AP ICET 2026: Complete Guide to MBA & MCA Entrance Exam [Notification Out]

AP ICET 2026 Overview

AP ICET is designed to measure candidates' ability to think systematically, utilize verbal and mathematical skills, and assess their aptitude for admission into MBA and MCA programs. The test is structured as an objective-type examination with multiple-choice questions, emphasizing accuracy over speed. Importantly, there are no negative marks for wrong answers, allowing candidates to attempt all questions strategically.

Key Highlights of AP ICET 2026

Conducting Body: Andhra University, Visakhapatnam (on behalf of APSCHE)
Purpose: Admission to MBA and MCA programs in Andhra Pradesh
Exam Level: State Level
Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (Online)
Exam Language: English and Telugu (Section A & C), English only (Section B)
Normalization: Applied due to multiple sessions

Important Dates for AP ICET 2026

Event	Date
Notification Publication	04 February 2026
Application Start Date	05 February 2026
Last Date (Without Late Fee)	02 March 2026
Late Fee Rs. 1,000/-	03 March - 07 March 2026
Late Fee Rs. 2,000/-	08 March - 12 March 2026
Late Fee Rs. 4,000/-	13 March - 17 March 2026
Late Fee Rs. 10,000/-	18 March - 21 March 2026
Corrections to Applications	23 March 2026
Hall Ticket Download	15 April 2026 onwards
Examination Date	02 May 2026
Exam Timings	09:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Preliminary Answer Key Release	05 May 2026 (05:00 PM)
Last Date for Objections	07 May 2026 (05:00 PM)
Results Declaration	16 May 2026

AP ICET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality & Residency

Candidates must be Indian nationals and satisfy the local/non-local status requirements as per the Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions (Regulations of Admission) Order, 1974 as amended.

Educational Qualifications

                For MBA Admission:
                Degree of 3/4 years duration from any recognized university or its equivalent
Aggregate marks of 50% (45% for SC/ST/BC candidates)
Must be a 10+2+3/4 pattern as recognized by UGC

            

                For MCA Admission:
                Degree of 3/4 years duration from any recognized university
Mathematics as one of the subjects at Intermediate or Degree level
Aggregate marks of 50% (45% for SC/ST/BC candidates)

            

Important Notes:

Candidates who passed all subjects of a three-year degree course in one sitting are NOT eligible
Candidates appearing for final year degree examinations are also eligible but must submit provisional certificates at admission
Distance education degrees must have recognition by the Joint Committee of UGC, AICTE, and DEC/DEB
There is no age limit for appearing in AP ICET 2026

Age Criteria

There is no age restriction to appear for AP ICET 2026. Candidates of any age who meet the educational qualifications can apply.

AP ICET 2026 Application Fee Structure

OC Category

₹750

BC Category

₹700

SC/ST Category

₹650

Objection Fee: Rs. 300/- per question (refundable only for valid objections)

Courses Offered Through AP ICET 2026

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA programs prepare students for leadership roles in business and management through coursework in finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and entrepreneurship. Graduates can pursue careers in corporate management, consulting, banking, and business development.

2. Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

MCA programs focus on computer science, software development, programming languages, database management, and system analysis. Graduates are equipped for careers in software development, IT consulting, systems analysis, and technology management.

Exam Pattern & Structure

Section	Topics	Questions	Marks
Section A Analytical Ability	• Data Sufficiency • Problem Solving	75	75
Section B Communication Ability	• Vocabulary • Functional Grammar • Business & Computer Terminology • Reading Comprehension	70	70
Section C Mathematical Ability	• Arithmetical Ability • Algebraical & Geometrical Ability • Statistical Ability	55	55
TOTAL		200	200

Exam Details:

Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking Scheme: 1 mark per correct answer
Negative Marking: None
Qualifying Marks: 25% (50 out of 200) for General category; No minimum for SC/ST

Detailed Syllabus for AP ICET 2026

Section A: Analytical Ability (75 Questions)

1. Data Sufficiency (20 Questions)

Questions followed by two statements. Candidates must determine if the data in statement (i) alone, (ii) alone, both together, or neither is sufficient to answer the question.

2. Problem Solving (55 Questions)

Sequences and Series: Number and alphabet analogies, pattern completion (a:b::c:d), odd one out, missing numbers
Data Analysis: Interpretation of tables, graphs, bar diagrams, pie charts, Venn diagrams, and passages
Coding and Decoding: Letter and word coding based on given patterns
Date, Time & Arrangement: Calendar problems, clock problems, blood relationships, scheduling, seating arrangements, symbol interpretation

Section B: Communication Ability (70 Questions)

1. Vocabulary (15 Questions)

Day-to-day communication vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, and usage.

2. Functional Grammar (20 Questions)

Grammar usage in daily and business communication including tenses, articles, prepositions, voice, narration, and sentence structure.

3. Business and Computer Terminology (15 Questions)

Basic terminology and concepts in business contexts (letters, reports, memoranda, agenda, minutes) and computer concepts.

4. Reading Comprehension (20 Questions)

Four passages with questions testing understanding, inference, and interpretation skills.

Section C: Mathematical Ability (55 Questions)

1. Arithmetical Ability (35 Questions)

Laws of indices, ratio and proportion, surds
Numbers and divisibility, LCM and GCD
Rational numbers and ordering
Percentages, profit and loss
Partnership, pipes and cisterns
Time, distance, and work problems
Areas, volumes, and mensuration
Modular arithmetic

2. Algebraical and Geometrical Ability (10 Questions)

Statements, truth tables, implications
Sets, relations, and functions
Equations of lines in different forms
Trigonometry: ratios, identities, heights and distances
Polynomials and remainder theorem
Linear equations, progressions, binomial theorem
Matrices, limits, and derivatives
Plane geometry and coordinate geometry

3. Statistical Ability (10 Questions)

Frequency distributions
Mean, median, mode
Standard deviation and correlation
Basic probability problems

How to Apply for AP ICET 2026

Step-by-Step Application Process

Visit Official Website: Go to https://cets.apsche.ap.gov.in
Registration: Click on AP ICET 2026 registration link and fill in basic details to create login credentials
Fill Application Form: Complete all sections including personal details, educational qualifications, category, and contact information
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and required certificates as per specifications
Choose Exam Centers: Select 5 preferred examination centers from the list of 25 districts (though final allotment is at the discretion of the convener)
Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using credit card, debit card, or net banking
Submit Application: Review all details carefully and submit the application
Save Confirmation: Download and save the application confirmation for future reference

Important Application Guidelines:

Applications must be filled online only through the official website
Complete payment and submission within the specified dates to avoid late fees
If you start during the normal period but submit during late fee period, additional fees apply
Corrections can be made only on 23rd March 2026
No changes to caste/community status will be permitted after submission
Keep multiple copies of the submitted application for future reference

Examination Centers

The test will be conducted at centers across 25 districts in Andhra Pradesh and select locations in Telangana. Candidates can choose 5 centers as preferences:

Anakapalli: Anakapalli
Anantapur: Anantapur, Gooty, Tadipatri
Annamayya: Madanapalle, Rajampeta, Rayachoty
Bapatla: Bapatla, Chirala
Chittoor: Chittoor, Palamner
East Godavari: Rajahmundry
Eluru: Eluru
Guntur: Guntur
Hyderabad: LB Nagar, Secunderabad
Kakinada: Kakinada
Konaseema: Amalapuram
Krishna: Gudlavalleru, Machilipatnam
Kurnool: Kurnool, Yemmiganur, Adoni
Nandyal: Nandyal
NTR: Mylavaram, Tirvuru, Vijayawada
Palnadu: Narasaraopeta
Prakasam: Markapuram, Ongole
Tirupati: Gudur, Puttur, Tirupati
Sri Satyasai: Puttaparthi
Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore: Kavali, Nellore
Srikakulam: Srikakulam, Tekkali
Visakhapatnam: Anandapuram, Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam
Vizianagaram: Rajam, Vizianagaram
West Godavari: Bhimavaram, Narasapuram, Tadepalligudem
YSR Kadapa: Kadapa, Proddatur

Admissions Process After AP ICET 2026

Ranking & Merit List

Candidates who secure at least 25% marks (50 out of 200) will be assigned ranks based on their performance. SC/ST candidates have no minimum qualifying marks. The ranking is determined by:

Total Marks: Primary criterion for ranking
Tie-Breaking Rule 1: Marks scored in Section A (Analytical Ability)
Tie-Breaking Rule 2: If tie persists, marks in Section B (Communication Ability)
Tie-Breaking Rule 3: If still tied, older candidate gets priority

Score Normalization

Since the exam is conducted in two sessions with different question papers, a normalization process is applied to ensure fairness. The normalization formula adjusts scores based on the difficulty level of each session compared to the global average.

Normalized Mark Formula:

GMS + [(Top Average Global - GMS) / (Top Average Session - SMS)] × (Marks Obtained - SMS)

Where SMS = Average + Standard Deviation of the session, GMS = Average + Standard Deviation globally, Top Average Session = Average of top 0.1% in the session, Top Average Global = Average of top 0.1% across all sessions

Counseling & Seat Allotment

After results are declared, qualified candidates participate in online counseling conducted by APSCHE. The process includes:

Web options entry for college and course preferences
Seat allotment based on rank, category, and preferences
Document verification at allotted colleges
Fee payment and admission confirmation
Multiple rounds of counseling for unfilled seats

Tips to Score Good Rank in AP ICET 2026

Understand the Exam Pattern

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, sectional distribution, and time management. Practice mock tests available on the official website to get comfortable with the online interface.

Master Time Management

With 200 questions in 150 minutes, you have approximately 45 seconds per question. Practice solving questions within time limits and develop a strategy to allocate time to each section based on your strengths.

Focus on Strong Areas First

Since there's no negative marking, attempt all questions. Start with sections you're strongest in to maximize accuracy, then move to challenging areas. This builds confidence and secures marks early.

Strengthen Analytical Ability

Section A carries 75 marks and is crucial for tie-breaking. Practice data sufficiency, puzzles, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning extensively. Solve at least 50-100 problems in each topic.

Build Vocabulary Daily

Read newspapers, business magazines, and English articles daily. Note down new words, synonyms, and antonyms. Business and computer terminology can be learned through specific glossaries and online resources.

Perfect Mathematical Basics

Mathematics questions are often straightforward if concepts are clear. Focus on speed calculation, shortcut methods for percentages, ratios, time-distance-work problems, and basic trigonometry and statistics.

Take Regular Mock Tests

Simulate exam conditions with full-length mock tests. Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and track improvement. Aim to take at least 15-20 full-length tests before the exam.

Practice Reading Comprehension

RC carries 20 marks in Section B. Practice reading passages quickly and answering questions accurately. Focus on understanding main ideas, author's tone, and making inferences rather than memorizing details.

Revise Systematically

Create concise notes for formulas, shortcuts, and key concepts. Revise regularly, especially in the last 15 days before the exam. Focus on high-weightage topics and frequently asked question types.

Stay Healthy and Positive

Maintain a balanced study schedule with adequate sleep, exercise, and breaks. Exam day performance depends on physical and mental wellness. Stay confident and approach the exam with a positive mindset.

Recommended Study Schedule (3 Months):

Month 1: Complete syllabus coverage - 6 hours daily, focus on understanding concepts
Month 2: Practice and problem-solving - 7 hours daily, solve topic-wise questions and take sectional tests
Month 3: Mock tests and revision - 8 hours daily, full-length tests every 3 days, comprehensive revision
Last Week: Light revision, focus on formulas and shortcuts, maintain calm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the qualifying marks for AP ICET 2026?

General category candidates must score at least 25% (50 out of 200 marks) to qualify. SC and ST candidates have no minimum qualifying marks requirement but must appear for the exam to be eligible for counseling.

Can I apply for both MBA and MCA through AP ICET 2026?

Yes, you can apply for both programs through a single AP ICET exam. However, for MCA admission, you must have studied Mathematics at Intermediate or Degree level. During counseling, you can express preferences for both courses.

Is there negative marking in AP ICET 2026?

No, there is no negative marking in AP ICET 2026. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no penalty for wrong answers. Therefore, it's advisable to attempt all 200 questions.

Can final year students appear for AP ICET 2026?

Yes, candidates appearing for their final year degree examination are eligible to appear for AP ICET 2026. However, they must submit their provisional certificate at the time of admission, failing which their candidature will not be considered.

What happens if I pass my degree in one sitting?

Candidates who have passed all subjects of a three-year degree course in one sitting are NOT eligible for admission into MBA or MCA courses through AP ICET 2026, even if they clear the entrance exam.

How is the rank calculated if two students get the same marks?

Tie-breaking is done in the following order: (1) Marks in Section A (Analytical Ability), (2) If tie persists, marks in Section B (Communication Ability), (3) If still tied, the older candidate gets higher rank.

What is normalization in AP ICET 2026?

Normalization is a process to ensure fairness when the exam is conducted in multiple sessions with different question papers. It adjusts scores based on the difficulty level of each session compared to the overall performance across all sessions.

Can I change my exam center after submitting the application?

No, you cannot change your selected exam centers after submission. However, the convener reserves the right to allot you to any center in unavoidable circumstances, regardless of your preferences.

Are distance education degrees valid for AP ICET 2026?

Yes, distance education degrees are valid provided they have recognition from the Joint Committee of UGC, AICTE, and DEC/DEB. Ensure your university and program are recognized before applying.

How long is the AP ICET 2026 rank valid?

The rank obtained in AP ICET 2026 is valid only for admissions in the 2026-27 academic year. You cannot use this rank for admissions in subsequent years.

What documents do I need for counseling?

Required documents include: AP ICET 2026 rank card, SSC/10th certificate (for age and date of birth), Intermediate/12th certificate, degree certificates and marks memos, transfer certificate, study certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card. Check the counseling notification for the complete list.

Can I raise objections to the answer key?

Yes, objections can be raised to the preliminary answer key between 5th May 2026 (05:00 PM) and 7th May 2026 (05:00 PM). A fee of Rs. 300 per question must be paid, which is refundable only for valid objections. The committee's decision is final.

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AP ICET 2026: Complete Guide to MBA & MCA Entrance Exam [Notification Out]