Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2026
Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test Exam Pattern
TS POLYCET 2026 Exam Pattern
TS POLYCET 2026 (Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance test. The exam is conducted offline in pen-and-paper mode only.
Exam Mode and Structure
The exam is held as a single offline paper. The number of questions depends on the stream you apply for.
- MPC stream: 120 questions
- MBiPC stream: 150 questions
- Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Section-wise Distribution
The question paper is divided into sections based on the stream. Each section carries questions from Class 10 subjects.
MPC Stream (Engineering Admission)
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 60 |
| Physics | 30 |
| Chemistry | 30 |
MBiPC Stream (Agriculture Admission)
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 60 |
| Physics | 30 |
| Chemistry | 30 |
| Biology | 30 |
Marking Scheme
Each correct answer carries +1 mark. Unattempted questions get zero marks.
- No negative marking for incorrect answers
- Total marks range from 120 to 150 depending on the stream
Syllabus 2026
The TS POLYCET 2026 syllabus is based on Class 10 topics. The subjects covered are Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
TS POLYCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The TS POLYCET 2026 exam is held offline. It contains objective-type multiple-choice questions from Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the Class 10 syllabus. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking.
The exam is called the Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (TS POLYCET) 2026. The question paper is available in English and Telugu.
General Exam Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Paper Type | Objective Type - Multiple choice questions |
| Exam duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Exam language | English and Telugu |
| Exam Name | Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (TS POLYCET) 2026 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer; No negative marking |
| Syllabus Level | Based on Class 10 (SSC) Telangana State Board syllabus |
Eligibility Criteria
A minimum of 35% qualifying marks is required to appear for the TS POLYCET 2025 exam. Candidates must pass Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry with a minimum of 35% if they are NIOS, TOSS, APOSS, CBSE, or ICSE aspirants.
Sectional Time Limits
The total time duration allotted to complete the TS POLYCET 2026 question paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The paper is a single one with no sectional time limit.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Sectional Time Limit | No sectional time limit |
| Total Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Paper Type | Single paper (all sections combined) |
| Section Order | Candidates can start with any section |
| Time Management Tip | Spend no more than 2–3 minutes per question |
TS POLYCET Exam Pattern 2026 for Engineering
The TS POLYCET exam pattern for Engineering consists of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Attempting the Biology questions is optional for such candidates.
- Single test paper consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions.
- Candidates need to attempt the paper within the allotted duration of 2 hours.
- Each correct answer is allotted one mark. There is no negative marking.
The section-wise questions and marks are tabulated below:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 60 | 60*1= 60 | 50% |
| Physics | 30 | 30*1= 30 | 25% |
| Chemistry | 30 | 30*1=30 | 25% |
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 | 100% |
TS POLYCET Exam Pattern 2026 for Agriculture
The TS POLYCET exam pattern for agriculture courses consists of four sections: Physics and Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. There are 150 multiple-choice questions for one mark each.
- Candidates need to attempt the paper within the allotted duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- There is no negative marking in TS POLYCET 2026.
The section-wise questions and marks are tabulated below:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 60 | 60*0.5= 30 | 25% |
| Physics | 30 | 30*1= 30 | 25% |
| Chemistry | 30 | 30*1=30 | 25% |
| Biology | 30 | 30*1=30 | 25% |
| Total Questions | 150 | 120 | 100% |
Number of Questions in TS POLYCET
A total of 150 questions are asked in the TS POLYCET for engineering. There are 60 questions from mathematics, and 30 each from physics and chemistry. For agriculture, there is an addition of 30 questions from Biology.
| Question Type / Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Questions | 150 questions |
| Engineering Stream | 60 – Mathematics, 30 – Physics, 30 – Chemistry |
| Agriculture Stream | 60 – Mathematics, 30 – Physics, 30 – Chemistry, 30 – Biology |
Question Type
TS POLYCET 2026 does not consist of any essay-type questions. The paper contains only objective-type multiple-choice questions.
TS POLYCET 2026 Question Type
TS POLYCET 2026 consists only of MCQ-type questions. No essay or descriptive questions are included.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only |
| Essay / Descriptive Questions | Not included |
TS POLYCET 2026 Marking Scheme
The test paper has 120 objective-type multiple-choice questions for engineering and 150 MCQs for agriculture. The total marks for TS POLYCET 2026 are 120 marks.
- There is no negative marking.
- No marks are deducted if no response is indicated for any question.
| Course | Marks for Physics | Marks for Chemistry | Marks for Mathematics | Marks for Biology | Total Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 30*1=30 | 30*1=30 | 60*1=60 | -- | 120 | 120 |
| Agriculture | 30*1=30 | 30*1=30 | 60*0.5=30 | 30*1=30 | 150 | 120 |
There is no negative marking for either wrong answers or unanswered questions in TS POLYCET 2026.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Negative Marking | None |
| Wrong Answers | No marks deducted |
| Unanswered Questions | No marks deducted |
If multiple answers are shaded for a single question, the question is considered invalid, and 0 marks are awarded.
TS POLYCET 2026 Qualifying Marks
The TS POLYCET 2026 qualifying marks are 35% to be eligible for admission based on the entrance exam. The qualifying marks are the same for both types of polytechnics.
| Admission for | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Polytechnics of the Technical Education Department | 30% of 120 marks, 36 marks |
| Agricultural Polytechnics of Prof. Jayashankar Agricultural University, Hyderabad | 30% of 120 marks, 36 marks |
For engineering admissions, 36 marks are required in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry put together. For agriculture admissions, 36 marks are required in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology put together.
TS POLYCET Syllabus 2026
The TS POLYCET Syllabus 2026 is based on the Class 10th curriculum of the state board. Every section has a different weightage depending on the number of questions.
Some important topics from each subject are mentioned below:
| Subject | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics |
|
| Physics |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| Biology |
|
Recommended Books for TS POLYCET 2026 Preparation
Candidates can refer to the following books to prepare for TS POLYCET 2026. Model test papers help understand question types and improve speed while attempting questions.
For the basics of all three subjects, study from the Science and Maths books of classes 9th and 10th.
| Book Name | Author |
|---|---|
| Diploma Engineering Polytechnic: Entrance Examination (Popular Master Guide) | Dr. M S Ansari |
| Success Package Delhi Polytechnic Common Entrance Test 2017Paperback– 2017 | Arihant Experts |
| Science For Tenth Class Part 1 Physics | Lakhmir Singh |
| Pradeep's Science Chemistry For Class - X (Part - II) | S.N. Dhawan, S.C. Kheterpal |
| Pardeep's Science Physics Part-1 for Class 10th | Pradeep Publications |
| Mathematics for Class 10 | R.D. Sharma |
Difficulty Level of TS POLYCET 2026 Syllabus
The TS POLYCET 2026 syllabus is based on the class 10th (S.S.C.) exam level syllabus prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education, Telangana State.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Syllabus Level | Class 10th (SSC) exam-level |
| Prescribed By | Telangana State Board of Secondary Education |
Major Topics in TS POLYCET Syllabus 2026
The key topics in the TS POLYCET syllabus 2026 are listed below.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Fractions, HCF/LCM, Ratio, Interest, Graphs, Area & Volume, Probability |
| Physics | Current, Circuits, Magnetic Effects, EM Induction, AC/DC, Light, Mirrors & Lenses |
| Chemistry | pH, Compounds, Reactions, Metals, Organic Chemistry, Periodic Table |
| Biology | Nutrition, Respiration, Excretion, Coordination, Reproduction, Heredity, Environment |
TS POLYCET Previous Question Papers
The TS POLYCET 2026 question paper will be released just after the conclusion of the examination. Previous years' TS POLYCET question papers are available for reference.
| Year | Question Paper Link |
|---|---|
| 2024 | TS Polycet 2024 Question Paper |
| 2023 | TS Polycet 2023 Question Paper |
| 2022 | TS Polycet 2022 Question Paper |
| 2021 | TS Polycet 2021 Question Paper |
| 2020 | TS Polycet 2020 Question Paper |
| 2019 | TS Polycet 2019 Question Paper |
| 2018 | TS Polycet 2018 Question Paper |
| 2017 | TS Polycet 2017 Question Paper |
| 2016 | TS Polycet 2016 Question Paper |
Check: TS POLYCET Mock Test
Important Instructions to Fill the TS POLYCET 2026 OMR Sheet
Instructions to fill in details and answer questions on the OMR sheet of the TS POLYCET 2026 exam will be given inside the leaflet itself. It is advised to follow the steps while filling in and answering questions in the OMR sheet.
TS POLYCET OMR Sheet Instructions
Follow these instructions while filling the OMR sheet for the TS POLYCET exam. Fill the sheet carefully because no secondary OMR sheet will be provided.
| Instruction | Details |
|---|---|
| Pen Type | Use a Blue or Black Ball Point Pen only |
| Details to Fill | Candidate's name, hall ticket number, exam centre name, date, and signature on Side 1 |
| Marking Method | Darken the appropriate circle completely; do not tick or cross |
| Multiple Answers | Shading more than one circle for a question will lead to no marks |
| Corrections | No secondary OMR sheet will be given — fill carefully |
| Avoid Scribbling | Do not make unnecessary marks or writings on the sheet |
| Incorrect Entries | Any wrongly filled field can make the answer sheet invalid |
TS POLYCET Exam Preparation Tips
Prepare for the TS POLYCET exam by focusing on Class 10 (SSC) topics. The exam covers Maths (60 questions), Physics (30 questions), Chemistry (30 questions), and Biology (30 questions).
| Strategy Area | How to Implement |
|---|---|
| Syllabus Coverage | Focus on Class 10 (SSC) topics: Maths (60 Qs), Physics (30 Qs), Chemistry (30 Qs), Biology (30 Qs) |
| Study Hours | Minimum 4–5 hours/day with equal time for Maths and Science subjects |
| Practice Frequency | Attempt 3–4 mock tests/week to build speed and accuracy |
| Revision Plan | Reserve the last 15 days for a complete revision of formulas and key concepts |
| Weak Areas | Identify low-scoring topics via mock test analysis and revise 2× more |
| Time Management | Practice solving 150 Qs in 150 mins (1 min/question) |
| Materials | Use the TS SCERT 10th textbooks + previous year question papers |
| Exam Strategy | Attempt easy questions first, mark difficult ones for review |
| Accuracy Target | Maintain 90%+ accuracy, as there is no negative marking |
TS POLYCET Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the pattern of the POLYCET exam?
The TS POLYCET exam is a state-level entrance test for diploma courses. It is an offline exam conducted on a pen-and-paper basis with an OMR sheet.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam mode | Offline (OMR / Pen-and-Paper) |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Number of questions | 120 (standard engineering)150 (with Biology) |
| Total marks | 120 / 150 |
| Subjects | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (± Biology) |
| Marking scheme | +1 for correct answer; No negative marking |
What is the rank for 70 marks in POLYCET?
The rank for a score of around 70 marks can vary each year. It depends on the year's difficulty, the number of participants, and the seats available.
| Marks Scored | Estimated Rank Range |
|---|---|
| ~70 marks | Approx. ≈ 3,000 |
| ~75 marks | Approx. ≈ 2,250 |
| 79+ marks | Up to ≈ 1,650 |
Is 60 marks good in TS POLYCET?
A score of 60 marks in TS POLYCET can be considered "reasonable." Whether it is "good" depends on the target college, branch (stream), and category (General/SC/ST).
| Score Range | Rank Range (Approx.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 100–120 | Top 100 | Excellent – Top Govt. colleges |
| 80–99 | 500–1500 | Very Good – Strong branch options |
| 60–79 | 3000–7000 | Reasonable – Decent colleges possible |
| Below 60 | 7000+ | Low – Limited college/branch choices |
What is a good Rank in TS POLYCET?
Scoring 100-120 marks (out of 120) can lead you to top ranks (1 – ~100). Ranks up to ~2000-3000 are competitive for many good colleges and desired branches.
- Ranks up to ~2000-3000 are competitive for many good colleges/desired branches.
- Ranks above ~10,000 may still secure a seat, but in less competitive branches or private colleges.
| Marks Range | Estimated Rank | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 120–115 | 1 – 5 | Top rank, open branch choice |
| 114–110 | 6 – 15 | Top govt. colleges possible |
| 109–100 | 16 – 100 | Excellent, strong chances |
| 99–90 | 101 – 500 | Very good, preferred branches likely |
| 89–80 | 501 – 1500 | Good, some competitive options |
| 79–70 | 1501 – 3000 | Decent, many college options |
| 69–60 | 3001 – 7000 | Fair, limited branch choice |
| < 60 | 7000+ | Low score, limited colleges |