Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test Overview 2027
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test Overview
IPU CET 2026 Registration Started
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) started the IPU CET 2026 registration on 2 Feb 2026 on the official website ipu.ac.in. Candidates can now apply for the IPU CET 2026.
The exam is usually conducted between February and April 2026, and counselling begins in June 2026. The IPU CET exam dates have not been released yet. This year, the examination is expected to be held in pen and paper mode between April 26 and May 18.
Exam Pattern
IPU CET operates in a computer-based format. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Every right answer gives +4 marks.
- A wrong answer deducts -1 mark.
Admission Changes for B.E./B.Tech
BE/B.Tech admission through IPU CET is being eliminated in general engineering courses. Admission for these courses will depend on JEE Main scores.
IPU CET will then specialise in Biotechnology, Lateral Entry streams, and JEE-not-covered courses.
BBA CET Data
In 2025, around 23,000 candidates took the BBA CET. They competed for approximately 2,000 seats in 44+ IPU-affiliated colleges.
- A score of 350-400 (out of 400) often places you in the top 1-500 rank.
- A score of 250-299 might land you between 1500-3000.
- For central Delhi aspirants, colleges under GGSIPU are known for good faculty, strong academic rigour, and Delhi city exposure.
Programs and Placements
IPU CET is presently conducting more than 155 programs in its University Schools of professional education. Around 90,000 students in India and abroad are enrolled.
Students of this University are getting placements in companies like Adobe, Microsoft, CRED, Google, Cisco, Delhivery, Tejas Networks, Silver Peak Global, Amazon, TCS, Tech Mahindra, IBM Wipro, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Cognizant, etc. in the country and abroad.
Official IPU CET 2025 placements are awaited. NIRF 2025 data shows median packages around ₹8.25 LPA (UG-4 Year) and ₹8.39 LPA (UG-5 Year).
What is IPU CET?
The IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test) is offered by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This includes B.Tech (Biotech/ Lateral Entry), BBA, BCA, B.Ed, LLB variants, and M.Sc/MBA, depending on the year and program.
- Conducted annually for UG and PG admissions across multiple disciplines.
- Exam format and eligibility vary depending on the chosen course.
- Some seats are filled through national-level tests, such as CUET or CLAT, instead of the IPU CET.
- For other programs, IPU now also admits on CUET/CLAT merit or other national tests.
Most students ask if it is worth giving IPU CET. A B.Tech graduate Shubham Sharma has answered via Quora, stating that: "I won't say that you shouldn't but IPU colleges are mainstreamed for B-tech and most of the other courses are an afterthought and hence those courses aren't as popular as the B-tech".
IPU CET 2026 Exam Overview
IPU CET is the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test. It is an annual undergraduate-level exam conducted in pen-and-paper mode.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Level | Undergraduate |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-and-Paper-Based Test |
| Course offered through the exam | UG, PG, BEd and PhD courses |
| Exam Fees | INR 1200 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks for every correct answer. 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer. |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| No. of Test Cities | N/A |
| Official Website | ipu.ac.in |
| Contact Details | Contact No - +91-11-25302170, Email ID - ggsipu.pr@rediffmail.com, pro@ipu.ac.in |
IPU CET 2026 Courses Available
There shall be no CET for admissions to BTech/BA LLB/BBA LLB/LLM & BArch programs. IPU CET 2026 is conducted for B.Tech Biotechnology, Lateral Entry to B.Tech programs for Diploma holders, and Lateral Entry to B.Tech programs for BSc Graduates.
The following are the B.Tech programs for which admission is based on the IPU CET score.
| Name of the courses | CET Codes |
|---|---|
| B.Tech (Bio-Technology) | 130 |
| Lateral Entry to B.Tech programs for Diploma holders (Admissionis to the 2nd year/ 3rd semester of the 4-year degree B.Tech program) | 128 |
| Lateral Entry to B.Tech Programs for BSc Graduates (Admissionis to the 2nd year/ 3rd semester of the 4-year degree B.Tech program) | 129 |
How difficult is the IPU CET entrance exam?
The difficulty of the IPU CET depends on three main variables: the specific program, the candidate’s academic background, and preparation strategy.
According to a Quora user, Raghav Verma, "IPU CET is not at all difficult. Everything depends on your preparation. This CET is so easy that with just a little focus you could you can score good rank."
IPU CET 2026 Important dates
| Tentative 2026 IPU CET Exam Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| 2nd Feb 2026 | Registration start |
| Around Mid-April 2026 | Last date to apply |
| 3rd-4th Week of April, 2026 | Admit card release |
| Last week, April- Mid May 2026 | CET exam date(s) |
| Result: Mid-Late Ma, 2026 Counselling: May-June, 2026 | Result & counselling |
| Last week of Dec 2025-Last week of Jan 2026 (varies by program). | Official notification release |
IPU CET 2026 Registration Details
You will require multiple documents for IPU CET registration. The IPU CET exam does not provide any relaxation to SC/ST or PwD candidates in regards to registration fees.
| Category | Application Fee (per course) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1500 (approx.) |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1500 (no relaxation usually) |
| Foreign / NRI Candidates | As per university norms |
How many Candidates have registered for IPU CET? (2025-2023)
The number of candidates who have registered for the exam has shown a significant increase from about 89,705 in 2023 to approximately 109,468 in 2024. The data for the year 2025 is not yet clearly published or verified.
| Year | Total Applications (for IPU CET BBA) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 89,705 |
| 2024 | 109,468 |
| 2025 | Data not clearly published/verified yet |
IPU CET Exam Pattern Trends (2025-2020)
From the year 2020 to 2025, the IPU CET exam has maintained a consistent MCQ format with course-dependent durations (150-180 minutes) along with 100-150 questions.
- The +4/–1 marking scheme and sectional patterns have been constant.
- There are no major structural changes over these years.
IPU CET Exam Pattern (Year-wise)
The IPU CET exam pattern is mostly offline with OMR sheets, and the duration is usually 150 to 180 minutes depending on the course. The total questions range from 100 to 150, and the marking scheme is +4 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers, and 0 for no attempt.
| Year | Mode & Duration | Total Questions / Marks | Marking Scheme | Sectional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (reported) | Mostly offline / OMR (CBT or pen-paper varies by course). Duration commonly 150-180 min. | 100-150 questions (varies by course); total marks vary accordingly. | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for no attempt. | Pattern is sectional (English, Logical/Reasoning, GA, subject-specific aptitude). B.Tech uses PCM/Bio weightage. |
| 2024 | Offline/OMR for many UG CETs; time 150-180 min (course dependent). | 100-150 questions reported; sectional weightages highlighted. | +4 / -1 commonly reported. | No major structural change vs 2023; still MCQ-based and sectional. |
| 2023 | Pen-paper / CBT, depending on the program. | Previous year papers (BBA/BCA) show 100-150 MCQs. | +4 / -1 reported in historical exam docs. | Sectional pattern like English / Reasoning / GA / Subject; no major pattern overhaul. |
| 2022 | MCQ format, time 150 minutes (varied by course). | Around 100 questions; some courses use 150 questions. | +4 / -1 marking scheme noted. | Section weightage and syllabus defined course-wise. |
| 2021 | MCQ format, pen-paper/CBT variations. | Same broad structure (100 Qs / 150 Qs depending on course). | +4 / -1 widely used. | No large structural changes reported publicly. |
| 2020 | MCQ-based CETs; pattern comparable to later years. | Same broad structure; use previous years' papers for practice. | +4 / -1 commonly mentioned. | Course-wise differences remain the norm. |
IPU CET Exam Syllabus
The IPU CET syllabus has remained unchanged in 2026. The syllabus varies by course.
- BBA focuses on English comprehension, mathematics, reasoning, and GK.
- BCA covers computer awareness and advanced maths.
- B.Tech covers subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and Biotechnology fundamentals, which generally align with the Class 12 science syllabus.
IPU CET 2 Month Study Plan
A 2-month study plan for IPU CET has been prepared from the reactions of students who have already cleared the exam. The plan is divided into weekly focus areas with a daily routine.
| Week | Focus Areas | Daily Routine | Pro Tip (from Reddit Threads) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Syllabus Coverage (English, Math, GK) | 2 hrs theory + 1 hr practice; revise notes nightly | "Start with boards if HSC/CBSE; CET is doable in 2-3 months if focused." |
| 5-8 | Reasoning & PYQs | 1.5 hrs mocks + error log; group study for doubts | "Solve 2018-2024 papers; no official site has them, check Telegram groups." |
| 9-10 | Weak Areas & Full Mocks | 3 hrs timed tests; analyse accuracy | "Rate speed/accuracy weekly; join test series for video solutions." |
| 11-12 | Revision Only | 1 hr per section; flashcards for GK | "No new topics—revise concise notes; stay healthy, sleep 7 hrs." |
| Final Days | High-Yield Topics | Light reading + relaxation | "Avoid cramming; relate concepts to real life for retention." |
Common Challenges and Solutions for IPU CET
Students face two main challenges while preparing for IPU CET.
- Students usually struggle with the Quant section for BBA and BCA.
- They find it hard to find PYQs related to the test.
Common Challenges Faced by IPU CET Aspirants
Students preparing for IPU CET face several common challenges. The table below lists these challenges, their descriptions, and solutions shared by students.
| Challenge | Description | Student Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Maths Background | Struggling with Quant for BCA/BBA | "Practice RD Sharma basics; 3 hrs coding/math daily, internships help more than IPU tag." – Commerce student |
| Lack of PYQs | The official site has none; hard to find | "Search Telegram/Reddit for shared papers; focus on CLAT-style questions." – BBA aspirant |
| Time Management | Balancing boards + CET | "Finish boards in 2 months, then 2-3 months CET; prioritise English/GK for quick wins." – HSC board student |
| Motivation Dip | Feeling overwhelmed by infra/quality concerns | "Aim for VIPS (best IPU college); DU tag isn't everything—focus on skills." – Senior advice |
| Exam Anxiety | Silly mistakes in mocks | "Read questions twice; no wild guessing with negative marking; bubble OMR as you go." |
Top 5 Preparation Tips from IPU CET Aspirants
Here are five preparation tips shared by IPU CET aspirants. Each tip includes the reason it works and a direct quote from a student.
| Description | Why It Works | Student Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Make Short Notes Daily | Aids quick revision; captures formulas/key facts | "Notes from lectures/books—revisit eve of exam; cut down content each revision." |
| Practice PYQs & Mocks Religiously | Builds pattern familiarity; tracks accuracy | "Do 5-yr PYQs; test series with explanations boosted my rank." |
| Focus on High-Yield Sections | English/GK easier; Math/Reasoning with practice | "CLAT prep helped RC/Reasoning; ignore low-weight topics last week." |
| Join Online Communities | Doubt-clearing; shared resources | "Reddit/Telegram for tips; seniors guide on VIPS vs. others." |
| Stay Consistent & Healthy | Avoid burnout; daily 2-3 hrs suffices | "3 hrs study + exercise; no affairs, just focus—CET isn't end-all." |
Best Books for IPU CET 2026
Books are the best option for self-preparation for IPU CET. The lists below cover recommended books for B.Tech, BBA, and MBA courses.
Best Books for IPU CET B.Tech
| Subject | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Concepts of Physics (Vol. 1 & 2) | H.C. Verma |
| Physics | Objective Physics | D.C. Pandey |
| Physics | Fundamentals of Physics | Resnick, Halliday, and Walker |
| Physics | NCERT Physics (Class 11 & 12) | NCERT |
| Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | P. Bahadur |
| Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | Morrison and Boyd |
| Chemistry | Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee |
| Chemistry | NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 & 12) | NCERT |
IPU CET BBA Books
| Section | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| English Language | High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) |
| Logical Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Logical Reasoning | Logical and Analytical Reasoning | A.K. Gupta |
| Logical Reasoning | How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| General Awareness | Manorama Year Book | Mammen Mathew |
| General Awareness | General Knowledge | Lucent’s Publications |
| General Awareness | Business General Knowledge | Arihant Experts |
| Management Aptitude | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Management Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
Recommended Books for IPU CET Preparation
These are the books suggested for preparing for the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET). The list is divided by the sections of the exam.
Quantitative Aptitude
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations – R.S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Techniques – N.K. Nag
English Language
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar and Composition – Wren & Martin
- Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
Logical Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT – Nishit K. Sinha
General Awareness
- Manorama Year Book – Mammen Mathew
- General Knowledge – Lucent’s Publications
- Current Affairs Magazine – Pratiyogita Darpan