Horticulture Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2026
Horticulture Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.