PUCET 2026 Exam Pattern

PUCET 2026 (Panjab University Common Entrance Test) for undergraduate admissions follows a structured exam pattern with computer-based testing (CBT) mode. The PUCET 2026 exam consists of four subject sections – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each subject section contains 60 multiple-choice questions, with a total of 240 questions across the entire test. The time allotted for each section in PUCET 2026 is 70 minutes, leading to a total exam duration of 280 minutes (4 hours 40 minutes). The marking scheme in PUCET 2026 awards 2 marks for each correct answer, while there is a negative marking scheme where 0.5 marks are deducted for each incorrect response. The PUCET 2026 is conducted in English, and the questions primarily target Class 12 level content, emphasizing analytical and practical understanding of the subjects.

PUCET 2026 Exam Format and Subject Details

The PUCET 2026 is an offline, computer-based test with multiple-choice questions designed to assess candidates' knowledge in core science subjects. Each subject—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology—carries equal weightage with 60 questions per subject and a maximum of 120 marks per section. The candidates need to manage their time effectively within the 70 minutes per subject window. The negative marking scheme encourages careful answering, penalizing incorrect attempts. The PUCET 2026 is designed to evaluate problem-solving skills, conceptual clarity, and analytical ability in alignment with the Panjab University syllabus based on NCERT topics for Classes 11 and 12.

Duration and Medium of PUCET 2026 Exam

PUCET 2026 is held in English and conducted as a computer-based test (CBT), facilitating efficient evaluation and uniformity in exam conditions. The total duration spans across four sections, each lasting 70 minutes, summing to 280 minutes overall. This duration allows ample time per subject to answer all questions with accuracy while managing time distribution per subject based on the candidate’s strengths.

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking in PUCET 2026

For every correct answer, candidates earn 2 marks, establishing a total of 120 marks per section. However, 0.5 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer, thereby discouraging random guessing. This marking policy necessitates strategic answering where candidates aim to answer questions they are confident about while minimizing guesswork to avoid penalties. Such a system ensures merit-based selection and highlights accuracy alongside knowledge.

Subject-wise PUCET 2026 Preparation Insights

Candidates should allocate their preparation time evenly across all four subjects, as each section contributes equally to the overall score with 120 marks per subject. It is vital to focus on the analytical and application-based portions of the syllabus, as PUCET tends to emphasize practical questions in addition to theoretical content. Solving sample papers and previous years’ question papers can enhance time management skills and aid understanding of question patterns.

Key Highlights of PUCET 2026 Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Computer-based test (CBT)
• Number of Sections: 4 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
• Questions per Section: 60
• Total Questions: 240
• Marks per Correct Answer: 2
• Negative Marking:5 marks deducted per wrong answer
• Duration per Section: 70 minutes
• Total Duration: 280 minutes (4 hours 40 minutes)
• Language: English

FAQs

Q1. What is the mode and language of PUCET 2026?

Ans. The PUCET 2026 exam is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format and the language of the exam is English. This setup ensures standardized testing conditions accessible to a broad range of candidates.

Q2. How many questions are included in each section of PUCET 2026?

Ans. Each subject in PUCET 2026 has 60 multiple-choice questions. Therefore, the entire exam comprises 240 questions split equally among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Q3. What is the duration of the PUCET 2026 exam?

Ans. PUCET 2026 offers a duration of 70 minutes per subject section, totaling 280 minutes (4 hours and 40 minutes) for completion of all four sections.

Q4. Does PUCET 2026 have negative marking?

Ans. Yes, PUCET 2026 implements negative marking where 0.5 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. This encourages accuracy and cautious answering.

Q5. How is the marking scheme structured for PUCET 2026?

Ans. Under PUCET 2026’s marking scheme, candidates receive 2 marks for each correct answer, and for each wrong response, 0.5 marks are subtracted. This balanced approach rewards knowledge and penalizes guesswork to foster merit-based selection.

Click Here For PUCET 2026 Syllabus