Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET)

Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET)

Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET)

The Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted to facilitate admissions into undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture, veterinary, fisheries, and technology programs in various universities across Uttar Pradesh. This offline exam assesses candidates' knowledge in relevant subjects for agricultural and allied sciences. It is typically conducted annually in the month of May or June.

Particulars

Details

Conducting Body

Rotational among affiliated universities; often Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, or others like Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur

Purpose

Admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Veterinary Science), B.F.Sc. (Fisheries Science), B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering), and other allied courses

Exam Level

State-Level

Application Mode

Online

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen-and-Paper Based)

Exam Duration

3 Hours

Exam Medium

English and Hindi

Official Website

 or the conducting university’s site

Recent Updates:

  • Partial integration with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for some seats in affiliated universities, aligning with national-level entrance reforms.
  • Enhanced focus on digital processes, including online application and result declaration, for better accessibility.

To appear for UPCATET, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Criteria

Details

Academic Qualification

Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in relevant subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM), or Agriculture (PCA), depending on the chosen course

Age Limit

Between 17 and 23 years for undergraduate courses at the time of admission (relaxations for reserved categories and specific courses like B.V.Sc. as per government norms)

Domicile

Preference given to Uttar Pradesh residents; non-domicile candidates may apply under specific quotas or as per guidelines

The application process for UPCATET is conducted online and generally begins in the month of February or March. The steps are as follows:

  • Online Registration: Visit the official website and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
  • Form Filling: Complete the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
  • Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents such as photographs, signatures, and academic certificates.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or other available modes.
  • Submission: Review the form and submit it. Download the confirmation page for future reference.

Category

Fee (INR)

General/OBC

₹1,250

SC/ST/PwD

₹1,050

Note: Fees are subject to change based on updates from the conducting authority. Candidates are advised to check the official website for the latest fee structure.

The UPCATET follows a structured format to evaluate candidates comprehensively:

Aspect

Details

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Total Questions

200

Marking Scheme

  • 3 marks per correct answer; -1 mark for incorrect answers (negative marking)

Duration

3 Hours

Question Paper Groups

Based on subject combinations: PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PCA (Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture)

Group

Subjects Covered

Number of Questions

PCB

Physics, Chemistry, Biology

50 each (Total 150) + General Studies (50)

PCM

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

50 each (Total 150) + General Studies (50)

PCA

Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture

50 each (Total 150) + General Studies (50)

Note: Candidates must choose the appropriate group based on their academic background and desired course. General Studies may include topics like reasoning, current affairs, and basic aptitude. Refer to the official notification for precise details.

The syllabus for UPCATET is aligned with the 10+2 level curriculum of recognized boards in Uttar Pradesh. It covers the following subjects and key topics:

Subject

Key Topics

Physics

Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Oscillations, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics

Chemistry

Physical Chemistry (States of Matter, Solutions), Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding), Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups)

Biology

Cell Structure and Function, Genetics and Evolution, Plant and Animal Physiology, Biotechnology, Ecology and Environment

Mathematics

Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability

Agriculture

Crop Production and Management, Soil Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Animal Husbandry, Modern Farming Techniques

General Studies

Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Knowledge, Current Affairs

Candidates are encouraged to focus on both theoretical concepts and practical applications, especially in agriculture-related topics, as the exam tests real-world knowledge in the field.

  • The admit card for UPCATET is released online on the official website approximately two weeks before the exam.
  • Candidates must download it using their registration credentials and carry a printed copy to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.
  • The admit card contains essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, and exam timings.

  • The results are declared on the official website a few weeks after the exam.
  • Candidates can check their scores using their roll number or registration ID.
  • A merit list is prepared based on the candidates’ performance, which determines eligibility for counselling and seat allocation.

  • Counselling for UPCATET is conducted online or offline (depending on the conducting authority’s decision) to allocate seats in various colleges across Uttar Pradesh.
  • Candidates are called for counselling based on their rank in the merit list.
  • During counselling, candidates must choose their preferred course and college based on availability.
  • Seat allotment is finalized after document verification and fee payment.

Document

Purpose

UPCATET Admit Card and Scorecard

Proof of examination and rank

Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates

Academic verification

Domicile Certificate

Proof of residency (for Uttar Pradesh candidates)

Category Certificate (if applicable)

For SC/ST/OBC/EWS reservation claims

Transfer Certificate (TC) and Character Certificate

Institutional and conduct verification

Passport-sized Photographs

Identification and records

Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)

Identity verification

Seats are reserved for various categories as per the norms of the Uttar Pradesh government:

Category

Reservation Percentage

Scheduled Castes (SC)

21%

Scheduled Tribes (ST)

2%

Other Backward Classes (OBC)

27%

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

10%

Note: Additional reservations may apply for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), women candidates, and other categories as per government guidelines.

To excel in UPCATET, candidates should adopt a strategic approach to preparation:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the syllabus and prioritize high-weightage topics in each subject.
  • Be Mindful of Negative Marking: Practice accuracy as incorrect answers deduct marks; avoid guesswork.
  • Practice Mock Tests: Solve past years’ question papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and time constraints.
  • Subject-Specific Focus: Pay special attention to subjects relevant to your chosen course, such as Agriculture or Biology.
  • Revise NCERT Textbooks: Use NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics as they cover the core syllabus comprehensively.
  • Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of modern agricultural practices and general knowledge topics for the General Studies section.

UPCATET scores are accepted by various agricultural and allied universities in Uttar Pradesh for admission to the following courses:

Course

Description

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture

Focus on crop production and farming techniques

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture

Specialization in cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry

Study of forest management and conservation

  • B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Veterinary Science)

Veterinary medicine and animal husbandry

  • B.F.Sc. (Fisheries Science)

Aquaculture and fisheries management

  • B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering)

Engineering applications in agriculture

Prominent Universities:

  • Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
  • Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut
  • Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur (when conducting)
  • Other affiliated colleges under these universities.

For queries or assistance regarding UPCATET, candidates can reach out to:

Resource

Details

Official Website

 or the conducting university’s site

Helpline

Contact details provided on the official portal during application and exam periods

Email Support

Available on the official website for specific grievances or technical issues