AP POLYCET Exam 2026

The Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (AP POLYCET) is a state-level entrance examination for students seeking admission into various diploma courses. Below are the key highlights for the 2026 session:

• Exam Name: Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (AP POLYCET)
• Conducting Body: State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh
• Exam Level: State Level
• Frequency: Once a year
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper - OMR based)
• Courses Offered: Diploma in Engineering, Technology, and Non-Engineering courses
• Official Website: polycetap.nic.in

The following table outlines the tentative schedule for AP POLYCET 2026. Students are advised to keep track of official notifications for any changes.

• Notification Release: February 2026
• Commencement of Online Application: Third week of February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: Second week of April 2026
• Admit Card Release: One week before the exam
• AP POLYCET 2026 Exam Date: First week of May 2026
• Declaration of Results: Last week of May 2026
• Commencement of Counselling: June 2026

AP POLYCET is a competitive entrance examination conducted by the SBTET, Andhra Pradesh. It serves as the gateway for students who have completed their 10th standard (SSC) to enter professional diploma programs in government, aided, private, un-aided polytechnics, and second-shift polytechnics run in existing Engineering Colleges across the state of Andhra Pradesh.

The full form of AP POLYCET is Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test. It is specifically designed for students aiming for technical education at the diploma level immediately after secondary schooling.

Over the years, AP POLYCET has seen a significant increase in the number of applicants, reflecting the growing demand for technical and vocational education in Andhra Pradesh. The exam has evolved from a purely manual application process to a fully digitized online registration system. Despite the changes in registration methods, the core objective remains to identify students with strong foundations in Mathematics and Science.

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to appear for AP POLYCET 2026:

• Nationality: Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• Domicile: Candidate should belong to the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Educational Qualification: Must have passed the SSC (10th class) examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh, or any other equivalent board.
• Minimum Marks: A minimum of 35% marks in the qualifying examination is required.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in AP POLYCET.
• Appearing Candidates: Students appearing for their 10th exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.

The application process for AP POLYCET 2026 is conducted online. Follow these steps:

1. Registration: Visit the official website and fill in basic details.
2. Form Filling: Enter educational qualifications, personal details, and choice of exam center.
3. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specified dimensions.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (approximately ₹400 for OC/BC and ₹100 for SC/ST candidates) via online payment gateways or at AP Online centers.
5. Submission: Review the application and submit. Take a printout of the confirmation page.

The entrance exam focuses on three core subjects based on the Class 10 curriculum:

• Mathematics: 50 Questions
• Physics: 40 Questions
• Chemistry: 30 Questions

The syllabus for AP POLYCET 2026 is based on the 10th Class (SSC) syllabus prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh. Key topics include:

• Mathematics: Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability, and Statistics.
• Physics: Heat, Reflection of Light, Refraction of Light, Electric Current, and Electromagnetism.
• Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Acids, Bases & Salts, and Carbon & its Compounds.

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for preparation:

• Mode: Offline (OMR sheet)
• Duration: 2 Hours (120 minutes)
• Total Marks: 120
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer.
• Negative Marking: No negative marks for incorrect answers.

The admission process involves several stages:

1. Entrance Test: Candidates must appear for the AP POLYCET exam.
2. Result Declaration: Ranks are assigned based on marks obtained.
3. Counselling Registration: Qualified candidates must register for web-based counselling.
4. Document Verification: Physical or online verification of certificates.
5. Web Options: Candidates select their preferred colleges and branches.
6. Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on rank, category, and preference.

Admission is offered into various institutions including:

• Government Polytechnic Colleges
• Aided Polytechnic Colleges
• Private/Un-aided Polytechnic Colleges
• Engineering Colleges offering Diploma courses (Second Shift)
• Universities offering specialized Diploma programs

The results for AP POLYCET 2026 will be published on the official website. The result includes the candidate's marks in each subject and the overall rank. Candidates can download their rank card by entering their hall ticket number. The rank card is a mandatory document during the admission process.

Once the results are declared, candidates should:

• Download and print the Rank Card.
• Keep all original certificates ready for verification.
• Monitor the official website for the counselling schedule.
• Research various diploma branches (Mechanical, Civil, CSE, EEE, etc.) to make informed choices during web options.

The counselling process is conducted by the Department of Technical Education, AP. It involves:

• Payment of Processing Fee: Candidates pay a fee to participate.
• Certificate Verification: Verification at Help Line Centers (HLCs).
• Option Entry: Exercising choices for colleges and courses through the web portal.
• Allotment Order: Downloading the seat allotment letter.
• Self-Reporting: Reporting online and then at the allotted college.

The minimum qualifying marks for AP POLYCET 2026 are:

• For OC/BC Candidates: 25% of the total marks (30 marks out of 120).
• For SC/ST Candidates: There are no minimum qualifying marks; however, admission is subject to seat availability and merit.

While AP POLYCET is conducted by SBTET AP, here is the contact information for the official exam authority:

• Address: State Board of Technical Education and Training, 5th Floor, ANR Towers, Prasadampadu, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521108
• Helpline Number: 08645-293151 / 7901620551
• Email: polycetap@gmail.com
• Official Portal: polycetap.nic.in