Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2026

AP PGECET 2026 Exam Pattern

Andhra University conducts the Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test (AP PGECET) on behalf of APSCHE. The exam will be held from 28th to 30th March 2026.

The exam pattern has not changed from previous years. Candidates seeking admission into PG engineering programs like ME and M Tech in Andhra Pradesh must appear for this exam.

Key Details of AP PGECET 2026

The exam will be held online in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
The exam will have 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Each correct answer carries +1 mark.
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
The exam will be conducted in English language only.
The exam duration is 2 hours.
The exam will be held across multiple days and shifts.

AP PGECET 2026 Overview

Particular	Details
Mode of Exam	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Medium of Exam	English
Duration	2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions	120
Total Marks	120 Marks
Marking Scheme	+1 mark for each correct answer
Negative Marking	No Negative Marking

AP PGECET 2026 Marking Scheme

Each correct answer in the AP PGECET 2026 will fetch +1 mark. The total marks for the exam will be 120.

There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates can attempt all questions without the risk of losing marks.

AP PGECET Previous Year Question Papers

Practicing previous year question papers helps candidates understand the type of questions asked in the exam. Candidates should refer to official sources for past papers.

AP PGECET 2026 Topic-wise Weightage

The topic-wise weightage for AP PGECET 2026 is available for various branches. The weightage helps candidates plan their preparation according to the importance of each topic.

Branch-wise Topic Weightage 2026

The branch-wise topic weightage is provided for the following engineering disciplines:

Aerospace Engineering
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science and IT
Electrical Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Food Technology
Geo Engineering and Geo Informatics
Instrumentation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Nano Technology

AP PGECET Important Books for Preparation 2026

Candidates should refer to standard books for their respective branches to prepare for AP PGECET 2026. General subject preparation books are also available for all branches.

FAQs

Ques. Is AP PGECET an online or offline exam?

Ans. AP PGECET 2026 will be conducted in online mode only; there will be no offline exam centre.

AP PGECET 2026 Conducting Body

Andhra University conducts the AP PGECET 2026 exam on behalf of APSCHE. The exam is held to offer admission to postgraduate engineering courses.

AP PGECET 2026 Marking Scheme

The exam is held in online CBT mode and contains 120 multiple-choice questions. Each question carries +1 mark, and there is no negative marking.

The exam duration is 2 hours.
The questions cover general knowledge, reasoning, mathematics, and core subject topics related to the chosen specialisation.

Feature	Details
Total Questions	120
Total Marks	120
Marks per Question	1 Mark
Negative Marking	No
Question Type	MCQs
Duration	2 Hours
Medium	English

The AP PGECET 2026 has three sections. These include a compulsory Engineering Mathematics section, a Logical section, and a Core Discipline section.

AP PGECET Previous Year Question Papers

Previous year question papers are available for download. These papers are provided for multiple years.

AP PGECET 2025 Previous Year Question Paper	AP PGECET 2024 Previous Year Question Paper
AP PGECET 2023 Previous Year Question Paper	AP PGECET 2022 Previous Year Question Paper
AP PGECET 2021 Previous Year Question Paper	AP PGECET 2020 Previous Question Paper
AP PGECET 2019 Previous Year Question Paper	AP PGECET 2018 Previous Year Question Paper

AP PGECET 2026 Overall Topic-wise Weightage

Based on past paper analysis, the core branch subjects portion is expected to dominate the AP PGECET 2026 exam. Engineering maths and aptitude/reasoning carry almost the same weight.

Engineering maths and aptitude/reasoning each carry around 15% weightage.

Topic	Weightage
Engineering Mathematics	15%
Aptitude/Logical	15%
Respective Core Branch subjects	70%

Branch-wise Topic Weightage 2026

AP PGECET 2026 is conducted for 13 branches every year. The expected number of questions and weightage for each branch are based on previous years' paper analysis.

AP PGECET Aerospace Engineering Topic-wise Weightage

Major Subjects	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	12–18	10–15%
Flight Mechanics	18–24	15–20%
Space Dynamics	12–18	10–15%
Aerodynamics	18–24	15–20%
Structures	18–24	15–20%
Propulsion	12–18	10–15%

AP PGECET Biotechnology Topic-wise Weightage

No specific weightage data is provided for the Biotechnology branch in the source.

AP PGECET Biotechnology Topic-wise Weightage

Bioprocess Engineering carries the highest weightage in the Biotechnology paper. Engineering Mathematics and core biotechnology subjects make up the rest of the paper.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	12–18	10–15%
Microbiology	10–12	8–10%
Biochemistry	14–18	12–15%
Molecular Biology & Genetics	14–18	12–15%
Bioprocess Engineering	18–22	15–18%
Process Biotechnology	10–12	8–10%
Recombinant DNA Technology	12–14	10–12%
Plant & Animal Biotechnology	7–10	6–8%
Immunology	7–10	6–8%
Bioinformatics	6–8	5–7%

AP PGECET Chemical Engineering Topic-wise Weightage

Engineering Mathematics is the most important subject in the Chemical Engineering paper. It is followed by Process Calculations & Thermodynamics.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	20–28	17–23%
Process Calculations & Thermodynamics	15–20	12–17%
Fluid Mechanics & Mechanical Operations	12–16	10–13%
Heat Transfer	10–14	8–12%
Mass Transfer	12–16	10–13%
Chemical Reaction Engineering	10–14	8–12%
Instrumentation & Process Control	8–12	7–10%
Plant Design & Economics	8–12	7–10%
Chemical Technology	5–8	4–7%

AP PGECET Civil Engineering Topic-wise Weightage

Structural Engineering has the highest weightage in the Civil Engineering paper. Engineering Mathematics and Geotechnical Engineering are also significant.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	14–18	12–15%
Structural Engineering	22–26	18–22%
Geotechnical Engineering	17–22	14–18%
Water Resources Engineering	17–19	14–16%
Environmental Engineering	14–18	12–15%
Transportation Engineering	7–10	6–8%
Surveying	6–8	5–7%

AP PGECET Computer Science and IT Topic-wise Weightage

Data Structures & Algorithms is the highest-weightage topic in the Computer Science and IT paper. Engineering Mathematics is the next most important subject.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	12–18	10–15%
Data Structures & Algorithms	16–20	13–17%
Operating Systems	10–14	8–12%
Database Management Systems	10–14	8–12%
Computer Networks	10–14	8–12%
Theory of Computation	8–12	7–10%
Programming & Data Structures	8–12	7–10%
Software Engineering	6–8	5–7%
Digital Logic / Computer Architecture	8–12	7–10%

AP PGECET Electrical Engineering Topic-wise Weightage

Electric Circuits and Power Systems are the highest-weightage topics in the Electrical Engineering paper. Engineering Mathematics also carries a significant share.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	12–18	10–15%
Electric Circuits	14–18	12–15%
Power Systems	14–18	12–15%
Control Systems	12–16	10–13%
Electrical Machines	12–16	10–13%
Power Electronics	10–14	8–12%
Signals & Systems	8–12	7–10%
Measurements & Instrumentation	8–12	7–10%

AP PGECET Electronics and Communication Engineering Topic-wise Weightage

Communication Systems has the highest weightage in the Electronics and Communication Engineering paper. Engineering Mathematics and Analog/Digital Circuits are also important.

AP PGECET Food Technology Topic-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for the Food Technology paper in AP PGECET.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	12–18	10–15%
Analog Circuits	12–16	10–13%
Digital Circuits	12–16	10–13%
Signals & Systems	10–14	8–12%
Communication Systems	14–18	12–15%
Control Systems	10–14	8–12%

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	10–14	8–12%
Food Chemistry & Nutrition	22–26	18–22%
Food Microbiology & Biotechnology	22–26	18–22%
Food Technology	28–32	23–27%
Food Engineering	22–26	18–22%
Food Quality & Standards	16–20	13–17%

AP PGECET Geo Engineering and Geo Informatics Topic-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for the Geo Engineering and Geo Informatics paper in AP PGECET.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	34–38	28–32%
Geo-Engineering	40–44	33–37%
GIS Concepts	28–32	23–27%
Environment & Soils	10–14	8–12%

AP PGECET Instrumentation Engineering Topic-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for the Instrumentation Engineering paper in AP PGECET.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	16–20	13–17%
Basics of Circuits & Measurement Systems	12–16	10–13%
Transducers & Mechanical Measurement	16–20	13–17%
Analog Electronics	10–14	8–12%
Digital Electronics	10–14	8–12%
Signals, Systems & Communications	10–14	8–12%
Electrical & Electronic Measurements	10–14	8–12%
Control Systems & Process Control	10–14	8–12%
Analytical, Optical & Biomedical Instrumentation	10–14	8–12%

AP PGECET Mechanical Engineering Topic-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for the Mechanical Engineering paper in AP PGECET.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	12–18	10–15%
Applied Mechanics & Design	14–18	12–15%
Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences	18–22	15–18%
Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering	18–22	15–18%
Theory of Machines	10–14	8–12%
Machine Design	10–14	8–12%

AP PGECET Metallurgical Engineering Topic-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for the Metallurgical Engineering paper in AP PGECET.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	22–26	18–22%
Thermodynamics & Rate Processes	28–32	23–27%
Extractive Metallurgy	28–32	23–27%
Physical Metallurgy	16–20	13–17%
Mechanical Metallurgy	10–14	8–12%
Manufacturing Processes	5–8	4–7%

AP PGECET Nano Technology Topic-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for the Nano Technology paper in AP PGECET.

Major Subject	Approx. Number of Questions	Expected % (Approx.)
Engineering Mathematics	28–32	23–27%
Engineering Mechanics & Strength of Materials	16–20	13–17%
Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer	22–26	18–22%
Elements of Material Science	10–14	8–12%
Metallurgical Thermodynamics	16–20	13–17%
Advanced Material Science	16–20	13–17%

AP PGECET Important Books for Preparation 2026

A list of books has been suggested for candidates preparing for all 13 branches offered in AP PGECET. This list is based on recommendations from past years' toppers and opinions from exam experts.

Recommended Books for AP PGECET Branch-Wise Preparation

Each branch of AP PGECET has a specific set of reference books. The table below lists the important books for each branch as per the exam syllabus.

Branch	Important Books / References
Bio Technology	PGECET Biotechnology – Engineers Academy / Career Plus Biotechnology – P. K. Gupta / Umesh Publications Bioprocess Engineering – Shuler & Kargi
Chemical Engineering	Chemical Engineering – McGraw-Hill (RK Jain, AMW Page) Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics – Narayanan / Rao Mass Transfer – Treybal
Civil Engineering	Civil Engineering All-in-One – Made Easy / GKP Structural Analysis – C.S. Reddy Fluid Mechanics – Modi & Seth
Computer Science & Engg (CSE)	Operating Systems – Galvin Data Structures – Lipschutz Computer Networks – Tanenbaum
Electrical Engineering	Electrical Machines – P.S. Bimbhra Power Systems – C.L. Wadhwa Control Systems – Nagrath & Gopal
Electronics & Communication Engg (ECE)	Electronic Devices – Millman & Halkias Digital Communications – Simon Haykin Signals & Systems – Oppenheim
Mechanical Engineering	Thermodynamics – P.K. Nag Machine Design – R.S. Khurmi Theory of Machines – Sadhu Singh
Metallurgical Engineering	Extractive Metallurgy – G. W. A. Daryle Physical Metallurgy – Sidney Avner Materials Science – Callister
Industrial Biotechnology	Industrial Biotechnology – Shuler & Kargi Biochemical Engineering – Bailey & Ollis
Instrumentation Technology	Control Systems – Nagrath & Gopal Transducers – Doebelin Instrumentation Technology – B.G. Liptak
Information Technology (IT)	IT Essentials – Peter Norton Data Structures & Algorithms – Goodrich Database Systems – Korth
Petroleum Engineering	Petroleum Engineering Fundamentals – Boyun Guo Reservoir Engineering – Dake
Pharmacy / Pharma Engg	Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmaceutics – Martin Pharmacognosy – Trease & Evans

General Subjects Prep Books for All Branches

Some subjects are common to all branches of AP PGECET. The books for these general subjects are listed below.

Subject	Books
Quantitative Aptitude	Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – R.S. Aggarwal
Reasoning & Analytical Ability	A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
English	High School English Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin
Mathematics (PG Misc.)	Objective Mathematics – R.D. Sharma / Aptitude Test Problems in Engineering – S.S. Sastry

AP PGECET Exam Frequency

The AP PGECET exam is conducted once a year. The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) conducts it for admissions to PG-level engineering courses.

AP PGECET 2026 Marking Scheme

There is no negative marking in AP PGECET 2026. Candidates get +1 mark for each correct answer, and no marks are deducted for incorrect responses.

AP PGECET 2026 Question Count

The exam contains 120 objective-type (MCQ) questions. Each question carries 1 mark.

Courses Offered Through AP PGECET 2026

Qualified candidates of AP PGECET 2026 can take admission into ME, M Tech, M Pharmacy, and Pharm D courses. These admissions are available in government and private colleges across Andhra Pradesh.

Mock Tests for AP PGECET 2026

Official mock tests are available for AP PGECET 2026 preparation. They are provided on the AP PGECET portal at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/PGECET. Candidates can use them to familiarise themselves with the computer-based test (CBT) interface and practice on a daily basis.

AP PGECET 2026 Exam Mode

AP PGECET 2026 is a computer-based test. The exam will be conducted only in online mode; there is no offline exam centre.

Conducting Body and Purpose

Andhra University conducts the AP PGECET 2026 exam. It does so on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). The exam is held to provide admission to postgraduate engineering courses.

Exam Pattern

The AP PGECET 2026 exam has three sections. These are a compulsory Engineering Mathematics section, a Logical section, and a Core Discipline section.

The exam contains 120 objective-type (MCQ) questions. Each question carries 1 mark.

Marking Scheme

There is no negative marking in AP PGECET 2026. Candidates get +1 mark for each correct answer, and no marks are deducted for incorrect responses.

Exam Frequency

The exam is conducted once a year. APSCHE conducts it to facilitate admissions to PG-level engineering courses.

Courses Offered

Qualified candidates of AP PGECET 2026 can take admission into several courses. These include ME, M Tech, M Pharmacy, and Pharm D courses in government and private colleges across Andhra Pradesh.

Mock Tests

Official mock tests are available for AP PGECET 2026 preparation. They are provided on the AP PGECET portal (cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/PGECET). Candidates can use them to familiarise themselves with the computer-based test (CBT) interface and practice on a daily basis.

Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2026