HORTICET 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise Questions, Total Marks and Paper Duration

HORTICET 2026 consists of 160 multiple-choice questions carrying 160 marks, to be completed in 150 minutes, with 40 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology.

Conducted by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Andhra Pradesh, HORTICET is the gateway to B.Sc. (Horticulture) four-year degree programmes. The exam is scheduled for June 15, 2026. Knowing the exact exam pattern — how many questions come from each subject, how marks are allotted and how much time you have — lets you build a focused preparation strategy and avoid surprises on exam day.

• Total Questions: 160 — 40 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology.
• Total Marks: 160 — every correct answer carries 1 mark.
• Paper Duration: 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes), giving you about 56 seconds per question.
• No negative marking — wrong or unattempted answers receive zero marks, so attempt every question.
• All questions are objective type (MCQ) based on the Andhra Pradesh Intermediate (Class 11 and 12) syllabus.

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HORTICET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

HORTICET 2026 is a state-level entrance test for admission to B.Sc. (Horticulture) programmes at colleges affiliated with Dr. YSR Horticultural University, AP. The paper is fully objective, tests your command of Intermediate-level science subjects and is conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode. The table below gives a quick snapshot of all key parameters.

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Subject-Wise Question and Marks Distribution

The HORTICET 2026 question paper is divided equally across four subjects. Each subject contributes 40 questions worth 40 marks, so no single section dominates the paper. Students from the Biology stream (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology) are the primary target group, but the equal distribution means you cannot afford to neglect any subject.

All questions are drawn from the AP Intermediate (Class 11 and Class 12) syllabus. Questions test both conceptual understanding and practical application of these subjects in an agricultural and horticulture context.

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Marking Scheme and Total Marks

The HORTICET 2026 marking scheme is simple and student-friendly. Each correct answer earns +1 mark and there is no deduction for wrong or unattempted answers. The maximum score you can achieve is 160 out of 160.

Because there is no negative marking, your strategy should be to attempt all 160 questions. Even when you are unsure of the correct option, eliminate the obviously wrong choices and make an educated guess — it can only help your score.

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Time Management Strategy for HORTICET 2026

With 160 questions in 150 minutes, you have approximately 56 seconds per question on average. Smart time allocation across subjects is as important as subject knowledge on exam day.

• Allocate 35–37 minutes per subject to maintain pace across all four sections without rushing the last section.
• Attempt questions you are confident about first; mark doubtful ones for review rather than spending too long on them.
• Do not spend more than 90 seconds on any single question — move on and return during review time.
• Reserve the final 10 minutes to revisit marked questions and fill in any remaining unattempted answers.
• In Botany and Zoology, questions based on plant or animal structures need careful reading — skim diagrams quickly and move on.
• Physics numericals often take longer; attempt theory-based questions first within the Physics section to build speed and confidence.

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Subject-Wise Preparation Tips for HORTICET 2026

Since all four subjects carry equal marks, a balanced preparation plan is the most effective approach. Here is how to tackle each subject based on the HORTICET 2026 exam pattern.

Physics (40 Marks)

Physics in HORTICET tests formula-based problem solving and conceptual clarity. Focus your revision on:

• Laws of Motion, Work-Energy Theorem and Gravitation
• Current Electricity, Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
• Optics (Ray Optics) and Modern Physics (Dual Nature, Atoms)
• Practice numerical problems directly from AP Intermediate textbooks and previous papers.

Chemistry (40 Marks)

Chemistry covers both Organic and Inorganic topics. Prioritise:

• Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding and States of Matter
• Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium
• Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Carbonyl Compounds and Biomolecules
• Agrochemicals, fertilisers and soil chemistry — these applied topics appear more often in HORTICET than in general science exams.

Botany (40 Marks)

Botany is the most directly relevant subject for horticulture aspirants and is often the highest-scoring section. Key areas include:

• Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, Respiration and Plant Growth Regulators
• Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
• Ecology, Biodiversity and Environmental Studies
• Economic Botany and flower, fruit and seed morphology — directly tied to horticulture and frequently tested.

Zoology (40 Marks)

Zoology tests both theoretical and applied knowledge. Cover:

• Animal Diversity and Classification (Non-Chordata and Chordata)
• Human Physiology: Digestion, Circulation, Excretion and Reproduction
• Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution
• Applied Zoology: Beneficial and harmful organisms, pest biology relevant to crop protection.

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High-Weightage Topics to Prioritise

Based on the pattern of previous years’ HORTICET papers, the following topics appear with higher frequency. Focus your last four weeks of revision on these areas to maximise your score efficiently.

Use AP Intermediate textbooks as your primary study material, supplement with previous year HORTICET question papers and take at least two full-length mock tests in the 150-minute format before exam day.