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The Bihar board conducts the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE) for 2026 at the state level to determine admission to professional programs in engineering, pharmacy, the medical field, and agriculture at the best universities of Bihar.
- The application for BCECE 2026 is expected to open in March 2026, and the exam is scheduled for May or June of 2026 and will be administered offline.
- The BCECE exam questions are MCQs (multiple choice questions) with a score of plus 4 for a right response and minus 1 for a wrong response.
- The BCECE syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus of science that includes physics, chemistry, agriculture, biology, and mathematics.
- There are 100 questions in each subject with 400 marks with a duration of 90 minutes.
- The BCECE exam's upper age limit for undergraduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture is at least 17 years old for all categories.
The BCECE results will be made available on the official website, bceceboard.bihar.gov.in, by June or July 2026.
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Key Summary
- In this article we discussed the BCECE exam for 2026, including exam dates, registration, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation.
- The exam is scheduled for May or June of 2026 and will be administered offline.
- BCECE exam questions are multiple-choice (MCQ) with a score of +4 for a right response and -1 for a wrong response.
- The BCECE syllabus is based on the NCERT book of Class 11 and Class 12 syllabi of physics, chemistry, agriculture, biology, and mathematics.
- There are 100 questions in each subject with 400 marks with a duration of 90 minutes.
- The application for BCECE 2026 is anticipated to open in March 2026.
- You must have passed or be appearing in class 12 with the relevant subject combination (PCM/PCB/PCMB/Agriculture).
- The BCECE exam's upper age limit for undergraduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture is at least 17 years old for all categories.
What is the BCECE Exam 2026?
The exam is conducted by the BCECE Board for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and medical allied fields in Bihar.
- The exam will be conducted in offline mode (OMR-based) and based on the class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus of physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and agriculture, depending on the chosen course.
BCECE Exam 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE) |
| Conducting Authority | Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) |
| Exam Level | State-level |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper – OMR based) |
| Courses Offered |
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| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Agriculture |
| Marking Scheme | +4 marks for correct answer, –1 mark for an incorrect one |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes per subject |
| Application Form Release | March 2026 (expected) |
| Exam Date | May–June 2026 (tentative) |
| Official Website | bceceboard.bihar.gov.in |
Ques. What is the mode and syllabus of the BCECE exam?
Ans. The exam is scheduled for May or June of 2026 and will be administered offline.
- The BCECE exam mode is offline; the questions are multiple-choice (MCQ) with a score of +4 for a right response and -1 for a wrong response.
- The BCECE syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus of physics, chemistry, agriculture, biology, and mathematics.
Ques. How is the exam structured and marked?
Ans. The BCECE syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus of physics, chemistry, agriculture, biology, and mathematics.
- There are 100 multiple-choice (MCQ) questions in each subject, and each one takes 90 minutes and has 400 possible scores.
BCECE Exam Dates 2026
The official BCECE 2026 exam dates have not been released yet. However, the exam is tentatively scheduled in the first week of June 2026.
The board will publish the exact exam date and schedule and detailed information on its official website.
| Tentative Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | Online Registration Starting Date |
| April 2026 | Online Registration Closing Date |
| May 2026 | Last Date of Payment (Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI) |
| May 2026 | Online Editing of Application Form |
| May 2026 | Availability of Online Admit Card |
| June 2026 | BCECE 2026 Exam Dates |
| Last week of July 2026 | Result Date |
| 1st Week of August 2026 | 1st Round of Counselling |
| 3rd Week of August 2026 | 2nd Round of Counselling |
| 2nd Week of September 2026 | 3rd Round of Counselling |
| 4th Week of September 2026 | Last Date for Admission Against Vacant Seats |
| 1st Week of October 2026 | Academic Session Begins |
Question: When will the BCECE 2026 be held?
Ans. The BCECE exam 2026 is yet to be announced on the official website. The tentative date is given below:
| Event | Tentative Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Registration | April 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment | May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
Check:
BCECE Exam DatesQues. How many rounds of counselling will be conducted for BCECE 2026?
Ans. There will be three rounds of counselling for BCECE 2026
- The 1st round is in August
- The 2nd round is in the 3rd week of August
- The 3rd round is in September, followed by admission against vacant seats.
BCECE 2026 Registration Fees
The BCECE 2026 registration fee is the amount you must pay to apply for the exam.
- The fee varies based on the subject group and the category of the candidate.
- The fee can be paid online through the official BCECEB portal during the application process.
BCECE 2026 Exam Pattern
For each question, you will be provided four options. You must select the most appropriate option.
- Each question carries 4 marks, while 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- The total number of questions in the BCECE exam is 300. The maximum mark for the exam is 1200.
The updated section-wise marking scheme of BCECE is given below for your reference:
| Sections | Questions | Marks per Section |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 100 | 400 |
| Chemistry | 100 | 400 |
| Mathematics | 100 | 400 |
| Biology | 100 | 400 |
| Agriculture | 100 | 400 |
Ques. Who is eligible to appear for BCECE 2026?
Ans. Students must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of Bihar (or have parents domiciled in Bihar)
- Students should have passed or be appearing for 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and mathematics/biology/agriculture.
Ques. Can students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 apply for BCECE 2026?
Ans. Candidates who meet all other eligibility requirements, such as the required subjects and the minimum marks requirement, can register for the exam prior to completing their Class 12 board exams.
- A copy of their 10+2 exam results must be presented by qualified applicants during the counseling or admissions process.
Ques. How can the application for BCECE 2026 be changed once it has been submitted?
Ans. In May 2026, BCECEB offers a brief window for online form correction.
- During this period, candidates can correct mistakes such as name, date of birth, category, subject group, contact details, or exam center choice.
- It is important to carefully review the form and make corrections within the specified dates, as no changes are allowed after the correction window closes.
BCECE 2026 Eligibility
The primary eligibility requirement for candidates to register for the BCECE 2026 exam is that they must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 45% marks (for the category) or 40% marks (for reserved categories) in physics, chemistry, and either biology or mathematics.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | You must be an Indian citizen. |
| Domicile Requirement | You must be a permanent resident of Bihar, or your parents must be domiciled in Bihar. |
| Educational Qualification | You must have passed 10+2 or the equivalent from a recognized board. |
| Minimum Marks Required | General Category: 45% in 10+2 (PCB/PCM)SC/ST/OBC/EBC Category: 40% in 10+2 (PCB/PCM) |
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics and Chemistry along with Mathematics, Biology, or Agriculture in 10+2. |
| Age Limit | Engineering & Medical Courses: No age limitPharmacy Courses: Minimum 16 years as of December 31, 2026 |
| Appearing Candidates | Students appearing for the 10+2 exam in 2026 are also eligible to apply. |
| Reserved Category Relaxation | Relaxation in minimum marks requirement as per Bihar Government norms. |
Check:
BCECE EligibilityQues. Is there any relaxation in eligibility criteria for reserved categories?
Ans. Yes, there are some relaxation criteria for the reserved category for the BCECE exam 2026:
| Category | Minimum Marks Required (PCB/PCM) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | 45% | Standard eligibility requirement |
| SC / ST / EBC | 40% | Relaxation as per Bihar Government norms; valid category certificate must be submitted during registration or counselling |
Ques. Can students from other states apply for BCECE 2026?
Ans. A candidate can only be considered if they meet the requirements for Bihar domicile.
Eligible candidates are either:
- Permanent residents of Bihar, or
- Whose parents are domiciled in Bihar.
- Students from other states without Bihar domicile cannot apply.
- Such candidates will be disqualified during the verification process
Ques. Does domicile matter for BCECE 2026 eligibility?
Ans. Yes, domicile is mandatory for BCECE exam eligibility.
- Candidates must be permanent residents of Bihar or have at least one parent domiciled in Bihar.
- This ensures the exam primarily serves students from Bihar, following state-level reservation and admission policies.
BCECE 2026 Syllabus
The table below includes the BCECE 2026 syllabus, which includes physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and agriculture, based on Class 11 and 12 concepts.
- The syllabus is designed to test candidates’ understanding and problem-solving skills for engineering, medical, and paramedical courses.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics |
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| Chemistry |
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| Biology |
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| Mathematics |
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| Agriculture |
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BCECE SyllabusQues. Are the BCECE syllabus topics the same for all courses?
Ans. No, the subjects tested depend on the chosen course:
- Engineering: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Medical/Paramedical: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Agriculture: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Agriculture
Ques. Does BCECE 2026 focus only on theory or practical knowledge?
Ans. No, the exam tests both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, including application-based questions from each subject.
- While the exam may include practical applications, diagrams, and numerical problems, especially in physics, chemistry, and agriculture.
Ques. Are biotechnology and genetics included in the BCECE syllabus?
Ans. Yes, biology includes topics like genetics, evolution, and biotechnology, which are relevant for medical and paramedical aspirants.
| Topic | Details / Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Genetics |
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| Evolution |
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| Biotechnology |
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BCECE Expected Cut-offs
The cutoff varies based on several factors, like the number of candidates, the seat capacity, the level of difficulty, and the reservation.
- High scorers (UR 600–650 or OBC/EBC 570–600) have a good chance of getting into prestigious government universities and their desired fields, such as CSE, ECE, or EEE.
- Those with mid-range marks, like SC 540–570 or ST 520–540, should be flexible with college and branch choices, focusing on mid-tier colleges or alternative courses.
- Students with lower grades (PwD 480–520) have few options; they are primarily limited to private schools, non-core courses, or diploma programs.
- Category reservation can significantly improve rank and admission chances even with slightly lower scores.
The table below shows the first two categories (General ~600, Reserved ~480) closely match the reported 2025 results, making these estimates based on the data reasonable.
| Category | Expected Cutoff Marks (out of 1200) | Equivalent Percentage | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 600–650 | 50%–54% | Up to 3,000 |
| OBC/EBC | 570 – 600 | 47%–50% | Up to 5,000 |
| SC | 540 – 570 | 45%–47% | Up to 10,000 |
| ST | 520 – 540 | 43% – 45% | Up to 12,000 |
| PwD | 480–520 | 40%–43% | Up to 15,000 |
Colleges Accepting BCECE Score
A good BCECE score is based on the marks obtained, the rank obtained, and the top colleges for the candidates, which are given in the below table:
- To be eligible for CSE/ECE at the top government colleges, like MIT Muzaffarpur and BCE Bhagalpur, one must rank 650+ (top 2,000).
- Candidates with scores between 600 and 650 typically get into prestigious colleges' EEE, mechanical, or civil departments.
- Candidates can get mid-tier branches or B.Pharm at top government institutes at 550–600 marks.
- A score of 500–550 usually places candidates in private colleges or lower-preference govt. branches.
- Less than 500 marks typically restricts choice to private universities, particularly for diploma-equivalent or non-core courses.
| Score (Out of 1200) | Rank Range | Is it a good score? | Possible Colleges/Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650–750 | 1 – 2,000 | Excellent | MIT Muzaffarpur (CSE/ECE), BCE Bhagalpur (CSE), NIT Patna, BIT Patna |
| 600–650 | 2,000 – 4,500 | Very Good | MIT Muzaffarpur (ECE/EEE), BCE Bhagalpur (CSE/EEE), Govt. Engineering Colleges |
| 550-600 | 4,500 – 7,500 | Good & Competitive | Rajendra College, RPS College, B.Pharm in Govt. Colleges |
| 500–550 | 7,500 – 10,000 | Fair | Private colleges (Arya, Noida Inst.), Lower-preference govt. branches |
| Below 500 | 10,000+ | Limited | Only private universities/colleges, diploma-equivalent, or non-core courses |
Note:
- The “good score” always depends on the difficulty of the paper and the number of applicants in a given year.
- For BCECE 2026, if the paper is tougher, the cutoffs may dip by 10–20 marks.
Check:
BCECE CutoffsQues. Do BCECE cutoffs vary between engineering, medical, and agriculture courses?
Ans. Yes, the BCECE cutoff is course-specific.
- Engineering (CSE/ECE) usually has the highest cutoff, followed by other branches like Mechanical or Civil.
- Medical/paramedical and agriculture streams often have slightly lower cutoffs, depending on demand and seat availability.
Ques. What factors influence BCECE cutoffs every year?
Ans. The cutoff is not fixed and changes yearly based on:
- Difficulty level of the exam paper.
- Total number of applicants in that year.
- Seat availability in top colleges.
- Reservation policies for different categories.
- Previous year cutoff trends.
BCECE 2026 Preparation Tips
Some of the key points that candidates should keep in mind for BCECE 2026 preparation are listed here.
| Preparation Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Know the Exam Pattern |
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| Create a Realistic Timetable |
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| Regular Revision |
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| Solve Previous Papers |
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| Focus on Accuracy |
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| Stress Management and Healthy Study Routine |
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| Use Quality Study Materials |
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BCECE Preparation TipsBCECE Previous Years' Question Papers
The BCECE question papers for biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are published separately. You can check previous years' question papers in the below table.
| Year | Subject / Set | Download Question Paper |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Full Paper | Check Here |
| 2017 | Set A | Check Here |
| 2017 | Set B | Check Here |
| 2017 | Set C | Check Here |
| 2016 | Physics | Check Here |
| 2016 | Chemistry | Check Here |
| 2016 | Mathematics | Check Here |
| 2016 | Biology | Check Here |
| 2015 | Chemistry | Check Here |
| 2015 | Mathematics | Check Here |
| 2015 | Biology | Check Here |
| 2015 | Physics | Check Here |
| 2014 | Chemistry | Check Here |
| 2014 | Mathematics | Check Here |
| 2014 | Physics | Check Here |
FAQs
Ques. When was the BCECE exam held in 2026?
Ans. The BCECE 2026 exam date has not yet been formally announced. However, April or May is typically when the exam is held.
- It is recommended to visit the official BCECE Board website for the most up-to-date information as the exam year draws near.
Ques. Who is eligible for BCECE 2026?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for BCECE 2026 are as follows:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | BCECE |
| Eligibility | Passed or appearing 10+2 (PCM/PCB/Agriculture) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Domicile | Permanent resident of Bihar or parents domiciled in Bihar |
| Minimum Marks Required | SC/ST/OBC/EBC-40%General-45% |
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics & Chemistry + Math/Biology/Agriculture |
| Age Limit | Engineering/Medical—No limitPharmacy—≥16 ≥16 years as of December 31, 2026 |
| Reserved Category Relaxation | As per Bihar Government Norms |
Ques. What is the deadline for the 2026 Bihar entrance exam?
Ans. The official BCECE 2026 announcement will include the precise dates for both the test and registration.
- However, the registration deadline is a few months in advance, and the official BCECE Board website has the most recent information.
- The BCECE exam typically occurs in April or May 2026.
Ques. How many seats are there in BCECE 2026?
The number of seats available for BCECE 2026 is determined by the colleges and courses that are taking part.
- Each college has a different number of seats available for courses in engineering, medicine, and agriculture.
- According to the official notification or the BCECE website, there are usually thousands of seats available in the colleges under BCECE across a variety of streams.
Ques. How much rank is good in BCECE?
Ans. A good rank in the BCECE exam depends on the course and college you are looking for.
- For admission, it is often required to rank in the top 1000–2000.
- Additionally, lower ranks can still be admitted to prestigious medical and engineering schools, but
- It can be useful to review the cutoff trends from the prior year because the cutoff ranks change every year.
Ques. How many attempts for the BCECE exam?
Ans. The maximum number of BCECE attempts is not specified. As long as they fulfill the requirements for eligibility in terms of age and educational background, they are permitted to take the test.
- For any updates or modifications pertaining to the quantity of attempts, it is imperative to consult the official notification.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
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You can check here for the BCECE Question Paper: Download Previous Years’ Question Paper and Answer Key PDFs. BCECE question papers are released separately for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Admission to medical colleges cannot be taken through BCECE anymore, because BCECE no longer conducts a separate medical exam. All MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and BUMS admissions in Bihar are now done only through NEET-UG, and BCECEB conducts state counselling based on your NEET score. After NEET results, you must register on the BCECEB portal, upload documents, choose colleges, and participate in Round 1, Round 2 and Mop-up counselling. Seat allotment depends on NEET marks, category and available seats.
You can check here for the BCECE 2025 Question Paper: Download Previous Years’ Question Paper and Answer Key PDFs
In Bihar, B.Tech admissions in most government and private engineering colleges are conducted based on the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE) scores. Candidates must appear in the BCECE or BCECE (LE) for lateral entry. The counselling process, organized by the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB), allocates seats according to rank, category, and choice of college, ensuring a merit-based admission for eligible candidates across the state.
There are 43 colleges in India that offer B.E./B.Tech degrees and accepts BCECE. There are a total of 49 public or government-owned universities that provide B.E. or B.Tech degrees, while there is just one private college.
Here are some of the top colleges in India that accept BCECE:
First, you need to pass the eligibility criteria:
1. For undergraduate scientific courses, candidates must be at least 16 years old as of August 31, 2024; for all other courses, they must be at least 17 years old. There's no upper age restriction.
2. Candidates need to pass 10+2 from a recognized board.
3. Candidates must have passed the qualifying exam in the PCMB (physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology).
4. To be eligible, candidates must receive at least 45% of the total points (or 40% in the case of the reserved category).
5. Candidates must possess a Bihar state domicile certificate.
Also, you must have qualifying marks of 50% (general) and 40% (reserved category) for BCECE.
The following advice can help you get ready for the BCECE exam:
1. Understand the format of the exam: There are 300 questions in the offline, objective-style BCECE exam. Depending on the candidate's subject combinations, the exam is divided into three sections. There are 100 questions in each section, and four marks are awarded for a right response. For each incorrect response, one mark is subtracted.
2. Make a study schedule.
3. Revision is the Key
4. Practice previous year's exam questions and simulated examinations
5. Discuss your questions with mentors or instructors.
6. Join friends in a study group and ask each other questions.
7. Assemble the necessary study materials
8. Have a healthy and balanced routine.
9. Take brief notes on challenging subjects.
To get admission in BE/B.Tech programs through BCECE you must have a valid JEE Mains score. Admission will be offered on the basis of JEE Main score through Bihar UGEAC Counseling. You will be offered admission in those programs and institutions for which you have met the cut-offs.
Will I get admission in nmch patna college. my rank is 2351 in bsc nursing 2023
Nalanda Medical College Patna does not offer B.Sc Nursing program. The college offers MBBS and 5 Paramedical programs only at the undergraduate level.
To participate in the counseling process, you must register yourself online through the official websiye of BCECE. You can check the steps of registration, choice filling, seat allotment, documents verification, etc. from BCECE Counseling.
The cut-offs for BCECE differ from one institution to another as well as for one category of student to another. It is important for you to check the cut-offs for the colleges/universities that you are interested in before you submit your application. Please check the cut-off trend for the top colleges from BCECE Cut-offs.
The examination date of BCECE 2023 has not been released by BCECEB. The examination is expected to be conducted in the second week of June 2023. The application process for this examination will begin soon.
The application form for BCECE has to be filled up online. You will find the application portal on the official website of BCECE. Please check the steps to complete your application process from BCECE Registration.
Can i fill form for 2023 now
The application process for BCECE 2023 is yet to begin. The official notification for BCECE 2023 has not been released. But the application process is expected to begin in the third week of February 2023.
The BCECE Counseling process for Professional in Corporate Account (PCA) is currently going on. The board has released the first Seat Allotment results on 29 November 2022 and the second Seat Allotment Results will be released on 6 December 2022.
With a BCECE rank of 1900 in the EWS category, you have good chances to get admission in the B.Pharma program at the BCECE participating Government colleges.
The BCECE counseling process for BE and B.Tech programs is currently going on now. However, the counseling process for other courses is yet to begin.The BCECE board has not released the official counselin dates yet.
BCECE Counseling process for BE and B.Tech courses is done based on the merit of JEE Main. The registration deadline for the said counseling session has been closed on 9 September 2022.
The UGEAC counseling process is currently going on. Once you have successfully completed your counseling, you will be allowed to complete your admission procedure. If you are not satisfied with the offered seat, you can particiapte in the next round of counseling.