Allahabad University Post Graduate Admission Test Exam Pattern 2026
Allahabad University Post Graduate Admission Test Exam Pattern
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Overview
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 (Post Graduate Admission Test) is conducted by the University of Allahabad for admission to postgraduate programmes across arts, science, commerce, law, and professional streams. The exam consists of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for a total of 300 marks and must be completed in 3 hours (180 minutes).
PGAT-I is available in both online (Computer-Based Test) and offline (OMR) modes. PGAT-II is conducted online only. The exam is scheduled for June 15–18, 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | University of Allahabad |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) and Offline (OMR) for PGAT-I; Online (CBT) for PGAT-II and LLB |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) for PGAT-I and PGAT-II; 2 hours (120 minutes) for LLB |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only |
| Negative Marking | -0.5 marks per wrong answer (No negative marking for LLB) |
| Medium | English; Bilingual (Hindi and English) for LLB Part I |
| Sections | 2 (Section A: General Studies + Section B: Subject-Specific); 3 parts for LLB |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 33% (99 marks out of 300) |
| Exam Dates | June 15–18, 2026 |
| Official Website | allduniv.ac.in |
Exam Structure and Marking Scheme
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 is a 3-hour test with 150 questions for 300 marks — each question carries 2 marks. The paper has 2 sections: Section A (General Studies — 50 questions, 100 marks) and Section B (Subject-Specific — 100 questions, 200 marks).
- Correct answer earns +2 marks; a wrong answer deducts 0.5 mark in PGAT-I and PGAT-II.
- The LLB programme has a separate 2-hour exam with 3 parts and no negative marking — attempt all questions.
- PGAT-I is available in both online (CBT) and offline (OMR) modes; PGAT-II is online only.
- Section B carries 200 out of 300 marks — strong subject knowledge is your primary score driver.
- The PGAT 2026 exam is scheduled for June 15–18, 2026; the admit card is expected to be released shortly before the exam.
Programme-Wise Exam Details
PGAT-I covers conventional PG programmes (MA, M.Sc, M.Com). PGAT-II covers professional programmes (MBA, B.Ed, M.P.Ed, MFA, Mass Communication). The LLB programme uses a separate three-part structure with a different duration and no negative marking.
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 is a fully objective (MCQ-based) test — no descriptive or subjective questions appear in any programme’s paper. The exam covers general studies knowledge in Section A and programme-specific subject knowledge in Section B.
Official Link
| Direct Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Allahabad University PG Admission 2026-27 Official Page | allduniv.ac.in — PG Admission 2026-27 |
Allahabad University PGAT 2026: Exam Pattern at a Glance
The Allahabad University Post Graduate Admission Test (PGAT) 2026 has three different exam patterns. The pattern depends on the programme you are applying for.
There are two main tests: PGAT-I for conventional postgraduate courses and PGAT-II for professional courses. The LLB programme has a separate, shorter exam.
| Parameter | PGAT-I (Conventional PG) | PGAT-II (Professional PG) | LLB Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programmes Covered | MA, M.Sc, M.Com and allied courses | MBA, B.Ed, M.Ed, M.P.Ed, MFA, Mass Communication | LLB (3-Year), LLM |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) and Offline (OMR) | Online (CBT) only | Online (CBT) only |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) | 3 hours (180 minutes) | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| Sections / Parts | 2 (Section A + Section B) | 2 (Section A + Section B) | 3 (Part I + Part II + Part III) |
| Question Type | MCQ (Single Correct) | MCQ (Single Correct) | MCQ (Single Correct) |
| Marks per Question | +2 | +2 | +2 |
| Negative Marking | -0.5 per wrong answer | -0.5 per wrong answer | None |
| Medium | English | English | Bilingual (Hindi + English for Part I); English for Parts II and III |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 33% | 33% | 33% |
Allahabad University PGAT 2026: Important Dates
The PGAT 2026 exam is scheduled for June 15–18, 2026. Candidates should confirm their admit card and exam centre details from the official portal without delay.
Upcoming events are listed first below, followed by completed milestones.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card Release | To be announced (expected before June 15) | Expected soon |
| PGAT 2026 Exam | June 15–18, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Answer Key Release | To be announced | After exam |
| Objection Filing Window | To be announced | After answer key |
| Result Declaration | To be announced | After exam |
| Online Registration Start | May 5, 2026 | (Over) |
| Application and Fee Payment Deadline (Extended) | May 28, 2026 | (Over) |
Source: University of Allahabad — PG Admission 2026-27
Allahabad University PGAT 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
The Allahabad University PGAT 2026 paper follows a two-section structure for PGAT-I and PGAT-II. Section A (General Studies) is compulsory for all students and is identical across all programme types, while Section B is entirely subject-specific and varies based on the postgraduate programme you are applying to.
The LLB programme follows a distinct three-part paper of shorter duration.
PGAT-I and PGAT-II: Section-Wise Pattern
| Section | Area | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | General Studies (Compulsory — all students) | 50 | 2 | 100 | — |
| Section B | Subject-Specific (Programme-based) | 100 | 2 | 200 | — |
| Total | — | 150 | — | 300 marks | 180 minutes |
Note: Both sections are compulsory — there is no internal choice. You must attempt all 150 questions. No per-section time limit applies; you manage the full 180 minutes across both sections.
LLB Programme: Part-Wise Pattern
| Part | Area | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Language Comprehension (Hindi: 25 + English: 25) | 50 | 2 | 100 | — |
| Part II | General Awareness and Current Affairs | 50 | 2 | 100 | — |
| Part III | Reasoning, Mental Ability and Legal Aptitude | 50 | 2 | 100 | — |
| Total | — | 150 | — | 300 marks | 120 minutes |
Note: The LLB exam has no negative marking — you should attempt all 150 questions without fear of penalty for wrong answers.
Allahabad University PGAT Marking Scheme 2026
Each correct answer in the PGAT 2026 exam carries +2 marks. The total marks for the paper are 300.
For PGAT-I and PGAT-II, a wrong answer leads to a deduction of 0.5 marks. There is no negative marking in the LLB programme.
The minimum qualifying marks for all three exams are 33%.
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 Marking Scheme
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 applies a differential marking scheme based on the programme type. Candidates appearing for PGAT-I (conventional PG) and PGAT-II (professional PG) lose 0.5 marks for every wrong MCQ response. LLB aspirants face no such deduction.
Negative marking of 0.5 marks applies to all MCQs in PGAT-I and PGAT-II. Avoid random guessing when you are unsure.
| Programme Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ — PGAT-I (Conventional PG: MA, M.Sc, M.Com) | +2 | -0.5 | 0 |
| MCQ — PGAT-II (Professional PG: MBA, B.Ed, M.P.Ed, MFA) | +2 | -0.5 | 0 |
| MCQ — LLB Programme (3-Year LLB, LLM) | +2 | 0 (No negative marking) | 0 |
There is no negative marking for the LLB programme. Attempt all 150 questions to maximise your score.
You need a minimum of 33% marks (99 out of 300) to qualify in Allahabad University PGAT 2026. This makes you eligible for the merit list.
Allahabad University PGAT Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
Section A of PGAT 2026 tests general knowledge and aptitude. It is common across all programmes. Section B is entirely programme-specific — the subjects you answer depend on the postgraduate programme you are applying for. You do not mix subjects from different streams in Section B.
Section A: General Studies Topics (Common for All — 50 Questions, 100 Marks)
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | National and international events, recent developments |
| Indian History, Polity and Economy | Historical events, constitutional provisions, economic concepts and policies |
| Indian and World Geography | Physical, political, and economic geography |
| General Science and Environmental Studies | Basic science concepts, ecology, and environmental awareness |
| Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, puzzles, series, analogies |
| Numerical Aptitude and Data Interpretation | Arithmetic, percentage, ratio, tables, charts, and graphs |
| English Language and Comprehension | Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, error detection |
Section B: Arts Stream (100 Questions, 200 Marks)
| Subject | Programme | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | MA Hindi | 100 | 200 |
| English | MA English | 100 | 200 |
| Sanskrit | MA Sanskrit | 100 | 200 |
| History | MA History | 100 | 200 |
| Political Science | MA Political Science | 100 | 200 |
| Sociology / Psychology / Philosophy / Geography | MA in respective disciplines | 100 | 200 |
Section B: Science Stream (100 Questions, 200 Marks)
| Subject | Programme | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | M.Sc Physics | 100 | 200 |
| Chemistry | M.Sc Chemistry | 100 | 200 |
| Mathematics | M.Sc Mathematics | 100 | 200 |
| Statistics | M.Sc Statistics | 100 | 200 |
| Botany / Zoology / Biochemistry | M.Sc in respective life science disciplines | 100 | 200 |
| Computer Science | M.Sc Computer Science / MCA | 100 | 200 |
Section B: Commerce Stream (100 Questions, 200 Marks)
| Subject Area | Topics Covered | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce and Management | Accounting, Business Statistics, Economics, Management, Banking and Finance | 100 | 200 |
LLB Programme: Part-Wise Subject Distribution (150 Questions, 300 Marks)
| Part | Subject / Area | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Language Comprehension (Hindi: 25 questions + English: 25 questions) | 50 | 100 |
| Part II | General Awareness and Current Affairs | 50 | 100 |
| Part III | Reasoning, Mental Ability and Legal Aptitude | 50 | 100 |
Allahabad University PGAT Question Types 2026
The exam uses multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across all sections. Each question carries equal weight in the total marks calculation.
Question Format in Allahabad University PGAT 2026
All questions in Allahabad University PGAT 2026 are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four answer options. You must select the single correct option for each question.
There are no multi-select, numerical, descriptive, or assertion-reason questions in any PGAT paper.
| Question Type | Description | Sections Applicable | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ — Single Correct | Four options; one correct answer per question | All sections across PGAT-I, PGAT-II, and LLB | -0.5 (PGAT-I and PGAT-II); None (LLB) |
- All 150 questions follow the MCQ format — there are no descriptive, numerical, or passage-based multi-question sets.
- Each question offers 4 options with exactly 1 correct answer.
- In CBT mode, you can use the on-screen question palette to flag questions for review and return to them before final submission.
- In OMR mode (available for PGAT-I), darken the correct bubble carefully — overwriting or double-marking can cause scanning errors and loss of marks.
- No optional questions exist — all 150 questions from both sections (or all three parts for LLB) are compulsory.
Exam Pattern Changes: 2026 vs Previous Year
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 maintains the same structural framework as in 2025. No changes in the total number of questions, total marks, section structure, or marking scheme have been officially notified for 2026.
The two-section format (Section A + Section B) for PGAT-I and PGAT-II, and the three-part LLB structure, remain unchanged. The registration portal URL was updated for the new cycle.
| Parameter | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 | 150 | No change |
| Total Marks | 300 | 300 | No change |
| Marks per Question | +2 | +2 | No change |
| Duration — General PGAT (I and II) | 3 hours | 3 hours | No change |
| Duration — LLB Programme | 2 hours | 2 hours | No change |
| Negative Marking (PGAT-I / PGAT-II) | -0.5 per wrong answer | -0.5 per wrong answer | No change |
| Negative Marking (LLB) | None | None | No change |
| Section A (General Studies) | 50 questions, 100 marks | 50 questions, 100 marks | No change |
| Section B (Subject-Specific) | 100 questions, 200 marks | 100 questions, 200 marks | No change |
| Exam Mode — PGAT-I | Online (CBT) and Offline (OMR) | Online (CBT) and Offline (OMR) | No change |
| Exam Mode — PGAT-II / LLB | Online (CBT) only | Online (CBT) only | No change |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 33% | 33% | No change |
| Registration Portal | aupravesh2025.cbtexam.in | aupravesh2026.cbtexam.in | URL updated for 2026 cycle |
Preparation Strategy Based on the Exam Pattern
The PGAT 2026 pattern gives you a clear roadmap for preparation. Section B (200 marks) is your primary score driver — deep subject knowledge here separates merit-list qualifiers from the rest.
With the exam on June 15–18, 2026, these pattern-derived tips are focused on last-minute, high-impact revision.
- Concentrate on Section B first: Section B carries 200 of 300 marks (67%). If you are short on time, prioritise your subject-specific topics — this is where most of your score comes from.
- Revise Section A systematically: General Studies contributes 100 marks and rewards consistent preparation. Current affairs, logical reasoning, and English comprehension can be revised quickly and deliver reliable marks across all programme types.
- Pace yourself at 72 seconds per question: With 150 questions in 180 minutes, you have just over a minute per question. Practice timed MCQ sets to build the speed and accuracy needed to finish the full paper comfortably.
- Apply strategic skipping in PGAT-I and PGAT-II: A wrong answer costs 0.5 marks. If you are genuinely unsure, skip and move on — unattempted questions are safer than incorrect ones when the probability of guessing right is low.
- LLB students: attempt every question: There is no negative marking in the LLB exam. Even an educated guess carries no downside — maximise your score by responding to all 150 questions.
- OMR mode checklist (PGAT-I offline students): Carry a black or blue ballpoint pen as specified. Darken one bubble fully per question — stray marks, double-bubbling, or erasing can invalidate a response during scanning.
- CBT mode strategy: Use the on-screen question palette to mark difficult questions for review. Attempt the questions you know confidently first, then return to flagged ones with remaining time before final submission.
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 is held in both online (CBT) and offline (OMR) modes. PGAT-II, which covers professional programmes like MBA and B.Ed, is conducted online only. The LLB programme exam is also held in online (CBT) mode only.
Total Questions and Marks
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 has 150 questions in total. The total marks for the exam is 300.
- Section A (General Studies) has 50 compulsory questions.
- Section B (Subject-Specific) has 100 questions.
- Each question carries 2 marks.
- Section A accounts for 100 marks.
- Section B accounts for 200 marks.
- The LLB exam also has 150 questions and carries 300 total marks.
Marking Scheme
Each correct answer earns +2 marks. The marking scheme differs between PGAT and the LLB exam.
| Programme | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGAT-I and PGAT-II | +2 marks | -0.5 marks | 0 marks |
| LLB | +2 marks | 0 marks | 0 marks |
PGAT-I and PGAT-II carry a negative marking of 0.5 marks per wrong MCQ answer. The LLB programme exam has no negative marking at all.
Exam Duration
PGAT-I and PGAT-II are 3 hours (180 minutes) long. The LLB programme exam is shorter at 2 hours (120 minutes).
No per-section time limit is imposed. You manage the total duration across all sections on your own.
Sections in the Exam
PGAT-I and PGAT-II have two sections. The LLB exam is divided into three parts.
PGAT-I and PGAT-II Sections
- Section A: General Studies, 50 questions, 100 marks — compulsory for all.
- Section B: Subject-Specific, 100 questions, 200 marks — based on your programme.
LLB Exam Parts
- Part I: Language Comprehension, 50 questions.
- Part II: General Awareness, 50 questions.
- Part III: Reasoning and Legal Aptitude, 50 questions.
Section A Subjects
Section A covers General Studies topics. All 50 questions from Section A are compulsory regardless of the programme you apply for.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs (national and international)
- Indian History
- Polity and Economy
- Indian and World Geography
- General Science and Environmental Studies
- Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Numerical Aptitude and Data Interpretation
- English Language and Comprehension
Difference Between PGAT-I and PGAT-II
PGAT-I covers conventional postgraduate programmes. PGAT-II covers professional programmes.
- PGAT-I: MA, M.Sc, M.Com and allied courses — available in both online and offline modes.
- PGAT-II: MBA, B.Ed, M.Ed, M.P.Ed, MFA, and Mass Communication — conducted in online mode only.
Both follow the same 150-question, 300-mark, 3-hour format with identical marking schemes.
Compulsory Questions
All 150 questions in Allahabad University PGAT 2026 are compulsory. There is no internal choice within either section.
You must respond to questions from both Section A and Section B, or all three parts for the LLB exam, as part of the same paper.
Minimum Qualifying Score
You need a minimum of 33% marks to qualify in Allahabad University PGAT 2026. This means 99 marks out of 300.
Scoring above this threshold makes you eligible for consideration in the merit list and the subsequent admission process.
Exam Schedule
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 is scheduled for June 15–18, 2026. The exam is spread across multiple dates to accommodate students across different programmes and exam centres.
The admit card is expected to be released from the official portal before the exam begins.
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The Allahabad University PGAT 2026 exam has 150 questions in total. The total marks for the exam is 300.
Each question carries 2 marks. Section A accounts for 100 marks and Section B accounts for 200 marks.
Mode of Examination
PGAT-I 2026 is conducted in both online (CBT) and offline (OMR) modes. PGAT-II is conducted online only.
The LLB programme exam is also held in online (CBT) mode only.
Exam Duration
PGAT-I and PGAT-II are 3 hours (180 minutes) long. The LLB programme exam is 2 hours (120 minutes) long.
There is no per-section time limit. You manage the total duration across all sections on your own.
Test Structure
PGAT-I and PGAT-II have two sections. Section A is compulsory for all candidates.
- Section A: General Studies, 50 questions, 100 marks
- Section B: Subject-Specific, 100 questions, 200 marks
The LLB exam is divided into three parts, each with 50 questions.
- Part I: Language Comprehension
- Part II: General Awareness
- Part III: Reasoning and Legal Aptitude
Section A Subjects
Section A covers General Studies topics. All 50 questions from Section A are compulsory regardless of the programme you apply for.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs (national and international)
- Indian History, Polity and Economy
- Indian and World Geography
- General Science and Environmental Studies
- Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Numerical Aptitude and Data Interpretation
- English Language and Comprehension
Marking Scheme
Each correct answer earns +2 marks. Unattempted questions earn 0 marks.
| Programme | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGAT-I and PGAT-II | +2 marks | -0.5 marks | 0 marks |
| LLB | +2 marks | 0 marks | 0 marks |
The LLB programme exam has no negative marking at all.
Difference Between PGAT-I and PGAT-II
PGAT-I covers conventional postgraduate programmes. These include MA, M.Sc, M.Com and allied courses.
PGAT-II covers professional programmes. These include MBA, B.Ed, M.Ed, M.P.Ed, MFA, and Mass Communication.
Both follow the same 150-question, 300-mark, 3-hour format with identical marking schemes.
Compulsory Questions
All 150 questions in Allahabad University PGAT 2026 are compulsory. There is no internal choice within either section.
You must respond to questions from both Section A and Section B. For the LLB exam, you must respond to all three parts as part of the same paper.
Minimum Qualifying Score
You need a minimum of 33% marks to qualify in Allahabad University PGAT 2026. This means 99 marks out of 300.
Scoring above this threshold makes you eligible for consideration in the merit list and the subsequent admission process.
Exam Schedule
Allahabad University PGAT 2026 is scheduled for June 15-18, 2026. The exam is spread across multiple dates to accommodate students across different programmes and exam centres.
The admit card is expected to be released from the official portal before the exam begins.