Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test Cut Off 2026
Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test Cut Off
AP POLYCET 2026 Cutoff
The AP POLYCET 2026 cutoff is the minimum score required to join counselling. It is also the closing rank at which seats are filled for each college and branch. The State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) AP conducted the exam on April 25, 2026. Results were declared on May 5, 2026.
Round 1 seat allotment was released on July 7, 2026. Closing ranks are now available at polycetap.nic.in. Round 2 is expected soon.
Qualifying Cutoff
OC and all BC category candidates need at least 36 marks out of 120 to qualify. This is 30% of the total marks. SC, ST, and PH candidates have no minimum qualifying marks. Any score makes them eligible for counselling.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam date | April 25, 2026 |
| Result declaration | May 5, 2026 |
| Round 1 seat allotment | July 7, 2026 |
| Round 1 reporting closed | July 10, 2026 |
| Round 2 counselling | Expected in late July or early August 2026 |
Round 1 Closing Ranks
Round 1 closing ranks are out since July 7, 2026. Check the official portal for college-wise and category-wise closing ranks. Round 2 seat allotment is expected shortly after Round 1 reporting closed on July 10, 2026.
- Round 1 closing ranks: Available at polycetap.nic.in
- Round 2 closing ranks: To be released at polycetap.nic.in
Key Facts About the Cutoff
- About 1.49 lakh candidates qualified in AP POLYCET 2026. This is roughly 15,600 more than in 2025.
- The pass rate is 91.37%, the highest in recent years.
- Based on 2025 trends, the OC closing rank for Computer Engineering at top government polytechnics was around 2,800 to 5,500.
- The OC closing rank for CSE at top government polytechnics tightened by about 2,700 ranks between 2021 and 2025.
- Computer Engineering and ECE at city-based government polytechnics fill first.
- All counselling is handled online by SBTET AP at polycetap.nic.in.
Factors Affecting the Cutoff
The cutoff is not one single number for the whole exam. Every college, branch, and category combination has its own closing rank. That rank changes after every round of counselling as unfilled seats re-enter the pool.
Higher competition at popular government polytechnics makes the cutoff tighter. Rank preferences should be filled carefully before submitting Round 2 web options.
AP POLYCET Qualifying Cutoff and Admission Cutoff
There are two types of cutoff in AP POLYCET. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks needed to get a rank and join counselling. The admission cutoff is the closing rank for a specific college-branch-category.
For OC and BC categories, the qualifying cutoff is 36 out of 120 marks. SC and ST candidates have no minimum marks requirement. They get a rank regardless of their score.
The admission cutoff is the last rank at which a seat was allotted. A candidate needs a rank equal to or better than the closing rank to get that seat.
Previous Year Official AP POLYCET Qualifying Cutoff
The table below shows the official qualifying cutoff marks set by SBTET AP from 2021 to 2025. These are the minimum marks required each year to become eligible for counselling.
SC, ST, and PH candidates have never had a minimum mark requirement.
| Year | OC | BC-A | BC-B | BC-C | BC-D | BC-E | SC | ST | PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2024 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2023 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2022 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2021 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
Source: SBTET AP Official Portal (polycetap.nic.in)
The OC and BC qualifying bar fell by 6 marks from 2021 to 2022, dropping from 36 to 30. It stayed at 30 for three years through 2024. SBTET AP restored it to 36 marks in 2025.
The AP POLYCET 2026 qualifying cutoff stays at 36 marks, continuing the 2025 standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. I scored 32 marks in AP POLYCET 2026. Can I join counselling?
Ans. No. OC and BC candidates need at least 36 marks (30% of 120) to join AP POLYCET 2026 counselling. SC, ST, and PH candidates have no minimum. They can join regardless of their score.
Ques. Is the qualifying cutoff the same as the admission cutoff for AP POLYCET?
Ans. No. The qualifying cutoff (36 marks for OC/BC, no minimum for SC/ST) decides whether you get a rank and join counselling. The admission cutoff is the closing rank for a specific college-branch-category in counselling. You may clear the qualifying cutoff and still not get your preferred college if your rank is too high.
AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
Upcoming events appear first. Past events follow in chronological order.
| Event | Date (2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Round 2 Web Options and Seat Allotment | To be announced | Upcoming |
| Spot / Mop-up Round | To be announced (August 2026, expected) | Upcoming |
| AP POLYCET 2026 Exam | April 25, 2026 | Over |
| AP POLYCET 2026 Result Declared | May 5, 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Counselling Registration and Fee Payment | June 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Certificate Verification at HLCs | June – July 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Web Options Entry | Late June – July 3, 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | July 7 – 8, 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Reporting / Certificate Verification at College | July 7 – 10, 2026 | Over |
Factors Affecting AP POLYCET Cutoff
Several forces push AP POLYCET closing ranks tighter or more relaxed each year. Knowing them helps in setting realistic targets for a rank.
AP POLYCET 2026 Cutoff – Factors That Affect Closing Ranks
Several factors decide the closing ranks for AP POLYCET 2026. These factors include the number of qualified candidates, total seats, branch demand, college location, local area quota, category reservation, and the qualifying marks threshold.
- Total qualified candidates: About 1.49 lakh candidates qualified in 2026. This is roughly 15,600 more than in 2025. More competition for the same seats tightens closing ranks at popular colleges.
- Total seats available: AP POLYCET 2026 has about 82,870 diploma seats across 267 colleges. Any increase in intake relaxes closing ranks for new branches or colleges.
- Branch demand: CSE, AI and ML, and ECE attract the most applicants. Their closing ranks are far lower (tighter) than Mechanical or Civil Engineering every year.
- College type and location: Government polytechnics in cities like Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada fill up first. Private colleges have consistently higher (more relaxed) closing ranks.
- Local area quota: 70% of seats at every college go to candidates from that college’s own district. Only 30% go to candidates from the rest of AP. Your district of study determines which pool you compete in.
- Category-wise seat reservation: Each college divides its seats among OC, BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E, SC, and ST categories. Each category has its own closing rank. SC and ST closing ranks are always much higher (less competitive) than OC.
- Qualifying marks threshold: The bar stayed at 36 marks in 2026, the same as 2025. This makes the rank pool slightly smaller than in 2022–2024, when the bar was 30 marks. A smaller pool can have a modest effect on how closing ranks distribute.
AP POLYCET 2026 Category-Wise Qualifying Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff for AP POLYCET 2026 is 36 marks for OC and all BC categories. Scoring at or above this mark makes you eligible to participate in counselling. SC, ST, and PH candidates can join counselling regardless of their score.
| Category | Full Form | Minimum Qualifying Marks (out of 120) |
|---|---|---|
| OC | Open Competition (General) | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-A | Backward Class A | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-B | Backward Class B | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-C | Backward Class C | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-D | Backward Class D | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-E | Backward Class E | 36 marks (30%) |
| SC | Scheduled Caste | No minimum |
| ST | Scheduled Tribe | No minimum |
| PH | Physically Handicapped | No minimum |
Meeting the qualifying cutoff only means you can join counselling. It does not guarantee a seat. Your actual seat depends on your rank, your category, your branch preference, and the closing rank at your preferred college.
AP POLYCET 2026 Round-Wise Closing Ranks
AP POLYCET 2026 counselling runs in two main rounds, followed by a spot or mop-up round. Round 1 seat allotment is done. Closing ranks for Round 1 are now available at the official portal. Round 2 is expected shortly.
Round 1 closing ranks are available at polycetap.nic.in. Check the college-wise and category-wise data now. Round 2 closing ranks will be updated here after SBTET AP releases the official data.
| Round | Allotment Date | Closing Ranks Status |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | July 7 – 8, 2026 | Available at polycetap.nic.in |
| Round 2 | To be announced | Expected soon (post July 10, 2026) |
| Spot / Mop-up Round | To be announced | Expected after Round 2 |
Closing ranks in Round 2 are usually higher (more relaxed) than Round 1 at most colleges. Seats that go unfilled after Round 1 come back into Round 2. Did not get your preferred college in Round 1? Submit fresh web options in Round 2. Fill a wider list of choices to improve your chances.
AP POLYCET Cutoff for Top Government Polytechnic Colleges
The table below shows reference closing rank ranges for top government polytechnic colleges in AP, based on 2025 Round 1 counselling data. Official 2026 Round 1 data is now available at polycetap.nic.in. Round 2 data will be updated after official release.
AP POLYCET College-Wise Cutoff 2026 (CSE Reference Ranks)
The table below shows expected closing rank ranges for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at major government polytechnics in Andhra Pradesh. These figures are based on 2025 counselling data for non-local (general AP) quota seats.
| College | Location | OC Closing Rank – CSE (2025 Ref.) | SC Closing Rank – CSE (2025 Ref.) | ST Closing Rank – CSE (2025 Ref.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Polytechnic College | Kakinada | 1,500 – 2,800 | 5,000 – 11,000 | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Visakhapatnam | 1,800 – 3,200 | 5,500 – 12,000 | 14,000 – 28,000 |
| Andhra Polytechnic | Kakinada | 2,200 – 4,000 | 6,000 – 14,000 | 15,000 – 32,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Guntur | 2,500 – 5,000 | 7,000 – 16,000 | 18,000 – 38,000 |
| Sri Venkateswara Government Polytechnic | Tirupati | 3,000 – 5,500 | 8,000 – 18,000 | 20,000 – 42,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Vijayawada | 3,500 – 6,500 | 9,000 – 20,000 | 22,000 – 48,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Nellore | 4,000 – 7,500 | 10,000 – 22,000 | 25,000 – 55,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Kurnool | 5,000 – 9,000 | 12,000 – 28,000 | 30,000 – 65,000 |
Closing ranks for local-area quota seats may differ from these figures. Official 2026 Round 1 data is available at polycetap.nic.in.
Does My District Affect My Chances at a Government Polytechnic in AP?
Yes, significantly. 70% of seats at each government polytechnic go to candidates from that college's own district (local area quota). Only 30% go to candidates from the rest of AP (non-local quota).
If you are from the same district as the college, you compete in a larger seat pool with less competition. Your odds are much better for colleges in your home district.
AP POLYCET Branch-Wise Cutoff 2026
Your branch choice shapes your admission chances as much as your college choice. CSE closes first at every government polytechnic. Civil and Chemical Engineering remain open much later in counselling.
The table below shows expected closing rank ranges by branch across government polytechnics in AP, based on 2025 data.
| Branch | OC Closing Rank (2025 Ref.) | BC Closing Rank (2025 Ref.) | SC Closing Rank (2025 Ref.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | 500 – 6,000 | 2,000 – 15,000 | 5,000 – 25,000 |
| AI and Machine Learning (AI & ML) | 1,000 – 8,000 | 3,000 – 20,000 | 7,000 – 30,000 |
| Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT) | 1,500 – 9,000 | 4,000 – 22,000 | 8,000 – 35,000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) | 2,500 – 12,000 | 6,000 – 28,000 | 10,000 – 45,000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 5,000 – 18,000 | 10,000 – 40,000 | 18,000 – 60,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 8,000 – 25,000 | 15,000 – 55,000 | 25,000 – 75,000 |
| Civil Engineering | 12,000 – 35,000 | 22,000 – 70,000 | 35,000 – 90,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | 20,000 – 50,000 | 35,000 – 90,000 | 50,000 – 1,20,000 |
Ranges reflect 2025 Round 1 counselling trends across government and aided polytechnics in AP. Top government polytechnics in cities have tighter (lower) closing ranks than the ranges above. Private college closing ranks are higher (more relaxed).
AP POLYCET Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The AP POLYCET qualifying cutoff shifted twice in five years. The table tracks the year-on-year change in qualifying marks and the growth in the candidate pool.
Both directly affect how tight admission closing ranks are at popular colleges.
AP POLYCET Qualifying Marks and Closing Rank Trends
The qualifying marks for AP POLYCET have changed twice in the last six years. The table below shows the qualifying marks and approximate number of qualified candidates from 2021 to 2026.
| Year | OC / BC Qualifying Marks | SC / ST / PH | Candidates Qualified (Approx.) | OC CSE Closing Rank – Top Govt. Polytechnic (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 marks (30%) | No minimum | 1,48,950 | Check polycetap.nic.in (Round 1 out) |
| 2025 | 36 marks (30%) | No minimum | 1,33,358 | ~2,800 |
| 2024 | 30 marks (25%) | No minimum | ~1.25 lakh | ~3,500 |
| 2023 | 30 marks (25%) | No minimum | ~1.18 lakh | ~4,200 |
| 2022 | 30 marks (25%) | No minimum | ~1.10 lakh | ~4,800 |
| 2021 | 36 marks (30%) | No minimum | ~1.05 lakh | ~5,500 |
The OC CSE closing rank at top government polytechnics moved from about 5,500 in 2021 to about 2,800 in 2025. That is a shift of roughly 2,700 ranks over five years.
The sharpest single-year tightening came between 2024 and 2025, when the closing rank fell by about 700 ranks. Two factors drove that jump. The qualified candidate pool grew from 1.25 lakh to 1.33 lakh. The qualifying bar also rose by 6 marks, from 30 to 36.
In 2026, about 1.49 lakh candidates qualified — roughly 15,600 more than 2025. Based on this trend, expect the OC CSE closing rank to tighten further at top colleges. A shift of 200 to 500 ranks below the 2025 level is possible.
Why the AP POLYCET CSE Closing Rank Is Getting Tighter
More students appear each year and demand for Computer Engineering keeps rising. The qualified candidate pool grew from about 1.05 lakh in 2021 to 1.49 lakh in 2026.
The number of CSE seats at government polytechnics has not grown at the same pace. More students chasing the same seats pushes closing ranks lower and tighter each cycle.
AP POLYCET Marks vs Rank 2026
Your score in AP POLYCET determines your rank. The rank decides which colleges and branches you can access in counselling.
When two students score the same, SBTET AP uses a tie-breaker. Higher Mathematics marks go first. If still tied, higher Physics marks decide. If both are equal, the older student gets the better rank.
| Marks Scored (out of 120) | Expected Rank Range | Likely College Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| 115 – 120 | 1 – 20 | Any government polytechnic, any branch |
| 100 – 114 | 21 – 1,000 | Top government polytechnic, CSE or ECE |
| 90 – 99 | 1,001 – 5,000 | Government polytechnic in major city, CSE or AI & ML |
| 75 – 89 | 5,001 – 15,000 | Government polytechnic, ECE or EEE branch |
| 60 – 74 | 15,001 – 35,000 | Government polytechnic (Mechanical / Civil) or aided college |
| 45 – 59 | 35,001 – 80,000 | Aided or private unaided polytechnic |
| 36 – 44 (OC/BC qualified) | 80,001 – 1,48,950 | Private unaided polytechnic |
| Below 36 (SC / ST / PH only) | Varies | Eligible for counselling under reserved category seats |
A score of 90 or above is broadly considered a good score for AP POLYCET. It puts you roughly in the top 5,000 ranks. That opens the door to Computer Engineering and AI & ML at well-regarded government polytechnics in Andhra Pradesh.
These are estimated ranges based on 2025 data. Your exact rank is confirmed on your rank card at polycetap.nic.in.
How to Check AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026
Round 1 closing ranks are now available. Follow these steps to check the AP POLYCET 2026 cutoff data on the official portal.
- Go to polycetap.nic.in or polycet.ap.gov.in.
- Click on the "Allotment Results" or "Closing Ranks" link on the home page.
- Select the counselling round (Round 1 data is currently available).
- Choose your district, college, branch, and category from the dropdown menus.
- The portal shows the last rank allotted (closing rank) for that college-branch-category combination.
- Compare the closing rank with your AP POLYCET rank. If your rank is lower (better), you were or are eligible for that seat.
- SBTET AP also releases allotment data as PDFs. Check the official notifications section for direct download links.
AP POLYCET Counselling Process 2026
AP POLYCET 2026 admission is done through SBTET AP’s online counselling. Round 1 is complete. Round 2 web options will open once SBTET AP announces the schedule.
Here is how the process works from start to finish.
AP POLYCET Counselling Process 2026
The AP POLYCET counselling process has seven steps. Candidates must complete each step within the given dates.
- Step 1 — Check your rank: Log in at polycetap.nic.in using your hall ticket number. View and download your rank card.
- Step 2 — Register for counselling: Pay the counselling registration fee online and fill in your personal and category details.
- Step 3 — Certificate verification: Visit your nearest Help Line Centre (HLC) with original documents. Key documents include SSC (Class 10) marks memo and certificate, study certificates from Class 6 to 10, and Aadhaar card. BC, SC, and ST candidates must bring a caste certificate. Bring an income certificate where required.
- Step 4 — Submit web options: Enter your college and branch preferences in order of priority. Fill as many choices as possible. The system uses your rank and choices to allot the best available seat.
- Step 5 — Seat allotment: SBTET AP allots a seat based on your rank, category, and web options. Check your allotment on the portal.
- Step 6 — Report to college: Pay the tuition fee within the given dates. Report to your allotted college with all original documents. Missing the deadline cancels your seat.
- Step 7 — Round 2 and Spot Round: Unfilled seats from Round 1 go into Round 2. Seats still remaining after Round 2 are filled through the Spot Round, usually held at the college level.
AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026: FAQs
What is the AP POLYCET 2026 qualifying cutoff for OC candidates?
The qualifying cutoff for OC candidates in AP POLYCET 2026 is 36 marks out of 120 (30% of the total). You must score at or above 36 to get a rank and join counselling. Scoring below 36 means you are not eligible for counselling if you belong to the OC or BC categories.
Where can I check the AP POLYCET 2026 Round 1 closing ranks?
Round 1 closing ranks are available at polycetap.nic.in. Go to the counselling or seat allotment section. Select your category, preferred college, and branch. View the closing rank. The portal shows Round 1 data since July 7, 2026.
What rank do I need for CSE at a top government polytechnic in AP?
Based on 2025 data, you need a rank below 2,800 for OC CSE at Govt. Polytechnic Kakinada or Visakhapatnam. For Guntur and Vijayawada, a rank below 5,000 to 6,500 is usually needed for CSE. SC and ST candidates can access the same seats at higher (less competitive) closing ranks due to reserved seat pools. Check the Round 1 2026 data at polycetap.nic.in for exact figures.
Are Round 2 closing ranks tighter or more relaxed than Round 1?
Round 2 closing ranks are usually more relaxed than Round 1 at most colleges. Seats that go unfilled after Round 1 come back in Round 2. Mid-tier government polytechnics often show closing ranks 500 to 2,000 ranks higher in Round 2. However, at the most popular colleges, the gap is smaller since those seats fill completely in Round 1.
What does the 70% local area quota mean in AP POLYCET?
In every AP polytechnic, 70% of seats go to candidates from the same district as the college. These are local area quota seats. The remaining 30% are open to candidates from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh (non-local quota). If you apply to a college in your home district, you compete for local seats against fewer candidates. If you apply to a college outside your district, you compete only in the 30% non-local pool.
How does SBTET AP break ties in the rank list?
SBTET AP uses three tie-breaking steps. First, higher Mathematics marks decide the better rank. If Mathematics marks are equal, higher Physics marks decide. If both subjects are still equal, the older candidate gets the better rank.
How many seats are available through AP POLYCET 2026?
About 82,870 diploma seats are available across 267 polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Government colleges account for around 29,000 seats across 88 colleges. Private colleges have about 53,870 seats across 179 colleges. Seats are split among OC, BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E, SC, and ST categories as per AP government reservation norms.
Can I get a seat in the Spot Round if I missed Round 1 and Round 2?
Yes. SBTET AP holds a spot or mop-up round after Round 2 to fill vacant seats. Closing ranks in the spot round are the most relaxed of all rounds. You must attend a designated venue in person with all original documents. Spot round dates will be announced by SBTET AP on polycetap.nic.in once Round 2 is complete.
Which branch has the most relaxed closing rank in AP POLYCET?
Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering have the most relaxed closing ranks in AP POLYCET every year. Seats in these branches often remain available even in the spot round at many colleges. If your rank is above 20,000 in the OC category, these branches at government polytechnics are accessible to you. Mechanical Engineering also has relatively relaxed closing ranks compared to CSE or ECE.
What documents do I need for AP POLYCET 2026 counselling?
The required documents include the SSC (Class 10) marks memo and certificate, study certificates from Class 6 to 10, and Aadhaar card. BC, SC, and ST candidates must bring a caste certificate. An income certificate is required where applicable.
Documents Required at the Help Line Centre
Carry the following documents to the Help Line Centre for AP POLYCET 2026 counselling. Keep both originals and self-attested photocopies of every document.
- AP POLYCET 2026 rank card
- SSC marks memo and pass certificate
- Date of birth proof
- Study certificates from Class 6 to 10
- Caste certificate (for BC, SC, ST candidates)
- Income certificate (where required)
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photographs
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
AP POLYCET 2026 Qualifying Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff for OC candidates in AP POLYCET 2026 is 36 marks out of 120. This is 30% of the total marks.
OC and BC candidates need at least 36 marks to join counselling. SC, ST, and PH candidates have no minimum qualifying marks. They can join counselling regardless of their score.
Qualifying Cutoff vs Admission Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff is not the same as the admission cutoff. The qualifying cutoff decides whether a candidate gets a rank and can join counselling.
The admission cutoff is the closing rank for a specific college, branch, and category during counselling. A candidate may clear the qualifying cutoff but still not get a preferred college if the rank is too high.
Local Area Quota
In every AP polytechnic, 70% of seats go to candidates from the same district as the college. These are local area quota seats.
The remaining 30% of seats are open to candidates from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. This is the non-local quota. A candidate from the same district as the college competes in a larger seat pool with less competition. Applying to a college outside the home district means competing only in the 30% non-local pool.
Computer Engineering Closing Rank Trends
More students appear for AP POLYCET each year and demand for Computer Engineering keeps rising. The qualified candidate pool grew from about 1.05 lakh in 2021 to 1.49 lakh in 2026.
The number of CSE seats at government polytechnics has not grown at the same pace. More students chasing the same seats pushes closing ranks lower and tighter each cycle.
Round 1 Closing Ranks
Round 1 closing ranks are available at polycetap.nic.in. The portal shows Round 1 data since July 7, 2026.
To view closing ranks, go to the counselling or seat allotment section. Select the category, preferred college, and branch. The portal displays the closing rank for that combination.
Rank Needed for CSE at Government Polytechnics
Based on 2025 data, a rank below 2,800 is needed for OC CSE at Govt. Polytechnic Kakinada or Visakhapatnam. For Guntur and Vijayawada, a rank below 5,000 to 6,500 is usually needed for CSE.
SC and ST candidates can access the same seats at higher closing ranks due to reserved seat pools. Check the Round 1 2026 data at polycetap.nic.in for exact figures.
Round 2 Closing Ranks
Round 2 closing ranks are usually more relaxed than Round 1 at most colleges. Seats that go unfilled after Round 1 come back in Round 2.
Mid-tier government polytechnics often show closing ranks 500 to 2,000 ranks higher in Round 2. At the most popular colleges, the gap is smaller since those seats fill completely in Round 1.
Tie-Breaking Rules
SBTET AP uses three tie-breaking steps to prepare the rank list. First, higher Mathematics marks decide the better rank.
If Mathematics marks are equal, higher Physics marks decide. If both subjects are still equal, the older candidate gets the better rank.
Seat Availability
About 82,870 diploma seats are available across 267 polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Government colleges account for around 29,000 seats across 88 colleges.
Private colleges have about 53,870 seats across 179 colleges. Seats are split among OC, BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E, SC, and ST categories as per AP government reservation norms.
Spot Round
SBTET AP holds a spot or mop-up round after Round 2 to fill vacant seats. Candidates who missed Round 1 and Round 2 can join in this round.
Closing ranks in the spot round are the most relaxed of all rounds. Candidates must attend a designated venue in person with all original documents. Spot round dates will be announced by SBTET AP on polycetap.nic.in once Round 2 is complete.
Branches with Relaxed Closing Ranks
Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering have the most relaxed closing ranks in AP POLYCET every year. Seats in these branches often remain available even in the spot round at many colleges.
Candidates with a rank above 20,000 in the OC category can access these branches at government polytechnics. Mechanical Engineering also has relatively relaxed closing ranks compared to CSE.
AP POLYCET 2026 Overview
AP POLYCET is the Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test. It is the state-level entrance exam for admission to polytechnic diploma courses in Andhra Pradesh.
The exam is conducted by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh. Admission is offered to diploma programmes in engineering and non-engineering streams.
Who can apply
Candidates must be Indian nationals and residents of Andhra Pradesh. They must have passed the SSC or an equivalent examination.
The minimum qualifying marks in SSC are 35% for OC candidates and 30% for BC, SC, and ST candidates. Candidates appearing for the SSC final examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Exam pattern
The AP POLYCET 2026 exam is a computer-based test. It contains 120 multiple-choice questions.
Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking. The total duration of the exam is 90 minutes.
- Mathematics: 60 questions
- Physics: 30 questions
- Chemistry: 30 questions
Application fee
The application fee for AP POLYCET 2026 is fixed. Candidates can pay the fee online or offline.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| OC and BC candidates | Rs. 550 |
| SC, ST, and PwD candidates | Rs. 450 |
Important dates
The official schedule for AP POLYCET 2026 has been released. The key dates are given below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification release | February 2026 |
| Application start date | March 2026 |
| Last date to apply | April 2026 |
| Admit card release | May 2026 |
| Exam date | May 2026 |
| Result declaration | June 2026 |
How to apply
Applications are accepted online only. Candidates must visit the official AP POLYCET website to fill the application form.
The steps to apply are given below.
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Admit card
The admit card will be available for download from the official website. It will not be sent by post.
Candidates must carry the admit card to the exam centre. Entry without the admit card is not permitted.
Result and rank card
The result will be declared on the official website. Candidates can check their scores using their registration number and date of birth.
A rank card will be issued to qualified candidates. The rank card is required for the counselling process.
Counselling and seat allotment
Counselling is conducted online after the result declaration. Candidates must register for counselling and fill their choice of colleges and courses.
Seat allotment is based on the rank obtained in AP POLYCET, category, and availability of seats. Candidates must report to the allotted college to confirm admission.
Documents required for counselling
Candidates must carry the following documents to the Help Line Centre during counselling.
- AP POLYCET 2026 rank card
- SSC marks memo and pass certificate
- Date of birth proof
- Study certificates from Class 6 to 10
- Caste certificate (for BC, SC, ST candidates)
- Income certificate where required
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photographs
Carry both originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents.