PU CET 2026, or the Panjab University Combined Entrance Test (Undergraduate), is conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh for admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Pharmacy programmes. The exam was held on May 10, 2026, and the PU CET UG 2026 result has been declared on May 28, 2026 — candidates can now download their scorecards from results.puexam.in. With around 8,476 students registered and approximately 404 seats available across all courses, the next key step for qualified candidates is the upcoming counselling process expected in June 2026.

  • Scorecard Download: PU CET UG 2026 scorecards are now available at results.puexam.in. Download your scorecard now — it shows your marks, rank, and category position, and is required for counselling registration.
  • Counselling Registration: PU CET 2026 online counselling registration is expected to open in early June 2026. In 2025, it opened on June 6 and ran until June 24 — be ready with your documents and counselling fee well in advance.
  • Provisional Merit List: The provisional merit list for PU CET 2026 is expected in early July 2026. In 2025, it was released on July 4. A composite merit score of 80+ (General category) is considered a safe score for most B.Sc. (Hons.) courses.
  • Round 1 Seat Allotment: Round 1 seat allotment is expected around mid-July 2026. In 2025, Round 1 allotment was released on July 14, 2025. Candidates must report to the allotted department within 3 days with all original documents.

What is PU CET 2026 (Panjab University Combined Entrance Test)?

PU CET 2026 is the Panjab University Combined Entrance Test conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh for admissions to its undergraduate science and pharmacy programmes. It is the primary gateway for students seeking admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) courses and B.Pharmacy at Panjab University’s Chandigarh campus under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 four-year framework.

The PU CET UG 2026 exam was held on May 10, 2026 in offline (pen-and-paper, OMR sheet) mode across four cities — Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Around 8,476 candidates registered for the exam this year, competing for approximately 404 seats across 13 B.Sc. (Hons.) specialisations and the B.Pharmacy programme. The PU CET 2026 result was declared on May 28, 2026.

Panjab University, established in 1882, is one of India’s oldest and most respected central universities. It has more than 202 affiliated colleges spread across Punjab. The PU CET UG entrance test is conducted once a year and covers subjects from the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. The final merit for admission is calculated as 75% of your PU CET score and 25% of your Class 12 board marks.

Particulars Details
Exam Name PU CET UG 2026 (Panjab University Combined Entrance Test — Undergraduate)
Conducting Body Panjab University, Chandigarh
Commonly Known As PU CET, PUCET UG
Exam Level University-level (Central University)
Exam Mode Offline — Pen-and-Paper (OMR Sheet)
Exam Date May 10, 2026 (Sunday)
Result Date May 28, 2026 (Out)
Official Website cetug.puchd.ac.in
Result Portal results.puexam.in
Courses Offered B.Sc. (Hons.) — 13 specialisations; B.Pharmacy
Total Seats (Approx.) ~404 seats across all programmes
Exam Medium English only
Exam Cities Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Sri Muktsar Sahib
Merit Formula 75% PU CET Score + 25% Class 12 Marks
Counselling (Expected) June 2026 onwards

Source: cetug.puchd.ac.in

PU CET 2026 Result — Scorecard Now Available at results.puexam.in

The PU CET UG 2026 result has been declared on May 28, 2026. Panjab University officially announced the result for the entrance test held on May 10, 2026. Candidates can now download their scorecards from the official result portal.

PU CET UG 2026 Result is OUT. Download your scorecard from results.puexam.in using your application number and password. You can also log in at cetug.puchd.ac.in to access the result.

How to Download PU CET 2026 Scorecard

  1. Go to results.puexam.in or the candidate login at cetug.puchd.ac.in.
  2. Click on the "Result" or "Score Card" link on the homepage.
  3. Enter your application number and password to log in.
  4. Your scorecard will appear on the screen showing all subject-wise marks and rank details.
  5. Download and save a PDF copy. Take a printout — you will need it for counselling registration.

What the PU CET 2026 Scorecard Contains

  • Candidate name and application number
  • Subject-wise marks scored (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology — as applicable)
  • Total marks obtained in the entrance test
  • Overall merit rank
  • Category-wise merit rank (General / SC / ST / OBC / PwD)
  • Qualifying status

PU CET 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks

You need to score at least the minimum qualifying marks to be eligible for counselling. Merely appearing in the exam is not enough.

Category Minimum Qualifying Marks
General / Unreserved 15% of total marks in the paper (~18 out of 120 per paper)
SC / ST / PwD 10% of total marks (~12 out of 120 per paper)

What Comes After PU CET 2026 Result?

With the result out, counselling is the next major step. Based on the 2025 pattern, here is what to expect in the coming weeks:

  • Counselling registration: Expected to open in early June 2026
  • Provisional merit list: Expected in early July 2026 (last year it was July 4, 2025)
  • Round 1 seat allotment: Expected in mid-July 2026 (last year it was July 14, 2025)
  • Round 2 seat allotment: Expected in late July 2026 (last year it was July 22, 2025)
  • Classes begin: Expected from late July 2026 (last year it was July 25, 2025)

Keep your PU CET 2026 scorecard safe. You will need it at every stage of the counselling process. Do not share your login credentials with anyone.

Source: cetug.puchd.ac.in

PU CET 2026 Important Dates — Full Schedule

Here are all the key PU CET UG 2026 important dates you should know. Registration opened in November 2025, the exam was held in May 2026, and the result is now out. Counselling dates are expected to be announced shortly on the official portal.

Event Date Status
Application / Registration Opens November 14, 2025 (Over)
Last Date to Register and Generate Credentials April 22, 2026 (Over)
Online Fee Submission Deadline April 24, 2026 (Over)
Document Upload Deadline April 27, 2026 (Over)
Certificate Submission Deadline April 29, 2026 (4:00 PM) (Over)
Admit Card Released May 5, 2026 (Over)
Late Registration (with Rs. 500 fine) May 6, 2026 (Over)
PU CET UG 2026 Exam Date May 10, 2026 (Sunday) (Over)
Result Declaration May 28, 2026 (Out)
Online Counselling Registration Expected — Early June 2026 To Be Announced
Provisional Merit List Expected — Early July 2026 To Be Announced
Round 1 Seat Allotment Expected — Mid-July 2026 To Be Announced
Round 2 Seat Allotment Expected — Late July 2026 To Be Announced
Physical Counselling (Offline Rounds) Expected — August–September 2026 To Be Announced
Classes Commencement Expected — Late July 2026 To Be Announced

Source: cetug.puchd.ac.in — PU CET UG 2026 Important Dates

PU CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for PU CET UG 2026, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by Panjab University. These relate to your Class 12 qualification, subject combination, aggregate marks, and age. Here is a complete breakdown.

Academic Qualification

  • You must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from a board recognised by Panjab University or equivalent.
  • The minimum aggregate marks for General category candidates is 50% in Class 12.
  • SC / ST / BC / PwD candidates need a minimum of 45% in Class 12.
  • Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 were eligible to apply provisionally. They must submit the final marksheet at the time of counselling reporting.

Age Limit

  • You must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026.
  • There is no upper age limit for B.Sc. (Hons.) or B.Pharmacy courses under PU CET.

Subject Requirements — Course-Wise

Course Required Subjects in Class 12 Min. Marks (General) Min. Marks (SC/ST/PwD)
B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany, Zoology, Anthropology Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English 50% 45%
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry, Geology, Physics Physics, Chemistry, Maths or Biology, English 50% 45%
B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology, Biochemistry Physics, Chemistry, Maths / Biology / Biotechnology, English 50% 45%
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology, Biophysics Physics, Chemistry, Maths / Biology / Biotechnology / CS, English 50% 45%
B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics, Mathematics & Computing Mathematics and English (mandatory) 50% 45%
B.Pharmacy Physics, Chemistry, Maths or Biology, English 50% 45%

Domicile and Nationality

  • PU CET UG is open to all Indian nationals. There is no state domicile restriction.
  • Students from any state in India can apply and appear for PU CET 2026.
  • Foreign nationals and NRIs apply under a separate quota at Panjab University.

Even if you meet the Class 12 marks requirement, you must also score the minimum qualifying marks in the PU CET exam itself — at least 15% of total marks (10% for SC/ST/PwD) in the relevant paper — to be eligible for counselling.

PU CET 2026 Application Process

The PU CET UG 2026 application process is now complete. Registration opened on November 14, 2025, and the final deadline was April 22, 2026. A late registration window with a Rs. 500 fine was open until May 6, 2026. Here is how the PU CET application process works — useful for candidates planning for 2027.

PU CET 2026 Application Fee

Category Application Fee
General / Unreserved Rs. 2,850
SC / ST / PwD Rs. 1,425
Additional subject paper (Biology or Mathematics beyond base combination) Rs. 570 extra per paper
Late registration penalty Rs. 500 additional

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Go to the official portal at cetug.puchd.ac.in and complete the initial registration to generate login credentials.
  2. Log in and fill the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
  3. Complete the Aadhaar-based eKYC verification and live photo capture as required.
  4. Upload required documents — Class 10 and 12 marksheets, category certificate (if applicable), scanned photograph, and signature.
  5. Select the subject paper(s) you want to appear in based on your target course.
  6. Pay the application fee online via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
  7. Submit the completed form and save your application number for future logins and admit card download.

Documents Required for PU CET Application

  • Class 10 marksheet and certificate (scanned copy)
  • Class 12 marksheet or appearing certificate for current students
  • Aadhaar card
  • Scanned passport-size photograph (as per the specifications on the portal)
  • Scanned signature
  • Category certificate — SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwD (if applicable)

The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Double-check all your details — especially your name, date of birth, and subject combination — before submitting the form. Errors in the form can affect your eligibility for counselling.

PU CET 2026 Admit Card

The PU CET UG 2026 admit card was released on May 5, 2026 on the official portal cetug.puchd.ac.in. Candidates downloaded it using their application number and password. The PU CET 2026 exam has already been conducted on May 10, 2026.

Details on the PU CET Admit Card

The PU CET admit card is a mandatory document for the exam day. It contains the following details:

  • Candidate name and roll number
  • Application number
  • Exam date, time, and shift
  • Exam centre name, address, and room number
  • Candidate’s photograph and signature
  • Subject papers to be attempted
  • Important instructions for the exam day

What Candidates Needed to Carry on Exam Day

  • Printed admit card (downloaded from cetug.puchd.ac.in)
  • Any valid photo ID proof — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or driving licence
  • A passport-size photograph (same as uploaded during registration)
  • Blue or black ball-point pen for filling the OMR sheet

Candidates who did not carry a valid printed admit card were not permitted to appear for PU CET 2026. Electronic copies on mobile phones were not accepted at exam centres.

PU CET 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The PU CET UG 2026 exam is held in offline mode (pen-and-paper, OMR sheet) with separate subject-based papers. Candidates appear only in the papers required for their target course. Here is the complete PU CET 2026 exam pattern.

Parameter Details
Exam Mode Offline — Pen-and-Paper (OMR Sheet)
Exam Medium English only
Number of Papers 4 separate papers — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
Questions per Paper 60 MCQs
Marks per Paper 120 marks (2 marks per correct answer)
Negative Marking −0.25 per incorrect answer
No-Attempt Penalty None — unattempted questions carry zero marks
Duration per Paper 70 minutes
Question Type MCQ — single correct answer, 4 options
PwD Extra Time 20 additional minutes per paper

Subject Combinations for Different Courses

You do not appear in all four papers. You appear only in the papers required for your target course. Candidates who want to keep multiple course options open can appear in additional papers by paying Rs. 570 per extra paper.

Paper Combination Courses Eligible
PCM (Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics) B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Mathematics & Computing, Physics with Electronics
PCB (Physics + Chemistry + Biology) B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany, Zoology, Anthropology, Microbiology, Biochemistry; B.Pharmacy
PCMB (All 4 papers) All PCM and PCB group courses — maximum flexibility
Mathematics only B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics

Do not appear in papers you do not need for your target course. It increases exam load without improving merit score. However, if you want to keep both PCM and PCB course options open, appearing in all four papers is worth the extra fee.

PU CET 2026 Syllabus — Subject-Wise Breakdown

The PU CET UG 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum. There are no topics beyond NCERT textbooks. Here is the subject-wise PU CET syllabus for all four papers.

Physics Syllabus (NCERT Class 11 + 12)

  • Physical World and Measurements; Kinematics (1D, 2D, 3D motion)
  • Laws of Motion; Work, Energy, and Power
  • Rotational Motion and Rigid Body Dynamics; Gravitation
  • Properties of Bulk Matter; Thermodynamics; Kinetic Theory of Gases
  • Oscillations and Waves
  • Electrostatics; Current Electricity
  • Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
  • Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current; Electromagnetic Waves
  • Ray Optics and Wave Optics
  • Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation; Atoms and Nuclei
  • Electronic Devices (Semiconductors); Communication Systems

Chemistry Syllabus (NCERT Class 11 + 12)

  • Basic Concepts of Chemistry (Stoichiometry); Structure of Atom
  • Classification of Elements and Periodicity; Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
  • States of Matter; Thermodynamics; Equilibrium; Redox Reactions
  • Hydrogen; s-Block, p-Block, d-Block, and f-Block Elements
  • Organic Chemistry — Basic Principles; Hydrocarbons; Environmental Chemistry
  • Solutions; Electrochemistry; Chemical Kinetics; Surface Chemistry
  • General Principles of Metallurgy; Coordination Compounds
  • Haloalkanes and Haloarenes; Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
  • Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids; Biomolecules; Polymers

Mathematics Syllabus (NCERT Class 11 + 12)

  • Sets and Functions; Relations and Functions
  • Algebra — Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences and Series, Matrices and Determinants
  • Co-ordinate Geometry — Straight Lines, Conic Sections, Three-Dimensional Geometry
  • Calculus — Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, Differential Equations
  • Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry; Linear Programming
  • Probability and Statistics; Mathematical Reasoning

Biology Syllabus (NCERT Class 11 + 12)

  • Diversity in the Living World; Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals
  • Cell Structure and Function; Biomolecules
  • Plant Physiology; Human Physiology
  • Reproduction in Plants and Animals
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Biology and Human Welfare (Health, Disease, Microbes in Human Welfare)
  • Biotechnology and Its Applications; Ecology and Environment

The PU CET syllabus is 100% NCERT-based. Do not use coaching materials that go beyond Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks — extra topics will not help you score higher in PU CET. Focus on conceptual clarity and MCQ practice from NCERT content only.

PU CET 2026 Answer Key

The PU CET UG 2026 answer key was released following the exam held on May 10, 2026. The answer key helps candidates verify their responses and estimate their raw score before the official result. With the PU CET result already declared on May 28, 2026, the answer key now serves as a reference for understanding subject-wise performance.

How to Calculate Your Raw PU CET Score Using the Answer Key

  • Count the number of questions you answered correctly in each paper.
  • Count the number of questions you answered incorrectly.
  • Use this formula: Raw Score = (Correct answers × 2) − (Incorrect answers × 0.25)
  • This gives your raw score out of 120 per paper.
  • Unattempted questions carry zero marks — no penalty for leaving a question blank.

From Raw Score to Composite Merit Score

Your raw PU CET score is not directly used for admission. Panjab University normalises it and then combines it with your Class 12 board marks:

Component Weightage in Final Merit
PU CET Entrance Test Score 75%
Class 12 Board Marks (relevant subjects) 25%

A candidate with strong Class 12 board marks can close the gap with a candidate who scored higher in the entrance test. This is why even a moderate PU CET score can lead to admission if your Class 12 percentage is high.

PU CET 2026 Cutoff — Expected Scores for Top Courses

Panjab University does not publish a fixed official cutoff for PU CET UG. Instead, the university publishes course-wise and category-wise merit lists. The composite score of the last candidate admitted in each round becomes the effective closing cutoff. Here are the historical closing scores and the expected PU CET 2026 cutoff trends.

PU CET Official Minimum Qualifying Marks (to be eligible for counselling)

Category Minimum Qualifying Score
General / Unreserved 15% of total marks in the relevant paper (~18 out of 120)
SC / ST / PwD 10% of total marks (~12 out of 120)

Historical Closing Composite Merit Scores — General Category (Round 1)

Course 2024 Closing Score 2025 Closing Score 2026 Expected Range
B.Pharmacy 84.15 85.90 85–88
B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics 82.50 83.20 83–86
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics 80.00 81.45 80–84
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry 78.00 79.50 79–82
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology 76.00 77.40 77–80
B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology 73.00 74.80 74–78
B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany 71.50 72.90 72–76
B.Sc. (Hons.) Anthropology / Geology 68.00 70.20 69–73

Category-Wise Expected Composite Merit Score Ranges — PU CET 2026

Category Expected Closing Composite Score Range
General / Unreserved 82–88
BC / OBC 76–81
SC / ST 65–72
PwD / PH 55 and above

Source: cetug.puchd.ac.in — Historical PU CET merit list data

The 2026 cutoff figures above are estimated based on previous year trends. Official closing scores will only be confirmed after all counselling rounds are complete. If you missed Round 1 cutoff, do not give up — many seats open in later rounds as NEET/JEE admissions pull PCM/PCB students away.

PU CET 2026 Marks vs Rank — Merit List Analysis

Your PU CET rank is not based only on raw exam marks. Panjab University calculates a composite merit score using 75% weight for your PU CET marks and 25% for your Class 12 board marks. Understanding this helps you estimate your actual chances of admission.

How the PU CET 2026 Composite Merit Score is Calculated

Component Weightage How It Is Calculated
PU CET Entrance Test Score 75% Normalised score from relevant paper(s), scaled to 75 points
Class 12 Board Marks (relevant subjects) 25% Aggregate percentage in required subjects, scaled to 25 points

PU CET 2026 — Expected Marks vs Rank Range (General Category)

With around 8,476 total registrations and approximately 404 seats, the overall competition ratio is roughly 21:1. Here is an indicative marks vs rank breakdown for the General category.

Raw CET Score (out of 120 per paper) Approximate Rank Range Admission Chances (General)
100–120 1–50 Excellent — Top-choice course assured
85–99 50–200 Very Good — B.Sc. and B.Pharmacy within reach
70–84 200–600 Good — Most B.Sc. courses reachable; depends on category and Class 12 marks
55–69 600–1,500 Moderate — Better chances for SC/ST/OBC reserved seats; later counselling rounds possible
40–54 1,500–3,000 Lower chance — Look at Round 2 and physical counselling for remaining seats
Below 18 Does not qualify Below minimum qualifying marks — ineligible for counselling (General: 15% = ~18/120)

How Class 12 Marks Affect Your Merit Position

Class 12 marks carry 25% weight in the final merit. This means a student with 90% in Class 12 but an average CET score can outrank a student with a higher CET score but lower board marks. If your Class 12 marks are strong, your composite merit will be better than your raw CET score suggests.

For example: A candidate with 85 marks in CET (out of 120) and 90% in Class 12 will have a higher composite merit than a candidate with 90 marks in CET but only 75% in Class 12 — all else being equal.

These rank estimates are indicative only. Your actual rank will depend on your composite merit score (not just raw CET marks), the total number of qualifying candidates, and category-wise distribution. Always check the official merit list once released by Panjab University.

PU CET 2026 Counselling Process — Dates, Steps, and Documents

The PU CET 2026 counselling process is expected to begin in early June 2026, following the result declared on May 28, 2026. Panjab University conducts 2 online rounds followed by 1–2 offline physical counselling rounds for remaining seats. Here is a complete guide based on the 2025 counselling pattern.

Expected PU CET 2026 Counselling Schedule

Event Expected Date (2026) Actual Date in 2025 (Reference)
Online Counselling Registration Opens Early June 2026 June 6, 2025
Online Counselling Registration Closes Mid-June 2026 June 24, 2025
Tentative / Provisional Merit List Early July 2026 July 4, 2025
Final Merit List Published Mid-July 2026 July 14, 2025
Round 1 Seat Allotment Mid-July 2026 July 14, 2025
Round 2 Seat Allotment Late July 2026 July 22, 2025
Physical Counselling Round (Offline) August 2026 August 6–8, 2025
3rd / Final Offline Round September 2026 September 2025
Classes Commence Late July 2026 July 25, 2025

PU CET Counselling — Step-by-Step Process

  1. Online Registration: Visit the PU CET counselling link (to be published on cetug.puchd.ac.in). Register using your PU CET roll number, application number, and scorecard details.
  2. Fill Course and Department Preferences: Enter your preferred courses and departments in order of priority. Lock your preference list — it cannot be changed after locking.
  3. Check Provisional Merit List: Review the provisional merit list once released. If your details are incorrect, raise an objection within the stipulated deadline.
  4. Round 1 Allotment: Seat allotment is done based on merit, category, and declared preferences. You receive an online allotment letter if a seat is assigned.
  5. Reporting to Department: If allotted a seat, report to the respective department at Panjab University, Chandigarh within 3 days. Carry all original documents and pay the admission fee.
  6. Round 2 and Offline Rounds: Seats vacated by non-reporting candidates and new vacancies are filled in subsequent rounds. Physical counselling at the university campus handles any remaining seats in August–September 2026.

Documents Required for PU CET 2026 Counselling Reporting

  • PU CET 2026 scorecard (downloaded from results.puexam.in)
  • PU CET 2026 admit card
  • Seat allotment letter (from online counselling portal)
  • Class 10 marksheet and passing certificate (original + photocopy)
  • Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate (original + photocopy)
  • Aadhaar card (original + photocopy)
  • Category certificate — SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwD (if applicable, original + photocopy)
  • Character certificate from previous institution
  • Transfer / migration certificate
  • Passport-size photographs — at least 6 copies
  • Counselling / admission fee (to be paid at the university or online)

If you miss the reporting deadline after Round 1 allotment, your allotted seat may be cancelled and re-allotted in Round 2. Report within the 3-day window with complete documents to avoid losing your seat.

Note: Many candidates who secure NEET or JEE seats typically vacate their PU CET allotted seats in July. This creates additional vacancies in Round 2 and physical counselling rounds. If you did not get your preferred course in Round 1, keep monitoring the updated vacancy and merit lists.

Courses and Colleges Available Through PU CET 2026

PU CET UG 2026 provides admission to undergraduate programmes primarily at Panjab University’s main campus in Chandigarh. Here is a complete list of courses available through PU CET 2026 and the departments that offer them.

B.Sc. (Hons.) Courses — 4-Year Programme under NEP 2020

Course Department Subject Combination Required
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics Department of Physics PCM
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics with Electronics Department of Physics PCM
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry Department of Chemistry PCM or PCB
B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics Department of Mathematics Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics & Computing Department of Mathematics PCM
B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology Department of Geology PCM or PCB
B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany Department of Botany PCB
B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology Department of Zoology PCB
B.Sc. (Hons.) Anthropology Department of Anthropology PCB
B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology Department of Microbiology PCB or PCM
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry Department of Biochemistry PCB or PCM
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biophysics Department of Biophysics PCM or PCB
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology Department of Biotechnology PCM or PCB

B.Pharmacy

Course Institute Approximate Seats
B.Pharmacy University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 46

About Panjab University, Chandigarh

Panjab University, Chandigarh is a central university established in 1882. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in India and has more than 202 affiliated colleges across Punjab. The university campus in Chandigarh houses all the departments where PU CET UG seats are available. Students admitted through PU CET study directly in university departments, which provides strong academic resources and research exposure.

Panjab University has more than 202 affiliated colleges across Punjab. Some of these affiliated colleges also accept PU CET scores for their own B.Sc. and B.Pharmacy programmes, in addition to the seats available in university departments at the Chandigarh campus.

Source: cetug.puchd.ac.in

How to Prepare for PU CET — Tips and Best Books

The PU CET exam is considered moderate in difficulty — more manageable than JEE Main or NEET, but still competitive given the limited seats. The entire syllabus is based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 concepts. Here are the most effective preparation strategies.

Top Preparation Tips for PU CET

  • Start with NCERT textbooks: The entire PU CET syllabus comes from NCERT Class 11 and 12. Read every chapter from your NCERT books first. This is non-negotiable — NCERT alone can get you a strong score in PU CET.
  • Solve previous year PU CET papers: Previous year papers are available at PUPAPERS.com and on the official PU portal. Solving them gives you the best understanding of question format, difficulty level, and important topics.
  • Practice timed mock tests: Each paper has 60 questions in 70 minutes — that is about 70 seconds per question. Practice solving a full 60-question paper within the 70-minute limit every week to build speed and accuracy.
  • Focus on your paper combination: If you are going for PCM courses, put maximum effort into Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. If PCB, focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Do not spread effort across all four subjects unless you have a specific reason to appear in all papers.
  • Be smart with negative marking: There is a penalty of −0.25 per wrong answer. Avoid random guessing. Skip questions you are unsure about — leaving them blank costs nothing, but a wrong answer loses 0.25 marks.
  • Prioritise Class 12 topics: More questions in PU CET come from Class 12 content compared to Class 11. However, Class 11 basics — Kinematics, Atomic Structure, Sets, Diversity in Living World — are also regularly tested.
  • Strengthen your Class 12 board score: Since board marks carry 25% weight in the merit formula, a strong Class 12 result can significantly improve your overall composite merit score, even if your CET score is average.
  • Monitor later counselling rounds: Many students who secure NEET or JEE seats vacate their PU CET allotments in July. Round 2 and physical counselling rounds in August–September can give you a second or third chance even with a moderate score.

Recommended Books for PU CET Preparation

Subject Recommended Books
Physics NCERT Physics Part I & II (Class 11 & 12) — primary; Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma — for concept depth
Chemistry NCERT Chemistry Part I & II (Class 11 & 12) — primary; Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon — for numerical practice
Mathematics NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) — primary; Mathematics for Class 12 by R.D. Sharma — for additional MCQ practice
Biology NCERT Biology (Class 11 & 12) — primary; Trueman’s Objective Biology (Vol. I & II) — for MCQ practice

If you have already prepared for NEET or JEE Main, PU CET needs no additional preparation beyond NCERT revision. Just spend 2–3 weeks practicing PU CET-specific previous year papers to get comfortable with the format and pacing.

FAQs on PU CET 2026

Ques. Has the PU CET UG 2026 result been declared?

Ans. Yes, the PU CET UG 2026 result has been declared on May 28, 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards from results.puexam.in or log in at cetug.puchd.ac.in using their application number and password. The scorecard shows subject-wise marks, overall marks, overall rank, and category-wise rank.

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for PU CET 2026?

Ans. To apply for PU CET UG 2026, you must have passed Class 12 (or be appearing in 2026) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). You must also have the required subjects — Physics, Chemistry, and Maths or Biology depending on your target course. The minimum age is 17 years as of December 31, 2026. There is no domicile restriction — students from any state in India can apply.

Ques. When will PU CET 2026 counselling start?

Ans. PU CET 2026 online counselling registration is expected to open in early June 2026. Panjab University will announce the official counselling dates on cetug.puchd.ac.in soon after the result declaration. In 2025, counselling registration opened on June 6, 2025 — a similar timeline is expected for 2026. Keep checking the official portal for updates.

Ques. What is a good or safe score in PU CET 2026?

Ans. A composite merit score of 80 or above (General category) is generally considered safe for most B.Sc. (Hons.) courses through PU CET 2026. For B.Pharmacy — the most competitive course — you should aim for a composite score of 85 or higher. Remember that the composite score combines 75% of your PU CET marks and 25% of your Class 12 board marks, so strong board performance can boost a moderate CET score.

Ques. How is the PU CET 2026 merit list calculated?

Ans. The PU CET 2026 merit list uses a composite merit formula — your PU CET entrance test score carries 75% weight and your Class 12 board marks carry 25% weight. Both components are normalised before combining. This means your Class 12 performance directly affects your final merit position. A candidate with 90% in Class 12 and an average CET score can outrank someone with a higher CET score but weaker board marks.

Ques. What is the PU CET 2026 exam pattern?

Ans. PU CET 2026 is an offline exam (pen-and-paper, OMR sheet) with four separate subject papers — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each paper has 60 MCQ questions worth 2 marks each (total 120 marks per paper). Each paper lasts 70 minutes. There is a negative marking of −0.25 per wrong answer. You appear only in the papers required for your target course — not all four unless you want to keep multiple options open.

Ques. How many seats are available through PU CET 2026?

Ans. PU CET 2026 offers approximately 404 seats in total. These include seats across 13 B.Sc. (Hons.) specialisations at Panjab University’s Chandigarh campus and 46 seats in B.Pharmacy at the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS). With around 8,476 registrations for 2026, the overall competition ratio is approximately 21:1.

Ques. Is PU CET difficult compared to JEE or NEET?

Ans. PU CET is considered moderate in difficulty — significantly easier than JEE Main or NEET. The entire syllabus is NCERT Class 11 and 12, and the question style is straightforward MCQ-based. Students who have prepared well for their Class 12 boards and have done NCERT thoroughly typically find PU CET manageable with 6–8 weeks of focused preparation using previous year papers and mock tests.

Ques. How many counselling rounds does PU CET have?

Ans. Panjab University typically conducts 3 to 4 rounds of PU CET counselling — 2 online rounds (Round 1 and Round 2) and 1 to 2 offline physical counselling rounds in August and September for remaining vacant seats. Many seats open up in Round 2 and physical rounds when students who also qualified in NEET or JEE withdraw from PU CET allotted seats. If you did not get a seat in Round 1, keep monitoring the updated vacancy list for subsequent rounds.

Ques. What documents are required for PU CET 2026 counselling?

Ans. For PU CET 2026 counselling reporting, you need: PU CET scorecard and admit card, seat allotment letter, Class 10 and 12 marksheets (original and photocopy), Aadhaar card, category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD if applicable), character certificate, transfer/migration certificate, at least 6 passport-size photographs, and proof of counselling fee payment. Keep all originals and multiple photocopies ready before the reporting date.

Ques. Can students from outside Punjab apply for PU CET 2026?

Ans. Yes. PU CET UG 2026 is open to all Indian nationals regardless of their home state — there is no domicile restriction. Any student who meets the academic eligibility criteria (Class 12 with 50% marks in the required subjects) can apply from anywhere in India. Foreign nationals and NRIs have a separate admission quota at Panjab University and do not compete in the regular PU CET merit list.

Ques. What is the negative marking in PU CET 2026?

Ans. PU CET 2026 has a negative marking of −0.25 marks per wrong answer. Since each question carries 2 marks, the penalty is 12.5% of the question’s value per wrong attempt. There is no penalty for unattempted questions — leaving a question blank scores zero. Do not guess randomly; only attempt questions you are reasonably confident about to avoid losing marks.

The information in this article is based on official data from Panjab University, Chandigarh (cetug.puchd.ac.in) and publicly available sources as of May 29, 2026. Counselling dates, cutoff scores, and seat intake details are subject to official confirmation by Panjab University. Candidates should always verify the latest information from the official PU CET portal before taking any action related to admission.