AP EAPCET 2026 Notification: Exam Dates, Registration, and Engineering Entrance Updates
- Divya Shinde
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Securing a seat in a premier engineering college in Andhra Pradesh starts with a single, crucial document: the AP EAPCET 2026 Notification. As one of the most competitive state-level entrance exams in India, the Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (AP EAPCET) is the gateway for lakhs of students aiming for B.Tech and other professional courses
.
With the 2026 academic cycle approaching, the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has already laid out the primary roadmap for aspirants. If you are planning to appear for the AP EAPCET 2026 engineering entrance, staying ahead of the official dates and eligibility criteria is vital for a stress-free application process.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about the AP EAPCET 2026 notification, important dates, exam patterns, and the step-by-step registration process.
1. AP EAPCET 2026 Notification: Important Dates & Schedule
The official notification for AP EAPCET 2026 is expected to be released by JNTU Kakinada in February or early March 2026. While the detailed brochure will be available on the official portal, the core exam schedule has already been announced by APSCHE.
AP EAPCET 2026 Exam Calendar
Event | Tentative/Confirmed Dates |
|---|---|
Official Notification Release | February 2026 |
Online Application Starts | March 15, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | April 24, 2026 |
Application Correction Window | May 2026 |
Admit Card/Hall Ticket Release | May 2026 |
Engineering Exam Dates | May 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18, 2026 |
Agriculture & Pharmacy Exam Dates | May 19 and 20, 2026 |
Release of Preliminary Answer Key | Late May 2026 |
Result Declaration | June 2026 |
Counselling Commencement | July 2026 |
Note: Engineering aspirants should note that the exam is conducted in multiple sessions over five days to accommodate the high volume of candidates.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Aspirants
Before filling out the application form, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements is the first step. For the 2026 cycle, the criteria remain largely consistent with previous years, focusing on academic background and age.
1. Nationality and Domicile
Nationality: Candidates must be Indian Citizens or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) / Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders.
Domicile: Applicants must belong to the state of Andhra Pradesh or Telangana and satisfy the local/non-local status requirements as per the state regulations.
2. Educational Qualifications
Engineering Stream: Candidates must have passed or appeared for the 10+2 (Intermediate) examination with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (MPC) as compulsory subjects.
Minimum Marks: General category candidates require at least 45% aggregate in the qualifying subjects, while SC/ST candidates require 40%.
Diploma Holders: Students holding a Diploma in Engineering conducted by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) are also eligible to apply.
3. Age Limit
Minimum Age: Candidates must have completed 16 years of age as of December 31, 2026.
Maximum Age: There is no upper age limit for the Engineering and Pharmacy streams.
3. Exam Pattern: AP EAPCET 2026 Engineering Entrance
Understanding the structure of the exam is key to building a winning strategy. The AP EAPCET is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that evaluates speed and accuracy.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
Total Questions | 160 Questions |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme | +1 for every correct answer; No Negative Marking |
Medium | English & Telugu (Urdu available at Kurnool only) |
Subject-Wise Weightage
Mathematics: 80 Questions
Physics: 40 Questions
Chemistry: 40 Questions
The syllabus is based on the 10+2 curriculum prescribed by the Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh.
4. Step-by-Step Registration Process
Applying for the AP EAPCET 2026 notification involves a five-step online process. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and all digital documents ready before starting.
Step 1: Fee Payment
Visit the official website (cets.apsche.ap.gov.in) and click on "Eligibility Criteria & Fee Payment." You will need to enter your name, hall ticket number of the qualifying exam, and mobile number.
OC (General): ₹600
BC: ₹550
SC/ST: ₹500
Step 2: Know Your Payment Status
After paying via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking, verify your payment status using the "Know Your Payment Status" tab. Note down the Payment Reference ID.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Click on "Fill Application" and enter your Payment Reference ID, Hall Ticket Number, and Date of Birth. Here, you will provide personal details, academic history, and select your Exam Centre Preferences (up to 6 choices).
Step 4: Upload Documents
You must upload a scanned passport-size photograph (less than 30KB) and signature (less than 15KB) in JPG format.
Step 5: Preview and Submit
Review all details carefully. Once you click "Confirm/Freeze," you cannot edit the primary fields until the correction window opens. Print the application form for future reference.
5. Effective Preparation Tips for AP EAPCET 2026
With the engineering exams scheduled for mid-May, students have a clear timeline to organize their studies.
Master the Basics: Since 75% weightage is given to the EAPCET score (and 25% often considered from Intermediate marks in the final ranking), focus heavily on the AP Intermediate textbooks.
Focus on High-Weightage Topics: In Mathematics, prioritize Calculus and Algebra. In Physics, focus on Heat, Thermodynamics, and Mechanics.
Practice Mock Tests: Since the exam is online, practicing computer-based mock tests is essential to improve time management.
No Negative Marking: Leverage the lack of negative marking by ensuring you attempt all 160 questions, but only after solving the ones you are sure of first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the official AP EAPCET 2026 Notification be out?
The official AP EAPCET 2026 notification is expected to be released in February 2026 by JNTU Kakinada on behalf of APSCHE.
2. What are the exam dates for the engineering stream in 2026?
The engineering stream exams for AP EAPCET 2026 are scheduled to be held from May 12 to May 18, 2026.
3. Is there a change in the syllabus for the 2026 entrance?
As of now, the syllabus remains based on the 10+2 Intermediate curriculum of the Andhra Pradesh Board. Any minor changes will be highlighted in the official brochure.
4. Can students from Telangana apply for AP EAPCET 2026?
Yes, students from Telangana can apply, provided they meet the local/non-local status criteria defined in the Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions Order.
5. What is the qualifying mark for AP EAPCET?
To be considered for a rank, candidates generally need to secure at least 25% of the maximum marks (i.e., 40 out of 160). However, there is no minimum qualifying mark for SC/ST candidates.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The AP EAPCET 2026 notification marks the beginning of a high-stakes journey for aspiring engineers. With the exam dates confirmed for May 2026, the next four to five months are critical for revision and application accuracy. Keep your documents like Aadhaar, 10th-grade marks memo, and income certificates ready to ensure a smooth registration in March.
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