The Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test (UPCET) is one of the most important exams for students seeking admission into professional courses such as MBA, MCA, B.Pharm, B.Tech Lateral Entry, BHMCT, B.Des, and more in colleges across Uttar Pradesh.
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, the exam acts as a gateway for thousands of aspirants every year.
In this blog, we provide you a complete guide on UPCET 2026 including eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, admission process, and counselling.
📑 Table of Contents
- What is UPCET 2022?
- UPCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- UPCET 2026 Highlights
- UPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- UPCET Important Dates 2026
- UPCET 2026 Admission Process
- UPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
- UPCET 2026 Syllabus
- UPCET 2026 Counselling
- UPCET 2026 Reservation Criteria
- UPCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ What is UPCET 2022?
UPCET, earlier known as UPSEE, was introduced in 2021. Until 2022, the exam was conducted separately for admissions into different undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- From 2022 onwards, UPCET was merged with CUET (UG & PG) for most courses.
- However, the exam framework continues to serve as the state-level admission pathway for UP colleges.
2️⃣ UPCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 2026 |
| Application Form Opens | March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| UPCET 2026 Exam Dates | May–June 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling Process | July 2026 |
3️⃣ UPCET 2026 Highlights
- Exam Name: UPCET (Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test)
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Level: State Level
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Courses Covered: MBA, MCA, B.Pharm, BHMCT, B.Des, B.Tech Lateral, etc.
- Admission Channels: UPCET, CUET (UG/PG), JEE Main (for B.Tech)
4️⃣ UPCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies depending on the program applied for:
- For MBA:
- Graduate in any discipline with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
- For MCA:
- Graduation with Mathematics at 10+2 or UG level.
- For B.Pharm:
- Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
- For B.Tech Lateral Entry:
- Diploma holders or B.Sc. graduates with Mathematics.
5️⃣ UPCET Important Dates 2026
- Application Form Release: March 2026
- Exam Dates: May–June 2026
- Result Announcement: June 2026
- Counselling: July 2026
(Note: Always verify updated dates on the official NTA website.)
6️⃣ UPCET 2026 Admission Process
- Application Form: Apply online via NTA’s official portal.
- Entrance Test: Appear for UPCET / CUET / JEE Main depending on the program.
- Result Declaration: Scores released on the official website.
- Counselling & Choice Filling: Students select preferred colleges and courses.
- Seat Allotment: Based on merit, reservation, and availability.
- Final Admission: Reporting to the allotted college with documents.
7️⃣ UPCET 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective MCQs
- Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, no negative marking
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 100 |
| Logical Reasoning | 25 | 100 |
| English Language | 25 | 100 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
(Pattern may differ slightly for UG and PG programs)
8️⃣ UPCET 2026 Syllabus
- Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding
- English Language: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, Business, Economy, Science, GK
9️⃣ UPCET 2026 Counselling
The counselling is conducted online in multiple rounds:
- Online registration for counselling.
- Choice filling of colleges and courses.
- Document verification.
- Seat allotment based on rank, category, and preference.
- Reporting to college for admission confirmation.
🔟 UPCET 2026 Reservation Criteria
Reservation is as per UP Government norms:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 21%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 2%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%
- PwD Candidates: 5% (horizontal reservation)
1️⃣1️⃣ UPCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is UPCET 2026 compulsory for MBA admissions in UP?
👉 Yes, MBA admissions are primarily through UPCET/CUET (PG).
Q2. Who conducts UPCET 2026?
👉 The National Testing Agency (NTA).
Q3. What is the exam difficulty level?
👉 Moderate, similar to CMAT/MAT.
Q4. Can I apply if I’m in final year of graduation?
👉 Yes, final-year students can apply.
Q5. Is there negative marking in UPCET 2026?
👉 No, there is no negative marking.
🌟 Final Words
The UPCET 2026 exam opens doors to some of the best colleges in Uttar Pradesh for MBA, MCA, B.Pharm, and other professional programs. With well-structured preparation, mock tests, and proper counselling guidance, students can secure admission in top institutes.
👉 Stay updated with official notifications from NTA and plan your preparation early to maximize your chances of success.
📌 Pro Tip for WordPress: Add a “Apply Now” button at the end linking to the official NTA website.