The AP PGECET Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to follow the same 2025 format, which includes 120 questions, worth 120 marks, and will be conducted in a two-hour time duration.
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The exam format for the AP PGECET 2026 will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in an online computer-based exam format.
- There will be no penalty for incorrect answer selections, and they will earn one mark for every correct answer selected.
- The exam will primarily be based on the significant components of your selected stream and will also contain some general components, such as reasoning, maths, and GK.
- The question paper will only be in English.
- Number of Papers: AP PGECET is conducted in 13 different papers, each related to a specific discipline (i.e., ECE, CSE, Civil, Pharmacy, etc.).
The details for the AP PGECET exam pattern 2026 will be released on the official website cets.apsche.ap.gov.in, but you can prepare using the previous year’s structure.
Check:

Key Summary
- The exam will be conducted by APSCHE for admission to postgraduate programs (M.E., M.Tech, and PhD) in Electrical Engineering and related fields at universities in Andhra Pradesh.
- The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) of the AP PGECET 2026 Exam will be conducted in an online computer-based format.
- The exam will mostly cover the important subjects from your chosen stream, along with some general topics like reasoning, maths, and GK.
- There will be no deduction for incorrect answers, and each right response will get one mark.
What is the AP PGECET Exam Pattern 2026?
The AP PGECET Exam Pattern 2026 will comprise the structure of the examination, the marking scheme, and the types of questions posed in the AP PGECET Examination.
- The exam will be hosted by APSCHE for admission into postgraduate programs (M.E., M.Tech, and PhD) in Electrical Engineering and various related fields at universities in Andhra Pradesh.
- The examination is conducted in CBT format and has a total of 120 questions, hence a total of 120 marks.
- It will test core concepts, problem-solving, and mathematical application.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Language of the Exam | English |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Number of Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Sections | Varies by Subject (based on the chosen stream – e.g., ECE, CSE, ME, etc.) |
| Syllabus | Based on the undergraduate curriculum of the respective engineering stream |
Check:

Ques. How many times can I attempt AP PGECET?
Ans. You can attempt AP PGECET (Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test) any number of times — there is no limit on the number of attempts.
- The exam allows unlimited attempts.
- There is no age restriction for non-sponsored candidates.
- This flexibility helps candidates improve their scores.
Ques. Does AP PGECET have negative marking?
Ans. No, AP PGECET does not have negative marking.
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- No marks are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions.
- This allows candidates to attempt all questions without fear of losing marks.
AP PGECET Marking Scheme 2026
The AP PGECET Exam 2026 will test you based on your knowledge in the chosen field and general aptitude, with 120 questions in a duration of 2 hours. The questions will be in the form of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- The questions are based on GK, reasoning, maths, and core subjects.
- The questions will be in the form of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with no negative marking.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
Ques. What is the pass mark for AP PGECET?
Ans. The qualifying (pass) mark for AP PGECET is 25% of the total marks, i.e., 30 marks out of 120.
- Candidates must score at least 30 marks to qualify for the rank list and counselling eligibility.
- For SC/ST candidates, there is no minimum qualifying mark — they are considered qualified irrespective of score.
Ques. How many times is the PGECET exam conducted in a year?
Ans. The AP PGECET exam is conducted once a year.
- The exam is usually held in May or June by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, on behalf of APSCHE.
- Since it’s conducted annually, candidates must plan strategically for that single attempt each year.
- The yearly schedule aligns with the academic admission cycle for M.Tech, M.Pharmacy, and related postgraduate programs in Andhra Pradesh
AP PGECET 2026 Important Topics
The AP PGECET exam will comprise multiple-choice questions (MCQ) type questions without any negative marking.
- AP PGECET is conducted for 13 different papers, each based on a distinct discipline (such as ECE, CSE, Civil, Pharmacy, etc.).
- Important topics from the core chapters are believed to be: Data Structures, Signals & Systems, Engineering Mechanics, Structural Analysis, etc.
- If you concentrate your efforts on these chapters, then you will improve overall preparation and also improve your score.
| Branch | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) | - Data Structures- Algorithms- Operating Systems- DBMS- Computer Networks- Theory of Computation- Programming (C/C++)- Software Engineering |
| Electronics & Communication (ECE) | - Signals & Systems- Electronic Devices & Circuits- Analogue & Digital Circuits- Communication Systems- Control Systems- Electromagnetics- Networks |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | - Engineering Mechanics- Theory of Machines- Thermodynamics- Fluid Mechanics- Strength of Materials- Machine Design- Heat Transfer- Manufacturing |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | - Structural Analysis- Concrete Technology- Geotechnical Engineering- Hydraulics & Water Resources- Environmental Engineering- Transportation Engineering |
| Electrical & Electronics (EEE) | - Electrical Circuits- Power Systems- Control Systems- Electrical Machines- Power Electronics- Signals & Systems- Measurements & Instruments |
| Chemical Engineering (CH) | - Chemical Reaction Engineering- Heat Transfer- Mass Transfer- Fluid Mechanics- Thermodynamics- Process Calculations- Mechanical Operations |
| Instrumentation Engineering | - Sensors & Transducers- Process Control- Industrial Instrumentation- Digital Electronics- Signals & Systems- Control Systems |
| Biotechnology (BT) | - Cell Biology- Genetics- Biochemistry- Molecular Biology- Microbiology- Bioprocess Engineering- Immunology |
| Pharmacy | - Pharmacology- Pharmaceutical Analysis- Pharmacognosy- Pharmaceutics- Medicinal Chemistry- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence |
Check:
AP PGECET Reference Books 2026

| Branch / Subject | Book Title |
|---|---|
| General / Engineering Mathematics | Engineering Mathematics (standard texts by e.g., B.S. Grewal, Erwin Kreyszig) |
| Computer Science / CSE | Data Structures (Engineering Reference Books) |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering (Conventional and Objective Type) Design of Machine Elements (5th Edition) |
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineer’s Reference Book |
| Mechanical / General Engineering | A Handbook on Mechanical Engineering |
| Pharmacy / Pharmaceutical Subjects | Review of Pharmacy (Leela Prabhakar)Pharmacy Examination ReviewPharma-Update with MCQs (Patel) |
APP PGECET Previous Year Question Paper
Check:
AP PGECET Frequently Asked Questions 2026
Ques. Is AP PGECET online or offline?
Ans. AP PGECET is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Candidates answer questions on a computer screen at designated test centres.
- The format ensures faster evaluation, reduced human error, and transparent results.
- The online mode also allows instant submission.
Ques. What is the purpose of AP PGECET exam?
Ans. The purpose of the AP PGECET exam is to screen and admit candidates into postgraduate professional programs in Andhra Pradesh.
- Serves as a state-level entrance test for admission into M.Tech, M.Pharmacy, and Pharm.D
- The exam ensures a merit-based, transparent admission process for non-GATE and non-GPAT candidates.
Ques. How many questions are in AP PGECET?
Ans. The AP PGECET exam consists of 120 questions.
- All questions are objective type (Multiple Choice Questions).
- Each question carries 1 mark, making the total marks = 120.
Ques. Is math required for CSE?
Ans. Yes, Mathematics is essential for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).
- Core foundation: Mathematics forms the basis of algorithms, programming logic, and computational theory — all key areas of CSE.
- Key subjects: Topics like Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, and Calculus are directly applied in data structures, AI, ML, and computer networks.
Ques. What are the certificates required for AP PGECET counselling?
Ans. Documents ensure academic eligibility, category verification, and residential validation for fair and transparent seat allotment during counselling:
- Residence Certificate
- AP PGECET Rank Card and Hall Ticket
- Degree and Provisional Certificates
- Marks Memos (10th, 12th, and Graduation)
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- EWS Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- GATE/GPAT Scorecard





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