Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET 2026) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur. It is held for admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by HPTU and its affiliated colleges.
The exam will be conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) and is expected to take place in May 2026.
Table Of Contents
Courses Offered Through HPCET
HPCET provides admission to multiple programs, including:
- B.Tech (Engineering)
- B.Pharmacy
- BHMCT / B.Sc. (Hospitality & Hotel Management)
- MBA & MBA (Tourism & Hospitality Management)
- MCA
- M.Sc. (Physics & Environmental Sciences)
HPCET Important Dates
Check the HPCET registration dates available in table below:
| Event | Date / Time |
| Start of Online Application Form | Mid-March |
| Last Date to Apply | Second Week of April |
| B.Tech / B.Pharmacy Entrance Exam | First Week of May |
| B.Sc. (HM & CT) / BHMCT / M.Sc. Environment Sciences Exam | First Week of May |
| M.Sc. Physics Exam | First Week of May |
| MBA / MBA (T&HM) / MCA Exam | May |
| Result Declaration | Last Week of May |
HPTU organizes HPCET-2026 as a state-level entrance exam for admissions to programs including B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MCA, MBA, MBA (T&HM), B.Sc. (HM & CT)/BHMCT, M.Sc. Physics, and M.Sc. Environment Sciences offered by HPTU, its affiliated colleges, deemed universities, or other state-established universities.
The exam notification has been released, with the application form already out and exam dates announced (tentatively around May 10, 2026).
HPCET Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the HPCET Eligible Criteria in table below:
| Course | Recruitment |
| B.Tech | Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Mathematics plus subjects like Chemistry/Computer Science/Biology; min. 45% marks (40% for reserved categories). |
| B.Pharmacy | Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry plus Mathematics/Biology; min. 45% marks (40% reserved). |
| MCA | BCA/B.Sc./B.Com./B.A. with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level; min. 50% marks (45% reserved). |
| MBA/MBA (T&HM) | Bachelor’s degree (min. 3 years) with 50% marks (45% reserved). |
HPCET Eligibility FAQs
Who conducts the HPCET exam?
Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur conducts HPCET.
What is HPCET used for?
It is conducted for admission to B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, and other courses.
What is the mode of HPCET exam?
The exam is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
What is the eligibility for B.Tech in HPCET?
Candidates must pass 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics with at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories).
What is the eligibility for MBA through HPCET?
A bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) is required.
Can appearing candidates apply for HPCET?
Yes, final-year/appearing candidates are eligible to apply.
Appearing candidates are eligible, admissions may also consider JEE Main/ GATE scores alongside HPCET.
| Event | Date / Time |
| HPCET | BE/BTech |
| Exam Conducting Body | HPTU |
| Start date of filling-in online Application Form for HPCET for B. Tech (Direct Entry), B. Pharmacy (Direct Entry), MCA, MBA, MBA (T&HM), B.Sc. (HM & CT)/BHMCT, M.Sc. Physics and M.Sc. Environment Sciences courses | Mid March |
| Closing date of filling-in online form of above courses | Second week of April |
| Date and time of Entrance Examination for B. Tech. (Direct Entry), B. Pharmacy (Direct Entry) courses | First week of May Timing |
| Date and time of Entrance Examination for M.Sc. Physics course | Generally same day Timing |
| Date and time of Entrance Examination for MBA, MBA (T&HM), MCA courses | May |
| Date and time of Entrance Examination for B.Sc. (HM & CT)/BHMCT, M.Sc. Environment Sciences course | First Week of May one day before BTech exam |
| Tentative date of declaration of HPCET 2026 result | Last Week of May |
| conduct of HPCET-2026: It will be conducted | Offline |
| Language of the question papers | English |
HPCET Application fee
| S.No. | Course | SC/ST/BPL Fee (₹) | Others Fee (₹) | Remarks |
| 1 | B.Tech | 800 | 1,600 | Fee once paid shall not be refunded |
| 2 | B.Pharmacy (Allopath) | 800 | 1,600 | |
| 3 | B.Tech & B.Pharmacy (both) | 1,600 | 3,200 | |
| 4 | B.Sc.(HM & CT) / BHMCT | 800 | 1,600 | |
| 5 | MCA | 800 | 1,600 | |
| 6 | MBA | 800 | 1,600 | |
| 7 | MBA(T&HM) | 800 | 1,600 | |
| 8 | MBA & MBA(T&HM) (both) | 1,600 | 3,200 | |
| 9 | MCA & MBA(T&HM) (both) | 1,600 | 3,200 | |
| 10 | MBA & MCA (both) | 1,600 | 3,200 | |
| 11 | MBA, MBA(T&HM) & MCA (all) | 2,400 | 4,800 | |
| 12 | M.Sc. Physics | 800 | 1,600 | |
| 13 | M.Sc. Environmental Sciences | 800 | 1,600 |
Overview of HPCET Exam Pattern
The exam is offline (pen-and-paper), MCQ-based (Multiple Choice Questions), with a total of 150 questions to attempt, carrying 600 marks. Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes (195 minutes). Each correct answer awards 4 marks (no negative marking specified).
Detailed Subject-Wise Structure
Here’s the formatted version of the provided table for clarity:
| Subject | Section | Number of Questions | Total Questions to be Attempted | Marks (per question × total attempted) | Total Marks | Type of Questions | Duration |
| Physics | Section A | 20 | All 20 | 4×20 = 80 | 80 | MCQs | 3 Hours & |
| Section B | 40 | 30 | 4×30 = 120 | 120 | 15 Minutes | ||
| Chemistry | Section A | 20 | All 20 | 4×20 = 80 | 80 | MCQs | |
| Section B | 40 | 30 | 4×30 = 120 | 120 | |||
| Mathematics OR Biology | Section A | 20 | All 20 | 4×20 = 80 | 80 | MCQs | |
| Section B | 40 | 30 | 4×30 = 120 | 120 | |||
| Total | – | – | 150 | – | 600 | – | – |
- Physics/Chemistry: Compulsory 20 questions (Section A) + attempt any 30 from 40 (Section B).
- Mathematics/Biology: Choose one; same structure as above (candidates select based on course eligibility, e.g., Mathematics for B.Tech/B.Pharmacy, Biology option where applicable).
Duration Of HPCET
The total exam duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes (195 minutes), covering physics, chemistry, and mathematics or Biology.
HPCET Question Attempt Rules
- Section A (MCQs): All 20 Questions per subject are compulsory.
- Section B (MCQs): Attempt any 30 out of 40 questions per subject. If more than 30 are attempted, only the first 30 will be evaluated.
HPCET Marking Scheme
Marking Scheme (with negative marking): Each question is MCQ Based (chose one correct/most appropriate option). Scoring post – challenge verification:
| Scenario | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | 4 |
| Incorrect Option | 1 |
| Unanswered /unmarked | 0 |
| Multiple correct options | 4 Particle |
| All option correct 4 to all who attempted | 4 all attempters |
| No correct option/ question dropped/wrong +4 to all who appeared (attempted) | 4 all candidates |
Negative Marking applies to both sections. Use question provided constants for calculations.
NEET UG Marks FAQs
How many questions are asked in HPCET?
A total of 150 MCQ-based questions are asked.
What is the total duration of HPCET exam?
The exam duration is 3 hours 15 minutes.
What is the marking scheme of HPCET?
The marks for correct answer is 4 marks and 1 mark will deduct for each wrong answer.
What is Section A and Section B in HPCET?
Section A is compulsory, while Section B requires attempting 30 out of 40 questions.
When is the HPCET admit card released?
Admit card is released 3 to 4 days before the exam.
When is the HPCET answer key released?
It is released on the same day or the next day of the exam.
How can candidates challenge the HPCET answer key?
Candidates can submit objections within 2 days via email or in person with proof.
HPCET Eligibility: Educational Qualification & Minimum Marks
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 10+2 examination (or equivalent) from a recognized board with the following:
- Compulsory subjects: Physics and Mathematics.
- Additional subjects (one required): Chemistry/ Computer Science / Electronics / Information Technology / Biology / Informatics Practices / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational subject / Agriculture / Engineering Graphics / Business Studies / Entrepreneurship (as per Appendix-F).
Note: Agriculture stream specifically for agriculture engineering.
OR
Passed D.Voc. Stream (Diploma in Vocational) in the same or allied sector.
HPCET Minimum Marks Requirement
At least 45% marks in the above subjects taken together.
Relaxed to 40% for candidates belonging to reserved categories (eg. SC/ST/OBC as per state norms).
Appearing candidates (final 10+2 in 2026) are eligible provisionally, subject to proof at admission.
HPCET Participating Institutions and Sanctioned Intake
Check the HPCET Participating Institutions and sanctioned intake in BTech and Barch Colleges & Seats available in below:
HPCET BTech and B.Arch Colleges and Seats
Check the HPCET and B.Arch. Colleges and Seats in table below:
| SN | Name of Institution | Name of Course | Sanctioned Intake |
| 1 | School of Engineering & Technology, HPTU, Hamirpur | Computer Science Engineering | 60 |
| 2 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee Govt. Institute of Engg. & Tech., Pragati Nagar, Shimla | Computer Science Engg. Electronics & Communication Engg. Electrical Engg. Civil Engg. | 48 each |
| 3 | Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engineering College, Sundernagar, Mandi (NBA Accredited) | Civil Engg. Computer Science Engg. (AI & ML)Electronics & Communication Engg. Mechanical Engg. Textile Engg. | 60 each |
| 4 | Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Engineering College, Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Electronics & Communication Engg. Mechanical Engg. Computer Science Engg. (AI & DS)B. Architecture | 60 each (except B.Arch: 30) |
| 5 | Mahatma Gandhi Govt. Engineering College, Kotla (Jeori), Rampur, Shimla | Civil Engg. Mechanical Engg. | 60 each |
| 6 | Govt. Hydro Engineering College, Bandla, Bilaspur | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. (AI & DS) | 51+9* each |
| 7 | School of Computer Science Engg. & Tech., Govt. College Dharamshala, Kangra | Computer Science Engg. | 60 |
| 8 | Green Hills Engineering College, Solan | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. Mechanical Engg. | 60 each |
| 9 | Himachal Institute of Engineering & Tech., Shahpur, Kangra | Civil Engg. Electrical & Electronics Engg. Computer Science Engg. Mechanical Engg. | 60, 60, 30, 30 |
| 10 | Himalayan Institute of Engineering & Tech., Kala Amb, Sirmour | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. Mechanical Engg. Computer Science Engg. (AI & ML) | 30, 30, 120, 30, 60 |
| 11 | K.C Group of Research & Professional Institutes, Pandoga, Una | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. Mechanical Engg. | 60, 30, 60, 60 |
| 12 | T.R. Abhilashi Memorial Institute of Engg. & Tech., Tanda, Mandi | Civil Engg.Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. | 60, 30, 30 |
| 13 | Vaishno College of Engineering, Thapkour, Kangra | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. Mechanical Engg. | 30, 30, 60, 30 |
| 14 | L.R. Engineering & Technology, Solan | Civil Engg. Electrical Engg. Computer Science Engg. Computer Science Engg. (AI & ML) | 30 each |
HPCET Working Professional Institutional Intake
| SN | Name of Institution | Name of Course | Sanctioned Intake |
| 1 | Vaishno College of Engineering, Thapkour, Distt. Kangra (H.P.) | Civil Engg. | 30 |
| Electrical Engg. | 30 | ||
| Computer Science Engg. | 30 |
HPCET Admit Card
The e-admit card will be out three or four days before the exam date
E-Admit Card Requirements
| Document | Mandatory | Purpose |
| E-Admit Card | YES | Entry to exam hall + preservation required |
| Photo ID Proof | YES | Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / PAN / Passport / DL |
HPCET Answer key
The HPTU will release the answer key on the same day or the next day, till 12 PM, for seeking challenges in the answer key.
The candidates gives the time to challenge the answer key if they are not satisfy.
Complaint Submission Guidelines
| Aspect | Details |
| Eligible Complaints | Question paper issues + Answer key objections |
| Deadline | 2 days from exam date, by 5:00 PM |
| Submission Methods | In-person OR Email (both accepted) |
| Address | Controller of Examinations H.P. Technical University Hamirpur (H.P.)-177001 |
| Email IDs | coehimtu@gmail.com arconduct@gmail.com |
| Requirements | Supporting documents + proposed solution |
HPCET Result
The HPCET result will be out within 12 days of the exam. The answer key is out the same day or the next day
HPCET Counselling
The HPCET second prospectus is released for admission and counselling. The candidates will register for counselling by reading all the necessary guidelines.
FAQs
When is the HPCET result declars?
The result is usually declares within 10 to 12 days after the exam.
What require at the NEET exam center?
E-admit card and a valid photo ID proof are mandatory.
What subjects are include in HPCET for B.Tech?
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
How many questions must attempt in HPCET Section B?
Candidates must attempt any 30 out of 40 questions.
What happens if more than 30 questions attempt in HPCET Section B?
Only the first 30 attempted questions will be evaluated.