HP CET Cutoff 2026: Expected Marks for Top Colleges & Branches
- Dec 27, 2025
- 6 min read
For many engineering aspirants in Northern India, the Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) is the ultimate gateway to prestigious technical education amidst the serene hills. As the 2026 admission cycle approaches, the most burning question in every candidate's mind is: "How many marks do I need to secure a seat in my dream college?"
The HP CET Cutoff 2026 is not just a number; it is a moving target influenced by exam difficulty, applicant volume, and the evolving popularity of specialized branches like Artificial Intelligence. In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze the expected cutoff trends, college-wise requirements, and branch-specific data to help you build a winning strategy for the upcoming exam.
HPCET 2026: A Quick Glance at the Exam Landscape
Before diving into the cutoffs, it is essential to understand the structure of the exam, as the scoring pattern directly dictates the merit list.
Feature | Details |
Exam Name | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) |
Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur |
Exam Date | May 10, 2026 (Tentative) |
Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper - OMR) |
Total Questions | 150 (Physics: 50, Chemistry: 50, Mathematics: 50) |
Total Marks | 600 |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
Qualifying Marks | General: 20% (120 Marks), Reserved: 15% (90 Marks) |
For the 2026 session, the HP CET Cutoff 2026 is expected to remain competitive, especially for government-aided institutions where the fee structure is subsidized and the ROI (Return on Investment) is exceptionally high.
Factors Influencing the HP CET Cutoff 2026
Every year, the "closing rank" or "closing marks" fluctuate. If you are aiming for a top-tier branch like CSE, you must account for these variables:
Difficulty Level of the Paper: If the 2026 Mathematics section proves to be tougher than previous years, the overall cutoffs across all categories will likely drop by 5–10 marks.
Number of Aspirants: With the rising interest in tech-based degrees in Himachal, the number of applicants is expected to cross the 15,000+ mark in 2026, pushing the competition higher.
Seat Matrix Changes: Any increase in the intake of Computer Science or AI/ML seats by HPTU will slightly relax the cutoffs for those specific branches.
JEE Main Integration: Since HPTU also accepts JEE Main scores, the HP CET cutoff often depends on how many high-ranking JEE candidates opt for state colleges.
Expected HP CET Cutoff 2026: Category-Wise Breakdown
To qualify for the counseling process, you must first cross the minimum qualifying threshold. However, "qualifying" does not guarantee a seat. For admission into top colleges, you need much more than the bare minimum.
Note: The following data is a projection based on the last 5 years of HPTU admission trends and the expected difficulty level of the 2026 cycle.
Expected Qualifying Marks
Category | Expected Cutoff Marks (Out of 600) |
General (UR) | 120 – 135 |
OBC | 100 – 115 |
EWS | 105 – 120 |
SC | 85 – 95 |
ST | 75 – 90 |
A score above 250 is generally considered "Safe" for securing a core branch in a government college, while 350+ is the "Gold Standard" for Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
College-Wise Expected HP CET Cutoff 2026
The following table outlines the expected closing marks for some of the most sought-after engineering colleges in Himachal Pradesh for the General Category.
College Name | Top Branch (CSE/IT) | Core Branch (Civil/Mech) |
JNGEC, Sundernagar | 280 – 310 | 180 – 210 |
RGGEC, Kangra | 260 – 290 | 170 – 195 |
UIIT, Shimla (HPU) | 290 – 320 | N/A (Focus on IT/CSE) |
GHEC, Bilaspur | 240 – 270 | 160 – 185 |
ABVGIET, Shimla | 230 – 260 | 150 – 175 |
HPTU Off-Campus, Hamirpur | 250 – 280 | 165 – 190 |
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College (JNGEC), Sundernagar
JNGEC remains the top choice for many students due to its placement records and infrastructure. To secure Computer Science here, an aspirant should target a rank within the top 500 state-wide. The HP CET Cutoff 2026 for JNGEC is expected to peak early, especially for the Himachal Pradesh State Quota (HPSQ).
2. Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College (RGGEC), Kangra
Located in the beautiful valley of Kangra, this college is famous for its Mechanical and Electronics programs. However, its new AI & Data Science wing is drawing massive interest. If you are targeting RGGEC, aim for at least 260 marks in the General category.
3. University Institute of Technology (UIIT), Shimla
As a department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), UIIT has a separate brand value. Their cutoffs for Information Technology and CSE are traditionally the highest in the state, often requiring scores that rival NIT lower-branch requirements.
Branch-Wise Analysis: Where the Competition Lies
In 2026, the demand for "Circuit Branches" (CSE, IT, ECE) will continue to eclipse "Core Branches" (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical).
Computer Science & Engineering (CSE): This is the most competitive field. Expect the HP CET Cutoff 2026 for CSE to stay above 250 marks even in semi-government colleges.
Electronics & Communication (ECE): A great middle ground. Candidates with scores between 180 and 230 have a high probability of landing ECE in top-tier colleges.
Mechanical & Civil Engineering: These branches are relatively easier to get into. Even with a score of 140–160, students can find spots in reputed government institutes like GHEC Bilaspur or ABVGIET.
HP CET 2026 Marks vs. Percentile (Estimated)
Understanding the relationship between your raw score and your percentile is crucial for predicting your rank before the official merit list is out.
Marks (Out of 600) | Estimated Percentile | Expected Rank Range |
450+ | 99.5+ | 1 – 50 |
380 – 449 | 98 – 99 | 51 – 200 |
300 – 379 | 95 – 97.9 | 201 – 600 |
220 – 299 | 85 – 94.9 | 601 – 1500 |
150 – 219 | 70 – 84.9 | 1501 – 3500 |
Below 150 | Below 70 | 3501+ |
HP CET 2026 Reservation Policy
The HP CET Cutoff 2026 is also heavily influenced by the reservation matrix of Himachal Pradesh Technical University.
HP State Quota (HPSQ): 65% of seats are reserved for Bonafide Himachali candidates.
All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of seats are open to students from across India.
Management Quota: 15% of seats in private colleges.
Supernumerary Seats: This includes the "Beti Hai Anmol" scheme (Single Girl Child), TFW (Tuition Fee Waiver), and Kashmiri Migrants.
If you belong to the EWS or OBC category, you can expect a relaxation of roughly 15–20 marks compared to the General category for the same branch and college.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the expected HP CET Cutoff 2026 for Computer Science in a government college?
A: For top-tier colleges like JNGEC or UIIT Shimla, the expected HP CET Cutoff 2026 for the CSE branch will likely range between 280 and 320 marks for General category candidates.
Q: Is 200 marks a good score in HPCET 2026?
A: Yes, 200 marks is a decent score. While it might be challenging to get CSE in the top two colleges, you stand a very high chance of getting ECE, Mechanical, or Civil in prestigious government institutes like RGGEC Kangra or GHEC Bilaspur.
Q: Does HPTU accept JEE Main scores alongside HP CET?
A: Yes, HPTU fills a significant portion of its seats through JEE Main ranks. However, appearing for HPCET provides an additional opportunity and a dedicated quota for state residents.
Q: What are the minimum qualifying marks for the SC/ST category?
A: In accordance with the previous year's trends, the minimum qualifying score for reserved categories is 15% of the total marks, which translates to 90 marks out of 600.
Final Strategy for HP CET 2026
Success in HPCET is about balancing speed and accuracy. Since there is a negative marking of -1, avoid blind guessing.
Target Score: Aim for 300+ to stay in the safe zone for any branch.
Focus Areas: Master the Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus, as 90% of the HPCET paper is directly derived from these concepts.
Mock Tests: Solve at least 10 full-length mock tests in the final month to get used to the 3-hour 15-minute duration.
Conclusion: Securing Your Future in the Hills
The journey to an engineering degree in Himachal starts with a clear understanding of the HP CET Cutoff 2026. By targeting the marks mentioned in this guide and keeping a close watch on the official HPTU notifications, you can navigate the counseling process with confidence. Remember, while the cutoff gives you a goal, your preparation defines the result.
Quick Links for Aspirants
Official Website: Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU)
Previous Year Papers: Download HPCET Sample Papers & PYQs
Participating Colleges: Check Full List of HPTU Affiliated Colleges
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