Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test Eligibility Criteria 2026
Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test Eligibility Criteria
HPCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) sets the eligibility criteria for HPCET 2025. The age limit for BPharm is 17 years. Candidates must be Indian residents.
General Eligibility for BTech and BPharm
- Candidates must have passed Class 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering subjects, and Biology.
- General category candidates need a minimum of 45% marks.
- Reserved category candidates get a 5% relaxation, so they need 40% marks.
General Eligibility for MCA, MBA, and MBA (T&HM)
- Candidates must have passed B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Sc / B.Com. / B.A / B. Voc. / BCA with 50% marks.
- SC/ST/BPL category candidates can apply with 45% qualifying marks.
Some seats are reserved for minority or special category candidates. Candidates who believe they qualify for such reservation must check the official website for the complete claim process.
Programme-wise Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for HPCET 2025 vary by programme. Candidates must check the specific requirements for the course they wish to apply for.
| Programme | Minimum Eligibility |
|---|---|
| B. Tech (Direct Entry) | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Board. Physics and Mathematics are compulsory, along with Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Technical Vocational subject. 45% marks (40% for reserved category) in the above subjects taken together. |
| B. Tech (Lateral Entry) | Diploma from an AICTE approved institution with minimum 45% marks (40% for reserved category) in the appropriate branch of Engineering / Technology. B.Sc. Degree from a recognized University with at least 45% marks (40% for reserved category) and passed 10+2 with mathematics. B.Sc. students must clear Engineering Graphics / Engineering Drawing and Engineering Mechanics of the first year Engineering Program along with second year subjects. B.Sc. students are considered only after filling supernumerary seats with Diploma stream students. |
| B.Pharmacy Allopathy (Direct Entry) | Passed or appeared in 10+2 from a recognized Board or University. Physics and Chemistry are compulsory, along with one of Mathematics / Biology. At least 45% marks (40% for reserved category) in these subjects taken together. Student must complete the age of 17 years on or before 31st December of the year of admission. |
| MBA and MBA (T & HM) | Passed Bachelor Degree of minimum 3 years duration. At least 50% marks (45% for reserved category) in the qualifying examination. |
| MCA | Passed any graduation degree (e.g.: B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Sc / B.Com. / B.A / B. Voc. / BCA etc.), preferably with Mathematics at 10+2 level or at Graduation level. At least 50% marks (45% for reserved category) in the qualifying examination. Students without Mathematics background must complete a compulsory bridge course framed by the respective University/Institution, along with additional bridge courses related to computer subjects as per the norms of the concerned University. |
Lateral Entry for Engineering
Candidates can join the second year of some engineering degree programmes directly if they pursued the first year diploma course elsewhere. Candidates with a diploma who wish lateral entry must refer to the list of valid diploma courses for HPCET 2025.
| Diploma course | Corresponding Degree Programme |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Electrical / Electronics and Communications / Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Electrical / Electronics and Communications / Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering / Tool and Die Technology (CTR Ludhiana) | Mechanical Engineering |
| Automobile / Production Engineering | Mechanical / Automobile Engineering |
| Computer / Information Technology / Computer Science and Engineering | Computer Science and Engineering / Information Technology |
| Instrumentation Engineering | Mechanical / Electronics and Communications / Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| Textile Technology / Textile Chemistry / Textile Design / Textile Printing / Knitting Technology | Textile Engineering |
HPCET 2025 Eligibility for Foreign Candidates and NRI
Foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can apply for HPCET 2025. They must check the eligibility criteria of different institutes and ensure they meet them.
NRIs and foreign students do not need to appear for the HPCET 2025 examination. Admission for them will be based on a merit list prepared from the marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
- The minimum eligibility criteria for NRI and foreign students are the same as those for Indian students for each program.
- An applicant is categorized as an NRI if they meet the definition given by the Income Tax Law of India.
- A foreign candidate must hold a valid foreign passport.
- The candidate must also possess a valid visa issued by a competent authority of the Indian Government, stating the reason for stay.
HPCET 2025 Reservation
Some seats are reserved under various quotas for different categories. Candidates must know the reservation scheme before applying.
The first category is the All India Quota (AIQ). Seats under this quota are filled by candidates from any State or Union Territory (UT), including Himachal Pradesh.
The second category is the HP State Quota. These seats are filled by students who hold a valid Himachali Bona Fide.
Seats are also reserved for NRI candidates and foreign nationals. Private institutions have management seats. Supernumerary and lateral entry seats are also available.
| Category | Allotment of seats |
|---|---|
| All India Quota (AIQ) Seats | 15% of total sanctioned seats |
| HP State Quota (HPSQ) Seats | 65% of total sanctioned intake (including one seat under Beti Hai Anmol Scheme of single girl child of Himachali domicile only in each Institution within the sanctioned intake) |
| Seats for Non-Resident Indian(s) | 5% of the total sanctioned intake subject |
| Management Seats in Private Institutions only | 15% of total sanctioned intake in under-graduate courses only |
| Supernumerary Seats | 5% of the sanctioned intake per course, subject to fulfilment of AICTE norms |
| Tuition Fee Waiver Seats | 15% of the sanctioned intake per course in each institution, subject to fulfilment of AICTE norms |
| Foreign National / Persons of Indian Origins (PIO) / Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries | 2 seats in each institution |
| Kashmiri Migrant | 2 seats in each institution |
| Lateral Entry Seats | 20% over and above the sanctioned intake |
HPCET 2025 State Quota Seats
Seats under the Himachal Pradesh State Quota (HPSQ) are divided by vertical and horizontal reservation criteria. These divisions are based on minority categories and other special categories.
The HPSQ has 65% of total sanctioned seats. This includes one seat under the Beti Hai Anmol Scheme for female candidates who are the single child of their parents and hold a valid Himachal Pradesh state domicile.
The detailed breakup of seats under HP State Quota is given below.
| Vertical Reservation Percentage Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | Number of Seats |
| Main | General | 55% |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 22% | |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5% | |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 18% | |
| Horizontal Reservation Percentage Criteria | ||
| Category | Description | Number of Seats |
| Sub-Reserved | Defence / Ward of ex-servicemen | 15% |
| Freedom Fighters | 2% | |
| Physically Challenged | 3% | |
| IRDP/ BPL / Antodya / Orphans | 15% | |
| Sports | 2% | |
| Backward Area | 4% | |
If any seats under these categories remain unfilled, they will be filled in the spot round of counselling under the General Category.