Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) has officially opened the registration window for the Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) 2026. Aspiring candidates can now apply online for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including BTech, BPharmacy, MBA, and MCA, by visiting the official website, himtu.ac.in. The last date to submit applications is April 19, 2026.

Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) has commenced the online application process for the Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) 2026. This state-level entrance exam is the gateway for admission to various technical and professional courses offered by HPTU and its affiliated institutions across the state. The application window is open from March 13, 2026, and candidates can apply until April 19, 2026, on the official website.
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HPCET 2026 Notification Out
The information brochure for HPCET 2026, containing all the essential details regarding the entrance test, has been published by HPTU. This comprehensive document outlines the exam scheme, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and the complete admission process for programs like B. Tech, B. Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, M.Sc., and more.
HPCET 2026 Information Brochure PDF – [Link to Official PDF]
HPCET 2026: Key Information Summary
Candidates applying for HPCET 2026 will have their admission based on their performance in the offline entrance exam, followed by a centralized counseling process. The selection opens doors to a wide range of technical programs at the university’s campus and its affiliated colleges.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur |
| Exam Name | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) 2026 |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, MBA (T&HM), B.Sc. (HM & CT)/BHMCT, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences |
| Application Dates | 13th March to 19th April 2026 |
| Eligibility | Varies by course; typically 10+2 with PCM/PCB for UG, and a Bachelor’s degree for PG courses with minimum marks (45-50%). |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen-and-Paper based) |
| Selection Process | HPCET 2026 Rank followed by Centralized Counseling |
| Official Website | www.himtu.ac.in |
HPCET 2026 Important Dates
Candidates are advised to keep track of the following key dates for HPCET 2026 to ensure they don’t miss any deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 13th March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19th April 2026 |
| Exam Date for B.Sc. (HM & CT)/BHMCT & M.Sc. Environmental Sciences | 09th May 2026 |
| Exam Date for B. Tech, B. Pharmacy, M.Sc. Physics, MBA, MCA, MBA (T&HM) | 10th May 2026 |
| Tentative Date of Result Declaration | By 21st May 2026 |
| Tentative Start of Counseling | June 2026 |
HPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria vary for different courses. It is mandatory for candidates to fulfill the prescribed educational qualifications to be considered for admission. Below are the minimum requirements for the main courses:
- For B. Tech (Direct Entry): Passed 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subject, securing at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories).
- For B. Pharmacy (Direct Entry): Passed 10+2 examination with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects, along with one of Mathematics/Biology, securing at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories). The candidate must have completed 17 years of age.
- For MBA / MBA (T&HM): Passed a Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- For MCA: Passed any graduation degree (e.g., B.E., B. Tech, B.Sc., B.Com., BCA) preferably with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level, with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- For M.Sc. Physics: Passed B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate.
- For M.Sc. Environmental Sciences: Passed any Bachelor’s degree in Basic/Applied Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, etc., with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
HPCET Application Form 2026
The application link for HPCET 2026 is active on the official website. Candidates must fill out the form carefully, as incomplete applications are liable to be rejected. The application fee is non-refundable.
Direct Link to Apply for HPCET 2026
Application Fee
Candidates must pay the following application fee to complete their registration for HPCET 2026. The fee varies based on the course and category.
| Course | Fee for SC/ST/BPL (Rs.) | Fee for Others (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| B. Tech / B. Pharmacy / M.Sc. / B.Sc. HMCT | 800 | 1600 |
| B. Tech & B. Pharmacy (Both) | 1600 | 3200 |
| MBA / MCA / MBA (T&HM) | 800 | 1600 |
| MBA & MCA (Both) | 1600 | 3200 |
| MBA, MBA(T&HM) & MCA (All) | 2400 | 4800 |
How to Apply for HPCET 2026
Follow these steps to successfully submit your application for HPCET 2026:
- Go to the official HPTU website: www.himtu.ac.in.
- Click on the “Register ->” tab under the One Time Registration (OTR) menu.
- For new users, complete the sign-up process using your Aadhaar number and other details to obtain a “Unique Him Access ID.”
- Log in using your credentials and navigate to the “Update Profile” section to fill in your personal details, contact information, qualifications, and upload your photo and signature.
- After updating your profile, go to the “Courses List” menu and select the course(s) you wish to apply for by clicking the “Apply” button.
- Fill in the specific application form for HPCET-2026, select your quota and category, and verify all details.
- Click on “Submit Application” and then proceed to make the payment through the online gateway.
- After successful payment, download and save a copy of the completed application form (PDF) for future reference.
HPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam is conducted offline. The pattern differs for each course:
- For B. Tech & B. Pharmacy: The paper consists of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, divided into two sections. The total marks are 600, and the duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes. There is a negative marking of -1 for each wrong answer.
- For MBA, MCA, MBA (T&HM): The paper has 75 MCQs divided into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The total marks are 300, and the duration is 2 hours. There is a negative marking of -1 for each wrong answer.
- For M.Sc. Programs: These papers consist of 100 MCQs with a total of 100 marks and a duration of 2 hours. There is a negative marking of -0.25 for each wrong answer.
HPCET 2026 Selection Process
Admission to the various courses will be made through the following process:
- Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for HPCET-2026 and obtain a valid rank.
- Counseling: Based on the HPCET-2026 rank, candidates will be required to register separately for centralized counseling, which is tentatively scheduled for June 2026. Seat allotment will be finalized during this process.
FAQs
Is the HPCET 2026 Notification PDF released?
Yes, the detailed information brochure (Prospectus Part-I) for HPCET 2026 has been released on the official HPTU website.
What is the last date to apply for HPCET 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form for HPCET 2026 is April 19, 2026.
When will the HPCET 2026 exam be held?
The exam is scheduled to be held on May 9 and May 10, 2026, depending on the course applied for.