HPCET 2026 is an important entrance exam held every year by Himachal Pradesh Technical University. It helps students get admission into various college courses like engineering (BTech), pharmacy (BPharm), management (MBA), computer applications (MCA, BCA), and more.
The exam is taken offline using pen and paper and lasts for about 3 hours. It tests knowledge mainly in three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The questions are multiple-choice, meaning you choose the right answer from given options.
To take this exam, students should be at least 17 years old and must have completed or appeared in their 12th-grade exams with required subjects and marks depending on the course they want to join.
The application process is online, where students fill out a form, upload their photo and signature, and pay the fees. After the exam, answer keys, results, and counselling details will be available on the official website.
HPCET 2026 Highlights
This section provides important details about the Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) 2026. It covers key information such as the exam name, conducting body, level, mode, duration, fees, subjects, and other essential facts. This helps candidates get a quick overview of the exam and understand what to expect.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Exam | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) |
| Conducted By | Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-and-Paper-Based Test |
| Total Registrations | N/A |
| Course offered through the exam | BTech/ BPharm/ BHMCT & BSc/ MTech/ MPharm/ MSc/ MBA/ BBA/ MCA/ BCA |
| Exam Fees | General Category - INR 1,600 SC/ ST/ BPL Category - INR 800 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks will be given for every correct answer. 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Colleges Accepting Exam Score | Participating colleges of Himachal Pradesh |
| No. of Test Cities | 11 |
| Official Website | https://www.himtu.ac.in/ |
| Contact Details | HP CET Email ID: examhptu@gmail.com HP CET Helpline: 01972-224159 |
HPCET 2026 Important Dates
This section lists the important tentative dates for HPCET 2026. It includes the schedule for application submission, admit card release, exam dates, answer key updates, result announcement, and counselling. Knowing these dates helps candidates plan their preparation and application process effectively.
| Events | Dates 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Start date of Application Form submission | 3rd week of March 2026 |
| Closing of application window | 1st week of May 2026 |
| Admit card Issued | 1st week of May 2026 |
| HPCET 2026 | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Answer key displayed | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Final Answer Key releases | 3rd week of May 2026 |
| Result announced | 4th week of May 2026 |
| Counselling starts | 2nd week of June 2026 |
HPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for HPCET 2026 vary based on the program applied for. Candidates must meet specific age, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements. There is no restriction on the number of attempts, and prior work experience is not necessary. Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for each course.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years old on or before December 31 of the admission year. |
| Educational Qualification |
|
| Nationality | Indian citizens across India who meet the eligibility requirements. |
| Number of Attempts | No limit on the number of attempts; candidates can appear multiple times if eligible. |
| Experience | No prior work experience required; fresh candidates can apply. |
HPCET 2026 Application Process
Candidates must fill the online application form available on the official HPCET website. The application form is expected to open in March 2026. Make sure to check eligibility before applying.
How to Apply
- Register with your basic details.
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact information.
- Upload scanned passport-sized photo and signature as per specifications.
- Review the form carefully before submitting.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Save a copy of the filled application for future reference.
HPCET 2026 Syllabus
The HPCET 2026 syllabus covers important topics from Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. These topics are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of basic and advanced concepts relevant to the entrance exam. Below is the detailed syllabus for each subject.
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Physics | Laws of Motion, Physics & Measurement, Energy & Power, Rotational Motion & Properties of Solids & Liquids, Oscillations & Waves, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Current Electricity, Electrostatics, Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Current |
| Mathematics | Quadratic Equations, Sets, Relations & Functions, Matrices & Determinants, Mathematical Induction, Permutation & Combination, Binomial Theorem, 3D Geometry, Sequence & Series, Vector Algebra, Mathematical Reasoning, Statistics & Probability, Trigonometry |
| Chemistry | States of Matter, Solutions, Atomic Structure, Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Redox Reactions & Electrochemistry, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Chemical Equilibrium, Block Elements (d-, f-, s-, p-), Chemistry in Everyday Life |
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam is offline (pen-and-paper) with multiple-choice questions. Duration, number of questions, and marks vary by course.
| Program | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech / B.Pharm | 150 | 600 | 3 hours 15 minutes | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
| MCA | 100 | 400 | 2 hours | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
| MBA | 75 | 300 | 2 hours | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
HPCET 2026 Preparation Tips
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus well before starting.
- Create a balanced study plan covering all topics.
- Practice previous year papers and sample questions.
- Take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
- Regularly revise important formulas and concepts.
- Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorization.
- Stay motivated and confident throughout preparation.
HPCET 2026 Admit Card
The admit card will be available for download online around May 2026. Candidates must log in with their credentials to download it. Carry a printed copy along with a valid ID to the exam center.
How to Download
- Visit the official website: himtu.ac.in
- Click on the admit card link.
- Enter User ID and password
- Download and print the admit card.
- Verify all details on the admit card carefully.
HPCET 2026 Answer Key
The provisional answer key will be released after the exam on the official website. Candidates can download it without logging in.
How to Download
- Go to himtu.ac.in
- Click on the HPCET answer key link.
- Select the relevant paper/category.
- Download and save the answer key for reference.
HPCET 2026 Results
Results will be published online on the official website. Candidates need to log in with their credentials to view and download their scorecards.
How to Check
- Visit himtu.ac.in
- Click on the results link.
- Enter User ID and password.
- View and download the result.
- Keep a printout for admission purposes.
HPCET 2026 Cutoff
Cutoff marks depend on factors like paper difficulty, number of vacancies, and total applicants. The cutoff list will be released after counselling rounds.
How to Check
- Visit the official HPTU website.
- Navigate to the "Examinations" section and click "Results".
- Find and download the HPCET cutoff PDF.
HPCET 2026 Counselling Process
Counselling will be done offline based on merit and availability of seats. Candidates must register online for counselling and complete document upload and fee payment.
Counselling Steps
- Register on the official website for counselling.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature)
- Pay counselling fees online.
- Fill choices of colleges and courses in order of preference.
- Attend counselling venue for seat allotment based on rank and preferences.
- Confirm admission by submitting required documents and paying tuition fees.
Documents Required
- HPCET 2026 scorecard / JEE Main 2026 scorecard
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and passing certificates
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of age (10th certificate)
- School leaving certificate
HPCET 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the full form of HPCET 2026?
Ans. HPCET 2026 stands for Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test 2026.
Ques. Who conducts the HPCET 2026 exam?
Ans. HPCET 2026 is conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU).
Ques. What is the mode of exam for HPCET 2026?
Ans. HPCET 2026 is a pen-and-paper-based test (offline exam).
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for B.Tech admission through HPCET 2026?
Ans. Candidates must have passed or appeared in 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science or related subjects with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) or have a diploma in Engineering/Technology with similar marks.
Ques. How many questions are there in HPCET 2026 for the B.Tech course?
Ans. HPCET 2026 for B.Tech consists of 150 questions.
Ques. What is the marking scheme of HPCET 2026 exam?
Ans. For every correct answer, 4 marks are awarded, and for every wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted. No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions.
Ques. When will the HPCET 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The HPCET 2026 admit card is expected to be released in the 1st week of May 2026.
Ques. How can candidates download the HPCET 2026 answer key?
Ans. Candidates can download the provisional HPCET 2026 answer key from the official website himtu.ac.in without logging in.
Ques. What is the duration of the HPCET 2026 MBA exam?
Ans. The HPCET 2026 MBA exam duration is 2 hours.
Ques. What documents are required during HPCET 2026 counselling?
Ans. Candidates need to submit HPCET 2026 scorecard/JEE Main 2026 scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste/category certificate (if applicable), proof of age, and school leaving certificate.