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IPU CET

IPU CET 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Colleges & Admission Guide

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Updated on December 10, 2025

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What is IPU CET?

Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET) is a university-level entrance examination conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs including B.Tech (Biotechnology), BBA, BCA, BHMCT, LLB, MBA, MCA, and lateral entry to B.Tech for diploma/B.Sc. holders across its affiliated colleges in Delhi-NCR. Established under the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Act, 1998, IPU CET assesses candidates' aptitude through subject-specific MCQs, serving as the primary gateway for over 50,000 seats in 120+ affiliated institutes. 

Students take IPU CET to access affordable education (fees ₹50,000–₹2 lakh/year) in top Delhi colleges like Maharaja Surajmal Institute and Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, benefiting from strong placements (average 4–8 LPA in IT, management, law sectors) and proximity to corporate hubs. It is particularly attractive for Delhi residents seeking merit-based admissions with reservations (85% for Delhi candidates), while non-Delhi students access 15% All India seats, making it a viable alternative to national exams like JEE Main or CLAT for regional opportunities.

IPU CET 2026 Highlights

IPU CET 2026 will be conducted in offline mode for specific programs like B.Tech Biotechnology and lateral entry B.Tech, with 100 MCQs testing domain knowledge.

Particular Details
Exam Name Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET)
Conducting Body Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU)
Exam Level University Level
Exam Frequency Once a year
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen-Paper Based)
Total Seats (Approx.) 50,000+ across UG/PG programs
Duration 2.5–3 hours (program-specific)
Total Questions 100 MCQs
Total Marks 400
Marking Scheme +4 for correct, –1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted
Language English
Official Website ipu.ac.in

IPU CET 2026 Important Dates

GGSIPU is expected to release the official notification in February 2026. Based on previous trends, the tentative schedule is as follows:

Event Tentative Date
Notification Release February 2026
Online Registration Starts February 2026
Last Date to Submit Application April 2026
Application Correction Window April 2026
Admit Card Download April 2026
IPU CET 2026 Exam Date (B.Tech Biotech) April 2026
IPU CET 2026 Exam Date (Lateral Entry B.Tech) May 2026
Result Declaration June 2026
Counselling Registration June–July 2026

IPU CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet GGSIPU's criteria, with separate provisions for Delhi (85% seats) and outside Delhi (15% All India seats) candidates.

  • Nationality: Indian citizens; NRIs under NRI quota.
  • B.Tech Biotechnology: Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths (55% aggregate; 50% for SC/ST/PwD).
  • Lateral Entry B.Tech (Diploma Holders): 3-year diploma in engineering with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
  • Lateral Entry B.Tech (B.Sc. Graduates): B.Sc. degree with Maths at 10+2 or graduation level (50% aggregate).
  • Age Limit: 21 years for UG (relaxation for reserved); 35 years for PG.
  • Attempts: No restriction.

Eligibility for Delhi Candidates

Delhi candidates are eligible for 85% reserved seats and state domicile benefits.

  • Domicile: Studied in Delhi for 3 years in 10+2 or parent domiciled in Delhi.
  • Reservation: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 27%, EWS 10%, PwD 5%.

Eligibility for Non-Delhi (All India) Candidates

Non-Delhi candidates compete for 15% All India seats without domicile benefits.

  • Access: Open to all Indians; no Delhi study requirement.
  • Reason for Taking IPU CET: Non-Delhi students take it for affordable seats in top Delhi colleges (fees ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh/year) without JEE/CLAT competition, accessing NCR's job market in IT/law/management.

IPU CET 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide

The entire registration process is online only at ipu.ac.in or ipu.admissions.nic.in.

  • Visit ipu.ac.in → Click “Admissions 2026–27” → “Apply Online”
  • Register with name, mobile, email → Verify OTP → Generate Login ID & Password
  • Log in → Select program (B.Tech Biotech / Lateral Entry B.Tech / BBA / BCA etc.)
  • Fill personal, academic, domicile, category, and reservation details
  • Upload recent passport-size photograph, signature, and required certificates (10th/12th marksheet, caste/EWS/PwD if applicable)
  • Pay application fee online (Net Banking / Card / UPI)
  • Submit and download filled application + payment receipt

IPU CET 2026 Application Fees

Non-refundable fee (2025 fee; expected same in 2026):

Category Fee (INR)
All Categories ₹ 2,000 per program

Document Specifications for Upload

Document Size Format Specific Requirements
Photograph 10 KB – 100 KB JPG/JPEG Recent colour, white background
Signature 10 KB – 100 KB JPG/JPEG Black ink on white paper
Certificates (Caste/EWS/PwD) 50 KB – 500 KB PDF Recent, issued by competent authority

IPU CET Correction Window & Exam Centres

  • Correction Window: Usually 3–5 days in April 2026; editable fields include photo, signature, academic details, category.
  • Exam Centres: Primarily in Delhi-NCR (East Delhi, West Delhi, North Delhi, South Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram). A few centres in other states for non-Delhi candidates.

IPU CET 2026 Exam Pattern

IPU CET 2026 is a pen-paper based test with 100 MCQs, 2.5–3 hours duration, and negative marking.

Particular Details
Mode Offline (Pen-Paper)
Questions 100 MCQs
Marks 400
Duration 150–180 minutes
Marking Scheme +4 correct, –1 incorrect, 0 unattempted

IPU CET 2026 Detailed Syllabus

The syllabus remains the same for all candidates, with no variation between Delhi and Non-Delhi applicants. For the B.Tech Biotechnology program, the exam is divided into four equal parts: Physics (25%), Chemistry (25%), Biology/Mathematics (25%), and English (25%). 

For Lateral Entry into B.Tech through a Diploma, the subjects include Applied Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Awareness, all carrying equal weightage. For Lateral Entry through a B.Sc. degree, the distribution is B.Sc. Mathematics (40%), English (20%), Reasoning (20%), and Scientific Aptitude (20%).

Best Books for IPU CET 2026 Preparation

Subject Book Author / Publisher
Physics Concepts of Physics H.C. Verma
Chemistry NCERT Chemistry NCERT
Biology/Maths NCERT Biology/Maths NCERT
English High School English Grammar Wren & Martin
Reasoning Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal
Full Package IPU CET Previous Papers Arihant

IPU CET 2026 Course-wise Datesheet

IPU CET 2026 exams are course-specific; tentative dates based on trends (official in Feb 2026). No clashes with national exams like JEE/CLAT.

Course Code Program Tentative Exam Date
130 B.Tech Biotechnology April 2026
128 B.Tech Lateral Entry (Diploma Holders) May 2026
129 B.Tech Lateral Entry (B.Sc. Graduates) May 2026

Note: Other courses like BBA/BCA use CUET; LLB uses CLAT. Datesheet released with notification.

Can non-Delhi students take IPU CET?
Yes. Non-Delhi students are eligible for 15% All India (Outside Delhi) seats in all affiliated colleges. They compete on the same merit list but cannot claim Delhi quota or reservation benefits.
Which is better: IPU B.Tech (lateral entry) or private college via JEE Main?
For CSE/IT/ECE: IPU colleges like MAIT, MSIT, BVP, GTBIT (fees ₹1.4–1.6 lakh/year, avg package 8–12 LPA) are far better than most private colleges outside Delhi-NCR.
What rank is needed for CSE lateral entry in MAIT/MSIT?
Delhi region: Rank under 1,500–2,000 (General). Outside Delhi: Rank under 3,000–4,000.
Is there negative marking in IPU CET?
Yes, –1 for every wrong answer. +4 for correct, 0 for unattempted.
Which IPU college is best for B.Tech Biotechnology?
University School of Biotechnology (USBT) – GGSIPU East Delhi Campus is the only college offering B.Tech Biotech through IPU CET. Rank under 5,000 is safe.
Can I get MAIT/MSIT with 5,000 rank (Outside Delhi)?
Yes. Outside Delhi candidates with rank under 6,000–8,000 easily get CSE/IT/ECE in MAIT, MSIT, BVP, GTBIT.
Is Delhi domicile certificate compulsory?
Yes, for claiming 85% Delhi quota seats and reservation benefits. Outside Delhi candidates don’t need it.
Is IPU CET accepted for regular B.Tech (CSE/IT/ECE)?
No. Regular B.Tech (except Biotechnology) is through JEE Main only. IPU CET is only for B.Tech Biotechnology and Lateral Entry B.Tech.
Which is the best IPU college for lateral entry B.Tech?
MAIT Rohini > MSIT Janakpuri > BVP Paschim Vihar > GTBIT Rajouri Garden > Delhi Technical Campus.
How much is the fee in top IPU colleges?
₹1.4–1.6 lakh per year (tuition) for CSE/IT/ECE in MAIT, MSIT, BVP, GTBIT. Total 3-year cost ≈ ₹4.5–5 lakh.
Is hostel available in IPU colleges?
Limited hostels in government colleges (USAR, USICT). Private colleges like MAIT, BVP have hostels (₹1–1.5 lakh/year).
Which has better placem
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