PU CET 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cutoff and Counselling

PU CET 2026 (Punjab University Combined Entrance Test) is conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across science, arts, commerce, management, technology, and law. The PU CET PG 2026 exam concluded on June 21, 2026, and the provisional answer key has been released today, June 23, 2026 — candidates can now check their responses and raise objections until June 25. At the same time, the PU CET UG 2026 result was declared on May 28, 2026, and UG counselling is in progress with the online admission form deadline on June 25, 2026.

• PU CET PG 2026 Answer Key Objections: The provisional answer key for PU CET PG 2026 is live today at cetpg.puchd.ac.in. Written objections can be submitted until June 25, 2026 (Thursday). Note: M.A. English, M.A. History, and M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication were conducted as descriptive-format papers — no OMR answer key has been released for these three subjects.
• PU CET UG 2026 Online Admission Form: The last date to submit the online admission form for UG counselling is June 25, 2026. Hard copies must be submitted to Panjab University by June 29, 2026 (4:00 PM). This form is for UG candidates who cleared the entrance exam held on May 10, 2026.
• PU CET UG 2026 Tentative Merit List: The UG merit list is expected on July 4, 2026 (evening). Merit is based on 75% CET score and 25% Class 12 marks. Objections to the merit list can be raised from July 5 to 7, 2026, and the provisional merit list will follow on July 11, 2026.
• PU CET PG 2026 Result: The PU CET PG 2026 result is expected on July 17, 2026 at results.puchd.ac.in. Merit is calculated as 50% CET marks and 50% UG degree marks. In 2025, PG counselling began within 2–3 weeks of the result.

What is PU CET 2026?

PU CET 2026 is the Punjab University Combined Entrance Test conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh. Panjab University is one of India’s oldest central universities, established in 1882 and located in Chandigarh. Every year the university conducts PU CET for admission to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across arts, science, commerce, law, management, and technology.

PU CET 2026 has two separate streams based on the level of study:

• PU CET (UG): For admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Pharmacy courses. The 2026 UG exam was held on May 10, 2026, and the result was declared on May 28, 2026. UG counselling is now in progress — the online admission form deadline is June 25, 2026.
• PU CET (PG): For admission to more than 40 postgraduate programmes including MA, MSc, MCom, MCA, MBA, M.Tech, LLM, MPed, BPed, and M.Pharmacy. The 2026 PG exam was held on June 19, 20, and 21, 2026. The provisional answer key was released today, June 23, 2026, and the result is expected on July 17, 2026.

The university uses a combined merit score — entrance test marks plus qualifying examination marks — to prepare the merit list for counselling. For UG, it is 75% CET score and 25% Class 12 marks. For PG, it is 50% CET marks and 50% UG graduation marks.

Source: Panjab University — Official CET PG Portal

PU CET PG 2026: Answer Key Released — Check and Raise Objections

The PU CET PG 2026 provisional answer key has been uploaded today, June 23, 2026, on the official portal cetpg.puchd.ac.in. Candidates who appeared in the exam held from June 19 to 21 can now download the answer key, compare their responses using the question booklet retained from exam day, and estimate their expected score.

The last date to submit objections against the PU CET PG 2026 provisional answer key is June 25, 2026 (Thursday). Objections submitted after this deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Which subjects have no answer key in PU CET PG 2026?

• The provisional answer key covers only papers conducted in OMR-based MCQ format.
• No answer key has been released for M.A. English, M.A. History, and M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication. These three subjects were conducted as descriptive or concept-based papers and are evaluated by subject experts. No objective key applies to them.

How to download the PU CET PG 2026 provisional answer key:

• Visit the official website at cetpg.puchd.ac.in.
• Look for the "Answer Key" or "Provisional Answer Key" link on the homepage or in the notice section.
• Log in using your registered Login ID and Password.
• Select your subject paper and download the PDF.
• Compare it with your responses using the question booklet from the exam.

How to calculate your expected PU CET PG score:

• Each correct answer carries +1 mark in the PG paper.
• Each wrong answer carries a -0.25 deduction.
• Unattempted questions carry zero — no penalty for skipping.
• Your raw CET score = (correct answers × 1) – (wrong answers × 0.25).
• Your final merit score will combine this CET score (50%) with your UG graduation percentage (50%).

How to raise an objection against the PU CET PG 2026 answer key:

• Prepare a written objection clearly identifying the question number and the answer option you believe is incorrect.
• Attach supporting evidence — a reference from a standard textbook or official academic publication is mandatory. Unsupported objections are not considered.
• Submit the objection via email to the Controller of Examinations, Panjab University, or deliver it physically at the university office by June 25, 2026 (Thursday).
• Cross-objections to others’ objections can be submitted until July 2, 2026.
• The final verified answer key will be used for result calculation. The result is expected on July 17, 2026.

PU CET PG 2026: Important Dates

All key PU CET PG 2026 dates are listed below. Upcoming events are at the top, followed by completed milestones in the order they occurred.

Source: PU CET PG 2026 Official Important Dates — Panjab University

PU CET UG 2026: Counselling and Admission Dates

The PU CET UG 2026 exam was held on May 10, 2026, and the result was declared on May 28, 2026. Counselling is now underway. Candidates must submit the online admission form by June 25, 2026 — this is the most urgent deadline right now for UG candidates.

Source: PU CET UG 2026 Official Important Dates — Panjab University

PU CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for PU CET 2026 are different for the UG and PG streams. You should check the specific requirements for your chosen programme carefully. Failure to meet the criteria can result in cancellation of candidature at any stage — including after the result and during counselling.

PU CET UG 2026 Eligibility

• You must have passed Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognised board.
• For B.Sc. (Hons.) programmes, you need Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics in Class 12 depending on the subject group.
• For B.Pharmacy, you need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 (45% for SC/ST/BC/PwD candidates).
• The minimum marks requirement for B.Sc. (Hons.) subjects ranges from 50% to 60% depending on the discipline.
• Final-year Class 12 students could also apply, but must submit proof of passing before counselling.

PU CET PG 2026 Eligibility

For postgraduate programmes, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a university recognised by Panjab University. Minimum percentage requirements vary by programme:

Candidates must also score a minimum of 35% marks in the PU CET PG entrance test itself (30% for SC/ST/BC/PwD) to qualify for admission. Meeting this qualifying threshold does not guarantee a seat — actual admission depends on the combined merit rank relative to seats available. Final-year graduation students who appeared for PU CET PG 2026 must submit their final marksheets at the counselling stage.

PU CET 2026 Application Process and Fees

Both the PU CET UG and PG 2026 registration windows are closed. The UG window closed on April 22, 2026, and the PG window closed on June 9, 2026. The full process is outlined below for reference and for candidates planning their 2027 applications.

How to Apply for PU CET

• Step 1 — Register: Visit the official portal (cetug.puchd.ac.in for UG or cetpg.puchd.ac.in for PG) and create a Login ID and Password.
• Step 2 — Fill the Form: Enter personal details, academic qualifications, category, course preferences, and exam centre choices.
• Step 3 — Upload Documents: Upload a scanned photograph and signature in the required format and file size.
• Step 4 — Pay the Fee: Pay online through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. Save the payment receipt.
• Step 5 — Submit and Print: Submit the completed form and download the confirmation page. The form is complete only after fee payment and document upload.

Once the form is submitted, no modifications are allowed. Incomplete or incorrect forms lead to cancellation of candidature. Always verify all details before submitting.

PU CET 2026 Application Fee Structure

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment is accepted online only — no demand draft or challan is accepted. Candidates applying for multiple subject papers must pay the additional subject fee for each extra paper. Candidates appearing for multiple PG papers must verify that there are no scheduling conflicts in the official datesheet before submitting their form.

PU CET 2026 Syllabus

The PU CET 2026 syllabus is different for each stream and each subject. For UG, the syllabus is based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT content. For PG, questions are based on graduation-level topics in the relevant subject.

PU CET UG 2026 Syllabus

• Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics, Waves and Oscillations (NCERT Class 11 and 12)
• Chemistry: Physical Chemistry (atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, equilibrium), Organic Chemistry (hydrocarbons, reactions, biomolecules), Inorganic Chemistry (s, p, d-block elements)
• Biology: Diversity of living organisms, Cell structure and function, Plant and Human Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology and Environment, Reproduction, Biotechnology
• Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus (differentiation and integration), Coordinate Geometry, Probability, Vectors, Statistics, Matrices and Determinants

PU CET PG 2026 Syllabus — Subject-Wise Overview

• MA English: British and American literature, Indian writing in English, literary theory, language and linguistics, comprehension and essay writing (descriptive paper — no OMR)
• MA Economics: Microeconomics, macroeconomics, Indian economy, econometrics and statistical methods, international economics
• LLM: Constitutional law, administrative law, IPC, civil procedure code, family law, company law, IPR, RTI Act, Cyber Law
• MCA: Mathematics (discrete math, algebra, calculus), computer science fundamentals (data structures, programming), English comprehension, logical aptitude
• MBA: Quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, verbal ability, logical reasoning, business and general awareness
• MSc (science programmes): BSc-level topics in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Zoology, or Botany depending on the course applied for
• M.Tech / ME: Graduation-level engineering topics in the relevant specialisation — Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Biotechnology, etc.

Panjab University publishes the detailed subject-wise syllabus in the official PU CET PG prospectus. You should download it from cetpg.puchd.ac.in to know the exact topic list for your paper.

PU CET Admit Card 2026

The PU CET admit card is released online on the official portals and must be downloaded using the candidate’s registered Login ID and Password. No physical admit card is sent by post. For 2026, both the UG and PG admit card phases are complete since both exams have been conducted.

PU CET UG 2026 Admit Card: Released on May 5, 2026 — five days before the exam on May 10, 2026.

PU CET PG 2026 Admit Card: Available for download from June 14, 2026 (Sunday). The university also provided manual admit card issuance at the campus on June 15 and 16 for candidates who faced download issues. The three-day exam concluded on June 21, 2026.

Documents that must be carried to the exam centre (for future reference):

• Printed copy of the admit card — digital display on a phone is not accepted
• One original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport)
• One recent passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in the application)

For PU CET 2027, the PG admit card is typically released 5–7 days before the exam — the 2026 pattern of releasing it on June 14 for a June 19 exam follows this trend. Always check the admit card for discrepancies in name, roll number, date, and centre, and report any error to the university immediately after download.

Courses and Participating Institutes

PU CET 2026 gives you access to a wide range of programmes at Panjab University, Chandigarh and its associated institutes. Here is an overview of the courses and key participating institutes:

Courses Available Through PU CET PG 2026

Key Participating Institutes

You should check seat availability and intake for each institute before listing them as preferences during counselling. The seat matrix is released by Panjab University along with the counselling notification on the respective official portals.

Preparation Tips for PU CET

For PU CET PG 2026 candidates, the exam is now over and the focus has shifted to the answer key and result. If you are planning for PU CET 2027, or if you are a UG candidate awaiting counselling, the strategies below will help.

For PU CET PG 2026 Candidates (Post-Exam Stage)

• Check the answer key now: The provisional answer key is live today at cetpg.puchd.ac.in. Compare your responses with your question booklet and calculate your expected raw score.
• Raise objections if needed: If you believe any answer in the key is wrong, prepare a well-documented objection with a textbook reference and submit it before June 25, 2026. Valid objections can directly improve your final score.
• Estimate your merit score: Your PG admission merit = (your CET raw score / total CET marks) × 50 + (your UG aggregate %) × 0.5. Calculate this to get an idea of where you may stand before the result on July 17.

For PU CET UG 2026 Candidates (Counselling Stage)

• Submit the online form urgently: The online admission form deadline is June 25, 2026. Missing this deadline means you will not appear in the merit list and will miss counselling entirely.
• Keep documents ready: Start assembling your original documents and self-attested photocopies now for the July 15–18 physical counselling. Missing a single document can cause you to lose your seat.
• Track the merit list: Check the tentative merit list on July 4, 2026 and raise any objection by July 7, 2026 if there is an error in your entry.

For Candidates Preparing for PU CET 2027

• For UG (B.Sc. and B.Pharmacy): Build your foundation on NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks — the entire UG syllabus comes from these books. Once the NCERT content is thorough, practise MCQs from reference books and previous year papers. Aim for speed: you need 60 questions in 70 minutes.
• For PG (MA, MSc, MBA, MCA, LLM, M.Tech): The PG exam is subject-specific at graduation level. Start with the official syllabus from the prospectus. For MBA, use standard aptitude preparation material (QA, DI, VA, LR, GK). For MCA, strengthen discrete mathematics, data structures, and C/Java fundamentals. For LLM, revise landmark judgments and important acts. For MSc, use standard BSc textbooks for your subject.
• Solve previous year papers: Past papers show you the question style, difficulty level, and recurring topics. Solving at least 5–6 previous year papers per subject is one of the most effective preparation methods.
• Practice under timed conditions: Time management is critical in both streams. Regular timed mock tests build the habit of pacing. Never guess randomly — negative marking in both streams can hurt your total score.
• Balance PG entrance prep with UG academics: Since PG admission uses 50% UG marks in the merit, your UG academic record matters as much as your entrance score. Do not compromise your UG marks while preparing for the entrance test.