The AP POLYCET 2026 cutoff is the minimum score you need to join counselling. It is also the closing rank at which seats fill up at each college and branch. SBTET AP conducted the exam on April 25, 2026, and results were declared on May 5, 2026. Round 1 seat allotment was released on July 7, 2026. Closing ranks are now available at polycetap.nic.in. Round 2 is expected soon.
AP POLYCET 2026 Round 1 closing ranks are out at polycetap.nic.in. Round 2 seat allotment is expected shortly after Round 1 reporting closed on July 10, 2026.
Here is what you need to know about the AP POLYCET 2026 cutoff:
- You need at least 36 marks out of 120 (30%) to qualify for AP POLYCET 2026 counselling if you belong to the OC or any BC category.
- SC, ST, and PH candidates have no minimum qualifying marks — any score makes you eligible for counselling.
- Round 1 closing ranks are out since July 7, 2026. Check the official portal for college-wise and category-wise closing ranks.
- Round 2 counselling is expected soon. Round 1 reporting closed on July 10, 2026.
- Based on 2025 trends, the OC closing rank for Computer Engineering at top government polytechnics was around 2,800 to 5,500.
- Around 1.49 lakh candidates qualified in AP POLYCET 2026. That is the highest pass rate in recent years at 91.37%.
- All counselling is handled online by SBTET AP at polycetap.nic.in.
| AP POLYCET 2026 Round 1 Closing Ranks (Out) | Check at polycetap.nic.in |
| AP POLYCET 2026 Round 2 Closing Ranks (Soon) | To be released at polycetap.nic.in |
Key Summary
- AP POLYCET 2026 qualifying cutoff is 36 marks (30% of 120) for OC and all BC categories. SC, ST, and PH candidates have no minimum.
- Round 1 closing ranks are available at polycetap.nic.in. Round 2 counselling is expected in late July or early August 2026.
- About 1.49 lakh candidates qualified in 2026, roughly 15,600 more than in 2025. This makes competition tighter at popular government polytechnics.
- The OC closing rank for CSE at top government polytechnics tightened by about 2,700 ranks between 2021 and 2025.
- Computer Engineering and ECE at city-based government polytechnics fill first; rank your preferences carefully before submitting Round 2 web options.
What is AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026?
The AP POLYCET cutoff is the closing rank at which SBTET AP stops allotting seats for a specific college-branch-category. It applies to every round of Andhra Pradesh polytechnic counselling. It is not one single number for the whole exam. Every college, branch, and category combination has its own closing rank. That rank changes after every round of counselling as unfilled seats re-enter the pool.
There are two types of cutoff. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks you need to get a rank and join counselling. For OC and BC categories, this is 36 out of 120 marks. SC and ST candidates have no minimum — they get a rank regardless of their score. The admission cutoff is the closing rank. It is the last rank at which a seat in a specific college-branch-category was allotted. You need a rank equal to or better than the closing rank to get that seat.
Previous Year Official AP POLYCET Qualifying Cutoff
The table below shows the official qualifying cutoff marks set by SBTET AP from 2021 to 2025. These are the minimum marks you needed to score each year to become eligible for counselling. SC, ST, and PH candidates have never had a minimum mark requirement.
| Year | OC | BC-A | BC-B | BC-C | BC-D | BC-E | SC | ST | PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2024 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2023 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2022 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | 30/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| 2021 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | 36/120 | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
Source: SBTET AP Official Portal (polycetap.nic.in)
The OC and BC qualifying bar fell by 6 marks from 2021 to 2022, dropping from 36 to 30. It stayed at 30 for three years through 2024. SBTET AP restored it to 36 marks in 2025. The AP POLYCET 2026 qualifying cutoff stays at 36 marks, continuing the 2025 standard.
Ques. I scored 32 marks in AP POLYCET 2026. Can I join counselling?
Ans. No. OC and BC candidates need at least 36 marks (30% of 120) to join AP POLYCET 2026 counselling. SC, ST, and PH candidates have no minimum. They can join regardless of their score.
Ques. Is the qualifying cutoff the same as the admission cutoff for AP POLYCET?
Ans. No. The qualifying cutoff (36 marks for OC/BC, no minimum for SC/ST) decides whether you get a rank and join counselling. The admission cutoff is the closing rank for a specific college-branch-category in counselling. You may clear the qualifying cutoff and still not get your preferred college if your rank is too high.
AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
Upcoming events appear first. Past events follow in chronological order.
| Event | Date (2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Round 2 Web Options and Seat Allotment | To be announced | Upcoming |
| Spot / Mop-up Round | To be announced (August 2026, expected) | Upcoming |
| AP POLYCET 2026 Exam | April 25, 2026 | Over |
| AP POLYCET 2026 Result Declared | May 5, 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Counselling Registration and Fee Payment | June 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Certificate Verification at HLCs | June – July 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Web Options Entry | Late June – July 3, 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | July 7 – 8, 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 Reporting / Certificate Verification at College | July 7 – 10, 2026 | Over |
Factors Affecting AP POLYCET Cutoff
Several forces push AP POLYCET closing ranks tighter or more relaxed each year. Knowing them helps you set realistic targets for your rank.
- Total qualified candidates: About 1.49 lakh candidates qualified in 2026. That is roughly 15,600 more than in 2025. More competition for the same seats tightens closing ranks at popular colleges.
- Total seats available: AP POLYCET 2026 has about 82,870 diploma seats across 267 colleges. Any increase in intake relaxes closing ranks for new branches or colleges.
- Branch demand: CSE, AI and ML, and ECE attract the most applicants. Their closing ranks are far lower (tighter) than Mechanical or Civil Engineering every year.
- College type and location: Government polytechnics in cities like Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada fill up first. Private colleges have consistently higher (more relaxed) closing ranks.
- Local area quota: 70% of seats at every college go to candidates from that college’s own district. Only 30% go to candidates from the rest of AP. Your district of study determines which pool you compete in.
- Category-wise seat reservation: Each college divides its seats among OC, BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E, SC, and ST categories. Each category has its own closing rank. SC and ST closing ranks are always much higher (less competitive) than OC.
- Qualifying marks threshold: The bar stayed at 36 marks in 2026, the same as 2025. This makes the rank pool slightly smaller than in 2022–2024, when the bar was 30 marks. A smaller pool can have a modest effect on how closing ranks distribute.
AP POLYCET 2026 Category-Wise Qualifying Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff for AP POLYCET 2026 is 36 marks for OC and all BC categories. Scoring at or above this mark makes you eligible to participate in counselling. SC, ST, and PH candidates can join counselling regardless of their score.
| Category | Full Form | Minimum Qualifying Marks (out of 120) |
|---|---|---|
| OC | Open Competition (General) | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-A | Backward Class A | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-B | Backward Class B | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-C | Backward Class C | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-D | Backward Class D | 36 marks (30%) |
| BC-E | Backward Class E | 36 marks (30%) |
| SC | Scheduled Caste | No minimum |
| ST | Scheduled Tribe | No minimum |
| PH | Physically Handicapped | No minimum |
Meeting the qualifying cutoff only means you can join counselling. It does not guarantee a seat. Your actual seat depends on your rank, your category, your branch preference, and the closing rank at your preferred college.
AP POLYCET 2026 Round-Wise Closing Ranks
AP POLYCET 2026 counselling runs in two main rounds, followed by a spot or mop-up round. Round 1 seat allotment is done. Closing ranks for Round 1 are now available at the official portal. Round 2 is expected shortly.
Round 1 closing ranks are available at polycetap.nic.in. Check the college-wise and category-wise data now. Round 2 closing ranks will be updated here after SBTET AP releases the official data.
| Round | Allotment Date | Closing Ranks Status |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | July 7 – 8, 2026 | Available at polycetap.nic.in |
| Round 2 | To be announced | Expected soon (post July 10, 2026) |
| Spot / Mop-up Round | To be announced | Expected after Round 2 |
Closing ranks in Round 2 are usually higher (more relaxed) than Round 1 at most colleges. Seats that go unfilled after Round 1 come back into Round 2. Did not get your preferred college in Round 1? Submit fresh web options in Round 2. Fill a wider list of choices to improve your chances.
AP POLYCET Cutoff for Top Government Polytechnic Colleges
The table below shows reference closing rank ranges for top government polytechnic colleges in AP, based on 2025 Round 1 counselling data. Official 2026 Round 1 data is now available at polycetap.nic.in. Round 2 data will be updated after official release.
| College | Location | OC Closing Rank – CSE (2025 Ref.) | SC Closing Rank – CSE (2025 Ref.) | ST Closing Rank – CSE (2025 Ref.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Polytechnic College | Kakinada | 1,500 – 2,800 | 5,000 – 11,000 | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Visakhapatnam | 1,800 – 3,200 | 5,500 – 12,000 | 14,000 – 28,000 |
| Andhra Polytechnic | Kakinada | 2,200 – 4,000 | 6,000 – 14,000 | 15,000 – 32,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Guntur | 2,500 – 5,000 | 7,000 – 16,000 | 18,000 – 38,000 |
| Sri Venkateswara Government Polytechnic | Tirupati | 3,000 – 5,500 | 8,000 – 18,000 | 20,000 – 42,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Vijayawada | 3,500 – 6,500 | 9,000 – 20,000 | 22,000 – 48,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Nellore | 4,000 – 7,500 | 10,000 – 22,000 | 25,000 – 55,000 |
| Government Polytechnic College | Kurnool | 5,000 – 9,000 | 12,000 – 28,000 | 30,000 – 65,000 |
Note: Figures are based on 2025 counselling data and are for non-local (general AP) quota seats. Closing ranks for local-area quota seats may differ. Official 2026 Round 1 data is available at polycetap.nic.in.
Ques. Does my district affect my chances at a government polytechnic in AP?
Ans. Yes, significantly. 70% of seats at each government polytechnic go to candidates from that college’s own district (local area quota). Only 30% go to candidates from the rest of AP (non-local quota). If you are from the same district as the college, you compete in a larger seat pool with less competition. Your odds are much better for colleges in your home district.
AP POLYCET Branch-Wise Cutoff 2026
Your branch choice shapes your admission chances as much as your college choice. CSE closes first at every government polytechnic. Civil and Chemical Engineering remain open much later in counselling. The table below shows expected closing rank ranges by branch across government polytechnics in AP, based on 2025 data.
| Branch | OC Closing Rank (2025 Ref.) | BC Closing Rank (2025 Ref.) | SC Closing Rank (2025 Ref.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | 500 – 6,000 | 2,000 – 15,000 | 5,000 – 25,000 |
| AI and Machine Learning (AI & ML) | 1,000 – 8,000 | 3,000 – 20,000 | 7,000 – 30,000 |
| Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT) | 1,500 – 9,000 | 4,000 – 22,000 | 8,000 – 35,000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) | 2,500 – 12,000 | 6,000 – 28,000 | 10,000 – 45,000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 5,000 – 18,000 | 10,000 – 40,000 | 18,000 – 60,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 8,000 – 25,000 | 15,000 – 55,000 | 25,000 – 75,000 |
| Civil Engineering | 12,000 – 35,000 | 22,000 – 70,000 | 35,000 – 90,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | 20,000 – 50,000 | 35,000 – 90,000 | 50,000 – 1,20,000 |
Note: Ranges reflect 2025 Round 1 counselling trends across government and aided polytechnics in AP. Top government polytechnics in cities have tighter (lower) closing ranks than the ranges above. Private college closing ranks are higher (more relaxed).
AP POLYCET Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The AP POLYCET qualifying cutoff shifted twice in five years. The table tracks the year-on-year change in qualifying marks and the growth in the candidate pool. Both directly affect how tight admission closing ranks are at popular colleges.
| Year | OC / BC Qualifying Marks | SC / ST / PH | Candidates Qualified (Approx.) | OC CSE Closing Rank – Top Govt. Polytechnic (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 marks (30%) | No minimum | 1,48,950 | Check polycetap.nic.in (Round 1 out) |
| 2025 | 36 marks (30%) | No minimum | 1,33,358 | ~2,800 |
| 2024 | 30 marks (25%) | No minimum | ~1.25 lakh | ~3,500 |
| 2023 | 30 marks (25%) | No minimum | ~1.18 lakh | ~4,200 |
| 2022 | 30 marks (25%) | No minimum | ~1.10 lakh | ~4,800 |
| 2021 | 36 marks (30%) | No minimum | ~1.05 lakh | ~5,500 |
The OC CSE closing rank at top government polytechnics moved from about 5,500 in 2021 to about 2,800 in 2025. That is a shift of roughly 2,700 ranks over five years. The sharpest single-year tightening came between 2024 and 2025, when the closing rank fell by about 700 ranks. Two factors drove that jump. The qualified candidate pool grew from 1.25 lakh to 1.33 lakh. The qualifying bar also rose by 6 marks, from 30 to 36.
In 2026, about 1.49 lakh candidates qualified — roughly 15,600 more than 2025. Based on this trend, expect the OC CSE closing rank to tighten further at top colleges. A shift of 200 to 500 ranks below the 2025 level is possible.
Ques. Why has the AP POLYCET CSE closing rank been getting tighter every year?
Ans. More students appear each year and demand for Computer Engineering keeps rising. The qualified candidate pool grew from about 1.05 lakh in 2021 to 1.49 lakh in 2026. The number of CSE seats at government polytechnics has not grown at the same pace. More students chasing the same seats pushes closing ranks lower and tighter each cycle.
AP POLYCET Marks vs Rank 2026
Your score in AP POLYCET determines your rank. The rank decides which colleges and branches you can access in counselling. When two students score the same, SBTET AP uses a tie-breaker. Higher Mathematics marks go first. If still tied, higher Physics marks decide. If both are equal, the older student gets the better rank.
| Marks Scored (out of 120) | Expected Rank Range | Likely College Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| 115 – 120 | 1 – 20 | Any government polytechnic, any branch |
| 100 – 114 | 21 – 1,000 | Top government polytechnic, CSE or ECE |
| 90 – 99 | 1,001 – 5,000 | Government polytechnic in major city, CSE or AI & ML |
| 75 – 89 | 5,001 – 15,000 | Government polytechnic, ECE or EEE branch |
| 60 – 74 | 15,001 – 35,000 | Government polytechnic (Mechanical / Civil) or aided college |
| 45 – 59 | 35,001 – 80,000 | Aided or private unaided polytechnic |
| 36 – 44 (OC/BC qualified) | 80,001 – 1,48,950 | Private unaided polytechnic |
| Below 36 (SC / ST / PH only) | Varies | Eligible for counselling under reserved category seats |
A score of 90 or above is broadly considered a good score for AP POLYCET. It puts you roughly in the top 5,000 ranks. That opens the door to Computer Engineering and AI & ML at well-regarded government polytechnics in Andhra Pradesh. These are estimated ranges based on 2025 data. Your exact rank is confirmed on your rank card at polycetap.nic.in.
How to Check AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026
Round 1 closing ranks are now available. Follow these steps to check the AP POLYCET 2026 cutoff data on the official portal.
- Go to polycetap.nic.in or polycet.ap.gov.in.
- Click on the "Allotment Results" or "Closing Ranks" link on the home page.
- Select the counselling round (Round 1 data is currently available).
- Choose your district, college, branch, and category from the dropdown menus.
- The portal shows the last rank allotted (closing rank) for that college-branch-category combination.
- Compare the closing rank with your AP POLYCET rank. If your rank is lower (better), you were or are eligible for that seat.
- SBTET AP also releases allotment data as PDFs. Check the official notifications section for direct download links.
AP POLYCET Counselling Process 2026
AP POLYCET 2026 admission is done through SBTET AP’s online counselling. Round 1 is complete. Round 2 web options will open once SBTET AP announces the schedule. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
- Step 1 — Check your rank: Log in at polycetap.nic.in using your hall ticket number. View and download your rank card.
- Step 2 — Register for counselling: Pay the counselling registration fee online and fill in your personal and category details.
- Step 3 — Certificate verification: Visit your nearest Help Line Centre (HLC) with original documents. Key documents include SSC (Class 10) marks memo and certificate, study certificates from Class 6 to 10, and Aadhaar card. BC, SC, and ST candidates must bring a caste certificate. Bring an income certificate where required.
- Step 4 — Submit web options: Enter your college and branch preferences in order of priority. Fill as many choices as possible. The system uses your rank and choices to allot the best available seat.
- Step 5 — Seat allotment: SBTET AP allots a seat based on your rank, category, and web options. Check your allotment on the portal.
- Step 6 — Report to college: Pay the tuition fee within the given dates. Report to your allotted college with all original documents. Missing the deadline cancels your seat.
- Step 7 — Round 2 and Spot Round: Unfilled seats from Round 1 go into Round 2. Seats still remaining after Round 2 are filled through the Spot Round, usually held at the college level.
AP POLYCET Cutoff 2026: FAQs
Ques. What is the AP POLYCET 2026 qualifying cutoff for OC candidates?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff for OC candidates in AP POLYCET 2026 is 36 marks out of 120 (30% of the total). You must score at or above 36 to get a rank and join counselling. Scoring below 36 means you are not eligible for counselling if you belong to the OC or BC categories.
Ques. Where can I check the AP POLYCET 2026 Round 1 closing ranks?
Ans. Round 1 closing ranks are available at polycetap.nic.in. Go to the counselling or seat allotment section. Select your category, preferred college, and branch. View the closing rank. The portal shows Round 1 data since July 7, 2026.
Ques. What rank do I need for CSE at a top government polytechnic in AP?
Ans. Based on 2025 data, you need a rank below 2,800 for OC CSE at Govt. Polytechnic Kakinada or Visakhapatnam. For Guntur and Vijayawada, a rank below 5,000 to 6,500 is usually needed for CSE. SC and ST candidates can access the same seats at higher (less competitive) closing ranks due to reserved seat pools. Check the Round 1 2026 data at polycetap.nic.in for exact figures.
Ques. Are Round 2 closing ranks tighter or more relaxed than Round 1?
Ans. Round 2 closing ranks are usually more relaxed than Round 1 at most colleges. Seats that go unfilled after Round 1 come back in Round 2. Mid-tier government polytechnics often show closing ranks 500 to 2,000 ranks higher in Round 2. However, at the most popular colleges, the gap is smaller since those seats fill completely in Round 1.
Ques. What does the 70% local area quota mean in AP POLYCET?
Ans. In every AP polytechnic, 70% of seats go to candidates from the same district as the college. These are local area quota seats. The remaining 30% are open to candidates from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh (non-local quota). If you apply to a college in your home district, you compete for local seats against fewer candidates. If you apply to a college outside your district, you compete only in the 30% non-local pool.
Ques. How does SBTET AP break ties in the rank list?
Ans. SBTET AP uses three tie-breaking steps. First, higher Mathematics marks decide the better rank. If Mathematics marks are equal, higher Physics marks decide. If both subjects are still equal, the older candidate gets the better rank.
Ques. How many seats are available through AP POLYCET 2026?
Ans. About 82,870 diploma seats are available across 267 polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Government colleges account for around 29,000 seats across 88 colleges. Private colleges have about 53,870 seats across 179 colleges. Seats are split among OC, BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E, SC, and ST categories as per AP government reservation norms.
Ques. Can I get a seat in the Spot Round if I missed Round 1 and Round 2?
Ans. Yes. SBTET AP holds a spot or mop-up round after Round 2 to fill vacant seats. Closing ranks in the spot round are the most relaxed of all rounds. You must attend a designated venue in person with all original documents. Spot round dates will be announced by SBTET AP on polycetap.nic.in once Round 2 is complete.
Ques. Which branch has the most relaxed closing rank in AP POLYCET?
Ans. Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering have the most relaxed closing ranks in AP POLYCET every year. Seats in these branches often remain available even in the spot round at many colleges. If your rank is above 20,000 in the OC category, these branches at government polytechnics are accessible to you. Mechanical Engineering also has relatively relaxed closing ranks compared to CSE or ECE.
Ques. What documents do I need for AP POLYCET 2026 counselling?
Ans. You need these documents at the Help Line Centre: AP POLYCET 2026 rank card, SSC marks memo and pass certificate, date of birth proof, study certificates from Class 6 to 10, caste certificate (for BC, SC, ST candidates), income certificate where required, Aadhaar card, and passport-size photographs. Carry both originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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