Horticulture Common Entrance Test

HORTICET 2026 Application Form

HORTICET (Horticulture Common Entrance Test) 2026 is conducted by Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Andhra Pradesh. The exam is for admission to the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme at government and affiliated institutions across the state.

The HORTICET 2026 application form was open from May 21, 2026 to June 15, 2026 at drysrhu.ap.gov.in. The registration window is now closed. Students who applied should keep their confirmation page ready for the upcoming admit card and examination stages.

Important Dates

Event	Date	Status
Application Form Release	May 21, 2026	Released
Last Date to Apply	June 15, 2026	Closed

Application Fee

Category	Fee
General / BC / Others	₹1,000
SC / ST / PH	₹500

What is HORTICET 2026?

HORTICET 2026 is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh. The exam is for admission to the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme.

The exam is held in offline mode. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each. The duration is 2 hours and there is no negative marking. Admission is granted on merit through a counselling process conducted by DRYSRHU after the result is declared.

A total of 407 seats are available. Of these, 275 seats are at government institutions and 132 are at affiliated institutions across Andhra Pradesh. 33% of seats are reserved for girl students. SC / ST / BC reservations apply as per Andhra Pradesh government norms.

Registration Trends — Last 5 Years

Year	Conducting Body	Registered	Appeared	Attendance %
2025	DRYSRHU, Andhra Pradesh	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported
2024	DRYSRHU, Andhra Pradesh	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported
2023	DRYSRHU, Andhra Pradesh	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported
2022	DRYSRHU, Andhra Pradesh	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported
2021	DRYSRHU, Andhra Pradesh	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported	Not publicly reported

DRYSRHU has been conducting HORTICET consistently every year to fill the 407-seat Diploma in Horticulture intake. The university does not publish detailed year-wise registration and attendance statistics publicly. Figures will be updated here as and when DRYSRHU releases official data.

For 2026, registrations closed on June 15. The exam is expected in July or August 2026, following the pattern of HORTICET 2025 which was held on August 20, 2025.

Source: Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (DRYSRHU) — Official Notification 2026.

HORTICET 2026 Application Form: Important Dates

The table below lists the key events in the HORTICET 2026 cycle. Upcoming events are listed first, followed by events that have already passed. Registered students should check the official website, drysrhu.ap.gov.in, for the admit card and exam date announcement.

Event	Date	Status
Application Form Release	May 21, 2026	Over
Last Date to Apply	June 15, 2026	Over
Admit Card Download	Expected July 2026	Upcoming
Exam Date	Expected July / August 2026	Upcoming
Answer Key Release	Expected after exam	Upcoming
Result Declaration	Expected after exam	Upcoming
Counselling — Phase 1	Expected August 2026	Upcoming
Counselling — Phase 2	To be announced by DRYSRHU	Upcoming
Mop-up Counselling	To be announced by DRYSRHU	Upcoming

Admit card and exam dates are estimates based on the previous year. HORTICET 2025 was held on August 20, 2025, and its admit card was released a few days prior. DRYSRHU will publish all official dates on its website. Third-party sources cannot confirm these dates ahead of the official announcement.

HORTICET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The following conditions applied for HORTICET 2026. Students applying in the next cycle can use these as a reference, as the criteria are expected to remain largely unchanged.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed SSC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, or any recognised State Board. Students who appeared for SSC or equivalent exams in March / April 2025 were also eligible for HORTICET 2026.
• Diploma Holders: Students with a Diploma in Horticulture from DRYSRHU who failed or discontinued their Intermediate (Class 12) studies are also eligible.
• Ineligibility: Students who have already passed Intermediate (Class 12) or are enrolled in any higher education programme are not eligible for this 2-year Diploma course.
• Domicile: Candidates must be permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh as per G.O. (P). No. 646. Residency is verified through study certificates from Classes 4 to 10 in AP schools.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be between 15 and 22 years of age as of August 31, 2026. This means being born between August 31, 2004 and August 31, 2011, both dates inclusive.

Note: Only permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh are eligible for HORTICET. Students from other states cannot apply, regardless of academic qualifications.

Source: Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University — HORTICET 2026 Official Notification.

How to Fill HORTICET Application Form 2026

The HORTICET 2026 application process was entirely online at the official DRYSRHU portal. The two-phase process below serves as a reference for future cycles, as the steps are expected to remain the same.

Phase 1: New Registration

1. Visit the official website at drysrhu.ap.gov.in and click the "New Registration" or "HORTICET Apply Online" link on the admissions page.
2. Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID exactly as they appear on your SSC certificate. Any mismatch may cause issues during counselling.
3. Verify your mobile number using the OTP sent via SMS to complete the registration step.
4. Set a strong password and note your Application Number safely. Both are required for all future logins, admit card download, and result checking.
5. Store your login credentials securely before proceeding to form filling.

Phase 2: Fill the Application Form

The second phase involves completing the application form with personal and academic details. Candidates must upload the required documents and pay the application fee as specified by DRYSRHU. After submission, candidates should take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.

How to Fill the HORTICET Application Form 2026

The HORTICET 2026 application form was filled online through the DRYSRHU portal. The process involved logging in, entering personal and academic details, selecting a study centre, uploading documents, and paying the fee.

Follow these steps to complete the application:

1. Log in using the Application Number and Password at drysrhu.ap.gov.in.
2. Enter personal details: name as in SSC, date of birth, gender, category (General / SC / ST / BC / EWS / PH), Aadhaar number, and AP domicile details.
3. Enter academic details: SSC board name, year of passing, hall ticket or roll number, and marks obtained.
4. Select a preferred study centre from the list of government and affiliated horticulture institutions in Andhra Pradesh available on the portal.
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the format and size specified in the DRYSRHU brochure.
6. Upload scanned copies of all required certificates, including SSC marks memorandum, transfer certificate, study or bonafide certificate (Classes 4–10), caste certificate (if applicable), income or EWS certificate (if applicable), and special category documents.
7. Review every field carefully — cross-check name, date of birth, category, and photograph before payment.
8. Pay the application fee online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Gateway charges are borne by the applicant.
9. Download and save the confirmation page (fee receipt) immediately after successful payment.

Submit only one application form. Multiple applications from the same student are summarily rejected, and the fee is not refunded.

The confirmation page is required for admit card download, exam hall entry, and counselling verification. Keep it safe.

Documents Required for HORTICET Application Form 2026

The following documents were uploaded during the HORTICET 2026 online application. Keep originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents ready for verification during counselling.

Document	Format	Notes / Specifications
Passport-size Photograph	JPG / JPEG	Recent; white background; 80% face clearly visible; file size as specified in the DRYSRHU brochure
Signature	JPG / JPEG	Black or blue ink on plain white paper; in running handwriting; within the specified box
SSC Marks Memorandum / Certificate	Scanned copy	Class 10 pass certificate from CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, or recognised State Board
Transfer Certificate (TC)	Scanned copy	From the last school attended before applying
Study / Bonafide Certificate (Classes 4–10)	Scanned copy	Proves continuous study in Andhra Pradesh; issued by school principal
Rural Area Study Certificate (Form-I)	Scanned copy	Required only if claiming rural area benefit or reservation
Caste Certificate	Scanned copy	SC / ST / BC applicants; issued by MRO or competent authority in Andhra Pradesh
Income / EWS Certificate	Scanned copy	Required if claiming Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category benefit
Physical Disability Certificate	Scanned copy	If applicable; issued by a government hospital or medical board
NCC / Sports / CAP Certificate	Scanned copy	Required only if claiming a special category reservation benefit

Upload a recent passport-size photograph with a white background and the face clearly visible. Edited, filtered, or studio-retouched photographs are rejected during document scrutiny at the time of counselling.

HORTICET Application Fee 2026

The HORTICET 2026 application fee was paid online at the time of form submission. The fee structure is category-wise as shown below.

Category	Application Fee
SC / ST / Physically Handicapped (PH)	₹500
All Other Categories (General / BC / OBC / EWS)	₹1,000

Payment was accepted only through the online payment gateway on the DRYSRHU portal — debit card, credit card, net banking, and UPI. No offline payment mode (demand draft, cash, or cheque) was accepted. Payment gateway transaction charges were borne by the applicant over and above the application fee.

The application fee is non-refundable. It will not be returned even if the form is rejected, the application is withdrawn, or the candidate is absent on exam day.

HORTICET Application Form Correction 2026

As of July 1, 2026, DRYSRHU has not officially announced a form correction window for HORTICET 2026. Students who submitted their applications should check drysrhu.ap.gov.in regularly for any update.

In past cycles, a limited correction facility has occasionally been provided. It is not guaranteed for every year and is entirely at the discretion of DRYSRHU.

Details Typically Editable During a Correction Window

• Passport-size photograph and signature (if found unclear or non-compliant)
• Category (SC / ST / BC / EWS / PH) — if officially permitted by DRYSRHU for that cycle
• Study centre preference — subject to seat availability
• Minor corrections in personal details such as name spelling — if supported by the portal

Details That Generally Cannot Be Changed

• Mobile number and email ID (set during new registration and used as login)
• Date of birth
• SSC board and year of passing once verified and submitted
• Andhra Pradesh domicile or residency credentials

Check all details before submitting your application. If no correction window is announced, no changes will be accepted under any circumstances after the registration closes.

Note: No correction window has been announced for HORTICET 2026 as of July 1, 2026. Monitor drysrhu.ap.gov.in for official updates. Once any announced correction window closes, no further changes are accepted under any circumstances.

HORTICET Application Form 2026 FAQs

When did the HORTICET 2026 application form open and close?

The HORTICET 2026 application form was released on May 21, 2026. The registration window closed on June 15, 2026. The form is no longer available for submission as of July 1, 2026.

What was the last date to apply for HORTICET 2026?

The last date to submit the HORTICET 2026 application form was June 15, 2026. No registrations were accepted after this date. Students who missed the window will need to wait for HORTICET 2027.

Who conducts HORTICET and what course does it lead to?

HORTICET is conducted by Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh. It is the entrance test for admission to the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme.

A total of 407 seats are available: 275 at government institutions and 132 at affiliated institutions in Andhra Pradesh.

What is the HORTICET 2026 application fee?

The HORTICET 2026 application fee was ₹1,000 for General and all other categories (BC / OBC / EWS). It was ₹500 for SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped (PH) students.

• Payment was accepted online only via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI
• The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances

Who is eligible to apply for HORTICET?

Students who have passed SSC (Class 10) or an equivalent exam from CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, or any recognised board can apply. Applicants must be permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh.

Age must be between 15 and 22 years as of August 31, 2026. Students who have already passed Intermediate (Class 12) or are enrolled in higher studies are not eligible.

Can I apply for HORTICET if I belong to another state?

No. HORTICET is open only to permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh as per G.O. (P). No. 646. Students from other states are not eligible, regardless of their academic qualifications.

What documents are required for the HORTICET 2026 application?

The documents required include your SSC marks memorandum, transfer certificate, study / bonafide certificate (Classes 4–10), and rural area certificate (Form-I, if applicable).

• Caste certificate (for SC / ST / BC)
• Income / EWS certificate (if applicable)
• Physical disability certificate (if applicable)
• NCC / Sports / CAP certificates (if applicable)
• Recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format

What should I do if my HORTICET 2026 fee payment failed?

If your payment failed, do not retry immediately. Wait 48–72 hours for the auto-refund to process before making a fresh payment attempt.

If the amount was debited but your application was not confirmed, contact DRYSRHU's helpdesk via the official website with your transaction reference number.

Can I submit more than one HORTICET 2026 application?

No. Each student must submit only one application form. Multiple applications from the same student are summarily rejected and the fee is not refunded under any circumstances.

HORTICET 2026 Form Correction Window

As of July 1, 2026, DRYSRHU has not officially announced a form correction window for HORTICET 2026. Students should monitor drysrhu.ap.gov.in for updates.

If a correction window is opened, it will typically allow changes to photo, signature, and possibly category for a limited period only.

HORTICET 2026 Application Fee Refund Policy

No. The HORTICET 2026 application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

• Fee is not refunded if the candidate withdraws the application.
• Fee is not refunded if the candidate does not appear for the exam.
• Fee is not refunded if the application is rejected for any reason.

This is clearly stated in the official DRYSRHU notification.

How to Download HORTICET 2026 Confirmation Page

Log in to drysrhu.ap.gov.in using your Application Number and Password. Go to your application dashboard and download the confirmation page or fee payment receipt.

Save a digital copy and take a printout. This document is needed for admit card download, exam hall entry, and counselling verification.

HORTICET 2026 Exam Date

The HORTICET 2026 exam date has not been officially announced as of July 1, 2026.

Exam	Date
HORTICET 2025	August 20, 2025
HORTICET 2026 (expected)	July or August 2026

DRYSRHU will release the admit card a few days before the exam at drysrhu.ap.gov.in.

HORTICET 2026 Application Status

The HORTICET 2026 application form was released on May 21, 2026. The registration window closed on June 15, 2026. The form is no longer available for submission as of July 1, 2026.

The last date to submit the HORTICET 2026 application form was June 15, 2026. No registrations were accepted after this date. Students who missed the window will need to wait for HORTICET 2027.

About HORTICET

HORTICET is conducted by Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh. It is the entrance test for admission to the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme.

A total of 407 seats are available. These include 275 seats at government institutions and 132 seats at affiliated institutions in Andhra Pradesh.

Application Fee

The HORTICET 2026 application fee was ₹1,000 for General and all other categories (BC / OBC / EWS). The fee was ₹500 for SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped (PH) students.

• Payment was accepted online only via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
• The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

Students who have passed SSC (Class 10) or an equivalent exam from CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, or any recognised board can apply. Applicants must be permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh.

Applicants must be between 15 and 22 years of age as of August 31, 2026. Students who have already passed Intermediate (Class 12) or are enrolled in higher studies are not eligible.

HORTICET is open only to permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh as per G.O. (P). No. 646. Students from other states are not eligible, regardless of their academic qualifications.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for the HORTICET 2026 application:

• SSC marks memorandum
• Transfer certificate
• Study / bonafide certificate (Classes 4 to 10)
• Rural area certificate (Form-I, if applicable)
• Caste certificate (for SC / ST / BC)
• Income / EWS certificate (if applicable)
• Physical disability certificate (if applicable)
• NCC / Sports / CAP certificates (if applicable)
• Recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format

Payment and Application Rules

If your payment failed, do not retry immediately. Wait 48 to 72 hours for the auto-refund to process before making a fresh payment attempt.

If the amount was debited but your application was not confirmed, contact DRYSRHU's helpdesk via the official website with your transaction reference number.

Each student must submit only one application form. Multiple applications from the same student are summarily rejected and the fee is not refunded under any circumstances.

Form Correction and Confirmation

As of July 1, 2026, DRYSRHU has not officially announced a form correction window for HORTICET 2026. Students should monitor drysrhu.ap.gov.in for updates.

If a correction window is opened, it will typically allow changes to photo, signature, and possibly category for a limited period only.

To download the confirmation page, log in to drysrhu.ap.gov.in using your Application Number and Password. Go to your application dashboard and download the confirmation page or fee payment receipt.

Save a digital copy and take a printout. This document is needed for admit card download, exam hall entry, and counselling verification.

Fee Refund Policy

The HORTICET 2026 application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. This applies even if you withdraw your application, do not appear for the exam, or if your application is rejected for any reason.

This policy is clearly stated in the official DRYSRHU notification.

Exam Date

The HORTICET 2026 exam date has not been officially announced as of July 1, 2026. Based on the previous year pattern, the 2026 exam is expected in July or August 2026.

HORTICET 2025 was held on August 20, 2025. DRYSRHU will release the admit card a few days before the exam at drysrhu.ap.gov.in.

HORTICET 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Details

HORTICET 2026, the Horticulture Common Entrance Test, is conducted by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Andhra Pradesh. The exam is for admission to the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture programme.

The official 2026 notification confirms the exam structure. It has 200 MCQs, lasts 2 hours, and is worth 200 marks. The exam is offline, in Telugu medium, with no negative marking.

Particulars	Details
Conducting Body	Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Andhra Pradesh
Exam Level	State Level
Mode of Exam	Offline – Pen-and-Paper (OMR)
Total Questions	200
Total Marks	200
Duration	2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Marking Scheme	+1 Mark per Correct Answer; No Negative Marking
Medium	Telugu

Exam Structure and Qualifying Marks

The exam is a 120-minute offline OMR-based test. Each correct answer earns +1 mark. Wrong or unattempted answers get 0 marks.

• The exam is conducted in Telugu medium only, as confirmed in the 2026 notification.
• Questions cover the full 2-year Diploma in Horticulture curriculum of Dr. YSR Horticultural University.
• General and BC category students need a minimum of 25% marks (50 out of 200) to qualify.
• SC/ST students have no minimum qualifying marks.
• The exam is held in a single session at designated centres across Andhra Pradesh.
• The 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from previous years.

Official Website

Direct Link	Resource
Direct Link to HORTICET Official Website 2026	drysrhu.ap.gov.in

HORTICET Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

HORTICET 2026 follows an offline pen-and-paper format using OMR answer sheets. The 2026 official notification from DRYSRHU confirms the structure is unchanged.

There are no separate sections or individual time limits. The full 120 minutes is available to attempt all 200 questions.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	Horticulture Common Entrance Test (HORTICET)
Conducting Authority	Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU)
Exam Mode	Offline – Pen-and-Paper (OMR-Based)
Question Format	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – Single Correct
Total Questions	200
Total Marks	200
Exam Duration	2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Marks per Correct Answer	+1
Negative Marking	None (0 for wrong; 0 for unattempted)
Exam Language / Medium	Telugu
Number of Sections	Single Paper (No Section-Wise Split)
Number of Sessions	Single Session
Qualifying Marks	General / BC: 25% (50/200) | SC/ST: No Minimum
Official Website	drysrhu.ap.gov.in

HORTICET 2026 is a 120-minute single-paper OMR test with 200 MCQs for 200 marks. No negative marking applies to any question in the paper.

HORTICET 2026 Important Dates

The Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU) releases the HORTICET 2026 schedule on its official website at drysrhu.ap.gov.in. The table below lists events in upcoming-first order based on the official notification and previous-year patterns.

Event	Expected Date (2026)
Application Form Release	May 2026 (Over)
Last Date to Submit Application	To Be Announced
Admit Card Release	Expected July 2026
HORTICET 2026 Exam Date	Expected August 2026
Answer Key Release	Expected August 2026 (After Exam)
Result Declaration	Expected September 2026
Counselling	After Result Declaration

Students should check the official website regularly as dates are subject to revision. All exam-related information is notified only through the official DRYSRHU website; no separate paper notifications are issued.

HORTICET 2026 Exam Pattern

The HORTICET 2026 question paper is a single paper with 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The paper draws from the full 2-year Diploma in Horticulture curriculum of Dr. YSR Horticultural University.

All questions carry equal weightage of 1 mark each. The paper has no separate sections with individual time limits — the complete 120 minutes applies to the entire paper.

Paper	Subject Coverage	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks	Duration
Single Paper	All Subjects from 2-Year Diploma in Horticulture Curriculum (DRYSRHU)	200	1	200	120 Minutes
Total	—	200	—	200 Marks	120 Minutes

Each question has four options. Candidates must shade the correct answer bubble on the OMR sheet using a blue or black ballpoint pen.

The official DRYSRHU notification does not prescribe a fixed subject-wise question count for HORTICET 2026. The 200 questions span all subjects from the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme. Refer to the official brochure at drysrhu.ap.gov.in for the latest distribution details.

HORTICET Marking Scheme 2026

The HORTICET 2026 marking scheme rewards accuracy without penalising attempts. Every correct MCQ answer earns +1 mark.

Wrong answers and unattempted questions both receive 0 marks. Since there is no negative marking, candidates should attempt every single question in the paper.

Question Type	Marks for Correct Answer	Marks for Wrong Answer	Marks for Unattempted
MCQ – Single Correct Answer	+1	0	0

There is no negative marking in HORTICET 2026 — attempt all 200 questions to maximise the score.

The minimum qualifying marks are 25% (50 out of 200) for General and BC category students. SC/ST students have no minimum qualifying marks. Merit rank in the final list — not just passing the qualifying threshold — determines college allotment in counselling.

HORTICET Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026

The HORTICET 2026 question paper covers all topics from the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture curriculum of Dr. YSR Horticultural University. The official notification lists 15 subject areas from the diploma programme as the syllabus basis.

The DRYSRHU does not publish a fixed question count per subject. Questions are distributed across the full curriculum.

Fruit Science

Questions cover the cultivation, propagation, and management of commercial fruit crops. Topics include orchard establishment, crop management practices, propagation methods (grafting, budding, layering), irrigation, and commercial varieties grown in Andhra Pradesh.

Topic Area	Key Subtopics
Fruit Crop Cultivation	Orchard management, irrigation, fertilisation, crop regulation
Propagation Methods	Grafting, budding, layering, cutting
Post-Harvest Handling	Grading, packaging, cold storage, ripening

Vegetable Science

This area tests knowledge of vegetable crop production systems, nursery management, and protected cultivation. Topics include seasonal vegetables, hybrid seed production, poly house cultivation, and crop-specific growing requirements.

HORTICET 2026 Syllabus

The HORTICET 2026 syllabus is based on the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture programme of Dr. YSR Horticultural University. The exam covers topics from the full diploma curriculum.

Vegetable Production

This section covers the complete process of vegetable farming. It includes nursery raising, transplanting, crop nutrition, and harvesting.

Protected Cultivation

Questions test knowledge of growing crops under controlled conditions. This includes greenhouse, polyhouse, and shade net structures.

Seed Production

This area covers the steps involved in producing quality seeds. Topics include seed treatment, isolation distance, and seed certification.

Floriculture & Ornamental Horticulture

Questions cover the production of flowers, including cut flowers, loose flowers, and pot plants. Landscaping principles and ornamental plant cultivation are also included.

Specific crops covered are rose, chrysanthemum, marigold, and tuberose. Lawn and garden maintenance is also part of this section.

Plant Pathology & Pest Management

This area includes identification and management of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Entomology topics cover insect pest identification, life cycles, and economic threshold levels.

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for horticultural crops are also tested.

Soil Science & Plant Nutrition

Topics include soil classification, physical and chemical properties, and soil health improvement. Fertiliser application and macro/micro-nutrient functions in plant growth are covered.

Students should understand soil testing, organic manures, and bio-fertilisers.

Plant Physiology, Genetics & Breeding

Questions test understanding of photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, seed germination, and plant hormones. Genetics topics cover Mendel's laws, plant breeding methods, hybridisation, and selection techniques used in horticulture crop improvement.

Post-Harvest Technology

Topics cover harvesting stages and methods, grading and standardisation, and packaging materials. Cold chain management, storage structures, and processing techniques are also included.

Value addition for horticultural produce, quality standards, and food safety basics are covered.

Other Subjects from Diploma Curriculum

The remaining questions come from several other subjects. These include Agricultural Principles, Applied Physical Sciences & Statistics, Commercial Horticulture & Bio-Inputs, and Forestry & Natural Resources.

Entomology & Apiculture, Environmental Sciences, and Extension Education are also part of the syllabus.

HORTICET Question Types 2026

HORTICET 2026 uses only one question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with a single correct answer. Each question presents four options labelled (A), (B), (C), and (D).

Question Type	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Notes
MCQ – Single Correct Answer	200	200	Four options per question; answered on OMR sheet with pen
Numerical / Integer Type	—	—	Not applicable in HORTICET
Multiple Select (MSQ)	—	—	Not applicable in HORTICET
Descriptive / Essay	—	—	Not applicable in HORTICET

All 200 questions in HORTICET 2026 are MCQs with a single correct answer. There are no numerical, MSQ, or descriptive question types in the paper.

Since the exam is OMR-based, use a blue or black ballpoint pen to fill answer bubbles. Do not use a pencil. Shade each bubble completely. If you mark more than one bubble for a question, that response is treated as unattempted.

HORTICET Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year

The official HORTICET 2026 notification from Dr. YSR Horticultural University confirms that the exam structure is unchanged from 2025. The pattern has remained consistent across multiple years.

Parameter	HORTICET 2025	HORTICET 2026
Mode of Exam	Offline (OMR)	Offline (OMR) – No Change
Total Questions	200	200 – No Change
Total Marks	200	200 – No Change
Duration	2 Hours (120 Minutes)	2 Hours (120 Minutes) – No Change
Marks per Correct Answer	+1	+1 – No Change
Negative Marking	None	None – No Change
Medium of Exam	Telugu	Telugu – No Change
Question Type	MCQ Only (Single Correct)	MCQ Only (Single Correct) – No Change
Number of Sections	Single Paper	Single Paper – No Change

The HORTICET 2026 exam pattern is identical to 2025. Students can follow the same preparation strategy and use previous year question papers without any adjustments.

How to Prepare Based on HORTICET Exam Pattern

The HORTICET 2026 pattern gives clear preparation signals. The exam has 200 questions in 120 minutes, which means 36 seconds per question on average. Speed, familiarity, and accurate OMR marking all matter.

1. Attempt all 200 questions. There is no negative marking, so a random attempt is better than leaving a question blank. Use the last 5 minutes to shade any skipped questions on the OMR sheet.
2. Cover the complete 2-year Diploma in Horticulture curriculum. Questions span all 15 subject areas of the DRYSRHU diploma programme. These include Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Soil Science, Plant Physiology, Genetics, Post-harvest Technology, and others. Skipping any subject risks losing marks.
3. Practise OMR sheet filling under time pressure. The exam uses physical OMR sheets and pen, not a computer screen. Regular practice with mock OMR sheets builds speed and reduces errors. A wrongly shaded bubble costs the mark even if the answer is known.
4. Solve HORTICET previous year question papers. The pattern has been stable for multiple years. Past papers give the most accurate idea of question style, difficulty level, and recurring high-weightage topics.
5. Prioritise applied and practical questions. HORTICET tests applied knowledge such as crop management decisions, pest identification, soil test interpretation, and propagation method selection. Revisit practical notes from diploma coursework.
6. Build a score well above the qualifying threshold. The minimum qualifying mark is 50 out of 200 (25%) for General/BC students. College and branch allotment depends on merit rank. Target 120+ marks to be competitive for preferred colleges.
7. Time yourself in mocks at 36 seconds per question. Simulate the full 120-minute test. Flag uncertain questions and return to them after completing the rest. Avoid spending more than 60 seconds on any single question in the first pass.

HORTICET Exam Pattern FAQs

How many questions are asked in HORTICET 2026?

HORTICET 2026 has 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). All 200 questions carry 1 mark each, so the maximum score is 200 marks.

Is there negative marking in HORTICET 2026?

No, there is no negative marking in HORTICET 2026. A wrong answer or an unattempted question earns 0 marks. Candidates should attempt all 200 questions.

What is the duration of the HORTICET 2026 exam?

The HORTICET 2026 exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes). The full paper must be completed within this single session with no sectional time limits.

What mode is HORTICET 2026 conducted in?

HORTICET 2026 is conducted in offline mode. It is a pen-and-paper test using an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) answer sheet. There is no computer-based or online version of this exam.

In which language is HORTICET 2026 conducted?

HORTICET 2026 is conducted in Telugu medium. This is confirmed in the official 2026 notification issued by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU).

What is the marking scheme for HORTICET 2026?

Each correct answer earns +1 mark. Wrong or unattempted answers receive 0 marks. The total paper is for 200 marks. There is no partial marking or negative deduction.

What subjects are covered in the HORTICET 2026 exam?

HORTICET 2026 covers all topics from the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture curriculum of Dr. YSR Horticultural University. Major subject areas include Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Soil Science, Plant Physiology, Genetics & Breeding, Post-harvest Technology, and Extension Education across 15 subject areas.

What are the minimum qualifying marks for HORTICET 2026?

The minimum qualifying marks are 25% (50 out of 200) for General and BC category students. SC/ST students have no minimum qualifying marks and are ranked based on their raw score for counselling seat allotment.

Has the HORTICET exam pattern changed in 2026 compared to 2025?

No, the HORTICET 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from 2025. The official 2026 notification from DRYSRHU confirms the same structure: 200 MCQs, 2-hour duration, +1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking, Telugu medium, and offline OMR mode.

Who conducts HORTICET 2026?

HORTICET 2026 is conducted by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh. All official information is available at drysrhu.ap.gov.in.

What is HORTICET 2026?

HORTICET 2026 is the state-level entrance test for admission to the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture programme. The exam is conducted by Dr. YSR Horticultural University (DRYSRHU), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh.

Admission is offered at university colleges and affiliated institutions under the university. A candidate's rank in the HORTICET merit list determines seat allotment through counselling. All official information is available at drysrhu.ap.gov.in.

Exam Pattern

HORTICET 2026 is an offline, pen-and-paper test using an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) answer sheet. There is no computer-based or online version of this exam.

• Total questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Maximum marks: 200 (1 mark per question)
• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
• Medium: Telugu
• Negative marking: None

The full paper must be completed within a single session. There are no sectional time limits.

Marking Scheme

Each correct answer earns +1 mark. Wrong or unattempted answers receive 0 marks.

• Correct answer: +1 mark
• Wrong answer: 0 marks
• Unattempted question: 0 marks
• Total paper: 200 marks

There is no partial marking or negative deduction of any kind. Candidates should attempt all 200 questions without hesitation.

Syllabus and Subjects

HORTICET 2026 covers all topics from the 2-year Diploma in Horticulture curriculum of Dr. YSR Horticultural University. The exam covers 15 subject areas of the diploma programme.

• Fruit Science
• Vegetable Science
• Floriculture
• Plant Pathology
• Entomology
• Soil Science
• Plant Physiology
• Genetics & Breeding
• Post-harvest Technology
• Extension Education

Qualifying Marks

The minimum qualifying marks for HORTICET 2026 are 25% (50 out of 200) for General and BC category students. SC/ST students have no minimum qualifying marks.

SC/ST candidates are ranked based on their raw score for counselling seat allotment.

Exam Pattern Comparison with 2025

The HORTICET 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from 2025. The official 2026 notification from DRYSRHU confirms the same structure.

• 200 MCQs
• 2-hour duration
• +1 mark per correct answer
• No negative marking
• Telugu medium
• Offline OMR mode

OMR Sheet Instructions

Use a blue or black ballpoint pen to shade the OMR answer bubbles in HORTICET 2026. Do not use a pencil.

Shade each bubble completely and darkly. If more than one bubble is marked for any question, that response is treated as unattempted and scores 0.

HORTICET 2024 Result Overview

HORTICET 2024 result will be announced tentatively on October 05, 2024. The result will be declared on behalf of Dr. Y.S.R. Horticulture University.

The result will be published in the form of a scorecard. Candidates can download the HORTICET 2024 result from the official website, drysrhu.edu.in.

HORTICET 2024 Merit List

Dr. Y.S.R. University will publish the HORTICET 2024 merit list based on the result. The merit list will be displayed on the University's website.

Candidates will be approached for the HORTICET 2024 counselling process based on the merit list and their performance in the test.

The merit list will include the following details:

• HORTICET 2024 rank of the candidate
• Application number of the candidate
• Name of the candidate
• Qualifying percentage scored by the candidate in HORTICET 2024 depending on the candidate's category (Gen/ OBC/ SC/ ST)

Qualifying Marks

Minimum HORTICET 2024 qualifying marks for general category students to be eligible for the counselling process is 25% aggregate, i.e., 50 out of 200.

HORTICET 2024 cut off marks will depend on the number of students appeared and qualified, paper difficulty, and seats available.

According to rules mandated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, 85% of seats are reserved for locals and 15% for unreserved quota.

There is no minimum qualifying marks set for SC/ST/PwD students to appear at HORTICET 2024 counselling process.

Tie Breaking Policy

If two or more candidates secure the same marks in HORTICET 2024, a tie breaking policy will be implemented. The tie will be resolved on the basis of the following:

• The percentage of aggregate marks secured in the qualifying examination, i.e., OGPA (overall grade point average) in Diploma in Horticulture course.
• If the tie still persists, the date of birth of the concerned candidates shall be considered and the elder one shall be given preference.

HORTICET 2024 Result Important Dates

Check the expected dates related to HORTICET 2024 result from the table below:

Events	Date (tentative)
HORTICET 2024 Exam Date	September 24, 2024
HORTICET 2024 Result Announcement	October 05, 2024
HORTICET 2024 Counselling Process Begins	October 11, 2024

How to Check HORTICET 2024 Results

HORTICET 2024 result will be released online. Candidates have to follow the following steps to get their results:

1. Keep the application number, roll number and other login credentials like date of birth handy.
2. Visit the official HORTICET website www.drysrhu.edu.in.
3. Click on the link that mentions HORTICET 2024 results. This will be featured in the announcements section.
4. Enter the login credentials.
5. The candidate will be redirected to a new webpage where the scorecard will be displayed.

Candidates must keep a tab of their result and take a print out of the same for all future HORTICET 2024 processes.

Documents for Counselling

Proof of receipt for payment of HORTICET 2024 registration fee must be brought along with other necessary documents on the day of counselling.

These documents will serve as proof that the candidate appeared and cleared HORTICET 2024 examination and is eligible for the counselling process.

HORTICET 2024 Qualifying Percentage

Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University announces the qualifying percentage for HORTICET. The qualifying percentage varies across different categories.

In the previous year, the qualifying percentage was 25% of the total HORTICET marks for the General Category. There were no minimum qualifying marks for Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Caste (SC), or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category candidates.

The qualifying percentage in 2024 will remain the same for all categories. However, this may vary at the discretion of the exam conducting authority based on the following factors:

• Total number of candidates appearing for the exam
• Average marks obtained by all candidates
• Difficulty level of the HORTICET 2024 paper

HORTICET 2024 Counselling

HORTICET 2024 counselling will be conducted after the qualifying percentage is fixed and the merit list is published on the official Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University website. A total of 47 seats (15% of the seats of B.Sc (Hons) in Horticulture) are available for candidates appearing through HORTICET.

Reservation of seats will be applicable as per the rules of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The 47 seats will be allocated in the ratio of 85% for local candidates, and the remaining 15% will be treated as unreserved quota.

The list of candidates who have qualified for the counselling process will be published on the official Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University website. Candidates are advised to keep checking the website for further details on HORTICET 2024 counselling.

For any queries, candidates can contact the exam conducting authorities at the following address and telephone number:

Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University
Post Box # 7, Venkataramannagudem-534 101
West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
Tel: +91 – 8818 – 284311

List of Enclosures for HORTICET 2024 Counselling Process

Candidates must carry the following documents to the counselling process:

• Date of Birth Certificate
• Attested copies of the marks statement of 10th standard and Diploma in Horticulture Course
• Latest Conduct Certificate issued by the Head of the Institute last attended, stating that the candidate has never been found guilty of misconduct during the study period and has never been fined or punished
• Latest Caste Certificate (in case of SC/ST/BCs) issued by the Mandal Revenue Officer / Tahsildar
• Certificates issued by the concerned authorities of the State for special categories like Physically Disabled persons (Saderam Certificate), NCC, and CAP
• Latest EWS (Reservation for Economically Weaker Section) Certificate (valid for the year 2023-24) issued by the Mandal Revenue Officer / Tahsildar
• Three passport size photographs (pasted on the application form and Hall ticket)
• Proof of receipt for payment of application fee

Application Fee for Counselling

Category	Application Fee
General candidates	Rs. 1200/- (Rupees One thousand two hundred only)
SC/ST/Differently abled candidates	Rs. 600/- (Rupees six hundred only)

HORTICET 2024 Tie Breaking Policy

If two or more candidates secure similar marks in HORTICET 2024, a tie breaking policy will be implemented. The policy is applied in the following order:

1. The percentage of aggregate marks secured in the qualifying examination, i.e., OGPA (overall grade point average) in Diploma in Horticulture course, will be considered.
2. If the tie still persists, the date of birth of the concerned candidates shall be considered, and the elder one shall be given preference.

Documents to Carry on Counselling Day

Candidates must carry the proof of receipt for payment of the HORTICET 2024 registration fee on the day of counselling. These documents will serve as proof that the candidate appeared and cleared the HORTICET 2024 examination and is eligible for the counselling process.