Score vs Percentile (Expected Data)
Many students get confused between score and percentile. Your PGCET score is your actual marks, while percentile shows how you performed compared to other candidates. Here is what you can expect Karnataka PGCET score vs percentile trend based on previous patterns:
| Score Range | Expected Percentile | Performance Level |
| 80+ | 95–99 percentile | Excellent |
| 70–79 | 85–94 percentile | Very Good |
| 60–69 | 70–84 percentile | Good |
| 50–59 | 55–69 percentile | Average |
| Below 50 | Below 55 percentile | Low |
Karnataka PGCET Marks vs Rank
While percentile shows relative performance, rank is what actually matters in counselling. Below is the expected PGCET marks vs rank estimate that you can expect as a potential candidate. These estimates help students predict their admission chances in different colleges during the KEA counselling process.
| Marks | Expected Rank |
| 80+ | Rank under 500 |
| 70–79 | 500–1500 |
| 60–69 | 1500–3000 |
| 50–59 | 3000–6000 |
| Below 50 | 6000+ |
Must Read: Top 10 Toughest Exams in India
Karnataka PGCET Score and Percentile Correlation
The correlation between the Karnataka PG CET score and percentile is vital in determining the final rank. While the score and percentile are related, they are not the same thing. Let’s check out how the PGCET score affects the rank of a candidate in the examination:
- Two candidates can have the same total score but different percentiles, and this difference can significantly impact their ranks.
- The rank is typically determined by considering both the score and percentile. In most cases, the candidates with higher scores and higher percentiles are ranked above others.
- However, if two candidates have the same score, the one with a higher percentile will be ranked higher.
Why Rank Matters More Than Percentile in PGCET?
Many students focus on percentile, but in Karnataka PGCET, your rank is what truly decides your admission chances. Here are the reasons why rank matters more than percentile in PGCET.
- Seat Allotment Depends on Category Rank
Reservation categories (GM, SC, ST, OBC, etc.) have separate rank lists. Your category rank plays a major role in deciding which college and course you get.
- Counselling Is Rank-Based
During the KEA counselling process, seat allotment is done according to your PGCET rank, not percentile. Even a high percentile won’t help if your rank is not competitive.
- College Cutoffs Use Rank
Colleges release previous year cutoffs in the form of closing ranks, not percentiles. To know whether you can get a seat in a specific college, you must compare your rank.
FAQs
PGCET 2026 for MBA/MCA/M.Tech is a pen-and-paper test with objective questions, 100 marks total and no negative marking. Ranks are assigned based on scores.
The Karnataka PGCET rank is calculated based on the total aggregate marks obtained by candidates on the same merit list.
Last rank varies by college and category, but many participating institutes closed admissions around 6000–7200 for MBA in 2025.
You will be ranked between 1126 to 2500 with a score of 70 marks in the Karnataka PGCET exam.
About 52,000 candidates registered for PGCET 2025, with around 33,300 for MBA and 18,700 for MCA.
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