The Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka is an Independent department dealing with First year and Second year Pre-University classes (11th and 12th standards). This is the distinctive feature of the State. All the colleges offering Pre-University Education come under the control of Department of Pre-University Education. Pre-University Education is a link between Secondary Education and Higher Education including Professional and General Education. Pre-University Education is a 2 year course with District level examination for I PUC Classes and State level Examination for 2nd Pre University classes. Each student has to take 2 languages and 4 subjects in any approved combination in Arts/Science/Commerce stream.

First year Pre University Annual Examination is a district level examination conducted by a committee under the chairmanship of the concerned District Deputy Director of Pre-University Education. A common time table shall be prepared and it is being held before SSLC examination. Students who pass the District level examination are eligible for second year PUC. Second year Pre University Annual Examination: Students who have passed First year PUC are eligible. The Principal of the concerned college has to certify that the candidate has passed the first year PUC.