The Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) 2025 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs in engineering, pharmacy, management, and computer applications. This exam is one of the primary gateways for students seeking admission to top technical institutes in Himachal Pradesh.
In this guide, we will provide an in-depth look at HPCET 2025, including exam dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, application process, admit card details, result declaration, and preparation strategies.
What is HPCET 2025?
HPCET is a university-level entrance test conducted annually by HPTU to facilitate admissions into its affiliated institutions. The exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude and subject knowledge required for professional courses in engineering, pharmacy, management, and technology.
HPCET primarily caters to students applying for:
- Undergraduate Programs
- B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology)
- B.Pharmacy (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
- Postgraduate Programs
- M.Tech (Master of Technology)
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
- M.Pharmacy (Master of Pharmacy)
Apart from HPCET, some admissions are based on national-level exams such as JEE Main (for B.Tech), CAT/MAT/CMAT (for MBA), and GPAT (for M.Pharmacy).
HPCET 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)
Below is the expected schedule for HPCET 2025. The final dates will be confirmed by HPTU through official notifications.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 2025 |
| Start of Online Application Process | March 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | April 2025 |
| Release of Admit Card | May 2025 |
| HPCET 2025 Exam Date | May 2025 |
| Release of Answer Key | May 2025 |
| Declaration of Results | June 2025 |
| Counseling Process Begins | June/July 2025 |
Candidates are advised to regularly check the HPTU official website for updates.
HPCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying for HPCET 2025. The requirements differ based on the program applied for.
General Eligibility
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- There is no specific age limit for appearing in the exam.
Educational Qualification and Minimum Marks
| Course | Eligibility | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subjects | 45% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| B.Pharmacy | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology | 45% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| M.Tech | B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline | 50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | 50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level | 50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/OBC) |
Candidates applying for MBA can also seek admission through CAT, MAT, or CMAT scores, while those applying for B.Tech can be admitted based on JEE Main scores.
HPCET 2025 Exam Pattern
HPCET 2025 is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode). The pattern varies depending on the course applied for.
Exam Pattern for B.Tech & B.Pharmacy
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 50 | 100 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 100 |
| Mathematics / Biology | 50 | 100 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
Exam Pattern for MBA & MCA
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| Data Interpretation & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -0.5 marks (negative marking applies)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted
HPCET 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus is based on the curriculum of Class 11 & 12 (for UG courses) and graduate-level topics (for PG courses).
Physics
- Laws of Motion
- Gravitation
- Electrostatics
- Thermodynamics
- Magnetism
- Optics
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Coordination Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry (Alcohols, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids)
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Calculus (Differentiation & Integration)
Biology (For B.Pharmacy Applicants)
- Cell Biology
- Human Physiology
- Genetics & Evolution
MBA & MCA Subjects
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal Ability
- General Knowledge
How to Apply for HPCET 2025?
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the official website of HPTU.
- Click on HPCET 2025 Registration.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Provide personal, academic, and contact details.
- Choose exam center preference.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload scanned copies of photograph & signature.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
| Category | B.Tech / B.Pharmacy | MBA / MCA / M.Tech |
|---|---|---|
| General | ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 |
| SC/ST/BPL | ₹1,400 | ₹1,400 |
Step 5: Print Confirmation Page
- Download and print the application form for future reference.
HPCET 2025 Admit Card & Results
- Admit Card: Available one week before the exam on the official website.
- Results: Declared in June 2025.
- Counseling: Begins in June/July 2025 based on HPCET ranks.
Preparation Tips for HPCET 2025
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Practice previous year question papers and mock tests.
- Focus on concept clarity in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Improve time management and speed.
Conclusion
HPCET 2025 is a crucial entrance exam for students aspiring for technical and professional courses in Himachal Pradesh. Candidates should prepare strategically and stay updated with official notifications to maximize their chances of securing admission.