The exam conducting authority i.e., Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur has prescribed the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026. The eligibility requirements state that for each specified course, aspirants need to pass the qualifying exam with requisite minimum marks or above. Additionally, Indian students are required to qualify the entrance test to enrol in the courses offered by the University.
Students are suggested to refer to this article to gain details about the HPCET exam eligibility criteria 2026 including educational qualification, program specific details, age limit, nationality, and much more.
The Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) is a University-level entrance exam that is conducted by HPTU Hamirpur in order to offer admission in various programs. The aspirants can enrol in the B.Tech, B.Pharm, MCA, MBA, MBA (T & HM), B.Sc (HM & CT), BHMCT, M.Sc (Physics / Environment Sciences) courses after qualifying the test.
Academic Qualifications
On the basis of HPCET eligibility criteria 2026, candidates should have qualified the following academic qualifications as per the specific program they are willing to opt:
Qualifying Marks
Students willing to get admission in the desired UG program are required to secure a minimum of 45% marks (40% in case of reserved category). On the other hand, for PG courses the minimum passing marks in the qualifying exam should be at least 50% marks (45% for reserved category candidates) as specified in the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026.
Age Limit
Aspirants should note that there is no minimum or maximum age limit specified by the Himachal Pradesh Technical University (test conducting authority) to attempt the HPCET Exam. However, based on the HPCET exam eligibility criteria 2026, candidates should have completed the age of 17 years before the end of the academic year to get admission in the B.Pharm course.
Nationality
As prescribed in the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026, Indian citizens can apply for the University level Entrance Test.
Note: NRIs / Foreign Nationals / PIO / Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries are not required to appear for the test to get admission in the desired course of the University.
* Candidates are advised to go through the eligibility criteria of the entrance test prior to completing the HPCET Registration 2026.
Students are suggested to check the below-outlined table to gain information about the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026 of the respective courses:
|
Course |
HPCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 |
|
B.Tech |
OR
|
|
B.Pharm (Allopathy) |
|
|
B.Sc (HM & CT) |
|
|
Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT) |
|
|
MBA / MBA (T & HM) |
|
|
MCA |
|
|
M.Sc Physics |
OR
|
|
M.Sc Environmental Sciences |
|
* Aspirants who are yet to appear for their final exam for Class 12th / Graduation can take the entrance examination. However, admission will be given to only those who meet the prescribed eligibility requirements at the time of admission.
Note: Candidates are suggested to be well-versed with the HPCET Exam Pattern 2026 and HPCET Syllabus 2026, and begin the entrance exam preparation timely.
Special Points to Consider
Applicants who are going to appear for the entrance test for B.Tech program should be informed of the mandatory subjects that they are required to have studied in Class 12th for admission in the desired specialisation.
The details about the same as specified in the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026 are highlighted in the table outlined below:
|
Specialisation |
Mandatory Subjects in Class 12th |
|
Civil Engineering |
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
|
|
Computer Science & Engineering / CSE (Artificial Intelligence & Data Science) / CSE (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning) |
Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Electronics / Information Technology / Technical Vocational subject / Informatics Practices / Agriculture / Engineering Graphics / Business Studies / Entrepreneurship. |
|
Electrical & Electronics / Electrical / Electronics and Communication Engineering |
After qualifying HPCET 2026, students will get admissions to various Bachelors and Masters courses on the basis of reservation policy as defined in the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026.
The details about the reservation of seats are provided in the following table:
|
Category |
Seats Reserved |
|
All India Quota (AIQ) |
|
|
HP State Quota (HPSQ) |
|
|
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) |
|
|
Management Seats (in Private Institutions only) |
* Applicable for UG programs only. |
* In the HP State Quota (HPSQ), 1 seat will be reserved for the single girl child of Himachali domicile, and 1 seat in B.Tech program on the basis of performance in HPCET 2026, under the ‘Beti Hai Anmol Scheme’.
Note: Apart from the above-mentioned quotas, reservation will be offered in the form of supernumerary seats to the students under varied categories.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur which is the exam conducting body has specified the HPCET exam eligibility criteria.
In accordance with HPCET eligibility criteria 2026, the examination conducting authority has not prescribed any lower or upper age limit to appear for the test. However, for the B.Pharm course, aspirants should be 17 years or older.
Applicants are required to pass Undergraduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% in case of reserved category) to get admission in the MBA course.
No, based on the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026, it is not a necessity for NRIs, Foreign candidates, PIO, and Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries to take the test.
In accordance with the HPCET eligibility criteria 2026 laid down by HPTU Hamirpur, a total of 15% seats will be reserved from the overall seats approved for the students from All India Quota (AIQ).
