The full form of APRCET is Andhra Pradesh Research Common Entrance Test. APRCET is a state level entrance exam which is conducted for admissions in MPhil and Ph.D. courses.

APRCET is conducted on behalf of ANDHRA PRADESH STATE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION (APSCHE) by Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam. APSCHE came into existence in 1988 in Andhra Pradesh state. The main duty of APSCHE is to coordinate and determine standards in higher education.

Andhra University was established in 1926 and is a public university that is situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Andhra University conducts the APRCET. APRCET is an entrance exam that grants the students to secure admission in MPhil and Ph.D. courses from 1 of the 14 colleges in Andhra Pradesh.

APRCET is a computer-based test (CBT). The medium of the exam is the English language and the duration of the exam is 180 minutes.

The eligibility criteria for APRCET is as follows-

  • Should have a post-graduate degree from recognized university and board
  • Should have a minimum of 55% marks in postgraduate degree (45% for reserved category candidates)
  • The postgraduate degree should be in the field of Arts, Management, Science, Commerce, Law, Pharmacy and Engineering courses
  • There is no age limit to apply for the exam
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Verified 2026 Updates:
  • APRCET is now conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) — it is no longer an offline pen-and-paper exam
  • The application fee has been updated to INR 1500 for OC, INR 1300 for BC, and INR 1000 for SC/ST/PWD per subject
  • There is no negative marking in APRCET
  • The number of exam centres has increased to 14 across Andhra Pradesh.

What Is the Exam Pattern of APRCET?

⚡ Quick Answer

APRCET is a computer-based test (CBT) with 180 marks split equally across two parts. Part A covers Teaching and Research Aptitude (90 marks) and Part B covers the subject-specific syllabus (90 marks). Questions are multiple-choice objective type. Each correct answer earns one mark. There is no negative marking for wrong answers in APRCET.

The exam has 2 parts i.e. part A and part B with a total of 180 questions. The medium of the paper in English and only part B is in the language of the subject concerned. There is negative marking in the exam there are +1 mark for every correct answer and no negative marking for wrong answers. Part A is Teaching and research related question and Part B is Subject related questions.

APSET 2026 – Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test guideRead →

How to Apply for APRCET?

⚡ Quick Answer

The application fee for APRCET is INR 1500 for OC (General), INR 1300 for BC, and INR 1000 for SC/ST/PWD candidates — charged per subject. Applications must be submitted online only at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in. Payment is accepted through Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking. Visit the official site for current notification and deadline dates.

The application fee for APRCET is INR 1500 for OC (General), INR 1300 for Backward Class (BC), and INR 1000 for SC/ST/PWD candidates per subject.

The application for the exam has to be submitted online only. sche.ap.gov.in/rcet

It is the official website. Students need to register first and fill the personal details. Then fill the application form and upload all the necessary documents. After completing all these steps pay the application fee.

The main test centres in Andhra Pradesh for APRCET include the following cities (check the official portal for the full updated list):

  • Anantapuram
  • Guntur
  • Hyderabad
  • Kadapa
  • Kurnool
  • Nellore
  • Rajahmahendravaram
  • Tirupati
  • Vijayawada
  • Visakhapatnam

The APRCET schedule is released each year by APSCHE. Visit the official portal at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in for current notification dates, application deadlines, admit card release, exam dates, and result announcements.

Some books for APRCET preparation are as follows–

  • Trueman’s UGC NET/SET General Paper I – Teaching & Research Aptitude-by Sajit Jumar, M.Gagan
  • UGC NET/JRF/SET Teaching & Research Aptitude – I by K.Kautilya
  • UGC NET/JRF/SLET General Paper-1 Teaching & Research Aptitude by Arihant Experts
  • UGC Teaching and Research Aptitude Question Bank by Spectrum Editorial Team
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