APICET MCA Preparation 2025: Tips, Strategy & Guide

Andhra Pradesh - Integrated Common Entrance Test (APICET) 2025 ( APICET )

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Shruti Garg
Updated on Oct 10, 2025 10:44 IST

By Shruti Garg, Assistant Manager- Editorial

AP ICET preparation is important to ace the exam. APSCHE will conduct the AP ICET 2026 exam in first week of May 2026. Candidates seeking admission to MBA or MCA program of Universities in Andhra Pradesh must begin preparing for the AP ICET exam. Candidates must devise exam strategy and timetable for weaker sections. AP ICET previous year question paper are best source for preparation. Check here to know best tips to prepare for AP ICET exam 2026.

Table of content
  • AP ICET Exam Pattern 2026
  • AP ICET 2026 Exam Syllabus
  • AP ICET 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
  • Best Book for AP ICET 2026 Preparation
  • FAQs on AP ICET Exam Pattern
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AP ICET Exam Pattern 2026

In order to obtain good scores in AP ICET 2026, candidates need to first check out the APICET 2026 pattern that is listed in the table below.

Features

Details

Mode of Examination

Computer Based Test (CBT)

Language of the exam

English & Telugu in Section 1 & 2 of APICET Question Paper

English in Section 3 of the Question Paper

Number of Questions

200

Type of Questions

Objective Type (MCQs)

Marking Scheme

1 Mark for every correct answer

Duration of Exam

150 Minutes

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many answer choices will be there in the APICET exam?
A: 

AP ICET 2026 exam question paper will have four answer options. For every question in AP ICET, four options will be provided, from which applicant must select any one option which they consider as correct option. The duration of AP ICET 2026 exam will be 150 minutes within which candidates must attempt 200 questions. AP ICET 2026 will be a computer based examination. Candidates must choose the correct option on screen with the help of mouse.

Q:   What is Andhra Pradesh ICET marking scheme?
A: 

As per the Andhra Pradesh ICET marking scheme:

  • for every correct answer, the candidate will get one mark.
  • there will be no negative marking for any wrong answer or not attempted questions. 

As per the Andhra Pradesh ICET exam pattern, the question paper will consist of 200 MCQs, of one mark each. There will be no sectional time limit. Candidates can start answering from any section they are comfortable with. The Andhra Pradesh ICET exam is conducted for a duration of 150 minutes.

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AP ICET 2026 Exam Syllabus

AP ICET syllabus 2026 PDF will be released with the official notification. Students preparing for exam, can check the table below to know the important topics for AP ICET 2026:

  1. Analytical Ability
  2. Mathematical Ability
  3. Communication Ability
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any negative marking in Andhra Pradesh ICET exam?
A: 

No, there is no negative marking in Andhra Pradesh ICET exam. As per the Andhra Pradesh ICET marking scheme, candidate will get one mark for every correct answer and no mark will be deducted for any wrong answer or not attempted questions. The maxmimum marks are 200. Candidates must carefully mark their response and attempt maximum number of questions.

Q:   Which are the important topics from the Mathematical Ability section of the APICET exam?
A: 

Some of the important topics of AP ICET Mathematical Ability section are:

  1. Laws of Indices, ratio and proportion, surds, numbers and divisibility, LCM, GCD, rational numbers, ordering, percentages, profit and loss, partnership, pipes and cisterns, time, distance and work problems, areas and volumes, mensuration, modular arithmetic.
  2. Statements, truth tables, implication converse and inverse, tautologies-sets, relations & functions, applications equation of a line in different forms.
  3. Trigonometry - Trigonometric ratios, Trigonometric ratios of standard angles, Trigonometric identities: sample problems on heights and distances, polynomials, remainder theorem & consequences, linear equations & expressions, progressions, binomial theorem, matrices, notion of a limit and derivative, plane geometry - lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, coordinate geometry-distance between points.
View Syllabus
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AP ICET 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

Candidates preparing for AP ICET exam can check the section-wise preparation tips:

Section 1: Tips to Prepare for Analytical Ability

The questions of this section will test candidates' ability to collect and analyse information, problem-solving ability and decision-making ability. Among all the topics included under Analytical Ability, questions from the Data Sufficiency section may appear slightly tricky.  Data Sufficiency section will include two statements that will be marked as (i) and (ii).

Candidate must avoid marking answer in one go. Read each question more than once and then find out which answer option best answers the question. Remember, all the answer options will be similar in nature and there is a possibility that you may at first find all the statements to be true. However, you will have to select the most appropriate option.

Also Read:

AP ICET Preparation 2026: Tips and Tricks for Analytical Ability

Section 2: Tips to Prepare for Mathematical Ability

The mathematical Ability section of the APICET exam will test candidates' ability to effectively process numerical data and conclude a mathematical calculation based on that data. The Algebra and Geometry section questions are asked based on statements, truth tables, implication converse and inverse, relations, etc.

A useful tip to successfully answer questions in this section is to devote much time to clearing concepts, practising past question papers, learning different formulas and applying them simultaneously to solve problems.

Section 3: Tips to Prepare for Communication Ability

This section contains questions that test candidates' ability to receive various kinds of information, communicate new ideas precisely and convey the gist of any project effectively. Here, candidates will have to identify the vocabulary used in everyday communication, understand the functional use of grammar in business communication and identify basic terminology and concepts in computer and business contexts along with understanding the written text and drawing inferences.

Also Read:

AP ICET Preparation 2026: Tips and Tricks for Communication Ability

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will the APICET question paper have descriptive type questions?
A: 

No, all the questions in the APICET question paper will be objective type questions and will be in MCQ format. Candidates will be given four options for each question. Candidates will have to select the correct option for each question. Andhra Pradesh ICET question paper will consist of 200 Multiple Choice Questions. Each question will be for one mark. There will be no negative marking for any wrong answers. Candidates will have to attempt the 200 questions in 150 minutes. There will be no sectional time limit to attempt the AP ICET exam sections. AP ICET 2026 exam will be held in first week of May in computer based mode across 25 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Q:   What is the exam time for APICET?
A: 

Andhra Pradesh ICET exam will be held in two sessions tentatively in first week of May. The first session will be held in morning from 9 AM to 11.30 AM and the second session will be conducted in forenoon from 2.30 PM pm to 5 PM. Andhra Pradesh ICET 2025 exam will be held tentatively on May 06. Candidates who registered for the Andhra Pradesh ICET exam were notified about the exam time on release of the Andhra Pradesh ICET admit card. Candidates had to report at the allotted AP ICET exam centre one hour prior to the given examination time. No request for change in examination centre, exam date and time will be entertained once the admit card is issued.

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Best Book for AP ICET 2026 Preparation

Choosing the right books is very important for any exam preparation. Check out the best books for APICET 2026 exam preparation below.

Name of the Book

Authors/Publication

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

RS Aggarwal

Analytical & Logical Reasoning for Management Entrance Tests

Peeyush Bhardwaj

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh K. Sharma

Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency

Arihant

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Arihant

ICET Model Papers

Vikram Editorial Board

ICET Study Package

Annapurna Experts

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

30 Days to More Powerful Vocabulary

Norman Lewis

Objective General English

S.P.Bakshi

Read more

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I take APICET mock test?
A: 

APICET mock test will be released online. Candidates preparing for Andhra Pradesh ICET 2026 can appear for the mock test at cets. Apsche. Andhra Pradesh. Gov. In. Candidates require no pre-registrations to appear for the Andhra Pradesh ICET mock test online. Check the steps below to know how to appear for the Andhra Pradesh ICET 2026 mock test:

Step 1- Visit the website provided- https://www.shiksha.com/mba/apicet-exam-mocktest

Step 2- Click on the official link provided

Step 3- Enter any login credentials

Step 4- Page will now display 'General Guidelines' for the APICET 2026 mock test

Step 5- Ensure to read the instructions carefully.

Step 6- After reading the instructions click on the tab 'Next'

Step 7- Andhra Pradesh ICET exam pattern and marking scheme will now be displayed on the screen.

Step 8- Choose the default language to appear for Andhra Pradesh ICET mock test or main examination: English/Telugu

Step 9- Check the box after reading all the instructions and click on the tab 'I am ready to begin' Step 10- Begin your Andhra Pradesh ICET mock test and analyse your performance!

Q:   When should I start preparing for APICET exam?
A: 

To appear for the AP ICET 2026 exam, candidates myst begin their preparation six months before the examination date. AP ICET 2026 is expected to be held in first week of May 2026. By starting early preparations, candidates will have to time to prepare at ease and solve ample number of mock tests and previous year question papers.

When preparing for AP ICET exam, candidates must focus in fundemntals and basic concepts. It is important to chalk time table to prepare for entrance examination. AP ICET is gateway to MBA and MCA programs in Andhra Pradesh.

View list of Books
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FAQs on AP ICET Exam Pattern

Check frequently asked questions on AP ICET exam pattern below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When is the APICET exam conducted?
A: 

The AP ICET 2026 exam date will be announced in first week of March 2026. The exam will be held tentatively in first week of May in two slots. The exam is held in offline mode across 25 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Candidates will have the option to enter maximum four exam center preferences while filling the AP ICET 2026 application form. Based on the options entered, candidates will be alloted the exam centre as per the availability. Candidates will be able to check the alloted APICET exam centre on release of the AP ICET admit card. The admit card will be released in first week of May 2026. Candidates will be able to download the hall ticket for AP ICET 2026 till the date of the examination.

Q:   From where can I download the Andhra Pradesh ICET previous year question papers?
A: 
Andhra Pradesh ICET previous year question papers are available online. Candidates can visit the official website of Shiksha (https://shiksha.com/mba/apicet-exam-question-papers) to download the past years question papers. Candidates will be able to download the question paper for free. Andhra Pradesh ICET question paper will help candidates to acquaint with the difficulty level and actual exam environment. Candidates must assess their performance and preparation level with the help of previous year question papers. Candidates must ensure to solve AP ICET previous year question paper to reinforce learning and revision of important topics.
Q:   What is Andhra Pradesh ICET the latest pattern?
A: 

Candidates can check the latest Andhra Pradesh ICET 2025 pattern below:

AP ICET Paper Pattern 2025

Mode of Andhra Pradesh ICET exam

Computer Based Test 

Number of sections

Three sections:

  • Analytical Ability
  • Communication Ability
  • Mathematical Bility

Duration of exam

  • 150 minutes 
  • No sectional time limit

AP ICET exam slots

  • Morning: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Number of questions

200

AP ICET maximum marks

200

Negative Marking

No

Language of question paper

English & Telugu

Number of answer choices

4

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

 

qna

APICET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

Yes easily you can get admission in Andra university.  And for pwd candidates, many benefits offered to the candidates so Tha they can study well. Plus with pwd certificate,  you can get good job offers from top companies.

  1. With pwd certificate,  you will go to that university
  2. Then after showing this y

...Read more

S

SK AMAN

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a month ago

Getting a regular MCA seat in Andhra University with a rank of 1514 in the Andhra Pradesh ICET is unlikely to happen in the general category. The cut off for MCA over the years has been in some years as low as 150 and below for general, whereas in the reserved categories (for example SC, ST or BC) o

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The MBA colleges in Hyderabad accepting APICET that provide the degree at a fee of less than INR 1 Lacs are listed in the table below:

College Name

Average Fees

Bhoj Reddy Engineering College for Women Admission

INR 54,000

Al-Habeeb College of Engineering and Technology Admission

INR 90,000

Ashoka Institute of Engineering and Technology Admission

INR 1 Lakh

RRS College of Engineering and Technology Admission

INR 54,000

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The popular specialisations that students can pursue at the MBA colleges in Hyderabad accepting APICET are listed in the table below, along with the number of colleges where they are provided:

Specialisation

No. of Colleges

Sales & Marketing

3 colleges

Finance

2 colleges

Human Resources

2 colleges

IT & Systems

1 college

Operations

1 college

Business Analytics

1 college

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The table below classifies the Hyderabad MBA colleges accepting APICET based on their average course fees:

Average Course Fees Range

No. of Colleges

Less than INR 1 Lakh

5 colleges

INR 1-2 Lakh

1 college

INR 3-5 Lakh

2 colleges

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Sure! 

Students can click on the links provided in the table below for details about APICET, its exam dates, schedule, and syllabus.

Exam Name

Exam Date

Exam Schedule

Exam Syllabus

APICET

May 2026 (Tentative)

APICET Schedule

APICET Syllabus

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The MBA course fees at APICET-accepting MBA colleges in Hyderabad are provided in the table below:

College Name

Average Fees

Bhoj Reddy Engineering College for Women Admission

INR 54,000

ISTTM Business School Admission

INR 4.5 Lakh

Al-Habeeb College of Engineering and Technology Admission

INR 90,000

Ashoka Institute of Engineering and Technology Admission

INR 1 Lakh

RRS College of Engineering and Technology Admission

INR 54,000

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Of course! The table below provides an overview of the best Hyderabad MBA colleges accepting APICET scores:

Particulars

Details

Number of MBA Colleges in Hyderabad Accepting APICET

9 colleges

Annual Fees

Less than INR 1 Lakh: 5 colleges

INR 1-2 Lakh: 1 college

INR 3-5 Lakh: 2 colleges

Top MBA Colleges in Hyderabad Accepting APICET

Bhoj Reddy Engineering College for Women, ISTTM Business School, Al-Habeeb College of Engineering and Technology, Ashoka Institute of Engineering and Technology, etc.

Top MBA Specialisations

Sales & Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT & Systems, Operations, Business Analytics, etc.

Accepted Entrance Exams

APICET

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, there are 9 MBA colleges in Hyderabad where students can get admitted based on their scores in the APICET entrance exam. Of these, 7 colleges are privately owned. An MBA is a 2-year, postgraduate degree for students who wish to pursue a career in the field of business management and administra

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

With a rank of 6530 in APICET 2025 on a BC rank, you can expect a fair chance with mid-level universities and colleges in Andhra Pradesh area. In the best scenario Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) Tirupati, (SRKR Engineering College Bhimavaram) or SVEC Tirupati can be aligned with seat availability

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

206 Institutes accepting APICET

  • 96,000
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
  • 2.40 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
    • 75,000
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 2.40 Lakh
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time

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