PU CET (UG) Pattern 2026: Check Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

Panjab University Common Entrance Test (UG) 2026 ( PU-CET (UG) )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 14 Nov '25 - 22 Apr '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Rakshit Prabhakar
Updated on Dec 31, 2025 17:11 IST

By Rakshit Prabhakar

PU CET (UG) 2026 exam pattern is such that candidates need to attempt 60 MCQ (Multiple choice questions) in each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology). The total marks per paper will be 120 marks. The time duration for the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam will be 70 minutes for each subject. There will be negative marking during the assessment process; for each wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.

PU CET (UG) 2026 exam pattern consists of various types of questions asked in the examination. Along with the exam pattern, candidates must also review the marking scheme and shift timings allocated by the examination conducting body.

Students must do PU CET (UG) exam preparation to score great marks and secure seats in their preferred colleges. Students must go through the PU CET (UG) Syllabus for a better understanding of the PU CET (UG) exam. PU CET (UG) 2026 exam will be conducted on May 10, 2026.

Table of contents
  • PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
  • PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern
  • PU CET (UG) 2026 Marking Scheme
  • PU CET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
  • PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Instrucions
PU-CET (UG) Logo

PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

The table below brings the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam pattern highlights.

Particulars

Details

Mode of the examination

Offline/ Pen-Paper Based

Medium/ Language

English only

Duration of the examination

70 minutes/ 1 hour 10 minutes

Frequency of exam in a year

Once a year

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from CUET PG syllabus

Total number of Questions

60

Total Marks

120

Negative marking

Yes

Marking Scheme

+2 for a correct answer| -0.25 for an incorrect answer

Total sections in the question paper

4 main sections

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is PU CET (UG) exam pattern?
A: 

The PU CET (UG) exam pattern is as follows:

  • Mode of exam: Computer-based test (CBT)
  • Language of exam: English
  • Number of sections: 4 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology)
  • Number of questions per section: 60
  • Type of questions: Multiple-choice questions
  • Duration per section: 70 minutes
  • Total marks: 120 marks per section
  • Marking scheme: 2 marks for each correct answer, 0.5 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
  • Negative marking: Yes
Q:   What is the subject combination for PU CET (UG) courses offered?
A: 

Candidates can check out the subject combination for the courses offered through PU CET (UG) examination:

Course

Combination of CET UG subject (s)

B.Pharm.

(i)     Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB)

OR

(ii)    Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM)

Botany

Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB)

Zoology

Anthropology

 

 

(i)        Physics, Chemistry,

Biology (PCB) OR

(ii)       Physics, Chemistry,

Mathematics (PCM)

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Physics (Specialisation

in Electronics)

Biochemistry

Microbiology

Biotechnology

Biophysics

Mathematics

Mathematics (M)

Mathematics & Computing

Mathematics (M)

I.N.M.O. awardees can join B.Sc. (Hons.) Department of Mathematics without appearing in the PU-CET (U.G.) Entrance Test.

 

Q:   What is the format of the PU CET (UG) exam, and what types of questions can candidates expect?
A: 

Depending on the program they have registered for, candidates can choose the subjects they want to take. 

Each section of the exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions. Each section must be completed in 70 minutes. There is negative marking for incorrect answers, and each wrong answer will result in a deduction of 0.5 marks. 

The types of questions asked in the PU CET UG exam are based on the syllabuses of the subjects concerned for Class 12. The questions are to test the candidate's understanding of the basic concepts and principles of the subject.

PU-CET (UG) Logo

PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern

Candidates can check out the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam pattern scheme from here:

Specifications Description
Medium of PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam

The medium of PU CET (UG) 2026 examination will be English only

Mode of Answering the Questions

The candidates will be required to answer questions on the OMR Answer-Sheet

PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Duration

70 minutes duration each paper, 20 minutes extra will be given to the visually handicapped/ Person with Disability (PwD) for each paper

Marks per Question

Each question paper will consist of 60 questions

Total Marks per Paper

Every paper will be of 120 marks

PU CET (UG) Negative Marking

There will be negative marking, i.e., 0.25 marks will be deducted for wrong answers

PU CET (UG) 2026 Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the participating colleges PU CET UG examination
A: 

The following colleges accept PU CET UG scores for admission and participate in the PU CET UG Examination:

Panjab University, Chandigarh
DAV College, Chandigarh
Government College of Art and Architecture, Chandigarh
Government College for Girls, Chandigarh
MCM DAV College for Women, Chandigarh
SGGS College, Chandigarh
SD College, Chandigarh
GGDSD College, Chandigarh
DAV College, Abohar
DAV College of Education, Abohar
Gopi Chand Arya Mahila College, Abohar
D.A.V. College for Women, Ferozepur Cantt, Ferozepur
DAV College, Hoshiarpur
Government College, Hoshiarpur
DAV College, Jalandhar
Government College, Jalandhar
Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar
DAV College, Kapurthala
Government College, Kapurthala
DAV College, Ludhiana
Government College for Women, Ludhiana
Khalsa College, Ludhiana
DAV College, Patiala
Government College, Patiala
Punjabi University, Patiala
DAV College, Amritsar
Government College, Amritsar
Khalsa College, Amritsar
DAV College of Engineering and Technology, Ferozepur
DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jalandhar
Chandigarh University, Mohali
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
Rayat-Bahra University, Mohali
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala
Chitkara University, Rajpura

Besides these, there are many other colleges and institutions, which are affiliated with Panjab University, that also grant admission based on the PU CET UG scores.


Q:   What is the PU CET (UG) Seat Intake for the courses available?
A: 

Candidates can check out the PU CET (UG) seat matrix for all the courses offered from here: 

Course

Seats available

Open

NRI**

Foreign

Nationals

B.Pharm.

46

06

02

Botany

20

03

01

Zoology

25

04

01

Anthropology

30

04

02

Chemistry

58

08

03

Geology

30

04

02

Physics

40

06

02

Physics (Specialisation

in Electronics)

20

03

01

Biochemistry

25

04

02

Microbiology

30

04

02

Biotechnology

15

02

01

Biophysics

25

04

01

Mathematics

30

03

02

Mathematics & Computing

15

02

01

PU-CET (UG) Logo

PU CET (UG) 2026 Marking Scheme

The PU CET (UG) 2026 marking scheme of the entrance test is as follows: 

Subject

Number of Questions

Marks allotted/ deducted to each Question

Total Marks

Duration

Paper-I Mathematics

60

+2, -1 marks

120

70 minutes

Paper-II Chemistry

60

+2, -1 marks

120

70 minutes

Paper-III Physics

60

+2, -1 marks

120

70 minutes

Paper-IV Biology

60

+2, -1 marks

120

70 minutes

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the marking scheme for PU CET (UG) 2026 exam?
A: 

PU CET (UG) 2026 marking scheme consits of +2 marks for each correct answer, -0.25 for each wrong answer and 0 marks for unattempted questions. There will be 60 multiple-choice questions per subject with total 120 marks for each section and PU CET (UG) 2026 exam duration will be 4 hours 40 minutes across all sections.

Q:   Does PU CET (UG) 2026 exam have negative marking?
A: 

Yes, there will be negative marking in the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam. Students are advised to go through the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam pattern.

Students need to know that 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. The PU CET (UG) 2026 marking scheme helps to identify good students who know the PU CET (UG) exam very well.

 

PU-CET (UG) Logo

PU CET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Students must check the PU CET (UG) 2026 eligibility criteria before applying for the application form:

Course

Criteria

Botany

  • The candidate should have passed 10+2 examination with at least 50% marks with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English
  • 5% concession is admissible in eligibility marks to SC /ST/BC/PwD candidates

Zoology

Anthropology

  • The candidate should have passed 10+2 examination with at least 50% marks with English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Biology
  • 5% concession is admissible in eligibility marks to SC /ST/BC/PwD candidates

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Physics (Specialisation in Electronics)

Biochemistry

  • The candidate should have passed 10+2 examination with at least 50% marks with English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology/ Biotechnology
  • 5% concession is admissible in eligibility marks to SC /ST/BC/PwD candidates

Microbiology

Biotechnology

  • The candidate should have passed 10+2 examination with at least 50% marks with English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Biology / Biotechnology / Computer Science
  • 5% concession is admissible in eligibility marks to SC /ST/BC/PwD candidates

Biophysics

Mathematics

  • Should have passed 10+2 examination with at least 50% marks with Mathematics as one of the subjects
  • 5% concession is admissible in eligibility marks to SC /ST/BC/PwD candidates

Before the PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam

  • Must have passed 10+2 with 50% marks, and for reserved students minimum of 45% marks.
  • The student must be 17 years old.
  • Register online, note your login ID and password, pay the PU CET (UG) application fee, and upload documents like a photograph and signature.
  • Study the PU CET (UG) 2026 syllabus properly.
  • Solve the previous year papers and mocks, analyse your mistakes, etc.

PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Day

Carry the PU CET (UG) 2026 Admit Card on the exam day and read the instructions properly. And carry the ID proof with the stationery, etc.

After the PU CET (UG) exam

Go to the PU CET (UG) website regularly and check the further steps to check PU CET (UG) 2026 results etc.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the PU CET (UG) eligibility criteria? What is the general criteria to appear for the exam?
A: 

Here is a general PU CET (UG) eligibility criteria to appear for the exam:

Education Background: Completion or enrollment in a 12th standard from a recognised Institution

Minimum Academic Performance: Minimum passing mark average of 50%.

Course Science Specifics: For courses that focus on the study of Plants (botany) and Animals (zoology), a minimum of 3 subjects which include Physics, Chemistry & Biology should be completed. These subjects/qualifications include English as well.

Q:   What is the PU CET (UG) 2026 eligibility criteria for the students who wants to appear for the exam?
A: 

For PU CET (UG) 2026 students must pass their 10+2 from a recognised board and they must have secured at least 50% marks. Subjects they should have in their Class 12 are: 

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Mathematics
PU-CET (UG) Logo

PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Instrucions

Candidates can check out the important instructions related to PU CET (UG) 2026 exam from here:

  • The candidates will be required to answer questions on the OMR Answer-Sheet, strictly following all the rules/ norms as stated on the Question Booklet and the Answer-Sheet.
  • The candidates will be required to hand over both the Question Booklet and OMR Answer-Sheet to the Invigilator when the time allotted to each paper is over. No candidate will be allowed to leave the examination hall before the expiry of the time allotted for the examination.
  • No page/part of the Question paper/OMR Answer-Sheet is to be removed/torn/taken out of the Examination Centre under any circumstances, failing which the candidates will be disqualified for the entire Entrance Test.
  • The use of a calculator is not allowed in any subject/paper.
  • The University will provide a logarithmic table. Borrowing or carrying of a log table or other material is not allowed.
  • Rough work, if any, is to be done only in the space provided in the question booklet and nowhere else. No rough work will be done on the OMR Answer-sheet under any circumstances, failing which the same will
    be cancelled.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam date?
A: 

Firstly, students should check the website to download their PU CET (UG) admit card, which will be released on May 5, 2026. You are advised to do PU CET (UG) 2026 Exam Preparation as it helps the candidates to strategically plan for the examination from a specified syllabus, pattern and previous year's question papers as the PU CET (UG) 2026 entrance exam will be conducted on May 10, 2026

Q:   What is the important instruction students need to follow before the PU CET (UG) exam?
A: 

Below are the important instructions students need to follow before PU CET (UG) 2026 exam:

  • Student must have passed 10+2 with 50% marks & for reserved students minimum of 45% marks.
  • Candidate must be 17 years old.
  • Register online, note your login ID and password
  • Pay PU CET (UG) application fee and upload documents like a photograph and signature.
  • Study PU CET (UG) 2026 syllabus properly.
  • Solve previous year papers and mocks, analyse your mistakes, etc.
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PU-CET (UG) Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered a week ago

Below are the important instructions students need to follow before PU CET (UG) 2026 exam:

  • Student must have passed 10+2 with 50% marks & for reserved students minimum of 45% marks.
  • Candidate must be 17 years old.
  • Register online, note your login ID and password
  • Pay PU CET (UG) application fee and uploa

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, there will be negative marking in the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam. Students are advised to go through the PU CET (UG) 2026 exam pattern.

Students need to know that 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. The PU CET (UG) 2026 marking scheme helps to identify good students who know the PU CET

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

PU CET (UG) 2026 marking scheme consits of +2 marks for each correct answer, -0.25 for each wrong answer and 0 marks for unattempted questions. There will be 60 multiple-choice questions per subject with total 120 marks for each section and PU CET (UG) 2026 exam duration will be 4 hours 40 minutes a

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

These are some of the things that should be avoided in the PU CET (UG) examination hall: 

Electronic devices like smartwatches, mobile phones, calculators, etc.

Study material 

Bags and wallet 

Jewellery and accessories

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

These are some of essential items to carry in the PU CET (UG) 2026 examination hall:

PU CET (UG) admit card

Original Photo ID

Passport Size Photos

Transparent Water Bottle

PwD certificate

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Students are advised to take at least two clear printouts of the PU CET (UG) 2026 admit card after downloading it. One printout should be kept safely for exam day and extra copies can be used as backup. 

It is advised to save a digital copy on a mobile phone or email. Keeping multiple copies helps av

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Students should carefully verify the personal and exam related details printed on it. PU CET (UG) 2026 admit card carries information like the student's name, roll number, application number, photograph, signature, timing, and exam centre address.

Students should read all the instructions properly th

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

PU CET (UG) 2026 admit card has important instructions related to the exam conduct. Details of permitted and prohibited items to carry in the examination hall with the Dress code (if any).

Note: Students must read and follow instructions to avoid disqualification. Violation of rules will lead to canc

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here is a general PU CET (UG) eligibility criteria to appear for the exam:

Education Background: Completion or enrollment in a 12th standard from a recognised Institution

Minimum Academic Performance: Minimum passing mark average of 50%.

Course Science Specifics: For courses that focus on the study of

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

You can check Shiksha PU CET (UG) page for the question papers and answer key for your reference if you're planning to appear in PU CET (UG) 2026. It can help you to get to know exam question pattern and also to make you aware about the type of questions asked in the exam.

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

1 Institutes accepting PU-CET (UG)

Panjab University

Chandigarh Public

Panjab Uni
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