The AP ECET 2026 is an entrance exam for students who have completed a Diploma in Engineering, Pharmacy, or BSc (Mathematics) and want to join directly into the second year of B.E., B.Tech., or B.Pharmacy courses in Andhra Pradesh. The exam is conducted every year by JNTU Anantapur on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).
The test is held online (computer-based) and lasts for 3 hours. It includes 200 multiple-choice questions from subjects like Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and a paper based on the student’s course. The question paper is in English, and students get 1 mark for every correct answer—there is no negative marking.
Students must apply online and pay the exam fee based on their category. The exam is expected to be held in May 2026, and the results will be announced by the end of that month. If you pass, you can take part in counseling and choose a college for admission. The AP ECET exam helps diploma and BSc students continue their education and build a career in engineering or pharmacy.
AP ECET 2026 Highlights
The AP ECET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted annually by JNTU Anantapur on behalf of APSCHE for diploma and BSc (Mathematics) holders seeking lateral entry into B.E./B.Tech/B.Pharmacy courses. The exam is held online and is accepted by various engineering colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Name of the Exam | Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test or AP ECET |
| Conducted By | JNTU, Anantapur on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Course offered through the exam | BE/ BTech/ BPharm |
| Exam Fees | OC Category - INR 600 BC Category - INR 550 SC/ST Category - INR 500 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Sections | 4 - Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Selected Paper |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Marking Scheme | One mark will be given for every correct answer. No negative marking |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Colleges Accepting Exam Score | BTech colleges of the state |
| No. of Test Cities | 41 |
| Official Website | sche.ap.gov.in/ECET/ECET/ECET_HomePage.aspx |
| Contact Details | AP ECET Email ID: convenorapecet2024@gmail.com AP ECET Helpline: 08554-234678 |
AP ECET 2026 Important Dates
The AP ECET 2026 important dates include the application schedule, hall ticket release, exam date, and result declaration. Conducted in May 2026, the exam process begins in March, followed by counselling in June. Candidates must stay updated with deadlines to avoid late fee penalties during registration.
| Events | Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Starting the online application form submission | 3rd week of March 2026 |
| Last date for submission without late fee | 3rd week of April 2026 |
| Last date for submission with late fee (Rs.500/-) | 3rd week of April 2026 |
| Last date for submission with late fee (Rs.2000/-) | 4th week of April 2026 |
| Last date for submission with late fee (Rs.5000/-) | 1st week of May 2026 |
| Correction of already submitted application | 4th week of April 2026 |
| Issue of Hall Ticket | 1st week of May 2026 |
| AP ECET Exam Date | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Publication of Preliminary Key | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Last date for receiving objections | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Declaration of result | 4th week of May 2026 |
| Counselling begins | 1st week of June 2026 |
AP ECET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for candidates aiming to appear for the AP ECET 2026 exam. This state-level entrance test facilitates lateral entry admissions into BTech, BE, and BPharm programs in Andhra Pradesh. To apply, candidates must meet specific requirements related to nationality, educational background, minimum qualifying marks, and reservation policies. Diploma holders and BSc (Mathematics) graduates must ensure they fulfill all prerequisites. This section outlines the detailed eligibility criteria to help aspirants verify their qualifications before proceeding with the application process.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality & Residence | - Must be an Indian citizen - Must belong to Andhra Pradesh - Must meet local/non-local status as per AP Educational Institutions Order, 1974 |
| Educational Qualification | - Diploma in Engineering/Technology/Pharmacy from SBTET AP or recognized equivalent OR - 3-year BSc Degree with Mathematics from a recognized university in AP |
| For Diploma Students | - Final-year diploma students may apply but must complete practical training before admission |
| Minimum Marks Required | - General category: 45% in Diploma/BSc - Reserved category (SC/ST/BC): 40% in Diploma/BSc |
| Lateral Entry Eligibility | - Must qualify in AP ECET 2026 - Meeting eligibility criteria is mandatory for admission |
| Seat Reservation | - 85% seats reserved for local candidates - 15% unreserved |
| Additional Seats (Lateral Entry) | - Private unaided colleges: 20% extra seats - University colleges: 10% extra seats |
| Admission Priority | - Priority to diploma holders - BSc (Mathematics) candidates considered only after diploma candidates are admitted |
AP ECET 2026 Application Process
The AP ECET 2026 application form will be released through online mode, and applicants will be able to fill out the registration form in March 2026. While filling out the application form, candidates must provide the required details such as personal, qualification, and communication information. It is important to ensure that all details entered in the application form are valid and accurate, as further communication regarding the exam will be conducted through the registered email ID and mobile number.
How to Apply for AP ECET 2026
The following is a step-by-step procedure to apply for AP ECET 2026:
- Step 1: Visit the online website.
- Step 2: Firstly, applicants will need to submit an application fee.
- Step 3: Fill the registration form by providing basic details such as name, mobile number, address, gender, etc.
- Step 4: Enter the required details in application form such as personal, qualification, category details etc.
- Step 5: Upload the scanned images of required documents within a prescribed size and format.
- Step 6: Preview the entered details in application form.
- Step 7: Take a printout of application form and keep it safe.
AP ECET 2026 Exam Pattern
The AP ECET 2026 Exam Pattern has not yet been revised and is expected to remain the same as the previous year. The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education will provide the AP ECET 2026 exam pattern in the official notification. The exam will be conducted as a computer-based test at various centers. The AP ECET exam pattern 2026 will help students understand how the exam will be conducted. It includes important details like the exam mode (computer-based), duration of the exam, marking scheme (how marks are given), and the type of questions (multiple-choice questions). Before starting their preparation, students should check the official AP ECET 2026 exam pattern. This will help them understand the exam format better and improve their chances of performing well in the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 200 questions |
| Total Marks | 200 marks |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam Mode | Online mode |
| Language | English language only |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for each correct response |
AP ECET 2026 Exam Syllabus
The AP ECET 2026 Exam Pattern has not yet been revised and is expected to remain the same as the previous year. The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education includes the AP ECET 2026 syllabus in the official notification. Students can check the list of subjects, topics, and units they need to study for the exam through the AP ECET 2026 syllabus. According to the syllabus, students must prepare topics from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and their chosen subject. It is important for students to know the AP ECET syllabus in advance so they can understand the topics and prepare well for the exam. While the syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is common for all, the fourth section will vary depending on the subject chosen by the student. Students can check the detailed topics for their chosen subject in the AP ECET 2026 syllabus.
| B.E/B.Tech | B.Pharm | B.Sc (Mathematics) |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Mathematics | 1) Pharmaceutics | 1) Mathematics |
| 2) Physics | 2) Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 2) Analytical Ability |
| 3) Chemistry | 3) Pharmacognosy | 3) Communicative English |
| 4) Relevant Engineering subjects | 4) Pharmacology |
Preparation Tips For AP ECET 2026 Exam
Students should check the detailed AP ECET 2026 preparation tips to prepare well for the exam and increase their chances of scoring well for admissions. Here are some important tips to follow:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: A thorough understanding of the AP ECET 2026 exam pattern and syllabus is essential before starting preparation.
- Create a Personalized Timetable: Developing a study schedule based on strengths and weaknesses helps ensure the entire syllabus is covered efficiently.
- Practice Mock Tests Regularly: Consistent practice of mock tests helps monitor progress and improve time management during the exam.
- Revise Daily: Regular revision of studied topics strengthens understanding and prevents forgetting important concepts.
- Maintain Good Health: Proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and physical activity contribute to better focus and overall performance in the exam.
AP ECET 2026 Admit Card
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education will soon put the AP ECET 2026 admit card on its official website. Students who have registered for the exam can download the admit card online. To obtain the admit card, students must enter their registration number, qualifying exam hall ticket number, and date of birth. The admit card will not be sent by post or any other way.
The AP ECET 2026 admit card will have details like the exam date, time, exam center address, and important instructions. Students must carry their admit card along with an ID proof like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or School ID to the exam center. Without the admit card and ID proof, students will not be allowed to take the AP ECET 2026 exam.
AP ECET 2026 Result
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education will announce the AP ECET 2026 result on its official website. Students can check their results at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/ECET. The result will show the marks scored in the entrance exam. To view the results, students need to log in with their credentials. Along with the result, the AP ECET 2026 rank card will also be available for download.
The marks and rank given in the result cannot be changed, and no requests for rechecking will be accepted. If two or more students get the same marks, special tie-breaking rules will be used to decide their ranks.
AP ECET 2026 Cutoff
The AP ECET Cut Off for 2026 will be announced online by the officials. The cut-off is the minimum score that students must achieve to qualify for admission. The officials will determine the cut-off marks by considering factors such as last year's cut-off, the difficulty of the exam, and the number of students who passed.
They will also release separate cut-off marks for different sections of the exam and for various categories of students (like general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). This means students will know the minimum marks they need in each section and for their category to be eligible for admission.
AP ECET 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the AP ECET 2026 exam and who conducts it?
Ans. AP ECET 2026 (Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test) is a state-level exam conducted by JNTU Anantapur on behalf of APSCHE for diploma and BSc (Mathematics) holders seeking lateral entry into B.E., B.Tech, and B.Pharm courses.
Ques. What is the mode of the AP ECET 2026 exam?
Ans. AP ECET 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) at designated centers across Andhra Pradesh.
Ques. What is the AP ECET 2026 eligibility for BSc (Mathematics) students?
Ans. BSc (Mathematics) students must hold a 3-year BSc degree with Mathematics as one of the subjects from a recognized university in Andhra Pradesh. They are considered for admission after all diploma holders are allotted seats.
Ques. What is the AP ECET 2026 exam date?
Ans. The AP ECET 2026 exam is scheduled to be held in the 2nd week of May 2026, as per the tentative schedule.
Ques. What is the application fee for AP ECET 2026?
Ans. The application fee for AP ECET 2026 is ₹600 for OC category, ₹550 for BC, and ₹500 for SC/ST candidates.
Ques. How many questions are asked in the AP ECET 2026 exam and what is the marking scheme?
Ans. The AP ECET 2026 exam consists of 200 objective-type questions. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking.
Ques. What documents are required to download the AP ECET 2026 admit card?
Ans. To download the AP ECET 2026 admit card, candidates need their registration number, qualifying exam hall ticket number, and date of birth.
Ques. When will the AP ECET 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The AP ECET 2026 result is expected to be declared in the 4th week of May 2026, and it will be available on the official website.
Ques. What are the seat reservation policies in AP ECET 2026?
Ans. In AP ECET 2026, 85% of seats are reserved for local candidates, while 15% are unreserved. Additionally, private colleges offer 20% extra seats and university colleges offer 10% extra seats for lateral entry admissions.
Ques. Is there a correction window available for AP ECET 2026 application form?
Ans. Yes, candidates can make corrections to their submitted AP ECET 2026 application form in the 4th week of April 2026, during the official correction window.