AP PGECET 2026 Counselling Starts Today: Check Dates, Eligibility, Reservation Rules
Published 16 Sept 20263 min read
AP PGECET 2026 counselling registration begins today, September 16, 2026, for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate programmes in Andhra Pradesh. The counselling process is being conducted for M.Tech., M.Pharm. and Pharm.D (PB) admissions for the 2026-27 academic year. Candidates with valid AP PGECET ranks, as well as eligible GATE and GPAT candidates, can participate in the admission process.
The AP PGECET 2026 counselling registration and processing fee payment window will remain open till September 21. Candidates can complete the process through the official counselling portal, cap.apcfss.in. The next stages include certificate verification, web-option entry, option changes and seat allotment.
AP PGECET 2026 official portal
AP PGECET Counselling 2026: Important Dates
| Counselling Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration and processing fee payment | September 16 to 21, 2026 |
| Online verification of uploaded certificates | September 17 to 22, 2026 |
| Web-option entry | September 18 to 24, 2026 |
| Change of web options | September 25, 2026 |
| Seat allotment | September 29, 2026 |
| Self-joining and reporting at allotted colleges | September 30 to October 3, 2026 |
| Commencement of classes | September 30, 2026 |
Candidates should complete registration and certificate-related formalities within the prescribed dates to remain eligible for subsequent stages of the counselling process.
Who Is Eligible for AP PGECET Counselling 2026?
Candidates participating in AP PGECET counselling must meet the prescribed academic and nationality requirements.
According to the AP PGECET 2026 instruction booklet, candidates must:
- Be Indian nationals.
- Meet the applicable local/non-local status requirements of Andhra Pradesh.
- Hold a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in the required field.
- Have secured at least 50% marks in the qualifying degree.
- Reserved-category candidates are eligible with a minimum of 45% marks, subject to the applicable rules.
- Meet the specific qualifying-degree requirements for the M.Tech., M.Pharm. or Pharm.D (PB) programme concerned.
Candidates qualified in AP PGECET 2026, GATE or GPAT are eligible to participate, subject to the applicable course and admission requirements.
AP PGECET 2026 Reservation Guidelines
The AP PGECET 2026 admission rules provide for 85% of seats in each course to be reserved for local candidates, while the remaining 15% are unreserved seats, subject to the applicable Andhra Pradesh admission rules.
The 2026 rules also provide for 10% supernumerary seats for EWS candidates. Separate reservations are prescribed for SC, ST and BC categories under the applicable state rules.
Candidates claiming reservation benefits should keep the relevant community, local-status, EWS and other supporting certificates ready as applicable.
GATE and GPAT Candidates Get First Preference
Candidates holding valid GATE or GPAT scores are given first preference for admission to the relevant programmes.
After allotment to eligible GATE/GPAT candidates, the remaining vacant seats are offered to AP PGECET-qualified candidates based on their AP PGECET merit ranks.
How to Register for AP PGECET Counselling 2026
Eligible candidates can follow these broad steps:
- Visit the official AP PGECET counselling portal.
- Complete the counselling registration.
- Pay the applicable processing fee.
- Upload the required certificates and documents.
- Complete certificate verification as prescribed.
- After verification, participate in web-option entry.
- Select and arrange preferred colleges and courses.
- Check the seat allotment result on the scheduled date.
- Complete self-joining and report to the allotted college within the deadline.
Candidates should retain their payment receipt, registration details and uploaded-document records for subsequent counselling stages.
What Happens After AP PGECET Counselling Registration?
After registration, candidates move to certificate verification from September 17 to 22. Eligible candidates can then exercise web options from September 18 to 24. The option-change facility is scheduled for September 25, followed by the first seat allotment on September 29.
Candidates who receive an allotment must complete self-joining and reporting at the allotted institution between September 30 and October 3. Classes are scheduled to commence from September 30.