The Goa Common Entrance Test (GCET 2026) is a state-level admission process conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Goa, for admission to Engineering, Pharmacy and Architecture courses in colleges across Goa. The GCET 2026 application window closed at the end of May 2026, and the Directorate is now preparing the provisional merit list, which is expected on or around 27th June 2026. Engineering admissions in 2026 will be made on the basis of JEE Main 2026 scores, while Pharmacy admissions will continue through the GCET 2026 written test.
- Provisional Merit List: The GCET 2026 provisional merit list is expected to be released on or around 27th June 2026 on dte.goa.gov.in. Last year, the provisional merit list was released on 27th June 2025.
- Eligibility List: The eligibility list for GCET 2026 is expected by the third week of June 2026. In 2025, the eligibility list was published on 23rd June 2025, four days before the provisional merit list.
- Counselling Round 1: The GCET 2026 first counselling round is expected to begin from 1st July 2026 and continue till 7th July 2026 across 5 engineering colleges with around 1,575 BE seats and 2 government-aided pharmacy colleges.
- Cutoff: Last year, the closing JEE Main percentile at Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi, was around 92 percentile for Computer Engineering under the Goan General category. A similar trend is expected in 2026.
What is GCET 2026?
The GCET 2026 stands for Goa Common Entrance Test 2026. It is the state-level admission process conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Goa, for entry into undergraduate professional courses in the state. The process covers Engineering (BE/B.Tech), Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and Architecture (B.Arch) courses offered by both government and private colleges in Goa.
From 2024, the DTE Goa has stopped conducting a separate written entrance test for Engineering admissions. So, for the GCET 2026 BE merit list, the score of JEE Main 2026 is used. For Pharmacy, the DTE Goa still conducts a written GCET 2026 test in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics. For B.Arch admissions, the qualifying score of NATA 2026 is used.
Around 1,575 BE seats are offered across 5 engineering colleges in Goa, including the government Goa College of Engineering (GEC) Farmagudi. More than 100 B.Pharm seats are offered through 2 government-aided pharmacy colleges. Every year, around 5,000 to 6,000 students apply through the GCET process for these seats.
This makes GCET 2026 one of the most important state-level admission gateways in Goa. You should be aware of the new pattern where JEE Main score is used for engineering, but you still need to register separately with DTE Goa and submit the GCET 2026 application form to be considered for state-quota seats.
GCET 2026: Latest Updates
- June 2026: The DTE Goa is preparing the GCET 2026 provisional merit list. Last year, the list was released on 27th June 2025, and a similar release date is expected in 2026.
- May 2026: The GCET 2026 application form window closed at the end of May 2026. Only candidates who submitted the form by the deadline will appear in the merit list.
- April 2026: The DTE Goa released the GCET 2026 admission prospectus and notification on the official website dte.goa.gov.in.
- JEE Main Linkage: For BE admissions, only JEE Main 2026 marks will be used to draw the merit list. Pharmacy admissions will use the GCET 2026 PCB/PCM written test marks.
You must check the official DTE Goa website regularly between 22nd June and 30th June 2026 to track the merit list release.
GCET 2026 Key Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Goa Common Entrance Test (GCET 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Goa |
| Exam Level | State Level (Goa) |
| Courses Covered | BE / B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Arch |
| Mode of BE Admission | Based on JEE Main 2026 score |
| Mode of B.Pharm Admission | GCET 2026 written test (Offline) |
| Mode of B.Arch Admission | Based on NATA 2026 score |
| Application Mode | Online through dte.goa.gov.in |
| Provisional Merit List Date | Expected 27th June 2026 |
| Counselling Start Date | Expected 1st July 2026 |
| Participating Colleges | 5 Engineering colleges + 2 Pharmacy colleges |
| Approximate BE Seats | Around 1,575 |
| Official Website | dte.goa.gov.in |
GCET 2026 Important Dates
The GCET 2026 important dates are released by DTE Goa through the official admission prospectus. The schedule covers form filling, document verification, eligibility list, merit list, counselling rounds and final admission. Here are the GCET 2026 dates as of today.
| Event | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Eligibility List Release | Expected 22nd – 23rd June 2026 |
| Provisional Merit List | Expected 27th June 2026 |
| Objection Window on Merit List | Expected 27th – 29th June 2026 |
| Final Merit List | Expected 30th June 2026 |
| Counselling Round 1 | Expected 1st – 7th July 2026 |
| Counselling Round 2 | Expected Second week of July 2026 |
| Counselling Round 3 (Spot Round) | Expected Last week of July 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | August 2026 |
| Notification Release | April 2026 (Over) |
| Application Form Available | Second week of May 2026 (Over) |
| Last Date to Submit Application | End of May 2026 (Over) |
| Document Verification at College Centre | First week of June 2026 (Over) |
The DTE Goa may revise the GCET 2026 dates. You should keep checking the official admission page for any change in schedule.
GCET 2026 Application Process
The GCET 2026 application process is fully online and you have to fill the form through the DTE Goa portal. The form is the same for both BE and B.Pharm admissions, but you have to select the course choice in the form. The application window closed at the end of May 2026, so fresh registrations are not accepted now. The information below is for your reference and for next year’s cycle.
How to Fill the GCET 2026 Application Form
- Step 1 – Registration: Visit dte.goa.gov.in and click on the GCET 2026 Application Form link. Register with your name, email ID and a working mobile number.
- Step 2 – Application Form: Log in and fill the form with personal details, communication details, parents’ details, Class 10 and Class 12 details, JEE Main 2026 roll number and score (for BE) and category details.
- Step 3 – Upload Documents: Upload your photograph, signature, Class 10 mark sheet, Class 12 mark sheet, JEE Main 2026 scorecard (for BE), domicile/birth certificate of Goa and category certificate, if any.
- Step 4 – Pay the Application Fee: Pay the GCET 2026 application fee online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card or UPI.
- Step 5 – Submit and Print: Submit the form and take 2 print outs. You will need one copy at the document verification centre.
GCET 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Goan) | Rs. 750 (approx.) |
| SC / ST (Goan) | Rs. 500 (approx.) |
| Non-Goan / Out of State | Rs. 1,200 (approx.) |
The application fee is non-refundable. You should pay only through the official portal to avoid fraud.
GCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The GCET 2026 eligibility criteria are set by DTE Goa and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). You should meet the age, nationality, domicile and academic conditions before you apply.
GCET 2026 Eligibility – Nationality and Domicile
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- For state quota seats, you should be a domicile of Goa or should have completed Class 10 and Class 12 from a school located in Goa.
- Non-Goan candidates can also apply, but they will be considered for the open All India seats only.
GCET 2026 Eligibility – Academic Qualification
- For BE (Engineering): You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognised board. You should have scored a minimum of 45% in PCM (40% for reserved category). You must also have a valid JEE Main 2026 score.
- For B.Pharm (Pharmacy): You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics. The minimum aggregate marks required is 45% (40% for reserved category).
- For B.Arch (Architecture): You must have passed Class 12 with Mathematics as one of the subjects and 50% aggregate marks. You must also have a valid NATA 2026 score.
GCET 2026 Age Limit
- There is no upper age limit set for the BE and B.Pharm admissions through GCET 2026.
- For B.Arch, you should be at least 17 years old as on 31st December 2026.
GCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The GCET 2026 exam pattern differs based on the course you are applying for. For BE admissions, there is no separate written test conducted by DTE Goa; the JEE Main 2026 score is used. For B.Pharm, the DTE Goa conducts a written GCET test in offline mode.
GCET 2026 Exam Pattern for B.Pharm
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper based) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology and / or Mathematics |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions Per Paper | 75 |
| Total Marks Per Paper | 75 |
| Duration Per Paper | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Language | English |
GCET 2026 Exam Pattern for BE
For BE admissions through GCET 2026, you do not have to write a separate exam. Your JEE Main 2026 score will be considered. The JEE Main 2026 is held in CBT mode with 75 questions across Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, with a total of 300 marks, including 1/4 negative marking.
GCET 2026 Syllabus
The GCET 2026 syllabus is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus prescribed by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) and is closely aligned with the NCERT syllabus.
GCET 2026 Syllabus for Physics
- Physical World and Measurement
- Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power
- Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter
- Thermodynamics and Heat
- Oscillations and Waves
- Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current
- Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices
GCET 2026 Syllabus for Chemistry
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Structure of Atom, Chemical Bonding
- States of Matter, Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions, Hydrogen, s-Block and p-Block Elements
- Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles
- Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry
- d and f Block Elements, Coordination Compounds
- Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Phenols, Aldehydes, Ketones
- Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life
GCET 2026 Syllabus for Mathematics
- Sets, Relations and Functions
- Trigonometric Functions, Complex Numbers
- Sequences and Series, Permutations and Combinations
- Binomial Theorem, Coordinate Geometry
- Three Dimensional Geometry, Vectors
- Limits, Continuity, Differentiability and Integrals
- Differential Equations, Probability, Statistics
- Linear Programming, Mathematical Reasoning
GCET 2026 Syllabus for Biology
- Diversity in the Living World, Cell Structure and Function
- Plant Physiology and Human Physiology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Genetics and Evolution
- Biology in Human Welfare, Biotechnology
- Ecology and Environment
GCET 2026 Admit Card
The GCET 2026 admit card is issued only for the B.Pharm written test as the BE admission is based on JEE Main. For B.Pharm test takers, the DTE Goa makes the GCET 2026 admit card available on the official website around 7 to 10 days before the exam date. You can download it using your application number and password.
How to Download the GCET 2026 Admit Card
- Visit the official DTE Goa website at dte.goa.gov.in.
- Click on the GCET 2026 Admit Card link in the Admission section.
- Enter your application number and date of birth.
- The admit card will appear on the screen. Check all details carefully.
- Download and take a printout for the exam day.
Details Mentioned on the GCET 2026 Admit Card
- Candidate’s name, roll number and application number
- Photograph and signature
- Exam date, time and reporting time
- Exam centre address
- Course applied (B.Pharm)
- Important instructions for the exam day
You must carry a printed copy of the GCET 2026 admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre. Soft copies on phone will not be accepted.
GCET 2026 Provisional Merit List & Result
The GCET 2026 provisional merit list is the most important document in the admission process. It will be released by the DTE Goa on dte.goa.gov.in. As of today, the provisional merit list has not been released yet. Based on last year’s trend, the GCET 2026 provisional merit list is expected on or around 27th June 2026.
The merit list contains your name, application number, qualifying marks, JEE Main 2026 score (for BE), B.Pharm test score (for pharmacy) and your overall rank for state quota seats. Candidates can raise objections during the objection window if there is a mistake in marks, category or domicile status.
How to Check the GCET 2026 Merit List
- Visit the official DTE Goa website at dte.goa.gov.in.
- Click on the GCET 2026 Provisional Merit List link.
- The PDF will open. Use Ctrl+F and type your application number or roll number to search.
- Note down your merit rank and overall position.
- Download the PDF for future reference.
GCET 2025 Merit List – Reference
Last year, the GCET 2025 provisional merit list was released on 27th June 2025 on the DTE Goa portal. The eligibility list before that was released on 23rd June 2025. Around 4,500 candidates were declared eligible for the engineering seats. A similar pattern is expected this year.
Source: DTE Goa Official Website
GCET 2026 Cutoff
The GCET 2026 cutoff is the minimum JEE Main 2026 score or B.Pharm test score needed to get admission in a particular college and course. The cutoff is set after each counselling round and depends on the number of applicants, available seats, and the difficulty of the exam.
Factors That Decide the GCET 2026 Cutoff
- Number of registered candidates
- Number of seats available in each college
- JEE Main 2026 paper difficulty
- Domicile category of the applicant (Goan vs Non-Goan)
- Reservation policy of Government of Goa
- Previous year cutoff trend
Expected GCET 2026 Cutoff for BE (Goan General Category)
| College | Branch | Expected Closing JEE Main Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi | Computer Engineering | 91 – 93 |
| Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi | Information Technology | 87 – 89 |
| Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi | Electronics and Telecommunication | 78 – 82 |
| Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna | Computer Engineering | 72 – 76 |
| Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda | Computer Engineering | 68 – 72 |
| Shree Rayeshwar Institute, Shiroda | Information Technology | 60 – 65 |
| Agnel Institute of Technology, Assagao | Mechanical Engineering | 55 – 60 |
The above closing percentiles are based on last year’s cutoff trend at GCET. The actual GCET 2026 cutoff may vary.
GCET 2026 Counselling Process
The GCET 2026 counselling process is conducted offline by the DTE Goa at the Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi for engineering and at a designated venue for pharmacy. The counselling is expected to start from 1st July 2026. You must attend the counselling on the assigned date based on your merit rank and category.
GCET 2026 Counselling Steps
- Step 1 – Reporting: Reach the counselling centre on the date and time mentioned in your call letter.
- Step 2 – Document Verification: Submit your original documents for verification, including Class 10 mark sheet, Class 12 mark sheet, JEE Main scorecard, domicile certificate, category certificate and birth certificate.
- Step 3 – Choice Filling: Based on the available seats, fill in your choice of college and branch.
- Step 4 – Seat Allotment: If your rank matches the available seat, you will be allotted that seat on the spot.
- Step 5 – Fee Payment: Pay the admission and tuition fee at the college within the deadline to confirm your seat.
Documents Required for GCET 2026 Counselling
- GCET 2026 application form printout
- GCET 2026 provisional merit list rank slip
- JEE Main 2026 scorecard (for BE) or B.Pharm test scorecard (for pharmacy)
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate
- Birth certificate
- Goa Domicile certificate / 15-year residence certificate
- Category / Caste certificate (if applicable)
- EWS certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (for fee waiver)
- Aadhaar card and 4 passport-size photographs
The DTE Goa releases the seat allotment result after each counselling round. If you do not get a seat in the first round, you can wait for the spot round which is usually held in the last week of July 2026.
GCET 2026 Participating Colleges
The GCET 2026 admission process covers 5 engineering colleges and 2 government-aided pharmacy colleges in Goa. The total intake of engineering seats is around 1,575. Here is the list of participating colleges and their intake.
Engineering Colleges Under GCET 2026
| College Name | Type | Approximate Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi-Ponda | Government | 450 seats |
| Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Verna | Private (Government Aided) | 300 seats |
| Don Bosco College of Engineering (DBCE), Fatorda | Private | 300 seats |
| Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Shiroda | Private | 300 seats |
| Agnel Institute of Technology and Design (AITD), Assagao | Private | 225 seats |
Popular Engineering Branches Offered
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mining Engineering (only at GEC Farmagudi)
Pharmacy Colleges Under GCET 2026
- Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji – Government
- PES’s Rajaram and Tarabai Bandekar College of Pharmacy, Farmagudi – Private (Aided)
GCET 2026 Reservation Policy
The GCET 2026 reservation policy is followed as per the Government of Goa rules. The reservation is provided for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and Persons with Disability candidates. You must submit a valid certificate to claim reservation.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 2% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 12% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 3% (horizontal) |
| Freedom Fighter Quota | 1% |
The reservation is applicable only to candidates who are bona fide residents of Goa. Out-of-state candidates compete only in the Open category seats.
GCET 2026 Preparation Tips
Since GCET 2026 BE admission depends on JEE Main, your preparation should focus on the JEE Main 2026 syllabus. For B.Pharm aspirants, the GCET 2026 written test is based on Goa Board Class 12 syllabus. Here are some helpful tips.
For BE (JEE Main Based) Aspirants
- Stick to the NCERT books for Class 11 and 12 as a base. Then move to standard reference books like HC Verma for Physics, OP Tandon for Chemistry, and RD Sharma for Mathematics.
- Solve at least 10 years of JEE Main previous year question papers. This helps you understand the question pattern.
- Take weekly mock tests in CBT mode to get used to the timing and pressure.
- Focus on high-weightage topics like Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.
For B.Pharm (GCET Written Test) Aspirants
- Use Class 11 and 12 GBSHSE Board textbooks as your main study material.
- Make short notes for Biology and revise them every week.
- Solve previous year GCET papers to understand the difficulty level. The exam does not have negative marking, so attempt all questions.
- Time yourself during practice. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes for 75 questions, which means around 1 minute per question.
General Tips
- You should make a study time-table with daily, weekly and monthly goals.
- Revise NCERT diagrams, formulas and definitions regularly.
- Eat healthy, sleep well and avoid last-minute panic.
- Keep track of all GCET 2026 dates so you do not miss any deadline.
FAQs
Ques. When will the GCET 2026 provisional merit list be released?
Ans. The GCET 2026 provisional merit list is expected to be released on or around 27th June 2026 by the Directorate of Technical Education, Goa on the official website dte.goa.gov.in. Last year, the merit list was released on 27th June 2025.
Ques. Is GCET 2026 still conducted for engineering admissions?
Ans. No, a separate written GCET test for engineering admissions has been discontinued from 2024. BE admissions in Goa are now made on the basis of JEE Main 2026 score. You still need to submit the GCET 2026 application form on the DTE Goa portal to be considered for state quota seats.
Ques. What is the eligibility for GCET 2026 BE admission?
Ans. You should have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved category). You must also have a valid JEE Main 2026 score and meet the Goa domicile rules for state quota seats.
Ques. How many seats are available through GCET 2026?
Ans. Around 1,575 BE seats are available across 5 engineering colleges in Goa. Pharmacy seats are offered in 2 government-aided colleges. The Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi has the highest intake of 450 BE seats.
Ques. What is the GCET 2026 exam pattern for B.Pharm?
Ans. The GCET 2026 B.Pharm exam is held in offline mode. Each paper has 75 MCQs of 1 mark each. The duration of each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes. There is no negative marking, so you should attempt all the questions.
Ques. How can I check the GCET 2026 merit list?
Ans. You can check the GCET 2026 merit list by visiting dte.goa.gov.in. Click on the GCET 2026 provisional merit list link, and a PDF will open. Use Ctrl+F and type your application number to find your rank.
Ques. What documents are needed for GCET 2026 counselling?
Ans. You should bring the application form printout, JEE Main 2026 scorecard, Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, birth certificate, Goa domicile certificate, category certificate (if any), Aadhaar card and 4 passport size photos.
Ques. When will GCET 2026 counselling start?
Ans. The GCET 2026 counselling is expected to start from 1st July 2026 at Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi. Round 1 is expected to run till 7th July 2026. The exact schedule will be published with the final merit list.
Ques. What is the GCET 2026 cutoff for Goa College of Engineering?
Ans. The expected closing JEE Main 2026 percentile for Computer Engineering at GEC Farmagudi is around 91 to 93 in the Goan General category. For Electronics and Telecommunication, it is around 78 to 82.
Ques. Can non-Goan students apply for GCET 2026?
Ans. Yes, non-Goan students can apply, but they will compete only for the All India Open seats. Most state quota seats are reserved for candidates with Goa domicile or 15-year residence in Goa.
Ques. What is the application fee for GCET 2026?
Ans. The GCET 2026 application fee is around Rs. 750 for General and OBC candidates from Goa, and Rs. 500 for SC and ST candidates. For non-Goan candidates, the fee is around Rs. 1,200. The fee is paid online and is non-refundable.
Ques. Where can I download the GCET 2026 prospectus?
Ans. You can download the GCET 2026 prospectus from the official DTE Goa website at dte.goa.gov.in under the Admission section. The prospectus has full details on eligibility, fees, reservation, counselling, and the list of participating colleges.
Disclaimer: The information given above is collected from official sources and previous year trends. The GCET 2026 dates, cutoff and other details may change as per the official notification by the Directorate of Technical Education, Goa. You should always check dte.goa.gov.in for the latest updates.
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