AP ECET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test)

AP ECET 2026

The AP ECET 2026 (Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test) dates are yet to be officially announced by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakinada, on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). Following the previous years’ pattern, the application process for AP ECET 2026 is expected to begin in March 2026, and the entrance exam is likely to be conducted in May 2026. The AP ECET is a state-level entrance examination conducted for diploma holders in Engineering, Technology, and Pharmacy, as well as B.Sc. (Mathematics) graduates, seeking lateral entry admission into the second year of B.E./B.Tech and B.Pharmacy programs across universities and institutions in Andhra Pradesh.

The AP ECET 2026 exam is designed to assess candidates’ technical knowledge, analytical ability, and subject understanding relevant to their diploma or degree specialization. The AP ECET comprises sections on Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering/Pharmacy subjects, depending on the stream applied for. The examination will be conducted in online (Computer-Based Test) mode and will follow an objective-type multiple-choice (MCQ) format. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions confidently.

Eligible candidates can register for AP ECET 2026 through the official APS CHE or AP ECET website, where they can complete the AP ECET 2026 online application, upload documents, and pay the examination fee. The AP ECET 2026 admit card, AP ECET 2026 exam schedule, and AP ECET 2026 result notifications will also be released online. Qualified candidates will be called for the AP ECET 2026 counselling and seat allotment process, which will be conducted by APSCHE based on the candidates’ ranks and preferences. 

Aspirants are advised to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus before starting their preparation. Candidates should also practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests to improve accuracy and time management. Further details about AP ECET 2026 eligibility, AP ECET 2026 syllabus, AP ECET 2026 exam pattern, and AP ECET 2026 counselling process are discussed in the following sections.  

AP ECET 2026 – Key Highlights:

Basic Information on AP ECET:

The AP ECET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakinada, on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). The AP ECET exam serves as the gateway for lateral entry admissions into the second year of B.E./B.Tech and B.Pharmacy programs offered by universities and affiliated colleges across Andhra Pradesh. The AP ECET is specifically designed for diploma holders in Engineering, Technology, and Pharmacy, as well as B.Sc. (Mathematics) graduates.

The AP ECET examination is conducted in online (Computer-Based Test) mode and follows an objective multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. The AP ECET syllabus is based on subjects relevant to the candidates’ qualifying course and includes Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and core Engineering or Pharmacy subjects. Each paper carries a total of 200 marks, with one mark awarded for every correct response. Candidates who qualify for the exam are invited to participate in the centralized counselling process organized by APSCHE, where admissions are granted based on rank, preference, and seat availability.

AP ECET 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative):

Following is the list of the AP ECET 2026 exam dates. Please note that these dates are only tentative as the authorities are yet to release the dates in their official website.

AP ECET 2026 Exam Highlights:

AP ECET 2026 Cut Offs:

The AP ECET 2026 cut off marks represent the minimum score that candidates must achieve to qualify for admission into lateral entry Engineering, Technology, and Pharmacy courses in Andhra Pradesh. The cut off varies each year based on factors like the number of applicants, exam difficulty, seat availability, and reservation categories. Generally, the qualifying cut off for general category candidates is around 25% of the total marks, while SC/ST candidates have relaxed criteria. Branch popularity and category-wise reservation further influence the cut off thresholds. The official cut off lists will be published by APSCHE after the exam results on their website.

Click Here For AP ECET Cut Offs

AP ECET 2026 Counselling Process:

The AP ECET 2026 counselling process begins shortly after the result declaration, typically in the first week of June 2026. Qualified candidates must register online on the official APSCHE portal, pay the counselling fee, and undergo document verification either at designated help centers or online. Following verification, candidates fill their preferred colleges and courses online. Seat allotment is conducted based on rank, category, choices, and seat availability. After seat allotment, candidates must download their allotment letter and report to the allotted college with original documents and fees to confirm admission. Multiple counselling rounds, including spot rounds, may be held for vacant seats.

Click Here For AP ECET Counselling

AP ECET 2026 – FAQs:

Q1. When is the AP ECET 2026 exam scheduled to be conducted?

Ans. The AP ECET 2026 exam is expected to be held in May 2026, likely in the second week. The AP ECET 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode across multiple centers in Andhra Pradesh in two shifts – a morning shift from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and an afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Q2. What is the mode and duration of the AP ECET 2026 exam?

Ans. AP ECET 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT). The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes), during which candidates must answer 200 multiple-choice questions.

Q3. Who is eligible to appear for the AP ECET 2026 exam?

Ans. Candidates who have completed a Diploma in Engineering, Technology, or Pharmacy, or those with a B.Sc. degree having Mathematics as a subject, and meet other eligibility criteria such as domicile and minimum marks can apply to appear for the AP ECET 2026 exam.

Q4. What is the marking scheme for AP ECET 2026?

Ans. Each correct answer in AP ECET 2026 carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, so candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.

Q5. How can candidates obtain their AP ECET 2026 admit card?

Ans. The admit cards for AP ECET 2026 will be released online on the official website (cets.apsche.ap.gov.in) approximately a week before the exam. Candidates must download and print the hall ticket to be allowed entry into the examination center.