HORTICET 2026: Admit Card Expected July, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus and Counselling

HORTICET 2026 (Horticulture Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted once a year by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (Dr. YSRHU), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh, for Diploma in Horticulture holders seeking admission to the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture degree programme. The HORTICET 2026 application window is in its final stage of closing, and the next major milestone is the admit card release in July 2026, ahead of the exam expected in August 2026. All updates are published at drysrhu.ap.gov.in.

• Admit Card: HORTICET 2026 admit card is expected to be released in July 2026 on drysrhu.ap.gov.in. In 2025, the hall ticket was available roughly 10 days before the exam — registered candidates should check the portal regularly from mid-July 2026 onwards.
• Exam Date: HORTICET 2026 is expected to be conducted in August 2026 in offline pen-and-paper mode. The paper has 200 MCQs for 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours, with no negative marking. Last year (2025), the exam was held on 24 September 2025.
• Answer Key: The provisional HORTICET 2026 answer key is expected in August 2026, within a week of the exam. In 2025, candidates had a 2-3 day window to raise objections before the final key was used to compute results.
• Result: HORTICET 2026 result and rank list are expected in September 2026. In 2025, the result was declared on 5 October 2025, about 11 days after the exam. Qualified candidates are then called for centralized counselling for B.Sc. Horticulture seat allotment.

What is HORTICET 2026?

HORTICET stands for Horticulture Common Entrance Test. It is conducted by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (Dr. YSRHU), headquartered at Venkataramannagudem in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. The exam is held once every year and gives Diploma in Horticulture holders a direct pathway into the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture degree programme at DRYSRHU constituent and affiliated colleges across Andhra Pradesh. DRYSRHU is the second dedicated horticultural university in India and the first in South India, established in 2007.

HORTICET is different from AP EAPCET. While AP EAPCET and ICAR AIEEA fill the bulk of B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture seats from Intermediate (10+2) students, HORTICET specifically targets diploma holders. Under DRYSRHU norms, 15% of total B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture seats are reserved for Diploma in Horticulture candidates, and HORTICET ranks decide merit for this quota. The remaining 85% of seats go through AP EAPCET and ICAR AIEEA.

The HORTICET 2026 exam has 200 multiple-choice questions covering core horticulture subjects from the diploma curriculum. The paper is in Telugu medium and there is no negative marking. With the application deadline approaching, candidates who have submitted the form should now shift focus to the admit card (expected July 2026) and exam preparation for August 2026.

HORTICET 2026 Highlights

The table below covers the most important details about HORTICET 2026 at a glance.

Source: drysrhu.ap.gov.in

HORTICET 2026 Important Dates

The HORTICET 2026 application window that opened in May 2026 is now in its final stage, with the last date to submit the filled form and Demand Draft expected in July 2026. Candidates who have already applied should track the admit card release, which is the next key upcoming milestone. The table below lists all HORTICET 2026 important dates, with upcoming events listed first.

The HORTICET 2026 application deadline is approaching fast. Candidates who have not yet submitted the form and Demand Draft should do so immediately. Candidates who have already applied should watch drysrhu.ap.gov.in for the admit card link in July 2026.

HORTICET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The HORTICET 2026 eligibility criteria are set by Dr. YSRHU and cover educational qualification, age limits, and domicile. You must meet all conditions to be eligible for the exam and for seat allotment during counselling. The fee is non-refundable, so check eligibility carefully before applying.

Educational Qualification

• You must have passed the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture from a polytechnic college affiliated with Dr. YSR Horticultural University.
• Candidates appearing for the final year Diploma exam can apply provisionally. They must produce their pass certificate at counselling time to confirm the seat.
• The Diploma must be from a recognized institution as specified in the official HORTICET prospectus.

Age Limit

The minimum age is 17 years as on 31 December 2026. The maximum age varies by category:

Domicile and Local Candidate Rules

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• Local Andhra Pradesh candidates get 85% of total HORTICET seats. Non-local candidates compete for the remaining 15%.
• Among local seats, 42% are allocated under the Andhra University (AU) zone and the rest under the Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) zone.
• You must produce a nativity or study certificate as per the AP Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission) Order at the time of counselling.

Physical Fitness

• Candidates must be medically fit and free from contagious disease.
• A medical fitness certificate from a registered medical officer is required at the time of final admission.

Candidates who have NOT completed or are not currently pursuing a Diploma in Horticulture from a Dr. YSRHU-affiliated polytechnic are NOT eligible for HORTICET 2026, regardless of other qualifications.

HORTICET 2026 Application Process and Fee

The HORTICET 2026 application process uses a hybrid approach — the form is available for download online, but the completed form and Demand Draft must be submitted offline by post to Dr. YSRHU. The application window that opened in May 2026 is in its final stage as of July 2026. If you have not yet submitted, do so immediately without waiting.

Step-by-Step Application Process for HORTICET 2026

• Step 1: Visit drysrhu.ap.gov.in and download the HORTICET 2026 application form and prospectus.
• Step 2: Take a printout of the application form on A4 paper.
• Step 3: Fill all fields in capital letters using a blue or black pen — personal details, academic qualifications, category, contact information, and centre preference.
• Step 4: Paste a recent passport-size photograph and sign in the spaces provided.
• Step 5: Prepare a Demand Draft for the correct fee amount (see table below) drawn in favour of "The Comptroller, Dr. YSR Horticultural University", payable at Tadepalligudem.
• Step 6: Attach self-attested photocopies of Diploma certificate, all marks memos, study and conduct certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card.
• Step 7: Send the complete set — form, DD, and documents — by Registered or Speed Post to the address given in the official prospectus before the closing deadline.

HORTICET 2026 Application Fee

The fee can be paid only through a Demand Draft. Online payment, NEFT, UPI, or other modes are not accepted for HORTICET 2026. The fee is non-refundable once paid, even if you do not appear for the exam.

Documents Required for HORTICET 2026 Application

• Diploma in Horticulture pass certificate and all semester marks memos
• 10th class (SSC) certificate for date of birth proof
• Transfer Certificate (TC) from the diploma college
• Study and conduct certificate
• Caste certificate (for SC, ST, BC candidates)
• Income certificate (if claiming fee concession)
• Aadhaar card copy
• Passport-size photographs
• Demand Draft for the prescribed fee

The HORTICET 2026 application window is closing in July 2026. If you have not submitted the form and DD yet, do it immediately. Do not wait for the last date — postal delays can lead to rejection.

HORTICET 2026 Admit Card

The HORTICET 2026 admit card (hall ticket) is expected to be released in July 2026 on drysrhu.ap.gov.in. In some years, Dr. YSRHU also dispatches the hall ticket by post to the address given in the application. In 2025, the admit card was released around 10 days before the exam date. Since the HORTICET 2026 exam is expected in August, the hall ticket is likely to come in the second or third week of July 2026.

How to Download HORTICET 2026 Admit Card

• Visit drysrhu.ap.gov.in and look for the "HORTICET 2026 Hall Ticket Download" link on the homepage or under Admissions/Notifications.
• Enter your application number and date of birth (or other credentials as instructed).
• Download the admit card and take at least two clear colour printouts on A4 paper.
• Check all the printed details — name, photo, roll number, exam date and time, and centre — as soon as you download.
• If Dr. YSRHU requires you to get the hall ticket attested by the head of your diploma college, get that done before the exam day.

Details Mentioned on HORTICET 2026 Admit Card

• Candidate’s name and photograph
• Application / Hall Ticket number
• Date, time, and reporting schedule for the exam
• Allotted exam centre name and full address
• Important instructions for exam day

You must preserve the HORTICET 2026 admit card until the completion of counselling and final admission. It is required at every stage — exam hall entry, result verification, and counselling document check.

You must carry a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport) along with the admit card. Without both documents, you will not be allowed into the exam centre.

For any errors in the admit card — wrong name, wrong category, or wrong date of birth — contact Dr. YSRHU immediately on 9989901103 / 9010547729 / 7382633640 (working days, 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM).

HORTICET 2026 Syllabus

The HORTICET 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the subjects covered in the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme of Dr. YSRHU polytechnic colleges. Because you have already studied these topics during the diploma, HORTICET preparation is largely about revision and speed, not learning new content from scratch. The questions are applied and practical in nature, testing real crop production, pest management, and post-harvest skills — not just theory.

HORTICET 2026 Subject-wise Syllabus

How to Prepare the HORTICET 2026 Syllabus

Your Diploma textbooks from Dr. YSRHU are the primary study source. Focus especially on:

• Scientific names of all major horticultural crops — these appear in almost every HORTICET paper.
• Common pests and diseases of important crops, their symptoms, and control measures.
• Cropping seasons, climate requirements, and soil preferences of fruit and vegetable crops.
• Steps involved in post-harvest handling (grading, packing, pre-cooling, cold storage).
• Government schemes — National Horticulture Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for irrigation — as they feature in extension education questions.

HORTICET 2026 Exam Centres

HORTICET 2026 is conducted at selected exam centres within Andhra Pradesh, mostly at Dr. YSRHU constituent colleges and affiliated polytechnic campuses. Dr. YSRHU announces the final list of centres in the official notification. The centre allotted to you is printed on your admit card. In the application form, you can indicate a preferred centre, but the final allotment depends on availability and the number of applicants from each area.

The complete and final list of HORTICET 2026 exam centres will be confirmed by Dr. YSRHU in the official notification on drysrhu.ap.gov.in. Your allotted centre will also be printed on the admit card.

HORTICET 2026 Answer Key

Dr. YSRHU releases the HORTICET 2026 provisional answer key on its official portal after the exam in August 2026. The answer key lists the correct responses to all 200 questions. You can use it to estimate your expected marks and rank before the official result is declared in September 2026.

How to Use the HORTICET 2026 Answer Key

• Download the answer key PDF from drysrhu.ap.gov.in after the exam.
• Match your responses (from the question paper you retained) against the answer key.
• Count the number of correct answers — each correct answer is 1 mark.
• Since there is no negative marking, your expected score equals the number of correct responses.

Raising Objections on HORTICET 2026 Answer Key

If you believe an answer in the provisional key is wrong, you can raise a formal objection within the window announced by Dr. YSRHU. In previous years, candidates got 2-3 days after the provisional key to submit objections with supporting references — such as the page number and chapter from the relevant textbook. After reviewing valid objections, Dr. YSRHU releases the final answer key, which is then used to compute the HORTICET 2026 result and rank list.

Keep your HORTICET 2026 question paper and rough responses with you after the exam. You will need them to cross-check the answer key and raise an objection if needed.

Colleges Accepting HORTICET 2026 Score

HORTICET 2026 scores are accepted by Dr. YSR Horticultural University and its affiliated private colleges for B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture admission under the Diploma holder quota. These colleges span several districts of Andhra Pradesh. After graduating with B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture, you can also pursue M.Sc. specialisations and Ph.D. programmes at Dr. YSRHU.

Government / Constituent Colleges Under Dr. YSRHU

Private / Affiliated Colleges Accepting HORTICET 2026

Career Paths After B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture

Once you complete B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture through HORTICET 2026 admission, the following career paths are available:

• Horticulture Officer / Field Officer in AP Horticulture Department
• Technical Assistant in government nurseries and seed farms
• Agri-business entrepreneur in floriculture, organic farming, or fruit export
• Research scholar or teaching faculty after M.Sc. Horticulture at Dr. YSRHU
• Positions in agri-input companies, food processing units, and export firms

HORTICET 2026 Preparation Tips

HORTICET 2026 is based on your Diploma curriculum, so the preparation ground is already covered during your studies. What you need now is focused revision, speed practice, and strong topic prioritization. With the exam expected in August 2026, you have a few weeks to sharpen your preparation.

1. Revise from Dr. YSRHU Diploma Textbooks First

The HORTICET question paper is set by Dr. YSRHU faculty, based on the same diploma textbooks you studied. Go through all your class notes, practical records, and textbooks from both years of the Diploma. Pay special attention to chapters on Pomology, Olericulture, and Plant Protection — these tend to have the highest question weightage.

2. Prepare in Telugu Medium

Since HORTICET 2026 is entirely in Telugu medium, practise MCQs in Telugu. If you studied from Telugu-medium textbooks, you already have an advantage. Practise reading Telugu scientific and technical terms quickly so that you do not waste time during the exam translating in your head.

3. Solve Previous Year HORTICET Papers

Previous year papers are the best guide to the type and difficulty of questions that appear in HORTICET. Solving 5-7 previous year papers in timed conditions helps you identify the most frequently tested topics, build the speed needed to answer 200 questions in 2 hours, and spot weak areas that need more revision time.

4. Focus on High-Weightage Topics

Based on the syllabus and previous-year trends, these are the most important areas for HORTICET 2026:

• Fruit science — cultivation of mango, banana, citrus, grapes, and their common pests and diseases
• Vegetable science — tomato, brinjal, okra, cucurbits, and protected cultivation
• Plant Protection and IPM — major pests, diseases, and their control measures
• Floriculture — commercial flower crops, their seasons, and post-harvest handling
• Post-harvest technology — grading, packing, cold storage, value addition
• Scientific names of all major horticultural crops

5. Use Short Notes for Last-Week Revision

Make a compact revision sheet covering scientific names, cropping seasons, nutrient deficiency symptoms, common pests and their host crops, and important government schemes. This helps you revise large amounts of information quickly in the last few days before the exam.

6. Practise Timed Mock Tests Weekly

Sit for at least one full 200-question mock test every week in the last month before the exam. Keep a strict 2-hour timer. Review your performance after each mock test — note which topics consumed the most time and where you made the most errors. Correct those patterns before the actual exam.

7. Attempt Every Question on Exam Day

Since HORTICET 2026 has no negative marking, never leave any OMR bubble blank. Even for questions you are unsure about, use the elimination method to shortlist 1-2 options and guess from those. You gain 1 mark for every correct guess and lose nothing for a wrong one.

8. Exam Day Checklist

• Carry admit card, original photo ID, and two blue/black ball-point pens.
• Report to the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time.
• Read each question carefully — many HORTICET questions use crop name or technique variations that are easy to confuse.
• Do not spend more than 40 seconds on any one question during the first pass; mark and revisit later.

Source: Dr. YSRHU Admissions Portal