Table of Contents
What is HPCET?
Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur, for admission to professional courses such as B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, and other programs offered by HPTU and its affiliated colleges.
For students aspiring to pursue Engineering (B.Tech) or Pharmacy (B.Pharmacy) in Himachal Pradesh, HPCET serves as one of the major admission pathways.
HPCET 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name |
Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) |
Conducting Body |
Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur |
Exam Level |
State Level |
Courses |
B.Tech, B.Pharmacy and other professional courses |
Mode of Examination |
Offline (Pen & Paper/OMR Based) |
Medium |
English |
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Official Website |
himtu.ac.in |
Courses Offered Through HPCET
B.Tech Programs
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Information Technology
B.Pharmacy Program
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
Admissions are offered in HPTU-affiliated government and private institutions across Himachal Pradesh
HPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria for B.Tech
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with:
- Physics (Compulsory)
- Mathematics (Compulsory)
- One of the following:
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Biology
- Technical Vocational Subject
Minimum Marks
- General Category: 45%
- SC/ST/OBC Category: 40%
Students appearing in Class 12 can also apply.
HPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria for B.Pharmacy
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Mathematics
Minimum qualifying marks are generally 45% for General Category and 40% for reserved categories.
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern (B.Tech & B.Pharmacy)
The exam is conducted in offline mode.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Mode |
Offline (OMR Based) |
Duration |
3 Hours 15 Minutes |
Total Questions |
150 |
Total Marks |
600 |
Question Type |
MCQ |
Medium |
English |
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +4 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
- Unattempted: 0 Marks
Subject-Wise Distribution
B.Tech
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
Physics |
50 |
Chemistry |
50 |
Mathematics |
50 |
Total |
150 |
B.Pharmacy
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
Physics |
50 |
Chemistry |
50 |
Biology / Mathematics |
50 |
Total |
150 |
HPCET 2026 Syllabus Click Here
The syllabus is based primarily on the Class 11th and 12th curriculum.
Physics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy and Power
- Gravitation
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetism
- Optics
- Modern Physics
- Semiconductors
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Alcohols and Phenols
- Polymers
- Biomolecules
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Matrices
- Determinants
- Probability
- Calculus
- Coordinate Geometry
- Vectors
- Statistics
Biology (For B.Pharmacy)
- Cell Structure
- Genetics
- Human Physiology
- Reproduction
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
- Plant Physiology
Admission Through JEE Main
Candidates can also get admission to many B.Tech seats through JEE Main scores depending on counselling rules and seat availability. HPCET and JEE Main scores are both considered in various admission scenarios.
HPCET Counselling Process
After declaration of results, qualified candidates must participate in online counselling.
Counselling Steps
- Online Registration
- Choice Filling
- Merit List Publication
- Seat Allotment
- Document Verification
- Fee Submission
- Final Admission
Documents Required for Counselling
- HPCET Admit Card
- HPCET Score Card
- 10th Mark Sheet
- 12th Mark Sheet
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate
- Character Certificate
- Passport Size Photographs
- Aadhaar Card
Top Colleges Accepting HPCET Scores
Engineering Colleges
- Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur
- Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College (JNGEC), Sundernagar
- Government Engineering College Hamirpur
- Various HPTU Affiliated Private Engineering Colleges
Pharmacy Colleges
- HPTU Affiliated Pharmacy Colleges
- Government and Private Pharmacy Institutes in Himachal Pradesh
Preparation Strategy for HPCET 2026
For Physics
- Focus on NCERT
- Learn formulas thoroughly
- Practice numerical questions daily
For Chemistry
- Master NCERT line-by-line
- Revise Organic Chemistry regularly
- Focus on reaction mechanisms
For Mathematics
- Practice Calculus daily
- Strengthen Algebra and Coordinate Geometry
- Solve previous year papers
For Biology
- Study NCERT Biology multiple times
- Focus on diagrams and terminology
Why Should You Appear for HPCET?
✅ Admission to Engineering and Pharmacy Colleges in Himachal Pradesh
✅ Affordable Fee Structure
✅ State-Level Entrance Exam
✅ Multiple Colleges Participate
✅ Opportunity for Government and Private College Admissions
HP CET Important Links
| Important Links | Status |
|---|---|
Apply Online |
|
Notification |
|
Mock Test Series |
|
Admit Card |
Click Here |
Result |
Click Here |
Official Website |
|
Join WhatsApp Channel |
HP CET Previous Year Papers
| Previous Year Papers | Download |
|---|---|
HP CET Previous Year Paper 2026 |
|
HP CET Previous Year Paper 2025 |
Click Here |
HP CET Previous Year Paper 2024 |
Click Here |
HP CET Previous Year Paper |
Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Is HPCET compulsory for B.Tech admission?
No. Some seats may also be filled through JEE Main scores depending on counselling rules.
Question: What is the duration of the HPCET exam?
The B.Tech and B.Pharmacy paper duration is 3 Hours 15 Minutes.
Question: Is there negative marking?
Yes. One mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Question: How many questions are asked?
A total of 150 MCQs are asked.
Question: What is the maximum score?
The examination carries 600 marks.
