HPCET 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility & Result
Engineering
Updated on December 29, 2025
HPCET 2026 (Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate professional courses. The examination serves as a gateway for admission to B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, and other technical programmes offered by HPTU and its affiliated colleges across Himachal Pradesh. With the official notification for HPCET 2026 already released on December 10, 2025, aspirants can now begin their preparation for this highly competitive entrance examination scheduled for May 2026.
Table of Contents
HPCET 2026 Exam Highlights
Understanding the basic structure and format of HPCET 2026 is essential for effective preparation. The examination is conducted annually in offline mode and tests candidates on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for engineering aspirants. Here is a comprehensive overview of the key exam details that every aspirant should know before beginning their preparation journey.
Particulars
Details
Exam Name
Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET)
Conducting Body
Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur
HPTU has released the notification schedule for HPCET 2026 on December 10, 2025. Candidates must be aware of all important dates to ensure timely completion of the application process and preparation. The tentative schedule based on the official notification and previous year trends is provided below for reference.
Event
Expected Dates (2026)
Official Notification Release
December 10, 2025 (Released)
Online Registration Begins
February 2026 (First Week)
Last Date for Application Submission
April 2026 (Third Week)
Application Correction Window
Late April 2026
Admit Card Release
May 2026 (First Week)
HPCET 2026 Exam Date (UG Courses)
May 2026 (Second/Third Week)
HPCET 2026 Exam Date (PG Courses)
May/June 2026
Provisional Answer Key Release
May 2026 (Fourth Week)
Final Answer Key Release
June 2026 (First Week)
Result Declaration
June 2026 (First Week)
Counselling Registration
June 2026 (Second Week)
Counselling (JEE Main Based)
July 2026 (Last Week)
Counselling (HPCET Based)
August 2026
Courses Offered Through HPCET 2026
HPCET 2026 offers admission to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate technical and professional courses. Candidates can apply for multiple courses based on their eligibility and interest. Understanding the available programmes helps aspirants make informed decisions about their academic and career goals.
Undergraduate Courses
Course Name
Duration
Eligibility
B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology)
4 Years
10+2 with PCM
B.Pharmacy (Allopathy)
4 Years
10+2 with PCM/PCB
B.Pharmacy (Ayurveda)
4 Years
10+2 with PCB
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
3 Years
10+2 any stream
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
3 Years
10+2 with Mathematics
BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management & Catering Technology)
4 Years
10+2 any stream
B.Sc. (HM & CT)
3 Years
10+2 any stream
Postgraduate Courses
Course Name
Duration
Eligibility
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
2 Years
Graduation with 50% marks
MBA (Tourism & Hospitality Management)
2 Years
Graduation with 50% marks
MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
2 Years
Graduation with Mathematics
M.Tech
2 Years
B.Tech/B.E. with 50% marks
M.Sc. Physics
2 Years
B.Sc. with Physics
M.Sc. Environmental Sciences
2 Years
B.Sc. in relevant field
HPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the eligibility criteria is mandatory for appearing in HPCET 2026. HPTU prescribes specific educational qualifications, minimum marks, and age requirements for different courses. Candidates must carefully verify their eligibility before filling the application form to avoid rejection at later stages.
B.Tech Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or appeared in 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University
Mandatory Subjects: Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of the following - Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Technical Vocational Subject, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies, or Entrepreneurship
Minimum Marks: 45% aggregate marks in the qualifying subjects (40% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates)
Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as on December 31, 2026
Alternative Eligibility: Diploma in Engineering/Technology with 45% marks (40% for reserved categories)
B.Pharmacy Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Board
Mandatory Subjects: Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects along with Mathematics or Biology
Minimum Marks: 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories)
Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as on December 31, 2026
MBA/MCA Eligibility Criteria
Course
Qualification
Minimum Marks
MBA
Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized university
50% (45% for reserved categories)
MBA (T&HM)
Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized university
50% (45% for reserved categories)
MCA
Graduation with Mathematics as a subject at 10+2 or graduation level
50% (45% for reserved categories)
Age Limit and Reservation
Minimum age for UG courses: 17 years as on December 31, 2026
No upper age limit for any course
Relaxation in minimum marks for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per government norms
Reservation for HP state quota, women, and differently-abled candidates as per state policy
HPCET 2026 Application Process
The HPCET 2026 application process is completely online through the official HPTU website. Candidates must complete the registration, fill in the application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee within the stipulated timeline. Following the correct procedure ensures successful submission of the application.
Steps to Apply for HPCET 2026
Step 1: Visit the official website himtu.ac.in
Step 2: Click on "Application Form for HPCET-2026" link under the Admission tab
Step 3: Select the programme and enter basic details including name, father's name, email ID, and mobile number
Step 4: Verify email through OTP and create login credentials
Step 5: Login using the Form Number and Password
Step 6: Fill the complete application form with personal, educational, and contact details
Step 7: Upload scanned passport-size photograph and signature in prescribed format
Step 8: Select admission criteria - National Level Test (JEE Main) / HPCET / Qualifying Examination
Step 9: Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card)
Step 10: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference
HPCET 2026 Application Fee
Candidates must pay the application fee as per their category and selected admission criteria. The fee is non-refundable and can be paid only through online modes. Separate fees are applicable for each programme if applying for multiple courses.
Category
Application Fee (Per Admission Criteria)
General Category
Rs. 1,550
Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC)
Rs. 1,400
BPL Families
Rs. 1,400
JEE Main Candidates (Without HPCET)
Rs. 1,200
Documents Required for Application
Scanned passport size photograph (JPG format, max 100 KB)
Scanned signature (JPG format, max 50 KB)
Class 10th mark sheet and certificate
Class 12th mark sheet and certificate
Graduation mark sheets (for PG courses)
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS if applicable)
Domicile certificate (for HP state quota)
Income certificate (if applicable)
Disability certificate (for PwD candidates)
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the HPCET exam pattern is crucial for strategic preparation. The examination pattern varies based on the course applied for. For B.Tech and B.Pharmacy, candidates need to attempt 150 questions, while MBA and MCA have 100 questions. The marking scheme includes negative marking for incorrect answers.
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern for B.Tech/B.Pharmacy
Parameter
Details
Mode of Exam
Offline (OMR-based Pen and Paper)
Duration
3 Hours 15 Minutes (195 Minutes)
Total Questions
150 MCQs
Total Marks
600 Marks
Subjects
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology
Questions per Subject
50 Questions each
Marks per Question
+4 for correct answer
Negative Marking
-1 for incorrect answer
Language
English
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern for MBA/MCA
Parameter
Details
Mode of Exam
Offline (OMR-based Pen and Paper)
Duration
2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Total Questions
100 MCQs
Total Marks
200 Marks
Marks per Question
+2 for correct answer
Negative Marking
-0.5 for incorrect answer
Language
English
Section-wise Distribution for MBA/MCA
Section
Topics
Verbal Ability
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary
Quantitative Ability
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics
Data Interpretation & Reasoning
Logical Reasoning, Data Analysis, Puzzles
General Awareness
Business Awareness, Current Affairs, Computer Knowledge
HPCET 2026 Syllabus
The HPCET 2026 syllabus is based on Class 11th and 12th standard curriculum for undergraduate courses. Candidates should thoroughly cover all topics mentioned in the syllabus to maximize their scores. The syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for B.Tech, while Biology is included for B.Pharmacy applicants.
HPCET Physics Syllabus
Unit
Topics
Physics and Measurement
Units and Dimensions, Errors in Measurement, Significant Figures
Kinematics
Motion in 1D and 2D, Projectile Motion, Relative Velocity
HPCET 2026 will be conducted across multiple exam centres in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Candidates can select their preferred exam centre during the application process, subject to availability. The exam centre details will be mentioned on the admit card.
S.No.
UG Course Exam Centres
PG Course Exam Centres
1
Hamirpur
Hamirpur
2
Shimla
Mandi
3
Mandi
Dharamshala
4
Kangra
Solan
5
Solan
-
6
Bilaspur
-
7
Kullu
-
8
Una
-
9
Chamba
-
10
Sirmour
-
11
Chandigarh
-
HPCET 2026 Admit Card
The HPCET 2026 admit card will be released approximately one week before the examination date on the official website. Candidates must download and take a printout of the admit card as it is mandatory for entry into the examination hall. The admit card contains essential details about the candidate and examination.
Details on HPCET Admit Card
Candidate's name and father's name
Roll number and registration number
Date of birth and category
Photograph and signature
Exam date, time, and shift
Exam centre name and address
Reporting time and important instructions
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
Printed copy of HPCET 2026 admit card
Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar Card/Voter ID/Passport/Driving License)
Passport size photographs (2 copies)
Black/Blue ballpoint pen
HPCET vs JEE Main: Admission Pathways
HPTU offers two primary pathways for B.Tech admission - through HPCET scores and JEE Main scores. Understanding the seat allocation and merit calculation helps candidates plan their admission strategy effectively. Both pathways have equal importance with 50% seats allocated to each.
Parameter
HPCET Pathway
JEE Main Pathway
Seat Allocation
50% of total seats
50% of total seats
Merit Calculation
100% HPCET Score
60% JEE Main + 40% Class 12th marks (Normalized)
Eligibility
HPCET Qualified Candidates
JEE Main Qualified Candidates
Counselling Priority
After JEE Main round
First priority in counselling
Vacant Seats
Filled through 12th marks if seats remain
Transferred to HPCET round
HPCET 2026 Result and Cutoff
HPTU will declare the HPCET 2026 result on the official website after the examination. The result will be available in the form of a scorecard containing the candidate's marks and rank. Candidates who meet the cutoff marks will be eligible to participate in the counselling process.
HPCET 2025 Expected Cutoff Marks (For Reference)
College
Branch
General Category (Approx. Marks)
JNGEC Sundernagar
Computer Science
180-250
JNGEC Sundernagar
Electronics & Communication
150-200
HPTU Hamirpur
Computer Science
160-220
GHEC Bilaspur
Computer Science
180-250
UIT Shimla
Computer Science
140-180
ABVGIET Pragatinagar
Electronics & Communication
90-120
HPCET 2026 Counselling Process
HPCET 2026 counselling will be conducted in offline mode at the HPTU campus, Hamirpur. The counselling process includes registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification. Candidates must attend the counselling in person with all original documents.
Counselling Schedule (Expected)
Round
Category
Expected Timeline
Round 1 - Stage 1
JEE Main Based
July 2026 (Last Week)
Round 1 - Stage 2
HPCET Based
August 2026 (First Week)
Round 1 - Stage 3
12th Marks Based (if seats vacant)
August 2026 (Second Week)
Round 2
All Categories
August 2026 (Third Week)
Mop-up Round
Vacant Seats
September 2026
Documents Required for Counselling
HPCET 2026 Scorecard/JEE Main 2026 Scorecard
HPCET 2026 Admit Card
Class 10th Mark Sheet and Certificate
Class 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate
Character Certificate
Transfer Certificate
Migration Certificate (for other state candidates)
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
Domicile Certificate (for HP quota)
Income Certificate
Passport size photographs (6 copies)
Valid ID Proof
HPCET 2026 Participating Colleges
HPCET scores are accepted by over 50 colleges across Himachal Pradesh including government institutions, private colleges, and deemed universities. These institutions offer various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, pharmacy, management, and other technical fields.
Government Engineering Colleges
College Name
Location
Courses Offered
Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College (JNGEC)
Sundernagar
B.Tech (CSE, ECE, ME, CE, EE)
Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU)
Hamirpur
B.Tech, MBA, MCA, M.Tech
Government Hydro Engineering College (GHEC)
Bilaspur
B.Tech
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Institute of Engineering and Technology
Pragatinagar, Shimla
B.Tech
Private Engineering Colleges
College Name
Location
Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT)
Solan
Shoolini University
Solan
Himachal Institute of Engineering and Technology (HIET)
Kangra
Green Hills Engineering College
Kumarhatti, Solan
L.R. Institute of Engineering and Technology
Jabli-Kyar, Solan
Gautam Institute of Management and Technology
Hamirpur
Himachal Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (HIPER)
Hamirpur
HPCET 2026 Preparation Tips
Effective preparation strategy is essential to score well in HPCET 2026. Since the exam is based on Class 11th and 12th syllabus, candidates should focus on building strong fundamentals. Here are expert-recommended preparation tips to help aspirants achieve their target scores.
Preparation Strategy
Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the complete HPCET syllabus. Identify high-weightage topics and prioritize them in your study plan.
Create a Study Schedule: Develop a realistic timetable allocating equal time to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Ensure daily practice and regular revisions.
Focus on NCERT: NCERT textbooks are the foundation for HPCET preparation. Master all concepts, examples, and exercises from Class 11th and 12th NCERT books.
Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve HPCET previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics.
Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests help improve speed, accuracy, and time management. Analyze your performance after each test to identify weak areas.
Manage Negative Marking: Since 1 mark is deducted for wrong answers, avoid random guessing. Attempt only those questions you are confident about.
Revise Formulas: Create formula sheets for all subjects and revise them daily. Quick recall of formulas saves time during the exam.
Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise during preparation. Physical and mental wellness is crucial for optimal performance.
Recommended Books for HPCET 2026
Subject
Recommended Books
Physics
Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, NCERT Physics Class 11 & 12, Objective Physics by D.C. Pandey
Chemistry
NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12, Organic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon, Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur
Mathematics
NCERT Mathematics Class 11 & 12, Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma, A Master Resource Book by Praful K. Agarwal
MBA/MCA
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Nishit K. Sinha, A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
HPCET Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing previous year question papers is one of the most effective preparation strategies. These papers help candidates understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked. HPTU releases question papers on its official website after the examination.
Year
Source
HPCET 2025
Official Website himtu.ac.in
HPCET 2024
AglaSem, Testbook, Careers360
HPCET 2023
Educational Portals
HPCET 2022
HPTU Archives
READ MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
HPCET stands for Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test. It is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur for admission to B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, and other professional courses in Himachal Pradesh.
HPCET 2026 is expected to be conducted in May 2026. The official notification has already been released on December 10, 2025. Exact exam dates will be announced in the detailed notification.
HPCET 2026 for B.Tech consists of 150 MCQs from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (50 questions each) for a total of 600 marks. The exam duration is 3 hours 15 minutes. There is +4 marks for each correct answer and –1 mark for wrong answers.
Yes, HPCET is generally considered easier than JEE Main in terms of difficulty level. The questions are based on Class 11th and 12th NCERT syllabus with moderate difficulty. However, competition depends on the number of applicants and available seats.
Yes, candidates with valid JEE Main scores can apply for admission to HPTU affiliated colleges without appearing for HPCET. 50% of seats are reserved for JEE Main candidates. Separate application and fee payment is required.
For B.Tech, candidates need minimum 45% marks in 10+2 with PCM (40% for reserved categories). There is no minimum qualifying score in HPCET itself; admission depends on merit rank and cutoff of respective colleges.
Yes, HPCET has negative marking. For B.Tech/B.Pharmacy, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. For MBA/MCA, 0.5 marks are deducted for incorrect responses.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for HPCET. Candidates can appear for the exam multiple times as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
The HPCET 2026 application fee is Rs. 1,550 for General category and Rs. 1,400 for Reserved category candidates per admission criteria selected. Separate fees apply for each programme if applying for multiple courses.
HPCET scores are accepted by HPTU, JNGEC Sundernagar, GHEC Bilaspur, JUIT Solan, Shoolini University, and over 50 government and private colleges in Himachal Pradesh for B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, and MCA admissions.
HPCET is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based test). Candidates receive OMR sheets to mark their answers using black or blue ballpoint pen.
HPCET 2026 counselling is expected to begin in June 2026 for registration, with seat allotment scheduled in July–August 2026. JEE Main based counselling is conducted first, followed by HPCET based allotment.
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