Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test
Secure Admission in JNGEC, RGGEC, and MGGEC
HPCET is a state-level entrance exam conducted by HPTU for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate professional courses like B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, and MCA in Himachal Pradesh. It is the primary channel for state-quota seats in government and private technical institutions.
Exam Level
State
Frequency
Once Yearly
Mode
Offline (OMR)
Conducted By
HPTU Hamirpur
About HPCET
What is the HPCET Exam?
HPCET is a standardized test designed to evaluate academic proficiency for professional degree courses in Himachal Pradesh. It covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology based on the 10+2 curriculum, ensuring a merit-based admission process for the state’s technical universities.
Why Take HPCET?
HPCET provides a streamlined pathway to prestigious government engineering colleges like JNGEC and specialized institutes like the Hydro Engineering College. It offers a more localized competition compared to national exams, with significant seat reservations for Himachal Pradesh residents and affordable state-subsidized fees.
Key Highlights
State Board & NCERT Focus
No Upper Age Limit
Subsidized Government Seats
Offline OMR-Based Format
No Upper Age Limit
State Board & NCERT Focus
Sectional time limits enforced
40,000+
Annual Applicants
600
Maximum Marks (B.Tech)
35
Participating Colleges
100%
Merit-Based Seats
Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory
Qualifying Examination
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 Higher Secondary examination or its equivalent in 2026.
Mandatory
Science Subject Rule
B.Tech applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics. B.Pharm requires Physics and Chemistry as mandatory.
Mandatory
Minimum Marks (General)
General category candidates must secure at least 45% aggregate marks in the core subject combination in Class 12.
Mandatory
Minimum Marks (Reserved)
SC, ST, and OBC candidates from Himachal Pradesh require a minimum of 40% aggregate in the qualifying subjects.
Relaxed Rule
Age Qualification
There is no upper age limit. However, B.Pharm candidates must be at least 17 years old as of 31st December 2026.
Good to Know
Nationality & Domicile
While open to all Indian citizens, 85% of seats are reserved for candidates with a valid Himachal Pradesh Domicile.
Application Process
Visit official himtu.ac.in portal
Login to fill Application Details
Pay Application Fee Online
Register and Create User Account
Application Process
Upload Photo and Signature
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting your application
Passport-size Photograph (JPG)
Class 10 & 12 Marksheets
Class 12 Marksheet (or appearing certificate)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Scanned Signature (JPG)
Himachal Domicile Certificate
Category/BPL Certificate (if any)
Scribe Request Letter (if required)
Exam Pattern
Understanding the structure and marking scheme
Physics: 50 Questions
Chemistry: 50 Questions
Total: 150 Objective MCQs
4 Correct, -1 Incorrect
600 Marks
Mathematics/Biology: 50 Questions
3 Hours 15 Minutes
Confused About Exam Selection?
Chat with our experts and get personalized Exams recommendations based on your profile and choices.
Important Dates
Keep note of the important dates regarding the examination.
Jan 31 – Apr 23, 2026
May 10, 2026 (Sunday)
June 2026 Onwards
May 04, 2026
May 21, 2026
Preparation
Tips
Master NCERT 11th & 12th Basics
Focus on high-weightage Physics
Solve last 5 years of HPCET PYQs
Start Prep
Improve math calculation speed
Allocate time: 1 min per question
Focus on high-weightage Physics
Focus on high-weightage Physics
Top Colleges
JNGEC Sundernagar
Rajiv Gandhi Govt Engineering College
MGGEC Kotla (Shimla)
Hydro Engineering College, Bilaspur
UIIT Shimla
HPTU Hamirpur Campus
BUEST Baddi
Shoolini University, Solan
Green Hills Engineering College
Himalayan Institute of Technology
Powered by AI
AI - Powered Tools
Smart predictions and insights for your admission journey