APRCET 2025-26 (Andhra Pradesh Research Common Entrance Test) is the state entrance test for Ph.D. admission, full-time and part-time, in Andhra Pradesh universities and research centres. A university conducts it for APSCHE each year. The 2025-26 notification is not out yet; the last edition was notified in October 2025 with the exam in November.
APRCET 2025-26
This page covers APRCET 2025-26 dates, how to apply, the fee, eligibility, the exam pattern and official links.
| Full name | Andhra Pradesh Research Common Entrance Test (APRCET) 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | APSCHE, through a convening university (not yet named for 2025-26) |
| Courses / Purpose | Ph.D. admission, full-time and part-time, in Andhra Pradesh universities and research centres |
| Exam date | Not announced yet; the 2024-25 exam was held from 3 to 7 November 2025 |
| Application | Online only, after the 2025-26 notification, which is not out yet |
| Application fee | Per subject (2024-25): Rs 1,500 OC, Rs 1,300 BC, Rs 1,000 SC, ST and PWD |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in the subject with 55% (50% for SC, ST, BC and differently abled); no age limit |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Questions and marks | 140 MCQs, 140 marks (Part A research methodology, Part B subject); 60-mark interview later |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative marking | None |
| Official website | cets.apsche.ap.gov.in |
APRCET 2025-26 Important Dates
APSCHE has not announced any date for APRCET 2025-26 yet. The exam does not follow a fixed month: the 2024-25 edition was notified on 6 October 2025 and held from 3 to 7 November 2025, about four weeks later. Dates below will be updated when the notification is out.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification (APRCET 2025-26) | To be announced |
| Online application (APRCET 2025-26) | To be announced |
| Hall ticket download (APRCET 2025-26) | To be announced |
| Exam (APRCET 2025-26) | To be announced |
| Preliminary key (APRCET 2025-26) | To be announced |
| Eligibility for interview (APRCET 2025-26) | To be announced |
How to Apply for APRCET 2025-26
You apply for APRCET 2025-26 online at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/RCET once the notification is released. There is no offline form. In the last edition the application window without late fee was open for about two weeks, so keep your documents ready.
Apply Online for APRCET 2027
The APRCET 2027 application dates have not been announced yet.
- Read the information brochure and the eligibility PDF on cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/RCET, and check which test subject matches your PG degree.
- Choose up to two test subjects. You cannot change a subject after you submit the form.
- Pay the application fee online for each subject you choose.
- Fill in your personal, PG degree, category and local area details. Part-time applicants must upload their service certificate.
- Upload your photograph (under 50 KB, JPG) and signature (under 30 KB, JPG).
- Check every detail, submit the form and print it. Use your application number for all later communication.
| Category | Fee per subject (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| OC | Rs 1,500 |
| BC | Rs 1,300 |
| SC, ST and PWD | Rs 1,000 |
| Late fee (after the last date) | Rs 2,000 |
Bank charges are extra and fees are not refunded. Name, date of birth, photo, signature, PG degree and category cannot be edited by you during correction; the helpdesk ([email protected]) fixes them on request with proof.
Who can apply for APRCET 2025-26?
You can apply if you have a Master’s degree in the subject you want to research, with the marks below. These rules are from the 2024-25 eligibility notice and may be revised for 2025-26.
- Degree: a Master’s degree, or a professional degree declared equivalent, in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks or grade B on the UGC 7-point scale.
- Relaxation: 50% for SC, ST, BC (non-creamy layer) and differently abled candidates, and for those who got their Master’s degree before 19 September 1991.
- Final-year PG students can apply, but must show the PG degree certificate at the interview.
- Distance-mode PG degrees count only if the university was recognised by DEC.
- Nationality: Indian, PIO or OCI card holder, meeting Andhra Pradesh local or non-local status rules.
- Age: there is no age limit.
- Part-time Ph.D.: open to university and college faculty and full-time employees with the required years of service (two or four years, depending on the post).
What is the APRCET 2025-26 exam pattern?
APRCET is a computer based test of 140 multiple choice questions, one mark each, with no negative marking. Part A on research methodology is common to all; Part B is on your subject. The full APRCET syllabus lists the topics for both parts.
| Part | What it tests | Questions and marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Research Methodology (common paper, in English) | 70 MCQs, 70 marks |
| Part B | Your Ph.D. subject (in English; languages in that language) | 70 MCQs, 70 marks |
| Total written test | Computer based test, 2 hours | 140 marks, no negative marking |
| Interview | Only for those who qualify the written test | 60 marks |
Your final rank is based on your written test marks plus your interview marks. In 2024-25 the test was held in two sessions a day at 13 centres in Andhra Pradesh and one in Hyderabad.
APRCET Official Notices and Downloads
- PDFAPRCET 2024-25 Information Brochure (latest) (6 October 2025)Official site · cets.apsche.ap.gov.inOpen
- LINKAPRCET official website (cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/RCET)Official site · cets.apsche.ap.gov.inOpen