PU CET UG 2026: Application, Eligibility, Exam Date & Merit Calculation Guide
Your one-stop guide for securing admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) under the framework of Hons. School System (4 Years Programme as per NEP-2020) and B. Pharmacy at Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Table of Contents
- Key Dates: PU CET UG 2026 Application Last Date and Exam Schedule
- Detailed Courses, Eligibility, and Seat Availability
- PU CET UG Fee Structure: General vs. SC/ST/PwD
- Detailed Merit Criteria: How is PU CET Merit Calculated?
- PU CET UG Exam Pattern and Negative Marking Scheme
- FAQs: Important Queries on PU CET UG Admission
Click Here to Register for PU CET UG 2026 Now!
📅 Key Dates: PU CET UG 2026 Application Last Date and Exam Schedule
All prospective students must pay close attention to the official schedule for the PU CET UG 2026 exam. Missing the application last date will result in the forfeiture of your opportunity for Panjab University B.Pharm admission 2026 and B.Sc. Hons programmes.
Important Dates to Remember (Verified Schedule)
The following schedule has been verified against the official Panjab University prospectus and notices:
| Sr. No. | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Date of Availability of Online Entrance Test Form | November 14, 2025 (Friday) |
| 2. | Last date for submission of information on the website to generate Login ID and Password (The core PU CET UG 2026 application last date) | December 14, 2025 (Sunday) |
| 3. | Last date for deposit of fee through Online mode | December 16, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| 4. | Last date for uploading photograph, signature, and other information | December 18, 2025 (Thursday) |
| 5. | Availability of Admit Card Online | December 23, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| 6. | Last date for candidates who have not completed their form but have paid requisite fee (with late fee of Rs. 500/-) | December 24, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| 7. | Date & Time of Entrance Test (PU CET UG 2026 exam date and time) | December 28, 2025 (Sunday) |
| 8. | Tentative Date of declaration of result | April 03, 2026 (Friday) |
PU CET UG 2026 Test Timings (28-12-2025)
The test involves four papers. Candidates must choose the combination required for their desired course. The PU CET UG 2026 exam date and time breakdown is as follows:
- Paper-I: Mathematics (9.00-10.10 a.m.)
- Paper-II: Chemistry (10.40-11.50 a.m.)
- Paper-III: Physics (12.20-1.30 p.m.)
- Paper-IV: Biology (2.20-3.30 p.m.)
The examination will be held in several examination centers including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Muktsar, and Hoshiarpur.
🔬 Detailed Courses, Eligibility, and Seat Availability
The Panjab University CET (U.G.) 2026 is the gateway for admission to various science honours courses now under the **4 Years Programme as per NEP-2020**. Here is a breakdown of the key courses, their eligibility, and the required CET UG subject combination.
B.Pharm and B.Sc. Hons. (NEP-2020) Course Overview
| Course Name | Minimum Eligibility (10+2 Marks) | CET UG Subject Combination | Open Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| B. Pharmacy | 50% with English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology/Mathematics | (i) Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) OR (ii) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) | 46 |
| Botany, Zoology, Anthropology, Chemistry, Geology | 50% with English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) | 20, 25, 30, 58, 30 respectively |
| Physics, Physics (Spl. in Electronics) | 50% with English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology | (i) PCB OR (ii) PCM | 40, 20 respectively |
| Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biophysics, Biotechnology | 50% with English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology | (i) PCB OR (ii) PCM | 25, 30, 25, 15 respectively |
| Mathematics, Mathematics & Computing | 50% with Mathematics as one of the subjects | Mathematics (M) only | 30, 15 respectively |
Candidates seeking admission to B.Sc. Hons Panjab University NEP-2020 programmes must meet the PU CET UG 2026 eligibility criteria detailed above. A 5% concession in eligibility marks is admissible to SC/ST/BC/PwD candidates.
💰 PU CET UG Fee Structure: General vs. SC/ST/PwD
The fee for the entrance test is non-refundable and non-transferable. The PU CET UG fee structure is dependent on the candidate’s category and whether they opt for an additional subject paper.
CET Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category (PCB/PCM/M) | Rs. 2850/- |
| SC/ST/PwD Category (PCB / PCM/M) | Rs. 1425/- |
| Additional Paper (Biology / Math) | Rs. 570/- |
Candidates should note that the actual academic fee must be paid during counselling. For instance, the approximate first installment for **B.Pharm. admission** is Rs. 21,490/-, and for most B.Sc. Hons. Science courses, it is around Rs. 14,445/- for Indian Nationals. The amount for the **fee for B.Sc. Hons Anthropology Panjab University** and other departments is available in Appendix D of the prospectus.
📊 Detailed Merit Criteria: How is PU CET Merit Calculated?
Understanding the **merit criteria for B.Sc. Hons Panjab University** and B.Pharm is crucial. The selection process is a combination of your performance in the entrance test and your qualifying examination marks.
Weightage Distribution
The final merit list is prepared by combining three components:
- **CET Merit**: 75% weightage
- **Qualifying Examination (10+2) Merit**: 25% weightage
- **Over and above weightage** for activities like NCC, NSS, etc.
Merit Calculation Formula (for PCB/PCM Combination Courses)
The process begins by calculating the CET percentile score (P) separately for the two streams (PCB and PCM). The formula used for the percentile score (P) is:
$$P = \frac{N - R}{N} \times 100$$
Where R is the rank of the candidate in that stream's merit list, and N is the total number of candidates who appeared in that stream. The final total merit marks are calculated up to three decimal places using the formula:
$$Total \, merit \, marks = 0.75 \times P + 0.25 \times Q + weightages \, for \, other \, activities$$
Here, Q is the percentage total marks in the PCB (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) or PCM (Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics) subjects in the 10+2 examination. If a candidate has qualified with both PCB and PCM, the higher Q component will be considered.
Merit Calculation for B.Sc. Hons Mathematics
For B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics, the merit is calculated out of 160 based only on the Mathematics paper in CET and the total marks in 10+2:
$$Merit \, for \, Admission = X_1 + Y_1$$
Where:
- X1 is the marks obtained in CET Mathematics (out of 120).
- Y1 is the total marks obtained in the 10+2 examination (all subjects) calculated out of 40. ($Y_1 = \frac{M}{T} \times 40$, where M is marks obtained and T is total marks).
📉 Minimum Qualification: What is the PU CET Cutoff Percentage?
To be considered for admission, candidates must meet the minimum qualification criteria. The PU CET cutoff percentage differs slightly based on the category of the candidate.
- General Category: The cut-off percentage is 15% of the total marks.
- SC / ST / Backward Classes / PwD Candidates: This requirement is relaxed to a minimum attainment of 10% of the total marks.
Only candidates declared as "Qualified" in the result will be eligible to fill the Admission Form.
✍️ PU CET UG Exam Pattern and Negative Marking Scheme
The examination is conducted in four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The medium of the examination shall be ENGLISH only. The syllabus is based on the CBSE Syllabi for $10+1$ and $10+2$ for the session 2023-25. Candidates must choose the appropriate CET UG subject combination (PCB / PCM / M) based on their desired course.
Exam Scheme
| Subject (Paper) | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Paper-I) | 60 | 120 | 70 minutes |
| Chemistry (Paper-II) | 60 | 120 | 70 minutes |
| Physics (Paper-III) | 60 | 120 | 70 minutes |
| Biology (Paper-IV) | 60 | 120 | 70 minutes |
Understanding the Negative Marking Scheme
The PU CET UG negative marking scheme is a critical detail. There shall be negative marking, meaning 25% of the marks allotted will be deducted for wrong answers. Since each question carries 2 marks, **0.5 mark** will be deducted for each wrong answer.
The use of a calculator is not allowed in any subject/paper. However, the University will provide logarithmic tables.
Visually handicapped/Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates will be granted an extra 20 minutes for each paper.
📞 Important Contact Information (Admission Enquiry)
For any urgent queries regarding the application, exam, or admission, use the official **contact numbers for PU CET admission enquiry** during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).
General Enquiry Contacts
| Office/Official | Phone Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Registrar (C.E.T.) | 0172-2534829, 9815602893 |
| Main Enquiry Office | 0172-2534818, 2534819, 2534866, 18001802065 |
Course-Specific Admission Enquiry
For specific questions about eligibility or departmental details, such as the **B.Sc. Hons Physics eligibility Panjab University** requirements or the **fee for B.Sc. Hons Anthropology Panjab University**, contact the respective departments:
- B.Pharm.: Chairperson, University Institute of Pharm. Sciences (0172-2534110)
- Biotechnology: Chairperson of the Department (0172-2534085)
- Chemistry: Chairperson of the Department (0172-2534404)
- Mathematics: Chairperson of the Department (0172-2534501). They can address queries on the **B.Sc. Hons Mathematics PU CET subject combination**.
❓ FAQs: Important Queries on PU CET UG Admission
🔗 Important Links for PU CET UG 2026
Use these direct links to navigate the Panjab University CET portal:
- Registration Link: https://cetug.puchd.ac.in/registration.php
- Download Prospectus: Download the Official PU CET UG 2026 Prospectus
- Login Link: Login to your PU CET UG Account
- Official Website: Panjab University CET UG Website
Ensure you check the website regularly for any last-minute updates, as all updates will be available online.
