GUJCET 2026 set for 29 March; application window to open soon — registrations to begin in December 2025

The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) has confirmed the key dates for GUJCET 2026. The examination is scheduled for March 29, 2026. Online registration is expected to commence in mid-December 2025 and close in mid-January 2026. This mandatory state-level entrance test is the gateway to degree engineering and pharmacy courses in Gujarat. Aspirants are urged to prepare by focusing strictly on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus and practicing the 120-question, 0.25 negative marking format. Stay ready to apply on the official website, gseb.org.

For lakhs of students in Gujarat aspiring to pursue Degree Engineering (B.E./B.Tech.) or Degree/Diploma Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) courses, the Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GUJCET) 2026 is the crucial qualifying examination. The good news for aspirants is that the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) has officially released the most critical date: the GUJCET 2026 exam will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This clarity, announced well in advance, removes uncertainty and provides a solid framework for the final four months of preparation. With the application process set to kick off in mid-December 2025, students must now shift their focus to compiling necessary documents, ensuring eligibility, and commencing an intensive study schedule geared towards maximizing their score in this vital state-level test.

​ The GUJCET 2026 Admission Timeline Unveiled

​The admission process is split into distinct phases, beginning with the registration and culminating in the examination in March 2026. Aspiring candidates must be hyper-vigilant about the tentative, yet critical, application and admit card release dates based on official announcements and historical trends.

• ​Online Application Window (Crucial Dates): 
  • ​Registration Start: The online application process is expected to begin in the 3rd week of December 2025 (mid-December).
  • ​Application Deadline: The last date for online submission and fee payment is generally in the 2nd week of January 2026 (mid-January). A short window for late fee applications may also be provided afterward.
  • ​Application Platform: All registrations must be completed on the official GSEB website, gseb.org.
• ​Pre-Exam Logistics: 
  • ​Admit Card Release: The GUJCET Admit Card (Hall Ticket) is expected to be released in the 2nd week of March 2026 on the official portal. This document is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.
  • ​Exam Date Confirmed: The GUJCET 2026 Examination will be conducted on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
• ​Post-Exam Events: 
  • ​Result Declaration: Results are typically declared in April or May 2026.
  • ​Counselling: Admissions and counselling for all participating colleges will be managed by the Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC) later in the summer, utilizing the 40:60 weightage formula (40% GUJCET score, 60% Class 12 Board score).

​ Decoding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Strategy

​Understanding the structure of GUJCET is as important as knowing the syllabus. The test is designed to be comprehensive yet focused, assessing the candidate's grasp of foundational Class 12 concepts and their ability to manage time effectively under pressure.

• ​Strict Syllabus Adherence:
  • ​The entire GUJCET 2026 question paper will be strictly based on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus for the Science stream subjects. This removes the need to consult multiple books and allows for highly focused study.
  • ​Candidates must study Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics (for Engineering aspirants - Group A) or Biology (for Pharmacy aspirants - Group B).
• ​Objective Test Structure (120 Marks):
  • ​Paper 1 (120 minutes): Consists of 40 MCQs from Physics and 40 MCQs from Chemistry (Total 80 questions / 80 marks). This paper is attempted by all aspirants (Groups A and B).
  • ​Paper 2 (60 minutes): Consists of 40 MCQs from Mathematics or Biology (Total 40 questions / 40 marks).
  • ​Total: 120 Questions, 120 Marks, 3 Hours total duration.
• ​Critical Marking Scheme: 
  • ​Positive Marking: +1 mark for every correct answer.
  • ​Negative Marking: A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every incorrect response. This strict negative marking rule emphasizes accuracy and discourages random guessing. The ability to manage this trade-off is crucial.

​ Essential Preparation Tips for the Final Countdown

​With the exam roughly four months away and the application deadline looming, aspirants must transition into an optimized, high-intensity preparation mode. Success in GUJCET 2026 hinges on strategic revision and consistent practice.

• ​Master the NCERT Textbooks:
  • ​Treat the NCERT Class 12 textbooks as the final authority. Create detailed, concise notes and ensure every theorem, formula, and reaction mechanism is fully memorized.
  • ​Practice all in-text and end-of-chapter problems from the NCERT books, as the GUJCET often features direct conceptual questions derived from these sources.
• ​Practice with Time Management:
  • ​Dedicate time specifically to practicing the Physics and Chemistry combined paper (120 minutes) and the Mathematics/Biology paper (60 minutes) separately, simulating the actual exam conditions.
  • ​Solve as many GUJCET Previous Year Question Papers as possible to get acquainted with the question pattern and difficulty level, using a timing device to improve speed and accuracy.
• ​Utilize Language Flexibility:
  • ​The examination is available in Gujarati, English, and Hindi. Candidates should prepare and attempt the mock tests in the language medium they find most comfortable to maximize speed and minimize errors due to translation confusion.

​Conclusion

​The announcement of the GUJCET 2026 schedule—with the exam fixed for March 29, 2026, and registration starting soon in December—provides the necessary clarity for all engineering and pharmacy aspirants in Gujarat. The next few weeks are crucial for document preparation and building a disciplined study plan focused on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus and the specific 120-question, 0.25 negative marking pattern. Timely application submission in December/January is the first step; focused, accuracy-driven preparation is the key to cracking GUJCET 2026 and securing a seat in a top-tier technical institution.

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