Overview
AP EAPCET (Engineering, Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test) is Andhra Pradesh's state-level entrance exam, conducted by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). It is used for admission to engineering, agriculture, pharmacy and related professional degree courses in colleges across Andhra Pradesh. It was earlier known as AP EAMCET.
Who can apply
Candidates must have passed, or be appearing in, the Class 12 (10+2) examination from a recognised board, with the subject combination matching the stream they apply for:
Engineering: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM).
Agriculture and Pharmacy: Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Mathematics, for some pharmacy seats).
Candidates from Andhra Pradesh, as well as those who meet the state's local-status rules, are eligible; Indian nationals, PIO and OCI candidates meeting local-status criteria can also apply.
Exam pattern
AP EAPCET 2026 is a computer-based test (CBT) with no negative marking.
| Stream | Subjects | Total questions | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 160 | 3 hours | Computer-based |
| Agriculture & Pharmacy | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (or Mathematics) | 160 | 3 hours | Computer-based |
Within each 160-question paper, Physics and Chemistry typically carry 40 questions each, with the third subject (Mathematics or Biology) carrying the remaining 80 questions.
Marking and results
Each correct answer earns 1 mark, with no marks deducted for wrong answers. APSCHE releases a rank card based on the AP EAPCET score, which candidates use to take part in counselling.
Important dates
For the 2026 cycle, the Engineering stream exam was held from 12 to 15 May and on 18 May 2026, and the Agriculture & Pharmacy stream exam was held on 19–20 May 2026. The last date to apply without a late fee was 17 March 2026, and admit cards were made available from 28 April 2026. Dates change each year and are notified separately by APSCHE.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official APSCHE/EAPCET portal at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in, where candidates register, fill in personal and academic details, upload photograph and signature, and pay the application fee.
After the exam
Admission after AP EAPCET goes through a centralised, online counselling process run by APSCHE. Candidates register for counselling, pay a processing fee, get their certificates verified, submit web options (college and branch preferences) in order of choice, and are allotted seats based on rank, category, local-status and seat availability. Counselling is conducted in multiple phases, with self-reporting and reporting required after each round of seat allotment.
Preparation tips
Because the paper has no negative marking, attempting every question is worthwhile even when unsure. Physics, Chemistry and the third subject (Mathematics or Biology) are all drawn from the Class 11 and 12 syllabus, so working through the state board (or equivalent) textbooks and previous years' EAPCET papers is the most direct way to prepare, alongside timed mock tests to handle the 160-question, 3-hour format.
Is there negative marking in AP EAPCET?
No. Wrong answers do not lose marks; only correct answers are scored.
Can students from other states take AP EAPCET?
Yes, but admission through the AP EAPCET counselling process depends on the state's local-status and reservation rules, which favour candidates who meet Andhra Pradesh local-status criteria.
Who conducts AP EAPCET counselling?
APSCHE conducts the centralised counselling and seat allotment process after the exam, based on the rank card issued to each candidate.
What is the exam mode for AP EAPCET?
It is a computer-based test (CBT), not a pen-and-paper exam.