AP POLYCET
Engineering
Updated on 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (AP POLYCET) is a crucial state-level entrance examination conducted by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh. This examination serves as a gateway for admission into various Engineering and Non-Engineering Diploma courses offered by all polytechnic colleges across Andhra Pradesh. Held annually, typically in April or May, AP POLYCET tests candidates in core academic areas such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, providing a merit-based selection tool for aspirants. Appearing for the AP POLYCET is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue Diploma programs at Andhra Pradesh’s most reputed polytechnic institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the state — making it a centralized, merit-based selection tool. The examination is conducted in an offline mode, where candidates mark their responses on an OMR sheet. The paper comprises 120 multiple-choice questions, with 50 questions from Mathematics, 40 from Physics, and 30 from Chemistry, each carrying one mark for a total of 120 marks. The total duration of the test is two hours. The syllabus for AP POLYCET is primarily based on the Andhra Pradesh State Board's 10th Class curriculum, ensuring that the content is familiar to students who have completed their secondary education. This foundational approach helps candidates prepare effectively by focusing on their high school academic knowledge. AP POLYCET does not implement negative marking, which allows candidates to attempt all questions without fear of penalty for incorrect answers. This feature can significantly influence a candidate's strategy during the examination. Historically, the examination attracts a large number of students from across the state, with tens of thousands appearing annually. The cutoff scores vary each year based on factors such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the paper, and the availability of seats in various specializations and colleges. Successful candidates proceed to a centralized web-based counselling process managed by the Department of Technical Education (DTE), Andhra Pradesh, where seats are allocated based on their merit rank and preferred college and course choices. This comprehensive system ensures a structured and fair admission process into the state's polytechnic education system.
Full Name | Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test |
Short Name | AP POLYCET |
Conducting Authority | State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh |
Domain | Engineering |
Academic Level | Diploma |
Acceptance Level | State |
Exam Type | State Level Entrance Exam |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Application Period | February to April (tentative for 2026) |
General Category Fee | 400 INR (Based on 2024 figures) |
Reserved Category Fee | 100 INR (For SC/ST, based on 2024 figures) |
Typical Exam Months | AprilMay |
Result Declaration | Within 10 days of exam (tentative for 2026) |
Score Validity | 1 Academic Year |
Component | Details |
---|---|
Total Papers | 1 |
Duration per Session | 2 hours |
Total Questions | 120 |
Total Marks | 120 |
Question Types |
|
Syllabus Based On | Andhra Pradesh State Board 10th Class Syllabus |
Class Level Syllabus | 10th Class |
Admission to all polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh based on a single entrance test score. No negative marking for incorrect answers.
Centralized web-based counselling for seat allocation based on merit rank and college preferences.
Counselling Body | Department of Technical Education (DTE), Andhra Pradesh |
Domain of Acceptance | Engineering and Non-Engineering Diploma courses |
Official Website | https://polycetap.nic.in/ |
Official Email | polycet-sbtet@ap.gov.in |
Helpline Numbers | NA |
Information Brochure | https://polycetap.nic.in/Documents/AP_POLYCET_2024_Information_Bulletin.pdf (Based on 2024) |
Year | Applicants (in lacs) |
---|---|
2023 | 1.6 |
2021 | 1.13 |
2022 | 1.42 |
2024 | 1.69 |
The Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (AP POLYCET) is an essential state-level examination for students seeking admission to Diploma courses in Engineering and Non-Engineering disciplines across all polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Conducted annually by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh, the application period for the examination typically commences in February and concludes by April, with the exam generally held in April or May. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to monitor the official website, polycetap.nic.in, for precise dates and notifications for the upcoming 2026 session, as specific timelines are released closer to the application window. To be eligible for AP POLYCET, candidates must have passed the SSC (10th class) examination or any equivalent examination, with a minimum aggregate of 35% marks. There is no specific age limit for appearing in the examination. The application process is entirely online, requiring candidates to fill out the application form, upload necessary documents such as photographs and signatures, and pay the application fee. For the recent examination cycles, the application fee was 400 INR for General and BC category candidates, while SC and ST category candidates paid 100 INR. It is crucial for applicants to accurately provide all required information and ensure the successful completion of the fee payment to avoid common mistakes that could lead to application rejection. While there is no specific late fee window, the application portal closes after the announced deadline, making timely submission vital. The examination itself comprises 120 multiple-choice questions from Mathematics (50 questions), Physics (40 questions), and Chemistry (30 questions), totaling 120 marks. The exam duration is two hours, and it is conducted offline. Importantly, there is no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions. The scores obtained in AP POLYCET are valid for one academic year, specifically for admissions in the same year. Following the examination, results are typically declared within ten days. The admission process then proceeds with a centralized web-based counselling conducted by the Department of Technical Education (DTE), Andhra Pradesh, where candidates choose their preferred courses and colleges based on their merit rank.
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