HP PAT (Himachal Pradesh polytechnic Admission Test)

Content Writer Priya Singh
Updated On Date: Dec 01, 2025

HIMACHAL PRADESH POLYTECHNIC ADMISSION TEST (HP PAT 2026)

The Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test (HP PAT 2026) is a state-level entrance exam conducted annually by the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board (HPTSB), Dharamshala, for admission to diploma programs in polytechnic institutes across Himachal Pradesh. It serves as the gateway for Class 10 graduates seeking three-year diplomas in Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, Architecture Assistantship, and Hotel Management & Catering Technology (HMCT). Approximately 20 government and private polytechnics participate, offering around 5,000 seats, with reservations for SC/ST/OBC/PWD and HP domiciles.

Eligibility requires passing Class 10 (or equivalent) from a recognized board with 35% aggregate marks, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Biology for Pharmacy), and English. Appearing candidates qualify provisionally. Indian nationals, preferably HP residents for quota benefits, can apply; no upper age limit applies.

The application process is online-only via hptechboard.com, tentatively opening in the first week of April 2026 (last date: fourth week April). Steps include registration, form filling, document upload (photo/signature/marksheet), and fee payment (?650 General, ?400 reserved). Admit cards release in mid-May, with the offline (OMR-based) exam in the third week of May. Results and counseling follow in early June.

For more details related to HP PAT 2026 students must go through the complete article given here.

HP PAT 2026 Exams Highlights

Name of Exam

Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test (HP PAT)

Exam Level

State Level

Exam Frequency

Once  a Year

Courses offered

Diploma in Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture Assistantship, Hotel Management & Catering Technology

Registration Mode

Online

Application Mode

Online only (hptechboard.com)

Conducting Authority

Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board (HPTSB), Dharamshala

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen-Paper/OMR-based)

HP PAT 2026 Exam Dates

Event

Tentative Dates

Application Form Release

                                                                                

1st week of April 2026

Last date to apply

4th week of April 2026

Admit Card Release

2nd week of May2026

Exam Date

3rd week of May 2026

Answer key release

4th week of May 2026

Result Declaration

1st week of June 2026

Counseling Start

2nd week of June 2026

HP PAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The HP PAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Diploma Engineering/Pharmacy courses are listed below:

Educational Requirement: Candidates must have completed their tenth grade education at an accredited board or university, or its equivalents as specified by the AICTE/COA.

Minimum Scores: The qualifying exam must receive at least 35% of the possible points.

Mandatory Subjects- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology (for the Diploma in Pharmacy), and English are required topics for candidates.

Appearing Candidates: Applicants may also be those who are presently taking their qualifying level exam.

Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

HP PAT 2026 Application Process

To apply for HP PAT 2026, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to hptechboard.com, the HPTSB website.

Step 2: Enter basic information under the "New Registration" option.

Step 3: After logging in, click the "Application Form" link.

Step 4: Enter all necessary information, including personal and qualifying information.

Step 5: Upload your signature and passport-sized photo in the required format.

Step 6: Choose the payment method after clicking the "Save and Proceed" button.

Step 7: Finally, pay the necessary amount and print the confirmation document for further use.

Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Application Process

HP PAT 2026 Admit card

HP PAT 2026 admit card will be released online on the official website hptechboard.com, tentatively by the second week of May 2026, a few days prior to the exam date in the third week of May.

Steps to Download HP PAT 2026 Admit Card

  1. Visit hptechboard.com and navigate to the “Admit Card” or “Download Hall Ticket” section under Admissions/Online Admission portal.
  2. Enter application number and date of birth/password as credentials.
  3. Download the admit card PDF and print multiple copies for exam day and future requirements.

HP PAT 2026 Syllabus

Students must carefully review the provided HP PAT Syllabus 2026:

English: Grammar and language mechanics, including verb tenses, active and passive voice, comparisons, conditionals, connectors, modals, nominalization, avoiding repetition, countable and uncountable nouns, non-finites, sentence structure, future time references, error correction etc.

Physics: Light reflection and refraction, the human eye, electricity, the magnetic effect of electric current, and sources of energy and the environment.

Chemistry: Atomic structure, metals and non-metals, chemical reactions and equations, acids, bases and salts, carbon and its compounds and the periodic table.

Mathematics: Coordinate geometry, constructions, probability, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, statistics, trigonometry, real numbers, areas related to circles, surface areas, volumes, and polynomials.

Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Syllabus

HP PAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Learn the entire HP PAT Exam Pattern 2026 from the section below:

  • Exam Mode: Offline (OMR) mode will be used to give the exam.
  • Duration: The exam will take no more than three hours to finish.
  • Total Questions: The exam will consist of 150 questions in total.
  • Total Points: The exam paper will be worth 600 points.
  • Medium: Both Hindi and English will be used for the questions.
  • Marking Scheme: Candidates will receive four marks for each right response, and one mark will be deducted for each wrong response.
Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Exam Pattern

HP PAT 2026 Result

The results of the HP PAT 2026 are expected to be released in the first week of June 2026.  Each applicant will need to get their results online from the board's website rather than receive them via mail.The board will also create a merit list based on applicants' PAT exam scores.  The elder applicant will be given a better merit ranking if their overall scores are equal.

Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Results

HP PAT 2026 Cut-Off

Cutoff scores for each category will be posted online by the board on their website. For admission to different polytechnic programs, candidates must meet the minimum qualifying scores.

The HP PAT cutoff 2026 will be announced during the first week of June 2026. The cutoff will be determined by a number of factors, such as the number of test-takers, the cut-off marks from the previous year, the exam's difficulty level, etc.

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HP PAT 2026 Counseling

The online counseling process is scheduled for the second week of June 2026. In order to be eligible to take part in the several rounds of the HP PAT counseling process in 2026, candidates must complete the online application form and indicate at least one or more preferred courses and institutions.

Once the deadline has passed, the applicant's choices will be frozen and cannot be altered. The candidate's selections, merit, and the availability of seats in the desired institutions will all be taken into consideration when allocating seats. Applicants must get their selection letter from the board's website right away if they are given a seat. Candidates must physically show up at the designated institution on the designated date and time, present both original and photocopies of the necessary documents, and pay the needed costs.

Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Counselling

HP PAT 2026 Preparation Tips

To help you do well on the test, consider these HP PAT Preparation Tips 2026:

  • Learn the format of the exam and the syllabus in detail.
  • To comprehend exam structure, practice with example papers and papers from prior years.
  • To increase your paper-solving speed, take a lot of practice exams.
  • While studying, take thorough notes.
  • Make health a priority by eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep.
Click Here For HP PAT 2026 Preparation Tips

HP PAT 2026 General Instructions

To   ensure a smooth and fair examination process. All candidates must follow these instructions carefully:

  • The HP PAT 2026 exam is conducted offline (OMR-based) with a duration of 3 hours, comprising 150 multiple-choice questions totaling 600 marks.
  • The paper is bilingual, in English and Hindi, except the English section which is only in English. For each correct answer, 4 marks are awarded, and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
  • Candidates should download the admit card from the official site and carry it with a valid ID proof to the exam center.
  • Candidates are advised to thoroughly read and follow all instructions provided in the admit card and official prospectus.
  • They must reach the exam center on time, maintain silence during the test, and follow the invigilator’s directions.
  • Use only the prescribed pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet, avoid leaving any identification marks, and ensure no damage or mutilation to the OMR sheet.
  • Electronic gadgets, books, calculators, or any unfair means are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
  • Preparation tips include understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, practicing mock tests, and time management during exam.
  • Students should carefully bubble answers on the OMR sheet to avoid rejection.
  • Any misconduct can result in disqualification. 

HP PAT 2026 Exam FAQs

Q1. What is the exam mode and duration?

Ans. Offline (pen-paper/OMR-based) for 3 hours with 150 MCQs across Maths (50), Physics (50), Chemistry (30), English (20).

Q2. What is the marking scheme?

Ans. +4 marks for correct answer, -1 for wrong, 0 for unanswered. Total 600 marks; no multiple marking allowed.

Q3. Is the question paper bilingual?

Ans. Yes, English and Hindi (except English section in English only). Questions at Class 10 HPBOSE level.

Q4. What to carry to the exam center?

Ans. Printed admit card, photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport), black/blue pen. No gadgets/calculators allowed.

Q5. When and where is the exam held?

Ans. Tentatively 3rd week of May 2026 at centers in Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Dharamshala, etc.). Admit card specifies venue.