HP CET 2027
Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET), Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HIMTU)
HPCET is the Himachal Pradesh Technical University entrance test for engineering and pharmacy seats in HP institutes. The first half of B.Tech seats go by JEE Main merit and the other half by HPCET merit.
- Conducted by
- Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU, now called HIMTU), Hamirpur
- Mode
- Offline pen-and-paper OMR test (per the 2026 prospectus)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Duration
- 3 hours 15 minutes for B.Tech and B.Pharmacy (2026 prospectus)
HP CET 2027: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern
Updated on 18 October 2026 · Compiled from official Himachal Pradesh Technical University notices
HPCET is the state test for admission to B.Tech and B.Pharmacy in Himachal Pradesh technical institutes. Admission also runs through JEE Main for a share of seats.
About HP CET
HPCET is the Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University for admission to engineering and pharmacy programmes in institutes of the state. It is relevant for Himachal candidates and others who qualify under the state rules and want a seat in HP colleges. About half of the seats are filled on JEE Main scores and the remaining seats go by HPCET rank, followed by counselling. HPCET 2026 was held on 10 May 2026. The 2027 dates have not been announced, so watch the university website for the notification and brochure.
HP CET 2027 at a glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET), Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HIMTU) |
| Conducted by | Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU, now called HIMTU), Hamirpur |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode | Offline pen-and-paper OMR test (per the 2026 prospectus) |
| Duration | 3 hours 15 minutes for B.Tech and B.Pharmacy (2026 prospectus) |
| Language | English |
| Courses | B.Tech and B.Pharmacy (direct entry) in participating HP institutes; the HPCET also lists PG courses such as MBA and MCA |
| Accepted by | Participating engineering institutes in Himachal Pradesh affiliated with HIMTU, including government colleges such as Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College Kangra, Govt. Engineering College Rampur and J.N. Govt. Engineering College Sundernagar |
| Official website | himtu.ac.in |
Key dates
HPCET 2027 notification and application
Expected early 2027
HPCET 2027 examination
Expected May 2027
HPCET 2027 counselling
Expected June to August 2027
What HPCET is
Himachal Pradesh Technical University, renamed HIMTU, runs a common entrance test and a centralised counselling for its affiliated institutes. Per the 2026 Prospectus Part-II, the first 50 percent of B.Tech seats are filled on JEE Main merit and the other 50 percent on HPCET merit. Seats still vacant after both are exhausted are filled on Class 12 marks. Minimum cut-offs are 15 percentile (10 for reserved) in JEE Main and 40 marks (30 for reserved) in HPCET.
So a student with a JEE Main score can enter without writing HPCET, while others compete on HPCET rank.
Source
Pattern, dates, fees, eligibility and seat split on this page were checked against HIMTU Prospectus Part-I (HPCET 2026) and Part-II (admission brochure 2026-27) on himtu.ac.in. Counselling rounds and the institute count come from secondary reports.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Courses | B.Tech, B.Pharmacy (direct entry), plus MBA and MCA in the HPCET list |
| Exam 2026 | 10 May 2026 (B.Tech, B.Pharmacy); 9 May 2026 (BHMCT, M.Sc. Environmental Sciences) |
| Result 2026 | Prospectus said by 21 May 2026 (tentative); secondary sources differ |
| Counselling form 2026 | 18 to 30 June 2026 per Prospectus Part-II |
| Institutes in counselling | 18 |
Source: HIMTU Prospectus Part-I and Part-II. Use HIMTU notices for any later revision.
Participating institutes (2026)
- Government: Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Engineering College Kangra, Govt. Engineering College Jeory Rampur, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Govt. Institute of Engineering and Technology Pragatinagar, J.N. Govt. Engineering College Sundernagar.
- Private: Vaishno College of Engineering Nurpur, SIRDA Naulakha, MIT College Barsar, Himalayan Institute Kala Amb, T.R. Abhilashi Mandi, Shiva Institute Bilaspur, IITT Kala Amb, Himachal Institute of Technology Sirmour and others listed on the counselling page.
Explore HP CET 2027
- HP CET DatesRegistration, exam and result timeline
- HP CET Application FormSteps, fee, documents and photo rules
- HP CET EligibilityWho can apply, attempts and age
- HP CET Exam PatternSections, marks and marking scheme
- HP CET SyllabusSubject-wise units and topics
- HP CET Admit CardDownload steps and exam-day carry list
- HP CET ResultScorecard, rank and what comes next
- HP CET CutoffQualifying marks and admission cutoffs
- HP CET CounsellingRounds, choice filling and documents
- HP CET PreparationStudy plan, strategy and mistakes
- HP CET All GuidesEvery guide, predictor and article
Frequently asked questions
What is HPCET?
The entrance test of Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HIMTU) for B.Tech, B.Pharmacy and some PG courses in HP institutes.
Is HPCET compulsory for B.Tech in Himachal?
Not for everyone. The first 50 percent of B.Tech seats are filled on JEE Main merit and the other 50 percent on HPCET merit, per the 2026 prospectus.
When was HPCET 2026?
On 10 May 2026 for B.Tech and B.Pharmacy (9 May for BHMCT and M.Sc. Environmental Sciences), per Prospectus Part-I.
What is the HPCET exam pattern?
150 MCQs to attempt (Section A 20 compulsory, Section B 30 of 40 per subject), 600 marks, +4 and -1, 3 hours 15 minutes, offline.
What is the eligibility for HPCET?
A 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry or another listed subject, with 45 percent (40 percent reserved) in those subjects, or a D.Voc. pass.
How many institutes take part in counselling?
Eighteen institutes were listed for 2026.
How much is the counselling fee?
The counselling form is Rs 1,600 (General, EWS, OBC) or Rs 800 (SC, ST, BPL) on the JEE Main or 10+2 basis, and free on the HPCET basis. The HPCET entrance fee is the same Rs 1,600 / Rs 800.
How many counselling rounds are there?
Reports for 2026 mention up to four rounds and a spot round. Check HIMTU.
Is HPTU the same as HIMTU?
Yes, the university is now referred to as HIMTU on himtu.ac.in.
Can class 12 marks be used?
Yes. Per Prospectus Part-II, seats left vacant after JEE Main and HPCET merit are exhausted are filled on 10+2 marks.
When is HPCET 2027?
Not announced. May 2027 is expected based on the 2026 cycle (application opened 13 March 2026).