HPCET (Himachal Pradesh Combined Entrance Test)

HP CET 2026 (HIMACHAL PRADESH COMBINED ENTRANCE TEST)

Himachal Pradesh Combined Entrance Test (HPCET) 2026 is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) for admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including B.Tech, B.Pharm, MBA, and MCA. The exam is designed to assess candidates' knowledge and aptitude for engineering, pharmacy, and management courses offered by colleges affiliated with HPTU.

The HPCET 2026 exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper-based OMR test) and is held in English. The duration of the exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes. The question paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with 50 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology for B.Tech and B.Pharm courses. Each subject is divided into two sections: Section A has 20 compulsory questions, while Section B has 40 questions, out of which candidates must attempt 30. The total marks for the exam are 600, with +4 marks awarded for each correct answer and -1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks are given for unanswered questions.

The syllabus for HPCET 2026 is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Candidates must have passed Class 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a technical/vocational subject for B.Tech/B.Pharm. For MBA/MCA, a bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) is required. The application process is entirely online, and candidates must fill and submit the form on the official HPTU website. The admit card is available for download before the exam date, and candidates must carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.

The results are announced online, and qualified candidates participate in online counseling for seat allotment and admission. HPCET 2026 is a crucial gateway for students seeking admission into technical and management courses in Himachal Pradesh, and thorough preparation based on the official syllabus and exam pattern is essential for success.

HPCET 2026 Exams Highlights

HPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for HPCET 2026 is given below-

• Candidates must have passed Class 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a technical/vocational subject.
• Minimum aggregate marks required: 45% for general category, 40% for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
• Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 can also apply provisionally.
• Minimum age: 17 years as of December 31, 2026 (no upper age limit).
• Indian nationality is required; NRIs and foreign candidates have separate admission procedures.

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HPCET 2026 Application Process

The HPCET 2026 application process is conducted entirely online through the official HPTU website (himtu.ac.in). Here is a brief overview:

• Registration: Visit the HPTU website and register by providing basic details like name, mobile number, and email ID. Create a password for future login.
• Form Filling: Log in and fill in personal, academic, and contact details. Select your preferred exam city.
• Document Upload: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and scanned signature as per the specified format.
• Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit card, or debit card. Keep the payment receipt for future reference.
• Form Submission: Review all details carefully, as no corrections will be allowed after submission. Submit the form and take a printout for your records.

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HPCET 2026 Admit card

The HPCET 2026 admit card will be released in May 2026 on the official Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) website (himtu.ac.in). Only registered candidates can download their admit card by logging in with their application number and date of birth or User ID and password.

Here are the steps to download the HPCET 2026 admit card from the official HPTU website:

1. Visit the official HPTU website: himtu.ac.in.

1. Click on the “HPCET 2026 Admit Card” link on the homepage or under the admissions/examination section.
2. Enter your application number and date of birth, or your User ID and password, as required.
3. Click on the “Submit” or “Download Admit Card” button.
4. Your admit card will appear on the screen. Verify all details carefully.
5. Download and take a printout of the admit card for future reference.

HPCET 2026 Syllabus

The HPCET 2026 syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology (for B.Tech/B.Pharm), and on aptitude-based topics for MBA/MCA.

B.Tech/B.Pharm Syllabus

• Physics: Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work–Energy–Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Properties of Solids & Liquids, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Oscillations & Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Electromagnetism, Optics, Atoms & Nuclei, Electronic Devices, Communication Systems, and Experimental Skills.
• Chemistry: Basic Concepts, States of Matter, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Classification of Elements, s- p- d- f-block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Organic Chemistry, Biomolecules, Polymers, and Chemistry in Everyday Life.
• Mathematics/Biology: Sets, Relations & Functions, Complex Numbers, Matrices & Determinants, Permutations & Combinations, Mathematical Induction, Binomial Theorem, Sequences & Series, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability, Trigonometry, and Mathematical Reasoning (for Mathematics). For Biology, topics include Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation, Cell Structure & Function, Plant & Human Physiology, Genetics, Biotechnology, and Ecology.

MBA/MCA Syllabus

• MBA: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Business Awareness.
• MCA: Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, General English, and Computer Awareness.

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HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern

For B. Pharmacy and B. Tech. Exam Pattern-

• Exam Mode: The HPCET 2026 exam will be administered offline.
• Duration- The exam will take three hours and fifteen minutes to complete.
• of Questions- There will be a total of 150 questions.
• Question Types: During the exam, candidates will be presented multiple-choice questions.
• Language: The question paper will be in English language.
• Marking Scheme: Correct selection will be awarded 4 marks and 1 mark will be removed for Incorrect option.

For MBA:

• Exam Mode: The exam will be administered offline.
• Duration: Applicants will be allowed 2 hours to solve the paper.
• Question Types: Multiple-choice questions will be included in the question paper.
• Language: The exam will be administered in English to candidates.
• Number of Questions: Total 75 questions will be asked in exam.
• Marking Scheme: 4 marks will be given for accurate responses and negative marking of 1 mark will be done for Incorrect option.

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HPCET 2026 Result

The HPCET 2026 result will be announced in June 2026 on the official HPTU website (himtu.ac.in). Candidates can check their scores and ranks by logging in with their User ID and password. The result will include the candidate’s name, roll number, course, section-wise marks, total marks, and rank. The result is available only online and cannot be reviewed or challenged. A merit list will also be released for counseling and admission purposes

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HPCET 2026 Preparation Tips

Below, we have provided some essential HPCET Preparation Tips 2026:

• First, review the syllabus and exam format.
• Create a proper timetable.
• Consult reputable study guides and internet resources.
• Prepare short notes and do revisions often.
• Must solve last year papers and practice test to boost speed and accuracy.

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HPCET 2026 General Instructions

HPCET 2026 general instructions are guidelines provided by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) to ensure a smooth and fair examination process for all candidates. These instructions cover essential aspects such as exam conduct, required documents, time management, and adherence to rules during the test. Candidates must carefully read and follow these instructions to avoid any issues on the exam day.

Here are the general instructions for HPCET 2026 in points:

• The entire application process is online; no offline forms are accepted.
• Candidates must fill in all details carefully, as no corrections will be allowed after submission.
• Keep all required documents (Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, category certificate if applicable, photograph, signature) ready before starting the application.
• Application fees must be paid online through net banking, credit card, or debit card; no offline payment is accepted.
• Download the admit card from the official HPTU website before the exam date and carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
• The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper-based OMR test).
• Arrive at the exam center on time with your admit card and ID proof.
• The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Each subject has two sections: Section A (20 compulsory questions) and Section B (40 questions, attempt any 30).
• Total marks are 600, with +4 for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer; no marks for unanswered questions.
• Results will be announced online; qualified candidates must participate in online counseling for seat allotment and admission.

HPCET 2026 Exam FAQs

Q1. What is the exam mode of HPCET 2026?

Ans. The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper-based OMR test).

Q2. What is the duration of the HPCET 2026 exam?

Ans. The exam duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Q3. How many questions are there in the exam?

Ans. There are 150 multiple-choice questions (50 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology).

Q4. What is the marking scheme?

Ans. The marking scheme of HPCET 2026-

+4 marks for each correct answer

-1 mark for each incorrect answer

0 marks for unanswered questions.

Q5. Is there negative marking?

Ans. Yes, there is negative marking. For every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted.