PESSAT (PES Scholastic Aptitude Test)

Content Writer Priya Singh
Updated On Date: Oct 25, 2025

PESSAT 2026 EXAM PATTERN

PESSAT 2026 EXAM PATTERN

PESSAT, which stands for PES Scholastic Aptitude Test, is an entrance examination conducted by PES University, Bengaluru. It serves as the gateway for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by the university. The exam pattern of PESSAT 2026 provides an overview of how the test is structured, including the type of questions, number of sections, marking scheme, duration, and mode of examination. Understanding the exam pattern is essential for students to develop an effective preparation strategy, manage their time efficiently, and perform confidently on the exam day.

Duration of Exam-

The PESSAT 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test) at designated test centers across India.

Structure and Sections of the Exam-

For B.Tech aspirants, the PESSAT 2026 question paper is divided into four major sections — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. The total number of questions is 180, distributed as follows:

  • Mathematics – 60 questions
  • Physics – 60 questions
  • Chemistry – 40 questions
  • English – 20 questions

For other programs, the structure changes as per the course. For example, the BBA/BCA exam includes sections like Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Ability, English Comprehension, and General Awareness, while the Design (B.Des) entrance test includes a drawing and creative aptitude section. Therefore, candidates must check the specific syllabus and exam structure for their course before starting preparation.

Type of Questions-

PESSAT 2026 will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question will have four options, out of which one is correct.

Marking Scheme

The marking scheme of PESSAT is straightforward and student-friendly. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. This policy encourages candidates to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks. However, accuracy still plays a significant role, as random guessing may not guarantee a high score. Therefore, students should aim for both speed and precision during the exam. The total marks for the engineering paper are 180.

Medium of Examination

The medium of the PESSAT 2026 exam is English. All questions, instructions, and options will be presented in English only.

Tabular Representation of the PESSAT 2026 Exam Pattern-

Particulars

Details

Name of Exam PES Scholastic Aptitude Test (PESSAT) 2026
Conducting Body PES University, Bengaluru
Exam Level University Level Entrance Examination
Courses Offered B.Tech, BBA, BCA, B.Com, B.Des, MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.Sc, and other programs
Exam Mode Online (Computer-Based Test)
Type of Questions

 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Medium of Exam English
Duration of Exam

Three Hours (180 minutes)

Sections (for B.Tech) 4 Sections – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English
Distribution of Questions

Mathematics – 60 Questions

Physics – 60 Questions

Chemistry – 40 Questions

English – 20 Questions

Total Marks

180 Marks

Marking Scheme +1 mark for every correct answer
Negative Marking No Negative Marking
Syllabus Level Based on CBSE Class 11 and 12 syllabus (for PCM subjects)
Exam Frequency Once a year

Summary of PESSAT 2026 Question Paper Structure (B.Tech)-

Subject

No of Questions

Marks

Mathematics

60

60

Physics

60

60

Chemistry

40

40

English

20

20

Total

180

180

Summary of PESSAT 2026 Question Paper Structure (BBA, BCA, MBA, B.Des, MCA, M.Tech, and M.Sc.)

Program

Mode of Exam

Duration

Type of Questions

Total Questions

Sections

Marking Scheme

BBA/BCA/B.Com

CBT

2 hours

MCQs

120

Quantitative Reasoning – 30

 
Analytical & Logical Ability – 30

 
English Comprehension – 30

General Awareness – 30

+1 for each correct answer (no negative marking)

B.Des (Bachelor of Design)

Offline / Online (as specified)

2 hours

Objective + Descriptive (Drawing)

Variable (as per design tasks)

General Aptitude
Visualization
Creativity
Drawing Skills

Task-based evaluation

(no negative marking)

MBA

CBT

2 hours

MCQs

120

Quantitative Reasoning – 40

 
Analytical & Logical Ability – 40


English Comprehension – 30

 
General Awareness – 10

+1 for each correct answer

(no negative marking)

MCA

CBT

2 Hours

MCQs

120

Mathematics – 60


Analytical Ability – 40

 
Computer Awareness – 20

+1 for each correct answer (no negative marking)

M.Tech

CBT

2 Hours

MCQs

120

Core Subject Knowledge (based on chosen specialization) +1 for each correct answer (no negative marking)
M.Sc (Applied Programs)

CBT

2 Hours

MCQs

120

Subject-specific aptitude and reasoning +1 for each correct answer (no negative marking)
Click Here For PESSAT Syllabus

PESSAT 2026 Examination Pattern – FAQs

Q1. What is the mode of the PESSAT 2026 examination?Ans. The PESSAT 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test) at designated test centers across India. Only the B.Des (Design) test may include an offline or creative drawing-based component.Q2. What is the duration of the PESSAT 2026 exam?Ans. Duration of the PESSAT 2026 exam-

  • For B.Tech: 3 hours (180 minutes)
  • For BBA, BCA, B.Com, MBA, MCA, M.Tech, and M.Sc: 2 hours (120 minutes)
  • For B.Des: 2 hours (may include a drawing task or portfolio test)

Q3. What is the type of questions asked in the PESSAT 2026 exam?Ans. The exam primarily includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) where each question has four options and only one correct answer. For design courses (B.Des), descriptive and drawing-based questions are also included.Q4. How many questions are asked in the PESSAT 2026 exam?Ans. The total number of questions varies by course:

  • B.Tech – 180 questions
  • BBA / BCA / B.Com – 120 questions
  • MBA – 120 questions
  • MCA / M.Tech / M.Sc – 120 questions
  • B.Des – Variable (drawing/creative tasks instead of fixed MCQs)

Q5. What is the marking scheme in PESSAT 2026?Ans. Each correct answer carries +1 mark. There is no negative marking for wrong answers in any of the PESSAT exams.

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