GCET 2026 Exam Pattern

GCET 2026 stands as the key entrance examination for undergraduate Engineering and Pharmacy programs in Goa's government and private colleges, including prestigious institutions like Goa College of Engineering. The GCET 2026 exam pattern is based on objective questions from the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) Class 12 syllabus. The syllabus emphasizes on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Engineering aspirants or Biology for Pharmacy candidates. This structure tests conceptual clarity and problem-solving under timed conditions, with no changes anticipated from recent years based on established patterns.

GCET 2026 Exam Structure

• GCET 2026 follows an offline pen-and-paper format conducted solely in English, comprising three separate papers: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or Biology for relevant streams).
• Each paper contains 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be answered in exactly 120 minutes, totaling up to 225 questions across 6 hours if all papers are attempted sequentially.
• Candidates mark responses on an Objective Response Sheet (ORS), requiring careful bubbling to avoid errors, as no extra time transfers between sections.
• Questions feature four options per item, with one correct answer, drawn from plus-one and plus-two levels of the GBSHSE syllabus.
• The GCET 2026 exam pattern will prioritize application-based problems over rote memorization, often integrating diagrams, figures, and real-world scenarios, particularly in Physics and Chemistry.

Subject-Wise Details in GCET 2026

• Physics covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, waves, and modern physics, with frequent emphasis on numericals and conceptual queries; difficulty ranges from moderate to high.
• Chemistry spans physical (thermodynamics, equilibrium), inorganic (periodic table, coordination compounds), and organic (reactions, biomolecules) topics, noted for its challenging depth.
• Mathematics includes algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, vectors, probability, and trigonometry, often deemed the toughest due to heavy plus-one weightage and complex calculations.
• For Pharmacy streams, Biology replaces Mathematics, focusing on human physiology, genetics, ecology, biotechnology, and plant/animal kingdoms, with analytical and behavioral aspects integrated.
• High-weightage areas like mechanics in Physics or physical chemistry demand prioritized practice.

Marking Scheme in GCET 2026

• Each correct answer awards 1 mark, with a maximum of 75 per paper and no negative marking for incorrect or multiple responses—this encourages attempting all questions without penalty fears.
• Unattempted questions yield zero marks, making full coverage strategic.
• Total scores aggregate across papers for merit lists, influencing counseling ranks.

This scheme differs from exams like JEE Main by eliminating deductions, allowing risk-free guessing on doubtful items while rewarding precision in core strengths.

Preparation Insights for GCET 2026

• Mastering the GCET 2026 exam pattern involves solving past GCET papers and GBSHSE mocks within 2-hour limits per subject to build stamina and speed.
• Candidates need to focus on syllabus alignment, using official GBSHSE textbooks supplemented by reference books like HC Verma for Physics or OP Tandon for Chemistry.
• Regular analysis of errors, especially in Mathematics' computational traps will enhance accuracy.
• Simulate exam day with ORS practice and time-bound sessions; target 60-70% scores initially, scaling to 80%+ through topic-wise revision.
• Group study aids doubt clearance in integrated problems.

FAQs

Q1. What is the mode of GCET 2026?

Ans. GCET 2026 conducts in offline pen-and-paper mode using OMR sheets for response marking.

Q2. Does GCET 2026 apply negative marking?

Ans. No negative marking exists; each correct answer scores 1 mark, with zero for unattempted or wrong responses.

Q3. How many questions feature in GCET 2026 per paper?

Ans. Each of the three papers—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics—includes 75 MCQs.

Q4. What duration applies to each GCET 2026 paper?

Ans. Candidates receive 120 minutes per paper, with no extra time provided.

Q5. Which syllabus follows GCET 2026?

Ans. The exam adheres to the Goa Board (GBSHSE) Class 11 and 12 syllabus across subjects.

Click Here For GCET 2026 Syllabus