PU CET Exam Dates 2026
Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, remains one of India's most prestigious institutions, attracting thousands of students annually for its diverse undergraduate programs. For the 2026-27 academic session, the university has released a comprehensive schedule for its various entrance tests, primarily the PU-CET (U.G.), which is the gateway to B.Sc. (Hons.) and B. Pharmacy courses.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the PU CET 2026 exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, and preparation strategies specifically for undergraduate aspirants.
1.0PU CET (UG) 2026: Important Dates at a Glance
The university has implemented a revised schedule for the 2026 session. Originally, some dates were slated for late 2025, but the entrance test is now confirmed for May 2026. Below is the official timeline for PU-CET (U.G.) 2026:
2.0Other Major Undergraduate Entrance Tests at Panjab University
While the PU-CET (UG) covers science-based courses, Panjab University conducts several other entrance tests for various undergraduate streams. According to the 2026-27 academic schedule, these are the dates for other UG-level tests:
- BBA–MBA Integrated Programme: April 19, 2026
- PU-BA/B.Com LLB (Hons.) (5-Year Integrated Course): April 26, 2026
- PUTHAT (Hotel Management & Tourism): May 15, 2026
- PUMEET (Migration to B.E. 2nd Year): June 14, 2026
- PULEET (Lateral Entry to Engineering): June 14, 2026
3.0Eligibility Criteria for PU CET (UG) 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the minimum eligibility requirements set by the university for the B.Sc. (Hons.) and B. Pharmacy programs.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or appeared in the 10+2 examination of the CBSE, New Delhi, or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board/University.
- Minimum Marks: For B. Pharmacy, candidates generally need 50% marks in 10+2 with English, Physics, Chemistry, and one of the following: Biology, Biotechnology, or Mathematics.
- Compartment Rules: Candidates who have a compartment in their 10+2 examination held in March 2026 are not eligible for admission in that year.
- Age/Category Relaxations: SC, ST, BC, and PwD candidates receive a 5% concession in the minimum eligibility marks.
- Special Exemption: I.N.M.O. (Indian National Mathematical Olympiad) awardees can join the B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics program without appearing for the PU-CET (U.G.) test.
Important Note: Some boards have been derecognized. For example, candidates from Mahila Gram Vidyapith, Allahabad, are ineligible to apply.
4.0PU CET UG 2026 Application Process
The application process is entirely online. Candidates must follow these steps to register:
- Registration: Visit the official website (/cetug.puchd.ac.in) and register to generate a Login ID and Password.
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable entrance test fee through the online mode by April 24, 2026.
- Fee Structure (Non-refundable):
- General Category: Rs. 2,850/-
- SC / ST / PwD Category: Rs. 1,425/-
- Additional Paper (e.g., Biology/Math): Rs. 570/-
- Form Completion: Upload a scanned photograph and signature. No corrections are allowed once the form is submitted online.
- Admit Card: Download the admit card starting May 5, 2026. The university will notify candidates about the admit card availability via email only.
5.0Merit List and Selection Criteria
For admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) and B. Pharmacy, the final merit is calculated using a specific weightage system:
- PU-CET (U.G.) Entrance Test Score: 75% weightage.
- Qualifying Examination (10+2) Marks: 25% weightage.
- Additional Weightage: Extra marks are awarded for NCC, NSS, and other prescribed activities according to University norms.
The university evaluates the PCM and PCB streams independently when preparing the combined merit lists.
6.0PU CET (UG) 2026 Admit Card and Exam Centres
The admit card is a mandatory document. Without a printed hard copy and a valid government-issued photo ID, candidates will not be permitted to enter the exam hall.
Steps to Download Admit Card:
- Visit /cetug.puchd.ac.in.
- Login using your User ID and password.
- Access the "Admit Card" link from the dashboard.
- Print at least two color copies on A4 paper.
Entrance Test Centres:
The exam will be held in four major cities in Punjab and Chandigarh:
- Chandigarh
- Ludhiana
- Muktsar
- Hoshiarpur
7.0Preparation Tips for PU CET (UG)
- Focus on NCERT: The syllabus is strictly based on the CBSE syllabi for 10+1 and 10+2. Thoroughly studying NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math is essential.
- Practice MCQs: Since the exam has negative marking, practicing objective questions helps in improving accuracy and speed.
- Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests within the 70-minute time limit for each paper to get used to the exam pressure.
- Short Notes: Create quick revision notes for formulas in Physics and Chemistry and diagrams/terms in Biology.
8.0Post-Exam Procedures: Result and Counselling
The tentative result date is May 28, 2026. Results will be available on the official university portals (/cetug.puchd.ac.in).
Important Result Policies:
- No separate result cards will be sent by post.
- The cut-off percentage is 15% of the total marks for the general category and 10% for SC/ST/BC/PwD candidates.
- If a candidate wishes to verify their result, they can request a photocopy of their OMR sheet within 10 days of the result declaration by paying a fee of Rs. 10,000/-.
After results, eligible candidates must fill out an online admission form for counselling sessions, where choice of courses and departments will be available.