UPSEE/UPCET 2026: Complete Guide, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Cut-Off & Admission Process

  • By GN Group Of Institutes
  • 27/03/2026
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UPSEE/UPCET 2026: Complete Guide, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Cut-Off & Admission Process

UPCET is a state-level exam administered by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, also known as Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination (UPSEE), much like every state has its own entrance exam for college admissions.

Every year, over 1.5 lakh students take this admission exam, administered at 148 locations across the state.

It was regarded as India's most prestigious exam since 2021. Candidates were allowed to enroll in engineering, management, and pharmacy programs, as well as a few postgraduate courses through UPCET/UPSEE in Uttar Pradesh.

In 2021, the UPCET exam was replaced by the JEE Main for admission to engineering courses, CUET UG and PG exams for admission to BBA, BCA, B.Com, BJMC, B.Sc, B.Pharm, M.Com, MBA, etc., and other exams, while NATA is being used for admission to Architecture courses.

Other national-level exams replaced the UPCET to streamline the admission process, reduce stress on students, enhance uniformity, address logistical issues, and align with the National Education Policy.

The courses that candidates are willing to select as their stream determine the UPCET syllabus. It was an offline, pen-and-paper test that was administered in various stages depending on the courses that students applied for.

Be aware that all UG and PG programs will include a counselling procedure depending on the entrance exam you take. For example, JoSAA counselling for B.Tech admission.

The results of several national entrance tests administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), including CUET UG, CUET PG, JEE Main, NATA, and others, are now used to organize this state-level admissions process.

Regardless of its replacement in 2021 by other National Level exams like JEE Main, NATA, and CUET UG/PG, the exam still lingers in the consciousness of students. Keep reading to know about the UPCET (UPSEE) exam and why it was replaced in the first place.

Highlights of UPSEE/UPCET 2026

Colleges affiliated to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, are offered admission through the Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counseling (UPTAC) based on the results of the JEE Main, NATA, and CUET UG/PG exams. Candidates can consult the table below for further details.

Particulars

Details

Counselling Name

Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling (UPTAC)

Conducting Authority

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow

Admission Basis

JEE Main / CUET-UG / CUET-PG / NATA scores

Counselling Mode

Online

Registration Start

May / June 2026 (Expected)

Choice Filling & Locking

July 2026

Seat Allotment

July – August 2026

Official Website

uptac.admissions.nic.in

Participating Institutes

AKTU-affiliated colleges in Uttar Pradesh

 

Courses Offered BY AKTU Colleges Based on Various Exams

The courses that UPSEE (UPCET) 2026 offers are as follows:

Entrance Exam

Courses Offered

JEE Main

B.Tech & M.Tech (Integrated)

NATA

B.Arch

CUET UG

B Tech, B.Des, B.Pharma, Pharm D, MBA (Integrated), MCA (Integrated), B.Tech Lateral, B Pharma Lateral, BHMCT, BFAD, BFA, B Voc, BBA/BMS & BCA

CUET PG

MBA, MCA & MCA Lateral

 

Important Exam Dates for AKTU Admission 2026 in Various Courses Through CUET UG /PG:

Events

Dates 2026 (Announced)

CUET-UG

CUET-PG

Application form releases

3rd January 2026

14th December 2025

Last date to fill the application form

30th January 2026

Rescheduled 23-26 February 2026

14th January 2026

Extended January 23, 2026

Application correction starts

2 to 4 February 2026

Extended 9 to 11 February 2026

January 28 to 30, 2026

Announcement of examination city

Last Week of April 2026

February 26, 2026

Downloading of the Admit Card

1st week of May 2026

March 3, 2026

Date of Examination

11th-31st May 2026

06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 27 March 2026

 

Through JEE Mains 2026

Events

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates

Session 1 (January session)

Session 2 (April session)

JEE Main 2026 Notification

31st October 2025

JEE Main 2026 Application Form Starts

31st October 2025

1st February 2026

JEE Main 2026 Application Form Ends

27th November 2025 (9 pm)

February 25, 2026, up to 9:00 PM

Reopened March 12 and 13, 2026

Last date to pay registration fee

Till 27th November 2025 (11.50 pm)

February 25, 2026, up to 11:50 PM

Extended March 13, 2026

Application Correction Window

December 1 to 2, 2025

February 27 - 28, 2026

Advance city intimation slip

January 8, 2026

March 21, 2026

JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

January 17, 2026 - January 24, 2026

3 days before the exam date

JEE Main 2026 exam dates

January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28 for Paper 1

January 29 for Paper 2

April 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 for Paper 1, and April 7 for Paper 2

Provisional JEE Main 2026 Answer Key

4 to 6 February 2026 Paper 1

February 19 to 20, 2026 Paper 2

April 2026

Final JEE Main 2026 Answer Key

February 16, 2026

February 24, 2026

2nd week of April 2026

JEE Main 2026 Result

February 16, 2026

February 24, 2026

By 20th April 2026

JEE Main 2026 Counselling

May/ June 2026

 

Through NATA 2026

Events

Phase 1 April

Phase 2 May

NATA registration date 2026

March 9, 2026

Opening Soon

NATA registration Last date 2026

Every Monday (for Friday Test)

Every Tuesday (For Saturday Test)

TBD

Last date to upload images and pay fees

TBD

TBD

NATA correction window 2026

TBD

TBD

Release of admit card

TBD

TBD

NATA 2026 exam date (first attempt)

April 4, 2026

June (Every Friday & Saturday)

NATA 2026 Answer Key

TBD

TBD

NATA revised Answer Key

TBD

TBD

NATA 2026 result date

Within 7-10 days

Within 7-10 days

 

UPCET/UPSEE Application Form 2026

Before applying for UPSEE 2026, candidates must carefully read the following instructions:

  • The online application form for CUET UG/PG courses is now accessible.
  • Online registration for CUET UG and PG has begun.
  • Students must provide their basic information, such as name, email address, phone number, category, Aadhaar number, gender, etc., when registering.
  • Accurate information, including the candidate's address, qualifications, and personal information, must be entered into the application form.
  • After the form is submitted, the exam conducting authorities will also offer rectification services.
  • To apply for a specific exam, candidates must complete and submit their application form by the deadline.
  • The AKTU/UPTU application form should be printed and securely stored for future use.

How to Apply for the UPSEE (UPCET) 2026?

See the detailed application procedure for UPSEE 2026:

  • Step 1: Visit the CUET website (the direct URL is provided above).
  • Step 2: Select "Apply Online" and enter your name, parent's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, Aadhaar card number, and other information in the registration form.
  • Step 3: Next, click the "Validate Aadhaar" link, make a secure password, input the security pin, and press the submit button.
  • Step 4: Select the "Complete Application Form" option and write down the created application number.
  • Step 5: Choose your preferred course and test location and fill out the form with personal, category, and qualification information, among other things.
  • Step 6: Upload a scanned photo and signature along with the submitted information.
  • Step 7: Click the "Pay Admission Fee" link, choose your payment option, and make the payment.
  • Step 8: Remember to print the completed form several times for your records.

Payment of the UPCET Application Fee

The cost varies depending on the category because the UPCET registration fee must be paid online using debit/credit or net banking. The UPCET application procedure will be concluded upon payment.

Category

UPCET 2025 Application Fee

General/EWS/OBC

INR 1300

SC/ST/Female/PWD

INR 650

 

UPCET Application Form Rectification

A UPCET application form correction window will open for applicants to make any necessary adjustments before the issuing of the admit card. Candidates must use their application number and password to access the UPCET website. The procedures are as follows:

Corrections are only possible in specific fields. Candidates will be eligible for the correction process once they have finished filling out the entire form.

There are no extra fees for making other modifications to the form; however, there would be a difference in the application price if the caste category and gender have to be changed.

Eligibility Criteria for UPCET/UPSEE 2026

Applicants should be informed of the UPCET 2026 eligibility requirements, which vary depending on the course they select. Basic eligibility is as follows:

  • Applicants must pass the 12th board to be admitted to undergraduate programs.
  • A bachelor's degree is required for candidates who wish to pursue post-graduation.
  • Candidates with a relevant background should have been able to pass the most recent entry.
  • Any prospective applicant may apply for the exam and proceed with the admissions procedure; there are no age restrictions.
  • Both foreign candidates and Indian citizens may apply for the test.

For Lateral Entry in B.Tech

  • Must have earned a B.Sc. in mathematics or a diploma in engineering.
  • 45% minimum (40% for SC/ST).

B.Pharm

  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics must have been passed in the 12th grade.
  • 45% minimum (40% for protected categories).

B.Des, BFA, BHMCT, BBA, and BCA

  • Obtained a 10+2 or its equivalent from an accredited board.
  • Subjects unique to the course may be applicable.

3-Year MCA bachelor's degree.

  • Mathematics is required for 10+2 or graduation.
  • 50% minimum (45% for SC/ST).

For an MBA bachelor's degree in any field.

  • 50% minimum (45% for SC/ST).

M. Pharm                                  

  • Pharmacy bachelor's degree.
  • A valid GPAT score is desired but not required by UPCET.

Syllabus for UPCET (UPSEE) 2026

Each program has a different syllabus. This is an overview by course:

B.Tech (Lateral Entry) Syllabus

  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Engineering Graphics
  • Electrical & Electronics basics
  • Computer Fundamentals

B.Pharm Syllabus

  • Physics: Motion, Work, Heat, Optics, Electricity
  • Chemistry: Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biomolecules
  • Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Physiology

MBA Syllabus

  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Logical & Analytical Reasoning
  • English Language Skills
  • General Awareness

MCA Syllabus

  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Data Structures
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Algorithms
  • Discrete Mathematics

B.Des Syllabus

  • Drawing Ability
  • Creativity
  • Visual Perception
  • Spatial Awareness

Exam Pattern for the UPCET/UPSEE 2026

The UPCET 2026 exam pattern consists of 11 exams spread over three days. The disciplines included in the exam will vary depending on the technical subject that applicants choose. To get good grades on the test, candidates must understand the material and exam format.

Despite the absence of negative markings, a merit list will be created based on the total number of wrong responses provided by the applicants.

The UPCET 2026 Exam Pattern is provided below:

Exam mode: The pen-and-paper entrance test is administered offline.

Exam Length: The length of the exam varies depending on the papers.

  • Paper 1 and 2 – 3 hours duration
  • Paper 3 – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Paper 4,5,6,7 and 8 – 2 hours duration

Question type: MCQs, or multiple-choice questions in an objective format, are this sort of question.

Language: The UPCET question paper is accessible in both Hindi and English.

Marking Scheme: For B.Arch, each right response earns four to five points. Additionally, an inaccurate response does not result in a negative mark.

  • Each question on papers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 receives four marks.
  • Three points for each question on paper equals five points.
  • Negative Marking: No negative marking

Paper

Subjects and No. of questions

Total Marks

Paper 1

Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics - 50 questions

600

Paper 2

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology - 50 questions

600

Paper 3

Maths and Aesthetic Sensitivity - 50 questions
Drawing aptitude - 2 questions
Total Questions - 102

600

Paper 4

General Awareness MCQs – 100 questions

400

Paper 5

MCQs - 100

400

Paper 6

MCQs - 100

400

Paper 7

MCQs - 100

400

Paper 8

MCQs - 100

400

 

UPCET Books for Referring

  • 14 Years Solved Papers UPTU UP SEE
  • Complete Self-Study Guide UPTU UP SEE 2020 Mathematics
  • Complete Self-Study Guide UPTU UP SEE 2020 Physics
  • Sampurna Success Package UPTU UP SEE 2020
  • UPCET Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, U.P. Mathematics Solved Papers
  • UPCET Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, U.P. Physics Solved Papers
  • Puja Up Rajya Engineering Entrance Exam
  • UPCET Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, U.P. Chemistry Solved Papers

UPSEE/UPCET 2026 Merit List/Result

The authority releases a merit list based on candidates' results on national entrance tests. The names of all qualified applicants who meet the minimum qualifying scores will be included in the UPSEE (UPCET) merit list 2026.

Following the announcement of the results, separate merit lists for each course will be made available online. Candidates who make the merit list will be invited to take part in additional admission rounds and counseling.

UPCET Cut-Off 2026

To be eligible for counselling and admission, aspirants must receive a minimum score on the UPCET. The cut-off percentage varies according to the student's category. For students in the general category, it represents 25% of the candidates' merit.

Rank Range (Marks)

Expected Cut-off Rank

Below 120

Above 90000

120 - 199

30001 -90000

250–299

25001 – 30000

300–349

16001 – 25000

350 - 399

7051 – 16000

400 - 474

1051 – 7050

475 - 499

601 – 1050

Above 500

1 – 600

 

Based on the category, the UPCET cut-off is given as:

Category

Minimum Qualifying Marks

OBC

25%

General

25%

Scheduled Tribe

20%

Scheduled Caste

20%

 

UPCET/UPSEE 2026 Counselling

The Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counseling (UPTAC) is in charge of setting up the UPSEE 2026 counseling process. Candidates with proper national entrance exam ranks and scores will go through several phases of this process.

The candidate's admission exam score, seat availability, and other factors will be taken into consideration while allocating seats. The final seat distribution will be announced following each round. When reporting for admission, candidates must present the necessary documents and download admission letters for verification.

Documents required for Counseling:

  • 4 to 6 recent passport-size photographs
  • 10th and 12th Marks Sheet
  • UPCET 2019 Admit Card
  • UPCET 2019 Score Card
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Income certificate (if applicable)

Are you curious about the preparation tips?

Here are a few preparation pointers:

  • To do well on the test, candidates must have a thorough understanding of the subject.
  • For preparation, the candidate must choose the right study materials.
  • The prior question papers must be reviewed by the candidates.
  • Time management is another crucial factor.
  • The candidates must be cool and collected, and they must get enough sleep.

 

Also Read:

FAQs for UPSEE/UPCET 2026

Q1. What is the UPCET?

AKTU administers UPCET, formerly known as UPSEE, a state-level entrance test that enables candidates to enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, computer science, information technology, management, pharmacy, and other subjects.

Q2. Who can take the UPCET in 2026?

Candidates may apply for UPCET 2026 if they meet the requirements for CUET 2026 and CUET PG 2026. Candidates are not limited in age.

Q3. Has UPCET 2026 been replaced by CUET 2026?

Yes, national entrance tests like JEE Main, NATA, and CUET replaced the UPCET exam in 2021 for admission to AKTU, MMMUT, and other state-affiliated universities in Uttar Pradesh.

Q4. How can I apply to AKTU?

To apply for AKTU/UPCET 2026, students must complete the online application form found on the website.

Q5. Is the Aadhaar card required to complete the application?

When completing the application, aspirants must have an Aadhaar card number. Thus, confirm that the applicant possesses an Aadhaar card.

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