Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test Overview 2027
Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test Overview
What is UPCET 2026?
UPCET 2026 stands for Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test. It is the common admission route for engineering, pharmacy, architecture, management and computer application courses in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier, it was a state-level entrance exam known as UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination) and was conducted by AKTU, and later by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in 2021.
The UPCET written exam has been scrapped. AKTU stopped conducting its own engineering entrance test after 2021. From 2022 onwards, B.Tech admissions in AKTU-affiliated colleges are done on the basis of JEE Main scores. So for UPCET 2026, there is no separate written exam for B.Tech. Only a valid JEE Main 2026 rank is needed.
The admission process is managed through UPTAC, which stands for Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling. AKTU conducts UPTAC counselling every year. More than 800 colleges take part, and over 87,000 B.Tech seats are filled through this process.
For courses other than B.Tech, AKTU uses other national exams. B.Pharm admissions use Class 12 marks and merit, MCA and MBA admissions use CUET PG or NIMCET scores, and B.Arch admissions use NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 scores. UPCET 2026 is best understood as an admission and counselling process, not a single written test.
UPCET 2026 Highlights
Here is a quick summary of the most important UPCET 2026 details. This table gives the conducting body, qualifying exam, counselling name and mode at a glance.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPCET 2026 (Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test) |
| Former Name | UPSEE (UP State Entrance Examination) |
| Conducting Body | Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow |
| Counselling Name | UPTAC (Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling) |
| Qualifying Exam for B.Tech | JEE Main 2026 |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Arch, MCA, MBA, M.Tech and more |
| B.Tech Seats | More than 87,000 seats |
| Participating Colleges | 800+ AKTU-affiliated colleges |
| Counselling Mode | Online (choice filling and seat allotment) |
| Registration Fee | INR 1,000 (all categories) |
| Official Website | uptac.samarth.edu.in |
UPCET 2026 Important Dates
The latest update is that UPTAC 2026 Round 1 registration, fee payment and document upload are open from 25 May to 15 June 2026 on uptac.samarth.edu.in. Choice filling starts on 22 June 2026.
- UPTAC Counselling Registration: Registration is open now and will close on 15 June 2026. A valid JEE Main 2026 rank is required to register, and the fee is INR 1,000 for all categories.
- Choice Filling: Online choice filling and locking for Round 1 will run from 22 to 25 June 2026. UPTAC allows unlimited college-branch choices.
- Round 1 Seat Allotment: The first seat allotment result is expected on 27 June 2026. Last year too, the first allotment came within a week of choice locking.
UPCET 2026 Important Dates
The UPCET 2026 admission timeline follows the UPTAC counselling schedule. AKTU has released the tentative schedule for B.Tech admissions. The registration window is currently open.
The table below lists the key UPTAC 2026 dates. Upcoming events are listed first, followed by events that are already over.
| Event | Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| UPTAC Round 1 Registration, Fee Payment and Document Upload | 25 May - 15 June 2026 (Open) |
| Document Verification | 28 May - 20 June 2026 |
| Round 1 Choice Filling and Locking | 22 June - 25 June 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | 27 June 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Confirmation Fee Payment | 27 June - 29 June 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | 3 July 2026 |
| Round 3 Seat Allotment | 9 July 2026 |
| Round 4 Seat Allotment | 11 July 2026 |
| Physical Reporting and Internal Sliding | 14 July - 16 July 2026 |
| Internal Sliding Seat Allotment | 18 July 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam | January 2026 (Over) |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam | April 2026 (Over) |
| JEE Main 2026 Result Declaration | April 2026 (Over) |
UPTAC registration will not be allowed in later rounds. If the 15 June 2026 deadline is missed, joining the B.Tech counselling in Round 2, 3 or 4 is not possible.
Source: uptac.samarth.edu.in
UPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Check the UPCET eligibility criteria carefully before registering for UPTAC 2026. The rules are different for each course. For B.Tech, the main requirement is a valid JEE Main 2026 score along with the right subjects in Class 12.
Here are the basic UPCET 2026 eligibility points for B.Tech admission:
- Qualifying Exam: Passed 10+2 from a recognised board like UP Board, CBSE or ICSE.
- Subjects: Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a technical vocational subject.
- Minimum Marks: At least 45% marks in the required subjects. For SC and ST candidates, the limit is 40%.
- Entrance Exam: A valid JEE Main 2026 rank is needed for B.Tech admission through UPTAC.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit for B.Tech admission through UPTAC 2026.
- Domicile: Both UP and non-UP candidates can apply, but seat reservation benefits are mainly for UP domicile candidates.
For other courses, the eligibility changes. B.Pharm needs Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics in Class 12. MCA needs a Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics. MBA needs a Bachelor’s degree in any stream. Read the official UPTAC information brochure for the exact rules of the course.
UPTAC 2026 Counselling Process
UPTAC 2026 counselling is the core of the UPCET admission process. Since the written exam is no longer held, this counselling is how a seat is obtained. Registration is live now.
UPTAC 2026 counselling is fully online till the reporting stage. Registration, choice filling and seat allotment are completed from home. The college needs to be visited only for physical reporting after a seat is confirmed.
The UPTAC 2026 counselling has five main rounds and two special rounds. The steps in each round are simple and repeat in the same order:
- Registration: Sign up on uptac.samarth.edu.in using JEE Main 2026 details. Pay the registration fee of INR 1,000.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned documents like marksheets, JEE Main scorecard and category certificate.
- Document Verification: A central committee checks documents online. Every file should be clear to avoid rejection.
- Choice Filling and Locking: Select preferred colleges and branches. Add as many choices as needed, then lock them.
- Seat Allotment: The system allots a seat based on JEE Main rank, choices and seat availability.
- Seat Confirmation: Pay the seat confirmation fee and choose to freeze, float or withdraw.
- Reporting: Report physically to the allotted college with all original documents.
Round 1 registration and document upload are open from 25 May to 15 June 2026. Document verification runs from 28 May to 20 June 2026. Choice filling for Round 1 starts on 22 June 2026 and the first seat allotment is expected on 27 June 2026.
UPTAC counselling is conducted only for AKTU-affiliated colleges. Some state universities like HBTU Kanpur and MMMUT Gorakhpur run their own separate counselling and do not take part in UPTAC.
UPCET 2026 Registration and Application Process
Registration for UPTAC 2026 is done online. The official website is uptac.samarth.edu.in. The registration fee is INR 1,000.
The application process involves signing up with JEE Main 2026 details, paying the fee, and uploading scanned documents. Document verification follows registration. Choice filling and locking for Round 1 begins on 22 June 2026.
UPCET 2026 Registration Process
UPCET 2026 registration is done through the UPTAC portal. Keep documents and JEE Main details ready before starting. The registration deadline is 15 June 2026.
Follow these steps to register for UPTAC 2026:
- Step 1: Visit the official website uptac.samarth.edu.in and click the new registration link.
- Step 2: Enter the JEE Main 2026 application number, roll number and other basic details.
- Step 3: Create a login by setting a password and adding a mobile number and email.
- Step 4: Fill the application form with personal, academic and category details.
- Step 5: Upload a photo, signature and required documents in the correct format.
- Step 6: Pay the registration fee of INR 1,000 through online mode.
- Step 7: Submit the form and download a copy for records.
Fill the form carefully because wrong details can lead to document rejection. After document verification, a candidate becomes eligible for choice filling in Round 1.
UPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
There is no separate UPCET 2026 exam pattern for B.Tech because the written exam is no longer held. Selection is based fully on the JEE Main 2026 score and rank.
The JEE Main pattern decides eligibility for B.Tech counselling. Here is how JEE Main 2026 is structured for engineering aspirants:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Total Questions | 75 questions (25 per subject) |
| Question Type | MCQs and numerical value questions |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong answer |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
The old UPSEE exam was also a Computer-Based Test with multiple choice questions in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. For 2026, only JEE Main matters.
UPCET 2026 Syllabus
Since UPCET 2026 admission depends on JEE Main, the syllabus to prepare is the JEE Main syllabus. It is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 books for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
The main topics for each subject are listed below:
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics and Waves.
- Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Equilibrium and Coordination Compounds.
- Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, Probability and Statistics.
Give equal time to all three subjects. Most questions follow the NCERT pattern, so a strong base in NCERT helps. Solving previous year JEE Main papers is the best way to understand the level of questions.
UPTAC 2026 Seat Allotment and Rounds
UPTAC 2026 seat allotment is based on the JEE Main rank, locked choices and seats available in each college. The process runs across five rounds and two special rounds.
Here is the round-wise UPTAC 2026 schedule. Upcoming rounds are shown first.
| Round | Choice Filling / Process | Seat Allotment |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 22 June - 25 June 2026 | 27 June 2026 |
| Round 2 | 30 June - 1 July 2026 | 3 July 2026 |
| Round 3 | 6 July - 7 July 2026 | 9 July 2026 |
| Round 4 | 11 July 2026 (auto-freeze) | 11 July 2026 |
| Physical Reporting and Internal Sliding | 14 July - 16 July 2026 | 18 July 2026 |
After each allotment, a candidate can choose to freeze, float or withdraw. Freezing accepts the seat. Floating keeps the seat but tries for a better one in the next round. After Round 4, AKTU conducts an internal sliding round for candidates who have reported physically. Special rounds are held later to fill vacant seats.
UPCET 2026 Cutoff
The UPCET 2026 cutoff is the closing rank at which admission is offered in a particular college and branch. It is released after every UPTAC round in the form of opening and closing ranks. The cutoff depends on the JEE Main rank, the popularity of the branch and the number of seats.
Top colleges like IET Lucknow close at much lower ranks for Computer Science. Newer or less popular colleges close at higher ranks. The cutoff usually goes up in later rounds as more seats get filled.
Here is a rough idea of the expected closing ranks for popular branches, based on previous year trends:
Expected Closing Ranks for UPCET 2026
The expected closing ranks for Computer Science in top colleges are listed below. These are only estimates for the General category.
| College | Branch | Expected Closing Rank (General) |
|---|---|---|
| IET Lucknow | Computer Science | Within 10,000 |
| KNIT Sultanpur | Computer Science | Within 25,000 |
| BIET Jhansi | Computer Science | Within 40,000 |
| AKGEC Ghaziabad | Computer Science | Within 60,000 |
| Other AKTU Colleges | Core Branches | Higher ranks accepted |
Treat these numbers as a guide only. The official UPCET 2026 cutoff will be published on the official portal after each round of seat allotment.
Documents Required for UPTAC 2026
Keep all documents ready before registering for UPTAC 2026. Document verification is done online, so files must be clear and valid. Any wrong or unclear file can lead to rejection.
The list of documents needed for UPTAC 2026 counselling is:
- JEE Main 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard: Needed to prove rank and eligibility.
- Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate: Used for date of birth proof.
- Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate: Used for academic eligibility.
- Domicile Certificate: Required for UP state quota benefits.
- Category Certificate: For SC, ST, OBC or EWS candidates.
- Income Certificate: Needed for fee benefits and EWS claims.
- Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID or passport.
- Passport Size Photo and Signature: In the correct size and format.
Carry original documents along with photocopies at the time of physical reporting. The college will check originals before confirming admission.
UPCET 2026 Counselling Fees
UPCET 2026 counselling has two main fees. The registration fee is paid while signing up. The seat confirmation fee is paid only after a seat is allotted.
The fee details for UPTAC 2026 are given below:
| Fee Type | General / OBC | SC / ST |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | INR 1,000 | INR 1,000 |
| Seat Confirmation Fee | INR 20,000 | INR 12,000 |
The registration fee of INR 1,000 is non-refundable. It will not be returned even if choices are not filled or a seat is not obtained. The seat confirmation fee is adjusted later against the college fee, and it is refundable if withdrawal happens in the allowed rounds.
Pay the seat confirmation fee within the given window after allotment. Missing the window will result in the allotted seat being cancelled.
Top Colleges Accepting UPCET Score
More than 800 colleges accept admission through UPCET 2026 counselling. These include government colleges, constituent institutes of AKTU and many private engineering colleges. The best colleges fill up fast, so a good JEE Main rank helps in getting a top branch.
Some top colleges that take part in UPTAC 2026 counselling are listed below:
| College | Location |
|---|---|
| Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) | Lucknow |
| Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology (BIET) | Jhansi |
| Kamla Nehru Institute of Technology (KNIT) | Sultanpur |
| Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College (AKGEC) | Ghaziabad |
| JSS Academy of Technical Education | Noida |
| Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology | Kanpur |
HBTU Kanpur and MMMUT Gorakhpur are also top engineering institutes in Uttar Pradesh. They conduct their own counselling and do not come under UPTAC. Separate applications are needed for a seat there.
UPCET 2026 Preparation Tips
UPCET 2026 admission depends on JEE Main, so preparation should focus on scoring well in JEE Main. A better JEE Main rank gives a better college and branch in UPTAC counselling. Here are some simple tips.
- Stick to NCERT: Most JEE Main questions are based on NCERT. Read Class 11 and 12 books fully before moving to other material.
- Solve Previous Papers: Practising past JEE Main papers helps understand the question pattern and manage time.
- Take Mock Tests: Give regular mock tests to build speed and accuracy. Review mistakes after each test.
- Make a Timetable: Divide the day between Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Give extra time to weak topics.
- Revise Regularly: Keep short notes for formulas and key points. Revise them often to avoid forgetting.
For the counselling stage, prepare documents early and research the colleges. Fill as many choices as possible during choice filling. This increases the chance of getting a seat in a preferred college.
FAQs
UPCET 2026 Exam Status
The UPCET written exam is not being held in 2026. The exam was discontinued after 2021.
B.Tech admissions are now done on the basis of JEE Main 2026 scores through UPTAC counselling.
What is UPTAC 2026 Counselling
UPTAC stands for Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling. It is the official counselling process conducted by AKTU for admission to B.Tech and other courses in AKTU-affiliated colleges.
The registration is open now till 15 June 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPTAC 2026 Round 1 registration, fee payment and document upload close | 15 June 2026 |
| Choice filling for Round 1 | 22 to 25 June 2026 |
| Round 1 seat allotment result | 27 June 2026 (expected) |
Registration will not be allowed in later rounds. Apply early.
Which Exam is Needed
A valid JEE Main 2026 rank is required for B.Tech admission through UPCET counselling. There is no separate state entrance exam anymore.
Application Fee
The UPTAC 2026 registration fee is INR 1,000 for all categories. This fee is non-refundable even if a seat is not obtained.
Number of Seats
There are more than 87,000 B.Tech seats available across 800+ AKTU-affiliated colleges through UPTAC 2026 counselling.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, plus one more subject.
- At least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST)
- A valid JEE Main 2026 rank
Institutions Not Under UPTAC
HBTU Kanpur and MMMUT Gorakhpur conduct their own separate counselling. They do not take part in UPTAC.
Candidates must apply to them directly.
Documents Required
The following documents are needed for UPTAC 2026 counselling:
- JEE Main scorecard and admit card
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets
- Domicile certificate
- Category certificate
- Income certificate
- Photo ID
- Passport size photo and signature
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for B.Tech admission through UPCET 2026 counselling. Only the academic and JEE Main rank requirements need to be met.
UPCET 2026 Exam Status
The UPCET written exam is not being held in 2026. The exam was discontinued after 2021. B.Tech admissions are now done on the basis of JEE Main 2026 scores through UPTAC counselling.
What is UPTAC 2026 Counselling?
UPTAC stands for Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling. It is the official counselling process conducted by AKTU for admission to B.Tech and other courses in AKTU-affiliated colleges. The registration is open now till 15 June 2026.
Important Dates for UPTAC 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 registration, fee payment and document upload close | 15 June 2026 |
| Round 1 choice filling | 22 to 25 June 2026 |
| Round 1 seat allotment result | Expected on 27 June 2026 |
Registration will not be allowed in later rounds. You should apply early.
Which Exam is Needed for B.Tech Admission?
You need a valid JEE Main 2026 rank for B.Tech admission through UPCET counselling. There is no separate state entrance exam anymore.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, plus one more subject. You need at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) and a valid JEE Main 2026 rank.
There is no upper age limit for B.Tech admission through UPCET 2026 counselling. You only need to meet the academic and JEE Main rank requirements.
Application Fee
The UPTAC 2026 registration fee is INR 1,000 for all categories. This fee is non-refundable even if you do not get a seat.
Number of Seats
There are more than 87,000 B.Tech seats available across 800+ AKTU-affiliated colleges through UPTAC 2026 counselling.
Participating Institutes
HBTU Kanpur and MMMUT Gorakhpur conduct their own separate counselling. They do not take part in UPTAC, so you must apply to them directly.
Documents Required for Counselling
- JEE Main scorecard and admit card
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets
- Domicile certificate
- Category certificate
- Income certificate
- Photo ID
- Passport size photo and signature