The Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board (HPTUB) has announced the dates for the HP PAT 2026 exam. This test is for students who want to join polytechnic diploma courses in engineering and other fields across Himachal Pradesh. The exam will take place on May 17, 2026. Students interested in these courses can start applying online in March/April 2026.
The HP PAT exam is also known as the Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test. It is a crucial step for many students after Class 10 or 12 to get admission into diploma programs. These programs help students learn practical skills and start a career faster. Getting familiar with the dates and exam format early is very helpful for good preparation.
Key Dates for HP PAT 2026
Here are the important dates for the HP PAT 2026 exam that students should remember:
| HP PAT Registration Starts | March/April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 (Expected) |
| HP PAT 2026 Exam Date | May 17, 2026 |
How to Apply for HP PAT 2026
The application process for HP PAT 2026 will begin in March/April 2026. Students must apply online through the official website of the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board. The website address is hptechboard.com.
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the official website: hptechboard.com.
- Look for the link related to HP PAT 2026 registration.
- Click on the registration link and fill out the online application form. Make sure to enter your personal and academic details correctly.
- Upload any necessary documents, such as your photograph and signature, as per the instructions.
- Pay the required application fee using online payment methods.
- After successfully submitting the form, print a copy of the application form for your future reference.
It is important to double-check all information before final submission to avoid any issues.
Understanding the HP PAT Exam Pattern
Knowing the structure of the HP PAT exam is very important for effective preparation. The exam checks a student's knowledge in key subjects. This includes Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. By understanding the exam pattern, students can focus their studies better.
The exam is conducted in offline mode, meaning it is a traditional pen-and-paper test. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Students can choose to take the exam in either Hindi or English. However, if there is a specific language test, the questions for that part will be in English.
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-paper) |
| Exam Language | Hindi & English |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 600 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks for each correct answer, 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
The exam has 150 questions in total. Each correct answer will earn you 4 marks. For every wrong answer, 1 mark will be taken away. This negative marking system means students should answer carefully and avoid guessing if unsure.
HP PAT 2026 Admit Card
After successfully applying, students will receive their admit cards. The admit card is a compulsory document. You must carry it to the exam hall. Without it, you will not be allowed to take the test.
The admit cards are expected to be available for download in May 2026, shortly before the exam. Students can get their admit card from the official website by logging in with their registration details. The admit card will show important information like your name, roll number, the address of your exam center, and the exact time of the exam.
Make sure to check all the details printed on your admit card. If you find any errors or missing information, contact the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board immediately to get it corrected.
Important Advice for Students
Students planning to appear for HP PAT 2026 should regularly visit the official website, hptechboard.com, for the latest announcements and updates. Start your preparation early and create a study timetable based on the exam pattern. Practicing previous year's papers can also be very helpful.
Staying informed about all key dates and exam rules will help you prepare well and increase your chances of getting admission into your desired polytechnic course.