GCET 2026: Application Form, Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Admission Procedure

The GCET (Goa Common Entrance Test) 2026 has been discontinued, and instead, admissions to engineering courses will be facilitated through JEE Main 2026 scores. Previously administered by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Goa, GCET was a state-level entrance examination offering admissions to various degree courses including Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture, Dentistry, and more. 

Following the discontinuation of GCET, the admissions process has transitioned to consider national-level entrance exam scores like JEE Main for engineering, NEET UG for medical and dental courses, and NATA for architecture courses. 

Below is an article containing comprehensive information about the GCET 2026 examination, including important dates, the application process, eligibility criteria, and more.

GCET 2026 Highlights

GCET 2026 is a significant state-level entrance examination conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education, Goa. It serves as a gateway for admission to various undergraduate courses in Goa.

GCET 2026 Exam Dates

The GCET 2026 exam dates are pivotal for aspiring candidates. Here’s a concise overview of the important dates for GCET 2026.

GCET 2026 Application Form

The GCET 2026 application form will be available online from the first week of March 2026 and submissions will close by the second week of April. Candidates will need to provide personal and contact details accurately to ensure they receive all vital communication. It is crucial to upload a recent photograph and signature as per the prescribed specifications and retain a hard copy of the completed form for future reference.

• The GCET 2026 application form will be available exclusively online.
• Registration for the exam opens in the first week of March 2026.
• Candidates must enter personal details such as name, father’s, and mother’s names during registration.
• It is crucial to provide valid contact details to receive important notifications via registered phone and email.
• Applicants will need to upload a recent photograph and signature following the specified guidelines.
• Accuracy in filling out the application form is emphasized as corrections may not be possible after submission.
• The application deadline is set for the second week of April 2026.
• Candidates should review all entries in the application form thoroughly before submission.
• A non-refundable application fee must be paid online during the submission process.
• Keeping a hard copy of the completed application form is recommended for future reference.

GCET 2026 Application Fee

The application process for GCET 2026 requires candidates to submit the application fee online. It’s important to note that the application fee is non-refundable.

How to Fill GCET 2026 Application Form?

• Visit the Official Website – Start the application process by visiting the official website of the exam conducting authority. You will find the link to the website provided in the information section above.
• Registration – Click on the “Registration” link to begin your registration. You will need to register using a valid email ID and create a password.
• Email Verification – After registering, check your email for a verification link. Click on this link to verify your email address, which is crucial for securing your registration.
• Login and Fill Application Form – Once your email is verified, log in using the credentials provided during registration. Proceed to fill out the application form with your personal and academic details.
• Upload Required Documents – During the application process, upload scanned images of necessary documents such as your photograph and signature.
• Choose Subject Options – Select the subjects you wish to appear in the exam. Ensure you choose correctly as this affects your exam paper.
• Fee Submission – Proceed to submit the application fee online. The fee amount and payment options will be specified on the website.
• Select Exam Centre – After paying the fee, you will have the option to select your preferred exam centre from the available choices.
• Final Submission – Review all the details entered in the application form for accuracy and completeness. Once confirmed, submit the form.
• Download and Print – After submitting, download and print a copy of the completed application form for your records and future reference.

GCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for GCET 2026 outline the requirements candidates must meet to be eligible for the exam. These criteria typically include educational qualifications, age limits, and other relevant factors. Meeting the eligibility criteria is essential for candidates to apply and appear for the GCET exam.

B.Tech Courses Eligibility:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen. NRI/OCI/PIO candidates can apply under the NRI category.
• Qualification: Must have passed class 12th/Intermediate or its equivalent from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of 31st December 2026.
• Subjects Required: Physics and Mathematics are compulsory, along with one of the following: Chemistry, Bio-Technology, Biology, or Technical Vocational subject.
• Minimum Marks: General candidates must secure at least 45% marks, while SC/ST candidates must obtain 40% in the qualifying exam.

B.Arch Courses Eligibility:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen. NRI/OCI/PIO candidates are also eligible to apply under the NRI category.
• Qualification: Candidates must pass a 10+2+3 or its equivalent examination from any recognized board.
• Subjects Required: Mathematics must be one of the subjects in the qualifying examination.
• NATA Score: Candidates must have a valid score in the NATA 2026 exam to be eligible for admission into architecture courses.

GCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The GCET 2026 Exam Pattern outlines the structure and format of the Goa Common Entrance Test. It provides insights into the mode of examination, question distribution, duration, and marking scheme. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates to prepare effectively and perform well in the entrance test.

• Exam Mode: GCET 2026 will be conducted offline.
• Total Questions: The exam will contain a total of 75 questions.
• Question Type: All questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: Candidates will have 2 hours to complete the exam.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer will be awarded 1 mark.
• Negative Marking: There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.

GCET 2026 Syllabus

The GCET 2026 syllabus covers a wide range of topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These subjects encompass various fundamental concepts and principles necessary for the entrance examination. The syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ understanding and proficiency in these key areas, ensuring they are well-prepared for the exam.

GCET 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for GCET 2026 requires a strategic approach to tackle the exam effectively. Here are ten tips to help you excel in your preparation:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the GCET exam pattern, including the types of questions, marking scheme, and duration.
• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject while balancing revision and practice sessions.
• Focus on Basics: Strengthen your fundamental concepts in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry to build a strong foundation.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers to get acquainted with the exam format and improve time management skills.
• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas that require improvement.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to enhance your speed and accuracy during the exam.
• Subject-wise Preparation: Allocate time for each subject based on your proficiency and prioritize topics that carry more weight in the exam.

• Revision Strategy: Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce concepts and ensure better retention of information.
• Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and sufficient rest to keep your mind and body in optimal condition for studying.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude towards your preparation journey, stay motivated, and believe in your abilities to perform well in the GCET exam.

GCET 2026 Admit Card

The GCET 2026 admit card is set to be released in the first week of May 2026, exclusively through online mode. To access the hall ticket, candidates must utilize their login credentials, including the application number and date of birth.

On the examination day, the GCET admit card stands as the crucial document, mandatory for entry into the exam venue. It is imperative to bring along a valid photo ID as well. Candidates lacking the admit card will not be permitted to enter the examination hall.

GCET 2026 Answer Key

The GCET answer key is anticipated to be released by the authority in the third week of May 2026, accessible solely via online mode. Once released, candidates who participated in the entrance exam can obtain the answer key from the official website.

Using their login credentials on the online portal, candidates can access the answer key, enabling them to estimate their probable scores in the exam. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to raise objections against any discrepancies found in the answer key. Following the objection period, the final answer key will be published by the authority.

GCET 2026 Result

Anticipated for the first week of June 2026  the GCET result will be disclosed by the authority through online mode on the official website. It will be presented in the form of a merit list for all courses offered, delineating scores obtained in the entrance exam.

Accessing the result will necessitate candidates to input their login credentials, specifically the application number and date of birth. Once entered, the result will be displayed on the screen. It is recommended that candidates retain a hard copy of the result for future reference during the admission process.

GCET 2026 Counselling

After the result declaration, the GCET counselling procedure will be initiated via online mode, marking the final stage of the admission process. Scheduled to commence in the third week of June 2026, participation in the counselling process is obligatory for all qualified candidates.

Qualified candidates will receive counselling invitations after the submission of their admission forms. During the counselling process, seats will be allocated by the authority. Additionally, candidates must present essential documents for verification and submission as part of the process.

Documents Required for Counselling:

• Aadhaar Card
• Photograph
• Acknowledge card with Photograph
• College/ School-leaving certificate
• Residence certificate
• Copy of needed admit card
• Date of birth certificate
• Photograph on the form
• Statement of marks/ certificate/provisional certificate of passing HSSC

GCET 2026 Participating Institutes

Here’s the list of institutes participating in GCET 2026, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Goa.

GCET 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.