COMEDK 2026 eligibility criteria clearly define who can appear for the entrance examination and qualify for admission into private engineering colleges across Karnataka. Before applying, every aspirant must carefully check these conditions to ensure they meet both nationality and academic requirements.
What Is COMEDK and Who Is It For
COMEDK is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission into private engineering colleges in Karnataka. It serves as an alternative pathway apart from KCET for students aiming to pursue engineering courses.
This eligibility discussion currently applies only to engineering admissions. Architecture-related eligibility is subject to separate updates.
Nationality Eligibility for COMEDK 2026
Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following nationality conditions.
Eligible Nationality Categories
- Indian Citizen
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
- Person of Indian Origin (PIO)
OCI and PIO candidates must submit additional documents during verification as specified in the official information brochure.
Mandatory Appearance in COMEDK 2026 Entrance Exam
To be considered eligible for admissions, candidates must appear for the COMEDK 2026 entrance examination.
COMEDK 2026 Exam Date Requirement
- Entrance Exam Date: 9th May 2026
Candidates who do not appear for the exam will not be considered for ranking or counselling.
Qualifying Examination Requirement
Candidates must have passed a recognised qualifying examination to be eligible.
Accepted Qualifying Exams
- Second PUC
- Class 12 or 10+2 examination
- Any equivalent examination recognised by State or Central Government
Mandatory Subjects in Class 11 and Class 12
The last two years of study must include specific compulsory and optional subjects.
Compulsory Subjects
- Physics
- Mathematics
- English
One Mandatory Optional Subject (Any One)
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Electronics
These subjects must be studied during both Class 11 and Class 12.
COMEDK 2026 Eligibility Summary Table
The table below gives a quick overview of the key eligibility conditions for COMEDK 2026. This summary is useful for fast checks and helps applicants quickly confirm whether they meet the requirements.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen, OCI, or PIO |
| Entrance Exam | Must appear for COMEDK 2026 |
| Exam Date | 9th May 2026 |
| Qualifying Exam | 2nd PUC / Class 12 / Equivalent |
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics, Mathematics, English |
| One Additional Subject | Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Electronics |
| Minimum Marks (General) | 45% aggregate |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/OBC – Karnataka) | 40% aggregate |
| Passing Criteria | Must pass all subjects individually |
| Board Requirement | All subjects from a single board |
| Diploma Candidates | Not eligible |
| Zero Marks in COMEDK | No rank will be allotted |
Minimum Marks Required for COMEDK 2026
Candidates must secure a minimum aggregate percentage in the qualifying examination.
Category-Wise Minimum Aggregate
- General Merit Candidates: Minimum 45% aggregate
- SC, ST, OBC candidates of Karnataka State: Minimum 40% aggregate
This relaxation applies only to Karnataka state candidates belonging to reserved categories.
Passing All Subjects Is Mandatory
Candidates must pass all individual subjects separately.
- Physics must be passed
- Mathematics must be passed
- English must be passed
- The selected optional subject must be passed
Failing in any one subject makes the candidate ineligible.
Single Board Rule for Eligibility
All qualifying subjects must be passed from the same board.
Not Allowed Under COMEDK Rules
- Marks cards from two different boards
- Example: Physics and Chemistry from one board and Mathematics from another board
All subjects must be cleared under a single recognised board.
Ranking Rules in COMEDK 2026
Ranking is provided only to eligible candidates who score more than zero.
Zero Marks Policy
- Candidates scoring zero marks will not be assigned any rank
- There is no last rank assigned for zero-score candidates
Only candidates with a valid score will appear in the rank list.
Diploma Candidates and Lateral Entry
Diploma holders are not eligible to appear for COMEDK 2026.
- No lateral entry is permitted
- COMEDK is strictly for 10+2 based admissions
OCI and PIO Declaration Requirement
OCI and PIO candidates must submit a declaration as per Annexure A mentioned in the official information brochure. This declaration is mandatory for eligibility confirmation.
Important Dates Reminder
- Application Start Date: 3rd February 2026
- Application Last Date: 16th March 2026
Candidates are advised not to delay registration due to board exam schedules.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for COMEDK 2026
Indian citizens, OCI, and PIO candidates who meet the academic requirements are eligible to apply for COMEDK 2026.
Q2. What subjects are compulsory for COMEDK eligibility
Physics, Mathematics, and English are compulsory, along with one optional subject such as Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or Electronics.
Q3. What is the minimum percentage required for COMEDK 2026
General category candidates need at least 45% aggregate, while Karnataka SC, ST, and OBC candidates require 40%.
Q4. Are diploma candidates eligible for COMEDK 2026
No. Diploma candidates are not eligible as there is no lateral entry provision.
Q5. Will I get a rank if I score zero marks
No. Candidates scoring zero marks will not be assigned any rank.
Final Words
Understanding COMEDK 2026 eligibility criteria is essential before applying. Carefully verify nationality status, subject combinations, minimum marks, and examination requirements to ensure a smooth application and admission process.
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