PUCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

PUCET 2026 (Panjab University Common Entrance Test) eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that candidates who appear for undergraduate admissions possess the minimum academic qualifications and meet other prescribed conditions. The test primarily targets aspirants seeking admission to various undergraduate programmes such as B.Sc. (Hons), B.Pharmacy, and other science-related courses at Panjab University and its affiliated colleges.

Academic Qualifications in PUCET 2026

To be eligible for PUCET 2026, candidates must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board or council with relevant subject combinations. For most science streams, including B.Sc. (Hons) and B.Pharmacy, candidates are required to have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination. For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories, the minimum required aggregate is relaxed to 45%. The qualifying subjects often include English, Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Biology depending on the course applied for.

Age and Other Requirements for PUCET 2026

Candidates must have attained a minimum age of 17 years as of the year of admission, i.e., 2026. Panjab University does not generally impose an upper age limit for appearing in PUCET. It is mandatory that candidates clear all subjects in their qualifying examination without any backlog or compartment, as those with compartment status in the 10+2 exam conducted in the immediate preceding academic year will not be eligible for admission.

Course-Specific Eligibility Details for PUCET 2026

Certain courses may have specialized eligibility criteria based on the combination of subjects studied in 10+2. For instance, B.Pharmacy applicants must have studied English, Physics, Chemistry, and one of Biology, Biotechnology or Mathematics with at least 50% marks (45% in reserved categories).

Similarly, for B.Sc. (Hons) courses, the subject requirements may vary based on the discipline chosen, and candidates must ensure their eligibility according to the course-specific guidelines issued by Panjab University.

PUCET 2026 Merit and Counselling

Admission to PUCET 2026 courses is strictly merit-based. Candidates who qualify the entrance test and meet the eligibility criteria can participate in the counselling process, which is conducted in multiple rounds by Panjab University. The final merit list is often prepared based on a composite score that includes entrance test marks (usually with 75% weightage) and marks obtained in the qualifying examination (with 25% weightage), along with certain additional weightages for activities like NCC or NSS, wherever applicable.

Important Notes for PUCET 2026 Applicants

Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility before filling out the PUCET 2026 application form to avoid rejection at later stages. Submitting incorrect or incomplete information related to eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature. It is also advised to keep ready all necessary documents such as Class 10 and 12 certificates, category certificates (if applicable), and photo ID proofs during the application and counselling process.

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification required to appear for PUCET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with relevant subjects, securing at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories) to be eligible for PUCET 2026 undergraduate courses.

Q2. Are candidates with compartment subjects in 10+2 eligible for PUCET 2026?

Ans. No, candidates who have a compartment or have failed any subject in their 10+2 exams conducted in the academic year prior to 2026 are not eligible to appear or be admitted through PUCET 2026.

Q3. Is there an age limit to apply for PUCET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of the admission year 2026. There is no upper age limit specified by Panjab University for appearing in PUCET 2026.

Q4. Can candidates from any state appear for PUCET 2026?

Ans. Yes, PUCET is open to candidates from across India. There is no specific requirement for Punjab residency, although candidates should meet the academic eligibility criteria for admission consideration.

Q5. How is the final merit list prepared for admission after PUCET 2026?

Ans. The merit list for admission is calculated based on a combination of entrance test percentile scores (approximately 75% weightage) and marks obtained in the qualifying examination (approximately 25% weightage), with some extra credits for NCC, NSS or other documented activities in certain courses.

Click Here For PUCET 2026 Application Form