HP PAT 2026 (Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board (HPTSB), Dharamshala for admission to various diploma courses in engineering, pharmacy, and other technical fields. The examination serves as a gateway for candidates seeking admission to government and private polytechnic institutions across Himachal Pradesh. HP PAT is conducted annually in offline mode with questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English based on the Class 10 curriculum. Candidates who qualify the examination are offered admission through a centralized counselling process based on merit.
Table of Contents
HP PAT 2026 Exam Overview
The Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test is one of the most important entrance examinations for students aspiring to pursue diploma courses in Himachal Pradesh. Understanding the complete exam structure and important dates helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and complete the application process on time.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | HP PAT (Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test) |
| Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board (HPTSB), Dharamshala |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper Based) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 600 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (-1 mark for wrong answer) |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Official Website | hptechboard.com |
HP PAT 2026 Important Dates
The Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board releases the official schedule for HP PAT examination every year. Based on the previous year's pattern, candidates can expect the HP PAT 2026 schedule to follow a similar timeline. Keeping track of important dates ensures timely completion of registration and preparation activities.
| Event | Expected Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | March 2026 |
| HP PAT Application Form Start Date | Last Week of March 2026 |
| HP PAT Application Form Last Date | First Week of May 2026 |
| HP PAT Admit Card Release | Second Week of May 2026 |
| HP PAT 2026 Exam Date | Third Week of May 2026 |
| HP PAT Answer Key Release | Fourth Week of May 2026 |
| HP PAT Result Declaration | Last Week of May 2026 |
| HP PAT Counselling Start | Second Week of June 2026 |
| HP PAT Round 1 Seat Allotment | Last Week of June 2026 |
| HP PAT Round 2 Counselling | First Week of July 2026 |
| HP PAT Spot Round | Last Week of July 2026 |
HP PAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria specified by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board before applying for HP PAT 2026. Meeting the eligibility requirements is mandatory for participation in the examination and subsequent admission process. Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility carefully before filling the application form.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class 10th or equivalent examination from any recognized board
- Minimum 35% marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination is mandatory
- Candidates appearing for Class 10th examination are also eligible to apply provisionally
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English must be studied as mandatory subjects in Class 10
Domicile Requirement
- Candidates must be bona fide residents of Himachal Pradesh
- Valid domicile certificate of Himachal Pradesh is required for reservation benefits
- Category and sub-category mentioned in the application form will be considered final
Age Limit
- There is no specific age limit for appearing in HP PAT examination
- Candidates of any age fulfilling educational qualifications can apply
HP PAT 2026 Application Form
The HP PAT 2026 application form will be released by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board on its official website hptechboard.com. Candidates seeking admission to polytechnic courses must complete the online registration process before the deadline. The application process includes registration, form filling, document uploading, and fee payment.
HP PAT Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category | Rs. 650/- |
| SC/ST/OBC Category | Rs. 400/- |
How to Fill HP PAT Application Form 2026
- Visit the official website of HP PAT at hptechboard.com
- Click on "Online Admissions 2026" link on the homepage
- Select "Polytechnic PAT Admissions" option
- Click on "New User Registration" and complete the registration process
- Login using the credentials and fill the HP PAT application form
- Enter personal details, contact information, educational qualifications, and exam centre preferences
- Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications
- Pay the application fee through online mode (Credit/Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI)
- Review all details and submit the application form
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference
Documents Required for HP PAT Application
- Scanned photograph (JPG format, 10-100 KB, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)
- Scanned signature (JPG format, 10-50 KB, 3.5cm x 1.5cm)
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- Class 10th marksheet and certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate of Himachal Pradesh
HP PAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the HP PAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The examination tests candidates on their knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English at the Class 10 level. The question paper consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions with both positive and negative marking.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 600 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for each wrong answer |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) |
| Language of Question Paper | English and Hindi (Bilingual) |
Subject-wise Distribution of Questions
| Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 40 | 160 |
| Chemistry | 40 | 160 |
| Mathematics | 50 | 200 |
| English | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 150 | 600 |
HP PAT 2026 Syllabus
The HP PAT syllabus is based on the Class 10 curriculum of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education. Candidates must thoroughly prepare all topics from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English to score well in the examination. The syllabus covers fundamental concepts and their applications.
HP PAT Physics Syllabus
| Chapter | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Light - Reflection and Refraction | Laws of reflection, Spherical mirrors, Mirror formula, Refractive index, Lens formula, Power of lens |
| Human Eye and Colourful World | Structure of eye, Defects of vision, Dispersion, Atmospheric refraction, Scattering of light |
| Electricity | Electric current, Potential difference, Ohm's law, Resistance, Heating effect of current, Electric power |
| Magnetic Effects of Current | Magnetic field, Fleming's rules, Electromagnetic induction, Electric motor, Electric generator |
| Sources of Energy | Conventional and non-conventional sources, Solar energy, Nuclear energy, Environmental consequences |
HP PAT Chemistry Syllabus
| Chapter | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Chemical Reactions and Equations | Chemical equations, Types of reactions, Oxidation and reduction, Effects of oxidation |
| Acids, Bases and Salts | Properties of acids and bases, pH scale, Salts, Bleaching powder, Plaster of Paris |
| Metals and Non-metals | Physical and chemical properties, Reactivity series, Extraction of metals, Corrosion |
| Carbon and its Compounds | Bonding in carbon, Hydrocarbons, Functional groups, Homologous series, Soaps and detergents |
| Periodic Classification of Elements | Mendeleev's periodic table, Modern periodic table, Trends in periodic table |
HP PAT Mathematics Syllabus
| Chapter | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Real Numbers | Euclid's division lemma, Fundamental theorem of arithmetic, Irrational numbers, Decimal expansions |
| Polynomials | Zeros of polynomial, Relationship between zeros and coefficients, Division algorithm |
| Pair of Linear Equations | Graphical and algebraic methods, Substitution, Elimination, Cross-multiplication |
| Quadratic Equations | Standard form, Factorization, Completing square, Quadratic formula, Nature of roots |
| Arithmetic Progressions | nth term, Sum of first n terms, Applications |
| Triangles | Similar triangles, Criteria for similarity, Pythagoras theorem |
| Coordinate Geometry | Distance formula, Section formula, Area of triangle |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, Identities, Heights and distances |
| Circles | Tangent to a circle, Number of tangents from a point |
| Areas Related to Circles | Area of sector and segment, Areas of combinations |
| Surface Areas and Volumes | Combination of solids, Conversion of shapes |
| Statistics | Mean, Median, Mode of grouped data, Cumulative frequency |
| Probability | Classical definition, Simple problems |
HP PAT English Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Subject-verb agreement, Voice (Active/Passive), Narration, Modals |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and phrases |
| Comprehension | Reading comprehension passages |
| Sentence Structure | Error spotting, Sentence improvement, Jumbled sentences |
HP PAT 2026 Admit Card
The HP PAT admit card 2026 will be released by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board on its official website approximately one week before the examination date. Candidates must download the admit card using their login credentials and carry a printed copy to the examination centre along with a valid ID proof.
How to Download HP PAT Admit Card 2026
- Visit the official website hptechboard.com
- Click on "HP PAT Admit Card 2026" link
- Enter application number and password
- Click on download button
- Verify all details on the admit card
- Take multiple printouts for examination day
Details Mentioned on HP PAT Admit Card
- Candidate's name and photograph
- Roll number
- Father's/Guardian's name
- Category
- Examination date and time
- Examination centre name and address
- Important instructions for exam day
HP PAT 2026 Cutoff Marks
The HP PAT cutoff is the minimum qualifying marks required for candidates to be eligible for the counselling process. The cutoff varies based on category and determines which candidates can participate in the admission process. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks to be considered for seat allotment.
HP PAT Expected Cutoff 2026
| Category | Qualifying Marks (Out of 600) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General Category | 90 marks | 15% |
| SC/ST/OBC Category | 60 marks | 10% |
Factors Affecting HP PAT Cutoff
- Total number of candidates appearing for the examination
- Difficulty level of the question paper
- Total number of seats available in participating institutes
- Previous year cutoff trends
- Category-wise reservation policies
HP PAT 2026 Result
The HP PAT 2026 result will be declared by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board on its official website after the examination. The result is released in the form of a merit list containing candidate details, marks obtained, and provisional rank. Qualified candidates become eligible for the counselling process.
How to Check HP PAT Result 2026
- Visit the official website hptechboard.com
- Click on "HP PAT 2026 Result" link
- Enter login ID and password
- View and download the result/scorecard
- Take a printout for counselling process
Details in HP PAT Scorecard
- Candidate's name and roll number
- Application number
- Father's/Guardian's name
- Date of birth
- Category/Sub-category
- Marks obtained (out of 600)
- Provisional rank
HP PAT Tie-Breaking Criteria
In case two or more candidates secure equal marks, the following tie-breaking criteria will be applied:
- Higher marks in Chemistry
- Higher marks in Physics
- Higher marks in Biology/Mathematics
- Higher marks in English
- Candidate older in age will be given preference
HP PAT 2026 Counselling Process
The HP PAT counselling 2026 will be conducted by the Central Admission Selection Committee in online mode. Candidates who qualify the examination will be eligible to participate in the counselling process. The counselling is conducted in multiple rounds including regular rounds and spot rounds to fill all available seats.
HP PAT Counselling Schedule 2026
| Counselling Round | Expected Dates |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Registration and Choice Filling | June 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | Last Week of June 2026 |
| Round 1 Document Verification | Within 5 days of seat allotment |
| Round 2 Registration and Choice Filling | First Week of July 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | Third Week of July 2026 |
| Spot Round Counselling | Last Week of July 2026 |
HP PAT Counselling Process Steps
- Registration: Qualified candidates must register for counselling on the official website and pay the counselling fee
- Choice Filling: Candidates fill their preferred choices of colleges and courses in order of preference
- Choice Locking: Lock the filled choices before the deadline; unlocked choices will be auto-locked
- Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on merit, category, and choices filled by candidates
- Document Verification: Report to allotted institute for verification of original documents
- Fee Payment and Admission: Pay the admission fee to confirm the seat
Documents Required for HP PAT Counselling
- HP PAT 2026 admit card and scorecard
- Class 10th marksheet and certificate
- Seat allotment letter
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
- Domicile certificate of Himachal Pradesh
- Character certificate
- Migration certificate
- Passport size photographs
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar Card)
HP PAT 2026 Reservation Policy
The Himachal Pradesh government provides reservation to various categories as per the state reservation policy. Candidates must provide valid certificates to avail reservation benefits during the counselling process.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 22% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 10% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 3% |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per state policy |
| Single Girl Child | Supernumerary seats |
| Tuition Fee Waiver (TFW) | 5% of total intake |
HP PAT Participating Polytechnic Colleges 2026
Various government and private polytechnic colleges in Himachal Pradesh accept HP PAT scores for admission to diploma courses. These institutes are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and affiliated to the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board. The total number of seats available through HP PAT is approximately 6,188 across all participating institutes.
Top Government Polytechnic Colleges in Himachal Pradesh
| College Name | Location | Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Government Polytechnic Sundernagar | Mandi | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Chemical, Automobile, Architecture |
| Government Polytechnic Hamirpur | Hamirpur | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer |
| Government Polytechnic Kangra | Kangra | Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Instrumentation |
| Government Polytechnic for Women, Solan | Solan | Electronics, Computer, Pharmacy |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Government Polytechnic Ambota | Una | Mechanical, Electrical, Computer |
| Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic Banikhet | Chamba | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer |
| Government Polytechnic Rohru | Shimla | Civil, Electronics, Pharmacy |
| Government Polytechnic for Women Kandaghat | Solan | Electronics, Computer, Pharmacy |
| Government Millennium Polytechnic Sarol | Chamba | Civil, Electronics, Computer |
| Government Polytechnic Talwar | Kangra | Civil, Automobile |
Private Polytechnic Colleges in Himachal Pradesh
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| KC Polytechnic | Pandoga, Una |
| Sirda Polytechnic | Mandi |
| T.R. Abhilashi Memorial Institute of Engineering and Technology | Mandi |
| Green Hills Polytechnic | Kumarhatti, Solan |
| Himalayan Polytechnic | Sirmour |
| Devasya Polytechnic | Hamirpur |
| ABVGIET Polytechnic | Pragtinagar, Shimla |
Diploma Courses Available Through HP PAT 2026
Candidates qualifying HP PAT 2026 can seek admission to various diploma courses offered by polytechnic colleges in Himachal Pradesh. These courses are of three years duration and provide technical education in different engineering and non-engineering fields.
List of Diploma Courses
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Diploma in Computer Engineering
- Diploma in Automobile Engineering
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering
- Diploma in Architecture Assistantship
- Diploma in Instrumentation Engineering
- Diploma in Pharmacy
- Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
- Diploma in Fashion Designing and Garment Technology
- Diploma in Film Technology and TV Production
HP PAT 2026 Preparation Tips
Effective preparation for HP PAT requires a systematic approach covering all subjects in the syllabus. Candidates should focus on strengthening their fundamentals from Class 10 curriculum and practice extensively with previous year question papers.
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
Mathematics Preparation
- Focus on high-weightage chapters: Trigonometry, Quadratic Equations, Coordinate Geometry
- Practice numerical problems daily to improve speed and accuracy
- Memorize all formulas and create a formula sheet for quick revision
- Solve previous year HP PAT mathematics questions
Physics Preparation
- Concentrate on Electricity, Light, and Magnetic Effects chapters
- Understand concepts thoroughly before attempting numerical problems
- Draw and practice ray diagrams for optics
- Learn all laws and their applications
Chemistry Preparation
- Focus on Chemical Reactions, Carbon Compounds, and Periodic Classification
- Memorize important chemical equations and reactions
- Learn properties of metals, non-metals, acids, and bases
- Practice balancing chemical equations
English Preparation
- Practice grammar exercises focusing on tenses, voice, and narration
- Build vocabulary through daily reading
- Practice comprehension passages for reading speed
- Revise common idioms and phrases
General Preparation Tips
- Complete the NCERT Class 10 textbooks thoroughly
- Solve at least 5 years of previous HP PAT question papers
- Take mock tests to improve time management
- Focus on accuracy as there is negative marking
- Revise regularly to retain concepts
- Create short notes for last-minute revision
HP PAT Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing HP PAT previous year question papers helps candidates understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics. Regular practice with past papers improves time management skills and builds confidence for the actual examination.
Benefits of Solving Previous Year Papers
- Understand the actual exam pattern and question distribution
- Identify important topics and repeated questions
- Improve time management during the examination
- Assess preparation level and identify weak areas
- Get familiar with the marking scheme
- Build exam temperament and reduce anxiety
HP PAT Previous Year Papers Download Links
| Year | Source |
|---|---|
| HP PAT 2025 Question Paper | hptechboard.com |
| HP PAT 2024 Question Paper | hptechboard.com |
| HP PAT 2023 Question Paper | hptechboard.com |
| HP PAT Sample Papers | Official Website |
HP PAT 2025 Result Statistics
The HP PAT 2025 result was declared on May 28, 2025. Analyzing previous year statistics helps candidates understand the competition level and set realistic preparation targets for HP PAT 2026.
| Parameter | HP PAT 2025 |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | May 18, 2025 |
| Result Declaration Date | May 28, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release | May 21, 2025 |
| Counselling Start Date | June 4, 2025 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | June 19, 2025 |
| Total Seats Available | Approximately 6,188 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- HP PAT (Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board (HPTSB), Dharamshala for admission to diploma courses in engineering, pharmacy, and other technical fields in government and private polytechnic colleges of Himachal Pradesh.
- Candidates must have passed Class 10th or equivalent examination with minimum 35% marks from any recognized board. They must be bona fide residents of Himachal Pradesh. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English must be studied as mandatory subjects in the qualifying examination.
- HP PAT is conducted in offline mode with 150 objective-type multiple-choice questions carrying 600 marks. The exam duration is 3 hours. Questions are asked from Physics (40), Chemistry (40), Mathematics (50), and English (20). Each correct answer carries 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for wrong answers.
- The application fee for HP PAT 2026 is Rs. 650 for General category candidates and Rs. 400 for SC/ST/OBC category candidates. The fee can be paid through online mode using credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Yes, there is negative marking in HP PAT examination. For every correct answer, 4 marks are awarded, and for every wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
- Candidates must secure minimum 15% marks (90 out of 600) for General category and 10% marks (60 out of 600) for SC/ST/OBC category to qualify for the HP PAT counselling process.
- HP PAT counselling is conducted in multiple rounds including Round 1, Round 2, and Spot Round. The spot round is conducted in offline mode at participating institutes to fill vacant seats remaining after the online rounds.
- HP PAT is primarily for candidates who are bona fide residents of Himachal Pradesh. Candidates from other states may apply but will not be eligible for state quota reservation benefits. They can apply under All India Quota seats if available.
- Documents required include HP PAT admit card and scorecard, Class 10th marksheet and certificate, seat allotment letter, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, character certificate, migration certificate, passport size photographs, and valid ID proof.
- The HP PAT syllabus is based on the Class 10 curriculum of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education. All questions are asked from topics covered in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English at the matriculation level.
- Top government polytechnic colleges include Government Polytechnic Sundernagar (Mandi), Government Polytechnic Hamirpur, Government Polytechnic Kangra, Government Polytechnic for Women Solan, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Government Polytechnic Ambota (Una). Private colleges include KC Polytechnic Pandoga, Sirda Polytechnic Mandi, and others.
- Candidates can pursue various diploma courses including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Architecture Assistantship, Pharmacy, Hotel Management, and Fashion Designing.





