HPCET 2026 was successfully conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur on 10 May 2026 in pen-and-paper mode. HPTU has released the tentative answer keys for B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MCA, MBA, B.Sc. HMCT, BHMCT, M.Sc. Physics, and M.Sc. Environmental Sciences on 12 May 2026. The HPCET 2026 result is expected to be declared by the third week of May 2026 at himtu.ac.in. The Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test is a university-level Common entrance exam conducted for admission to B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, B.Pharmacy (Ayurveda), MCA, MBA, MBA (T&HM), B.Sc. HMCT, BHMCT, M.Tech, M.Pharm, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences, and M.Sc./M.A. Yoga Studies courses at HPTU and its affiliated colleges across Himachal Pradesh. Here on aglasem.com you can access verified HPCET 2026 details on exam pattern, syllabus, previous year question papers, admit card, answer key, response sheet, result, merit list, and counselling.
Latest: – HPCET 2026 tentative answer key released on 12 May 2026 at himtu.ac.in. Result expected by third week of May 2026. Scroll down for direct links and updates.
HPCET 2026
The HPCET stands for Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test. In 2026, the exam was conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur on 10 May 2026 in offline pen-and-paper / OMR mode at examination centres across Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. HPCET 2026 is the gateway for admission to multiple undergraduate and postgraduate technical and professional programmes including B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, B.Pharmacy (Ayurveda) direct entry, MCA, MBA, MBA (T&HM), B.Sc. HMCT, BHMCT, M.Tech, M.Pharmacy, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences, and M.Sc./M.A. Yoga Studies. For B.Tech and B.Pharmacy programmes, HPTU also accepts JEE Main scores; 50% of B.Tech seats are filled through HPCET 2026 ranks and 50% through JEE Main scores.
Quick Links
HPCET 2026 Exam Dates
The complete HPCET 2026 schedule released by HPTU is summarised below. The Himachal Pradesh Technical University publishes all official updates at himtu.ac.in; candidates should keep visiting the official website for any change in the result and counselling timeline.
| HPCET 2026 Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of HPCET 2026 official notification | 10 December 2025 |
| Start of HPCET 2026 online application form | January 2026 |
| Last date to submit HPCET 2026 application form | 22 April 2026 |
| Release of HPCET 2026 admit card | 5 May 2026 |
| HPCET 2026 exam date | 10 May 2026 |
| Release of HPCET 2026 tentative answer key | 12 May 2026 |
| Objection window for tentative answer key | As per HPTU notice |
| Release of HPCET 2026 final answer key | After objection scrutiny |
| Declaration of HPCET 2026 result and merit list | By 21 May 2026 (tentative) |
| HPCET 2026 counselling registration | To be announced |
| HPCET 2026 counselling and seat allotment rounds | June–July 2026 (tentative) |
Important Downloads and Official Links
Here you can find direct links to download the latest notifications and official releases for HPCET 2026, ensuring you stay updated.
- HPCET 2026 Notification
- Information Brochure
- Official Website of HPCET
Courses Offered Through HPCET
HPCET 2026 is conducted for admission to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate technical and professional courses at HPTU and its affiliated colleges in Himachal Pradesh. Courses covered under the HPCET 2026 exam are:
- B.Tech (4-year, Direct Entry through HPCET 2026 or JEE Main)
- B.Pharmacy (4-year, Direct Entry)
- B.Pharmacy (Ayurveda) Direct Entry
- BHMCT – Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (4-year)
- B.Sc. HMCT – Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management and Catering Technology (3-year)
- MBA – Master of Business Administration (2-year)
- MBA (T&HM) – MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- MCA – Master of Computer Applications (2-year)
- M.Tech (various branches)
- M.Pharmacy (various specialisations)
- M.Sc. Physics
- M.Sc. Environmental Sciences
- M.Sc. / M.A. Yoga Studies
Eligibility Criteria
The HPCET 2026 eligibility criteria differ by course. Broad qualifying requirements as per HPTU norms are as follows.
- B.Tech: Pass in 10+2 from a recognised board with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Technical Vocational subject, Agriculture, or Engineering Graphics. Minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/PwD).
- B.Pharmacy / B.Pharmacy (Ayurveda): Pass in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Minimum 45% aggregate (40% for reserved categories).
- BHMCT / B.Sc. HMCT: Pass in 10+2 from a recognised board.
- MBA / MBA (T&HM): Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved). Final-year students may also apply.
- MCA: Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level, with 50% marks (45% reserved).
- M.Tech: B.E. / B.Tech in relevant branch with 50% aggregate (45% reserved). GATE-qualified candidates are preferred.
- M.Pharm: B.Pharm with 55% aggregate from an AICTE/PCI-approved institution.
- M.Sc. Physics / Environmental Sciences: Bachelor’s degree with the relevant subject and minimum aggregate as per HPTU norms.
- Age: Minimum 17 years on 31 December of the admission year. No upper age limit.
- Final-Year Students: Candidates appearing in their final qualifying examination in March/April are also eligible, subject to producing the marksheet at counselling.
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The HPCET 2026 exam was conducted in offline pen-and-paper / OMR mode. The medium of the exam is English. The course-wise exam pattern is as follows.
| Course | Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech / B.Pharmacy / B.Pharm (Ayurveda) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (50 each) | 150 MCQs | 600 | 3 hours 15 minutes | +4 correct, −1 wrong |
| MCA / MBA / MBA (T&HM) | Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Reasoning, Business Awareness, Computer Awareness, GK | 100 MCQs | 200 | 2 hours | +2 correct, −0.5 wrong |
| M.Tech / M.Pharm | Branch-specific subjects | 100 MCQs | 200 | 2 hours | +2 correct, −0.5 wrong |
| B.Sc. HMCT / BHMCT | General Knowledge, English, Reasoning, Hospitality Aptitude | 100 MCQs | 100 | 2 hours | +1 correct, no negative marking |
| M.Sc. Physics | Physics – UG level topics | 100 MCQs | 100 | 2 hours | +1 correct, no negative marking |
| M.Sc. Environmental Sciences | Earth Sciences, Physical & Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences | 100 MCQs | 100 | 2 hours | +1 correct, no negative marking |
Exam Day Sessions
HPTU conducted HPCET 2026 in morning and afternoon sessions on 10 May 2026. The session timings as released in the official schedule were:
- Morning Session: B.Tech (Direct Entry) and B.Pharmacy (Direct Entry) — 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM.
- Afternoon Session: MBA, MBA (T&HM), MCA, M.Tech, M.Pharm, B.Sc. HMCT, BHMCT, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences — 2:00 PM onwards (course-specific timings).
Exam Centres
HPTU conducted HPCET 2026 at examination centres in the following cities:
- For B.Tech and B.Pharmacy: Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour, Solan, Una (Himachal Pradesh) and Chandigarh.
- For MCA, MBA, and MBA (T&HM): Hamirpur, Mandi, Dharamshala, Solan.
Application Form
The HPCET 2026 application form was released in online mode at himtu.ac.in in January 2026. The final date to submit the application form was 22 April 2026. Candidates registered by creating an account with personal details, filled the academic and course-preference information, uploaded scanned documents (passport photograph, signature, qualifying-exam mark sheets, category and domicile certificates), and paid the application fee online through the HPCET payment gateway. After submission, candidates downloaded the confirmation page for future reference.
HPCET 2026 Admit Card
HPTU released the HPCET 2026 admit card on 5 May 2026 at himtu.ac.in. Registered candidates downloaded the hall ticket by logging in with their User ID and Password. The admit card carried the candidate’s photograph, signature, roll number, course applied for, allotted exam centre address, exam date, reporting time, and important exam day instructions. Candidates carried the printed admit card along with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence) to the exam centre on 10 May 2026. For detailed steps, visit our HPCET 2026 Admit Card page.
Answer Key, Response Sheet, and Result
HPTU released the HPCET 2026 tentative answer keys on 12 May 2026 for B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MCA, MBA, B.Sc. HMCT, BHMCT, M.Sc. Physics, and M.Sc. Environmental Sciences in PDF format at himtu.ac.in. Candidates can match their responses with the tentative key, identify any discrepancies, and submit objections through the prescribed mode within the objection window (typically by letter or email, with a per-question fee where applicable). After scrutinising all objections, HPTU will publish the final answer key and prepare the HPCET 2026 result on the basis of the final key. The HPCET 2026 result is expected by 21 May 2026 at himtu.ac.in. Visit our HPCET 2026 Answer Key and HPCET 2026 Result pages for direct download links once available.
Counselling Process
Candidates qualifying HPCET 2026 will be eligible to participate in the centralised online counselling conducted by HPTU. The HPCET 2026 counselling process generally involves the following stages:
- Online registration for counselling at himtu.ac.in with payment of counselling fee.
- Choice filling of course and college preferences.
- Locking of choices within the prescribed deadline.
- Seat allotment based on HPCET 2026 rank, category, choices, and seat matrix.
- Reporting at the allotted institute with all original documents and payment of admission fee.
- Multiple rounds (Round 1, Round 2, and Mop-up / Stray Vacancy round) are conducted for vacant seats.
Tie-Breaking Rules
If two or more candidates secure equal aggregate marks in HPCET 2026, HPTU applies the following tie-breaking criteria in order:
- For B.Tech / B.Pharmacy: candidate with higher marks in Physics is ranked higher.
- If a tie persists, candidate with higher marks in Chemistry is ranked higher.
- If the tie still continues, marks in the third subject (Mathematics) are compared.
- If unresolved, aggregate marks in the 10+2 qualifying examination are considered.
- Finally, the older candidate (earlier date of birth) is given preference.
HPCET 2026 Participating Colleges
HPCET 2026 scores are accepted by HPTU and over 50 of its affiliated government and private colleges, deemed universities, and other universities established under the State Act of Himachal Pradesh. Leading participating institutions include:
- Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) Main Campus, Hamirpur – University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT)
- Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan
- Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi
- Bahra University, Shimla Hills, Solan
- Career Point University, Hamirpur
- Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour
- Manav Bharti University, Solan
- ICFAI University, Baddi, Solan
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan
- Government Engineering colleges and various AICTE-approved private colleges across HP
Preparation Strategy
For candidates preparing for future HPCET cycles or for upcoming counselling-based reference, the following strategy works well:
- Stick to the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus for B.Tech / B.Pharmacy preparation.
- Solve HPCET previous year question papers to understand the level of difficulty and question type.
- Take subject-wise mock tests and practice papers to improve speed and accuracy.
- Maintain short revision notes for formulas, reactions, and key concepts.
- Time-manage the 3 hr 15 min paper by allocating ~65 minutes per section (50 questions).
- For MBA/MCA aspirants, work on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation alongside General Awareness.
HPCET Exam – An Overview
The key details of HPCET 2026 are summarised below for quick reference.
| Exam Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | HPCET 2026 |
| Full Form | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test |
| Exam Conducting Body | HPTU / HIMTU |
| Full Name of Body | Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur |
| Level of Exam | University Level (State) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper / OMR-based) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| HPCET 2026 Exam Date | 10 May 2026 |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Pharm (Ayurveda), MCA, MBA, MBA (T&HM), BHMCT, B.Sc. HMCT, M.Tech, M.Pharm, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences, M.Sc./M.A. Yoga Studies |
| Region of Exam | Himachal Pradesh + Chandigarh |
| Official Website | himtu.ac.in |
| Helpline | 01972-226912, 01972-226908, 01972-226910, 01972-226999 |
| Type of Exam | Common Entrance Exams |
Frequently Asked Questions
HPCET 2026 was conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur, on 10 May 2026 in offline pen-and-paper / OMR mode. The B.Tech and B.Pharmacy (Direct Entry) papers were held from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM in the morning session, while other courses were conducted in the afternoon session.
HPTU has tentatively scheduled the HPCET 2026 result for declaration by 21 May 2026 at himtu.ac.in. The result will be prepared on the basis of the final answer key published after scrutinising all valid objections to the tentative answer key.
For B.Tech (Direct Entry), HPCET 2026 contains 150 MCQs equally distributed across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (50 questions each). The total mark is 600 (4 marks per question), exam duration is 3 hours 15 minutes, and there is a penalty of -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
HPCET 2026 covers B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, B.Pharmacy (Ayurveda), BHMCT, B.Sc. HMCT, MBA, MBA (T&HM), MCA, M.Tech, M.Pharm, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences, and M.Sc./M.A. Yoga Studies at HPTU and its affiliated colleges in Himachal Pradesh.
Candidates who are not satisfied with any question/answer in the HPCET 2026 tentative answer key released on 12 May 2026 can submit objections through the prescribed mode (letter or email) within the objection window, citing the question number, booklet code, the answer in the provisional key, and the answer they believe to be correct, along with supporting proof. An objection fee may be applicable per question.
For B.Tech admission, candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Engineering Graphics, Agriculture, or Technical Vocational subject. The minimum aggregate is 45% (40% for reserved categories).
Yes. HPTU fills 50% of its B.Tech seats based on HPCET 2026 ranks and the remaining 50% based on JEE Main 2026 scores. Candidates can apply through either route. If a tie occurs between HPCET marks and JEE Main marks, HPTU applies tie-breaking rules based on subject-wise scores and 12th aggregate.
HPTU conducts HPCET 2026 counselling in online mode at himtu.ac.in after the result. The process includes online registration, choice filling and locking, seat allotment based on HPCET rank and category, document verification, and reporting at the allotted institute. Multiple rounds (Round 1, Round 2, mop-up, and stray vacancy) are held to fill all seats.
If you have any questions about HPCET 2026, please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page useful, please share!
