AP POLYCET 2026: Your Complete Guide from Application to Admission

Planning to join a diploma course in Andhra Pradesh after your 10th class? This guide breaks down every single step of the AP POLYCET 2026 process, from filling the application form to confirming your seat in college. We have covered the entire journey to make it simple and clear for you.

Last updated: 9th September 2025

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What is AP POLYCET and how do I get a diploma seat in 2026?

The Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (AP POLYCET) is a state-level entrance exam for admission into 3-year engineering and non-engineering diploma courses in Andhra Pradesh. It is conducted by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET). To secure a seat, you need to qualify in the exam and participate in the web-based counseling process.

The entire process involves these key steps:

1. Check eligibility and apply online at the official POLYCET website.
2. Download your hall ticket and appear for the offline (pen-and-paper) exam.
3. Check your result and download your rank card.
4. Register for web counseling by paying the processing fee online.
5. Attend a Helpline Center for certificate verification.
6. Log in to enter your preferred college and branch choices (web options).
7. Receive a seat allotment, download the allotment order, and self-report online.
8. Finally, report physically at the allotted college with original documents to confirm your admission.

What is AP POLYCET?

AP POLYCET is the gateway for students who have completed their 10th class (SSC) to enter the world of technical education in Andhra Pradesh. It’s a single entrance test that determines your admission into various diploma programs.

• Owning Authority: The exam is conducted by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh. The admissions and counseling process is managed by the Department of Technical Education (DTE), AP. It’s important to know this difference: SBTET handles the test itself, while DTE handles what comes after the results.
• Purpose: The main goal of POLYCET is to fill seats in diploma courses across all Government, Aided, Private, and Second-shift polytechnics in Andhra Pradesh. The rank you get in this exam is the primary factor for your admission.
• Who Should Take It: If you have passed your SSC or an equivalent exam and want to pursue a technical diploma in fields like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Electronics, this exam is for you.
• Diploma Branches Covered: POLYCET opens doors to a wide range of 3-year diploma courses. Some popular branches include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and Automobile Engineering.

AP POLYCET 2026: Important Dates Timeline (Expected)

Important Note: The official notification for AP POLYCET 2026 has not been released yet. The dates below are tentative, based on the 2025 schedule, to help you plan. Please check the official websites—polycetap.nic.in for the exam and polycet.ap.gov.in for counseling—once the 2026 notifications are out.

This timeline gives you a clear picture of the entire admission cycle, from start to finish.

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Eligibility Criteria for AP POLYCET 2026

Before you apply, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.

• Educational Qualification: You must have passed the SSC Examination conducted by the State Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, or any other equivalent examination like CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, or APOSS. You must have studied Mathematics as one of the subjects and passed all subjects with a minimum of 35% marks in each.
• Age Criteria: There is no age limit to appear for the AP POLYCET exam. However, there is a maximum age limit to be eligible for the government’s fee reimbursement scheme. Typically, this is 20 years for OC candidates and 24 years for BC/SC/ST candidates. So, while anyone can write the exam, financial aid depends on your age.
• Nationality & Domicile: You must be an Indian citizen and satisfy the local or non-local status requirements as defined by the Government of Andhra Pradesh education rules.
• Qualifying Marks in POLYCET: To be eligible for a rank, General category candidates must score a minimum of 30% of the total marks (which is 36 out of 120). For SC and ST candidates, there are no minimum qualifying marks; they will be assigned a rank irrespective of their score.

Application Process: How to Apply Online

The application process is completely online and straightforward. Remember, the application form you fill for POLYCET is also your application for admission; you won’t need to fill another one later.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official AP POLYCET website, which is typically https://polycetap.nic.in.
2. Fill the Application Form: Click on the “Apply Online” link. You will need to enter your 10th Class Hall Ticket number, year of passing, and date of birth. Fill in your personal details, address, and contact information carefully.
3. Choose Exam Centers: You will be asked to select three preferred exam centers from a list of available towns or cities.
4. Upload Documents: You’ll need to upload a scanned copy of your recent passport-sized photograph and your signature. Make sure they are in the specified format and size.
5. Pay the Application Fee: The fee must be paid online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee is non-refundable.
6. Submit and Print: After successful payment, submit your application. A confirmation page will be generated. Download and print this “Filled In Application Form” for your records. You will need it for future reference.

Application Fee (Expected for 2026)

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Before You Apply Checklist

• [ ] Your 10th Class (SSC) Hall Ticket.
• [ ] A recent passport-size photograph (scanned).
• [ ] Your signature (scanned).
• [ ] Your Aadhaar card number.
• [ ] A valid mobile number and email ID for communication.
• [ ] Debit/Credit card or Net Banking details for fee payment.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step to a great preparation strategy. The paper tests your knowledge of the 10th-class curriculum.

AP POLYCET Exam Pattern

Subject-wise Marks Distribution

The weightage is not equal across subjects. Mathematics has the highest weightage, which is a crucial point for your preparation and also for tie-breaking in ranks.

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AP POLYCET 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus is based entirely on the Class 10 curriculum of the Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

Mathematics (50 Marks) Key topics include Real Numbers, Polynomials, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Quadratic Equations, Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Probability. Trigonometry and Mensuration often have higher weightage.

Physics (40 Marks) Focus on topics like Heat, Reflection and Refraction of Light, The Human Eye and Colourful World, Electric Current, and Electromagnetism. Electric Current and Electromagnetism are particularly important.

Chemistry (30 Marks) Important chapters include Chemical Reactions and Equations, Acids, Bases and Salts, Structure of Atom, Periodic Classification of Elements, Chemical Bonding, Metallurgy, and Carbon and its Compounds.

Hall Ticket and Exam Day Instructions

The hall ticket is your entry pass to the examination hall and a vital document for the entire admission process.

How to Download the Hall Ticket

You can download your hall ticket from the official POLYCET website (polycetap.nic.in) about a week before the exam. You will need your application number or 10th hall ticket number to log in and download it.

Once downloaded, check all the details carefully: your name, photograph, signature, exam center address, date, and time. If you find any errors, contact the nearest helpline center immediately for correction.

Pro Tip: Your POLYCET hall ticket number is also your login ID for the counseling process. Do not lose it after the exam. It’s a good idea to keep both a physical printout and a digital copy safe until your admission is confirmed.

Exam Day Checklist

• [ ] Printed copy of your AP POLYCET Hall Ticket.
• [ ] A valid photo ID proof (like an Aadhaar card).
• [ ] Two or three blue or black ballpoint pens for marking the OMR sheet.
• [ ] A simple wristwatch (smartwatches are not allowed).
• [ ] Report to the exam center at least one hour before the scheduled time.

Answer Key, Result, and Rank Card

After the exam, the process moves quickly towards results and ranking.

1. Provisional Answer Key: A few days after the exam, SBTET will release a provisional answer key on the official website. You can use this to calculate your estimated score.
2. Challenging the Key: If you believe any answer in the key is incorrect, you will be given a short window (usually 2-3 days) to raise an objection with valid proof.
3. Final Answer Key and Result: After reviewing all objections, a final answer key is released. Your OMR sheet will be evaluated based on this final key, and the results will be declared.
4. Rank Card: Your result will be available in the form of a rank card, which you can download from the website. This card will show your subject-wise marks, total marks, and your final state-level rank.

How Ranks are Calculated (Tie-Breaking Rule)

If two or more students get the same total score, the rank is decided using the following tie-breaking criteria in this specific order :

1. The student with higher marks in Mathematics gets the better rank.
2. If the tie still exists, the student with higher marks in Physics gets the better rank.
3. If the tie persists, the older student (based on date of birth) is given the higher rank.

This rule again shows why scoring well in Mathematics is so important for a good rank.

Counseling and Seat Allotment: The Complete AP Process

This is the most crucial phase where your rank translates into a college seat. The AP POLYCET counseling is a centralized, web-based process. Pay close attention to each step, as a small mistake can cost you a seat.

Counseling Website: Note that the website for counseling is different from the exam website. It is usually https://polycet.ap.gov.in.

Step 1: Pay the Processing Fee

To begin, you must pay a non-refundable processing fee online. This makes you eligible to participate in the counseling.

• Expected Fee for OC/BC: ₹700
• Expected Fee for SC/ST: ₹250

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Step 2: Attend Certificate Verification

After paying the fee, you must go to a designated Helpline Center (HLC) for document verification. HLCs are usually major Government Polytechnics across the state. You will be given a schedule based on your rank.

• Special Category Verification: Candidates applying under special categories like PH (Physically Handicapped), CAP (Children of Armed Personnel), NCC, and Sports usually have to attend verification at a single, centralized location, which is often the Government Polytechnic in Vijayawada.

Step 3: Web Options Entry

This is where you choose your preferred colleges and branches.

• Once your certificates are verified, you can log in to the web options portal using your hall ticket number.
• You can enter any number of college-branch combinations.
• Crucial Advice: List your choices in the exact order of your preference. The system will try to give you the highest possible option on your list that your rank allows. Do not list a less-preferred college above a more-preferred one.

Step 4: Seat Allotment

The allotment is done by a computer program based on a combination of factors:

• Your AP POLYCET Rank
• Your Reservation Category (SC/ST/BC/EWS etc.)
• Your Local Area Status (AU/SVU)
• Your Gender (for women’s reservation)
• The priority of options you entered

The seat allotment results will be published on the counseling website on a specified date.

Step 5: Post-Allotment Actions (Mandatory)

This is a two-step process, and you must complete both to confirm your seat.

1. Self-Reporting (Online): First, you must log in to the system and accept the allotted seat online. This is called self-reporting. You will then be able to download your provisional allotment order.
2. Reporting at the College (Physical): After self-reporting, you must physically go to the allotted college with your allotment order and all original documents before the deadline. You will pay the college tuition fee here and complete the final admission formalities.

Warning: If you do only one of these two steps—either self-report online but don’t go to the college, or go to the college without self-reporting online—your seat will be cancelled automatically.

Understanding the Counseling Rounds

• Phase 1: The first main round where the majority of seats are filled.
• Final Phase: This round is for seats that remain vacant after Phase 1. If you are not happy with your Phase 1 seat, you can participate. Important: If you participate in the Final Phase, you must enter your web options again from scratch. If you are allotted a new seat, your old seat from Phase 1 is automatically cancelled and given to another candidate.
• Spot Admissions: If seats are still vacant after the final phase, individual colleges may conduct “spot admissions” at their campus. Students admitted through spot rounds are generally not eligible for fee reimbursement from the government.

Documents and Reservations Explained

Having the right documents and understanding the reservation policy is key to a smooth admission process.

Document Verification Checklist

You will need to take all original certificates plus two sets of photocopies to the Helpline Center.

• [ ] AP POLYCET Hall Ticket and Rank Card.
• [ ] SSC (10th Class) or equivalent marks memo.
• [ ] Study/Bonafide Certificates from Class IV to X. (This is very important to prove your local status).
• [ ] Transfer Certificate (T.C.) from the school you last attended.
• [ ] Aadhaar Card.
• [ ] Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority (for BC/SC/ST candidates).
• [ ] Income Certificate issued after 01-01-2026 (or a valid white ration card) to claim fee reimbursement.
• [ ] EWS Certificate valid for the year 2026-27 (for OC candidates claiming EWS reservation).
• [ ] Special Category Certificates (PH, CAP, NCC, Sports), if applicable.
• [ ] Local Status Certificate (if you have migrated from Telangana to any part of AP).
• [ ] Minority Status Certificate, if applicable.

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AP Reservation Policy

Admissions in Andhra Pradesh follow a specific reservation policy.

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Local Area Reservation: The Most Important Rule

This is a critical rule that decides your chances. 85% of the seats in any polytechnic are reserved for “local candidates” of that region. The remaining 15% are “unreserved”.

Andhra Pradesh is divided into two local regions:

1. Andhra University (AU) Region: Includes the erstwhile districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam.
2. Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) Region: Includes the erstwhile districts of Anantapur, Kurnool, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Nellore.

You are considered a “local candidate” for a region if you have studied there for four consecutive years ending with your 10th class. This means if you get a rank of 15,000 and are from the AU region, you have a much better chance of getting a seat in a college in Visakhapatnam than a student with the same rank from the SVU region.

How to Use Seat Matrix and Cut-Offs

To make smart choices during web options entry, you need to do some research using two key documents that will be released before counseling:

• Seat Matrix: This is a detailed list of all available seats in every college, broken down by branch and reservation category. It tells you exactly how many seats are available for, say, an SC-Girl candidate in Civil Engineering at a particular college.
• Last Rank Statements (Cut-offs): This document shows the rank of the last student who was admitted into each college-branch-category combination in the previous year. For example, if the last rank for BC-B (Boys) in Mechanical at a college was 22,500 in 2025, and your rank is 20,000, you have a good chance of getting that seat in 2026. [LINK: “AP seat matrix and cutoff explainer”]

Use these documents to create a realistic list of colleges where you have a strong chance of admission.

College Choice Strategy: Making the Right Decisions

Creating your web options list is a strategic task. Here’s a simple framework to follow:

1. Prioritize Your Branch: First, decide which diploma branch you are most passionate about (e.g., Computers, Mechanical). Your career starts here.
2. Shortlist Colleges: Based on your preferred branch, create a list of colleges. Consider factors like:
   • Location: Is it close to your home? Or will you need a hostel?
   • Reputation: Is it a Government Polytechnic or a well-regarded private one?
   • Fees: Can you afford the fees, especially if you are not eligible for reimbursement?
   • Past Placements: Check if the college has a good record of placing students in jobs.
3. Create Your Option List (Dream, Realistic, Safe):
   • List 1 (Dream Options): Start by listing the top 10-15 college-branch combinations you would love to get, even if your rank is a bit lower than last year’s cut-off.
   • List 2 (Realistic Options): Next, add 20-30 options where last year’s cut-off rank is very close to your rank. These are your most likely choices.
   • List 3 (Safe Options): Finally, add at least 10-15 options where last year’s cut-off rank is much higher than your rank. This ensures you get a seat, no matter what.
4. Enter All Options: Combine these lists into one master list and enter them in that exact order of preference. There is no harm in adding more options. The more choices you list, the higher your chances of securing a seat.

Fees, Scholarships, and Return on Investment

Pursuing a diploma involves costs, but there are excellent financial support systems in place in Andhra Pradesh.

Typical College Fees

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Note that these are just tuition fees. You will also have to budget for exam fees, hostel fees (if applicable), transport, and study materials.

Scholarships and Fee Reimbursement

The Government of Andhra Pradesh offers comprehensive financial aid through the Jnanabhumi portal (jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in). The main scheme for diploma students is the Post-Matric Scholarship, which provides:

• RTF (Reimbursement of Tuition Fee): The government pays your college tuition fee directly to the college.
• MTF (Maintenance, Food & Travel charges): The government deposits a certain amount into your bank account to help with living expenses.

To be eligible, you must meet the criteria for income, caste, attendance (minimum 75%), and age. Applying for a Jnanabhumi scholarship is a separate process that you must complete after your college admission is confirmed.

After Allotment: Your First Week in College

Congratulations on securing your seat! Here’s a quick checklist for what to do in the first week after reporting to your new college.

• [ ] Submit all original documents and at least 2-3 sets of photocopies to the college office.
• [ ] Pay any remaining college fees and get official receipts.
• [ ] Collect your college ID card and official timetable.
• [ ] Attend the orientation program to learn about college rules, faculty, and facilities.
• [ ] If you are staying in a hostel, complete the hostel admission formalities and report to your room.
• [ ] Get your syllabus and textbooks.
• [ ] Connect with your classmates and seniors.

Complete Checklists for Your AP POLYCET Journey

Before You Apply Checklist

• [ ] Confirm your eligibility (SSC pass percentage, local status).
• [ ] Keep your SSC hall ticket and Aadhaar card handy.
• [ ] Get a recent passport-size photo and signature scanned.
• [ ] Have a valid mobile number and email ID.

Application Day Checklist

• [ ] Visit the official website polycetap.nic.in.
• [ ] Fill all details correctly without spelling mistakes.
• [ ] Upload photo and signature in the correct format.
• [ ] Pay the fee online and save the payment receipt.
• [ ] Download and print the final submitted application form.

Exam Day Checklist

• [ ] Carry your Hall Ticket and a valid Photo ID.
• [ ] Use only a blue or black ballpoint pen.
• [ ] Reach the exam center an hour early.
• [ ] Do not carry any electronic devices.

Counseling Day Checklist

• [ ] Pay the counseling processing fee online.
• [ ] Check your rank-wise schedule for certificate verification.
• [ ] Arrange all original documents and 2 sets of photocopies in a file.
• [ ] Visit the designated Helpline Center on time.
• [ ] After verification, get the receipt of certificates.

Reporting to College Checklist

• [ ] Download your final allotment order.
• [ ] Complete the online self-reporting first.
• [ ] Visit the allotted college before the deadline.
• [ ] Submit the allotment order and all original documents.
• [ ] Pay the college fee and collect the receipt.

AP-Specific Guidance and Tips

• Official Websites are Your Best Friend: Always trust information only from polycetap.nic.in, sbtet.ap.gov.in, and dteap.nic.in. Avoid third-party sites for critical dates and rules.
• Helpline Centers (HLCs): During counseling, HLCs are your main point of contact for any issues like certificate problems or changing your mobile number. They are usually located at major Government Polytechnics in district headquarters.
• Grievances: For any major issues, you can usually find a contact email for the “Convener, AP POLYCET” in the official notifications. Keep an eye out for it.

Travel & Stay Tips for Major AP Hubs If you need to travel for certificate verification, especially to the central hub in Vijayawada, plan ahead.

• Vijayawada: The main HLC is often at the Government Polytechnic near Benz Circle, which is a major landmark. The city is well-connected by bus and train. Book accommodation in areas like Autonagar or near the bus stand for convenience.
• Visakhapatnam: The HLC is typically at Government Polytechnic, Kancharapalem. The city has good local bus connectivity. Look for stays near the RTC Complex for easy travel.
• Tirupati: SV Government Polytechnic is the usual HLC. The city is a major pilgrimage center, so book your travel and stay well in advance, especially if your dates clash with any festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there negative marking in the AP POLYCET exam?

No, there is no negative marking for wrong answers. You get +1 mark for a correct answer and 0 for a wrong or unanswered question. So, it’s a good strategy to attempt all 120 questions.

Can I change my web options after submitting them?

You can modify your options as many times as you want before the deadline for “freezing” of options. Once the deadline passes or you manually freeze your options, you cannot change them for that phase of counseling.

What if I miss my scheduled slot for certificate verification?

You should try to attend on the next available day for your rank category or contact the HLC coordinator immediately. However, it is strongly advised to stick to your schedule to avoid any complications.

How do spot admissions work?

Spot admissions are conducted by individual colleges to fill seats that are still vacant after all counseling rounds are over. Both qualified and non-qualified candidates can attend, but preference is given to those with a POLYCET rank. Students admitted through spot rounds are usually not eligible for fee reimbursement.

Do I need study certificates for all years from Class 4 to 10?

Yes, this is very important. These certificates are the primary proof used by verification officers to determine your “local area” status (AU or SVU region), which is critical for the 85% local reservation.

What is the difference between Phase 1 and Final Phase counseling?

Phase 1 is the main round. The Final Phase is for leftover seats. If you participate in the Final Phase, your choices from Phase 1 are cancelled, and you must enter a new list of options. If you get a new seat, your old seat is forfeited.

Is a student from Telangana eligible for admission through AP POLYCET?

Following a policy change, the 15% unreserved quota is now primarily for students from Andhra Pradesh. This means opportunities for students from Telangana and other states have become very limited. Always check the latest admission rules in the official 2026 notification.

What is “self-reporting”? Is it the same as joining the college?

They are two different but mandatory steps. Self-reporting is an online acceptance of your seat through the counseling portal. Reporting at the college is the physical process of submitting documents and paying fees at the institution. You must do both.

Can I get admission without a POLYCET rank?

It is highly unlikely. You can only get a seat if vacancies exist even after all rank-holders have been accommodated, which usually happens only in spot admissions for less popular courses or colleges.

My father is a government employee who gets transferred. How is my local status determined?

There are specific rules for children of state/central government employees. You will need to produce relevant service certificates. The rules generally consider the parent’s service period in different regions. It’s best to get this clarified at the Helpline Center.

Where do I apply for the Jnanabhumi scholarship for fee reimbursement?

You apply for it on the Jnanabhumi portal (jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in) after you have confirmed your admission at the allotted polytechnic. Your college will guide you through the process. It is separate from the POLYCET counseling process.

What is the minimum rank needed for a good branch like Computers?

This changes every year and depends heavily on your category (OC, BC, SC, ST), local area (AU/SVU), and gender. A good strategy is to check the previous year’s “last rank” details for the colleges you are interested in to get a realistic idea.

What to do next

Now that you have a complete overview, your immediate next steps are to focus on your 10th-class board exams and start preparing for the POLYCET syllabus. Keep an eye on the official websites for the AP POLYCET 2026 notification, which is expected in February 2026.

Official Sources

• AP POLYCET Exam Portal: https://polycetap.nic.in/ (Official 2026 notice pending, link is based on previous years)
• AP POLYCET Counseling Portal: https://polycet.ap.gov.in/ (Official 2026 notice pending, link is based on previous years)
• State Board of Technical Education and Training, AP: https://sbtet.ap.gov.in/
• Department of Technical Education, AP: https://dteap.nic.in/
• AP Jnanabhumi Scholarships Portal: https://jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in/

(All sources accessed in September 2025)

Transparency Box: How We Researched This

This guide was compiled by summarizing official notifications, information booklets, and government orders from the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) and the Department of Technical Education (DTE), Andhra Pradesh. We have used the latest available data from the 2025 admission cycle to provide expected patterns for 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only; the official 2026 notification will be the final authority.

Author Box

This guide is authored by our in-house expert on technical education in Andhra Pradesh. With over a decade of experience in guiding students through the diploma admission process, they specialize in breaking down complex procedures into simple, actionable steps for aspirants and their families.

Changelog

• September 2025: Page created based on the AP POLYCET 2025 admission cycle patterns. All 2026 dates and fees are marked as “expected.”
• (Space for future updates when 2026 notification is released)