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AP ICET MBA Exam 2026: Key Dates, Pattern, Syllabus

AP ICET MBA Exam 2026: Complete Guide & Dates

Written By
Vaishali Pandey
&
Reviewed By
Shailesh Jain
Updated On:
Sep 2, 2025
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5
mins read
Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Sep 2, 2025

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The AP ICET MBA Exam 2026 is a state-level entrance test for admission into MBA and MCA programs across top colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Scheduled for 2026, this exam is crucial for thousands of candidates aiming to showcase their skills in logical reasoning, analytical ability, and communication. Knowing the exam date, pattern, and fee structure helps aspirants plan their applications and preparation strategies with confidence. 

This guide covers all the essentials to support focused and effective preparation for the AP ICET MBA Exam 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • AP ICET MBA is a state-level CBT in May, 150 minutes long with 200 MCQs covering analytical, communication, and mathematical ability.
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% for reserved categories) and Andhra Pradesh local status.
  • No negative marking; some sections offered in Telugu; speed and accuracy are key.
  • Mock test in April, results in May 2026.

AP ICET MBA Exam 2026 Overview

Here is a quick overview table summarizing the key details of the AP ICET MBA Exam 2026:

Aspect

Details

Full Name

Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test

Exam Level

State Level

Conducting Body

Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) (to be officially announced)

Exam Date

First/second week of May

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test (Online)

Exam Duration

150 minutes (2.5 hours)

Total Questions

200

Eligibility - MBA Course

Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university

Minimum Marks Required (General)

50% aggregate marks

Minimum Marks Required (Reserved)

45% aggregate marks

Official Website

cets.apsche.ap.gov.in/ICET

AP ICET 2026 Exam Dates

The AP ICET 2026 exam journey spans from the start of application submission in March to counselling registration in July, with important milestones like fee deadlines, admit card downloads, exam dates, and result declarations along the way. Keeping track of these dates will ensure you stay on schedule and don’t miss crucial steps. 

Here’s the tentative timeline for the exam and related events:

Event

Date 2026 (Tentative)

Commencement of Online Application Submission

1st/2nd week of March 2026

Last Date for Application Submission (Without Late Fee)

1st week of April 2026

Application Submission with Late Fee ₹1,000

2nd week of April 2026

Application Submission with Late Fee ₹2,000

3rd week of April 2026

Application Submission with Late Fee ₹4,000

4th week of April 2026

Application Submission with Late Fee ₹10,000

Last days of April 2026

Release of Mock Test Papers

3rd week of April 2026

Application Correction/Edit Window Opens

27 April - 1st May 2026

Download of Hall Ticket/Admit Card

2 May 2026 onwards

AP ICET 2026 Exam Date

1st/2nd week of May 2026

Release of Preliminary Answer Key

10 -16 May 2026

Last Date for Objections to Answer Key

10 -16 May 2026

Declaration of Results

Third week of May 2026

Download of Rank Card

Third week of May 2026

AP ICET 2026 Counselling Registration Opens

Third week of July 2026

AP ICET MBA Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility might not grab as much attention as preparation tips, but it decides whether you can compete in the first place.

Basic Qualification Requirements

Getting ready for the AP ICET MBA exam starts with a simple question: Do you meet the minimum requirements to be considered?

1. Bachelor's degree completion: Must have completed a 3 or 4-year bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.

2. Minimum marks required: 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree examination.

3. Reserved category concession: 45% aggregate marks for SC, ST, BC, and OBC categories.

4. Recognition requirement: Degree must be from a university recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Clearing the eligibility bar is crucial as it balances academic standards with reservation benefits, shaping the diverse pool of candidates for the AP ICET MBA Exam 2026.

Nationality and Domicile Requirements

The AP ICET MBA exam isn’t open to everyone everywhere; your nationality and domicile status play a clear role in whether you can apply.

1. Indian citizenship: Must be an Indian national

2. Local status compliance: Must satisfy local/non-local status requirements as per Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions (Regulations of Admission) Order, 1974, as amended.

If you want to dig deeper into the details about education financing options, you can find more information on Education Loan in Andhra Pradesh 2024: Interest Rate & Application.

How to Apply for the AP ICET MBA Exam 2026?

Approaching the AP ICET MBA application demands more than following steps; it requires a strategic mindset that anticipates common pitfalls and leverages each phase to your advantage.

Online Registration Process

1. Visit the official website: cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

2. Click on registration link: Select 'Fee Payment Tab' or 'Pay application fee'

3. Enter personal details: Complete mandatory information fields

4. Make payment: Choose from credit card, debit card, or net banking

5. Receive payment ID: Note down the Payment Reference ID for form completion

Application Form Completion

1. Log in using credentials: Payment reference ID, hall ticket number, mobile number, and date of birth.

2. Fill in personal details: Name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, and gender.

3. Add contact information: House number, street, town, state, district, pin code, and email.

4. Enter academic details: Qualifying examination information.

5. Select exam centres: Choose preference for test centres in primary and secondary districts.

6. Upload documents: Photograph and signature in the prescribed format.

7. Submit and confirm: Save information, print application for records.

Required Documents

1. Academic certificates: Marks memos of degree, intermediate, Class 10

2. Identification proof: Aadhaar card, ration card

3. Income certificate: Issued by MRO through MeeSeva (if applicable)

4. Caste certificate: For reserved category candidates from the competent authority

5. Study certificates: From Class 6 to Class 10, Class 12/diploma, and degree

6. Digital documents: Passport-size photograph (JPEG, <50KB), signature (JPEG, <30KB)

Application Fees

1. General category: INR 650

2. Backward Class (BC): INR 600

3. SC/ST category: INR 550

4. Payment methods: AP Online centre (cash), debit/credit card, net banking

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Application Correction Window

1. Correction period: 27 April - 1st May 2026

2. Category 1 corrections: Require convener intervention with supporting documents

3. Category 2 corrections: Can be edited online by candidates during the permitted period

4. Editable items: Personal details, qualification information, examination type

Hall Ticket Download

1. Release date: 2 May 2026 onwards

2. Download location: cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

3. Login requirements: Application number and date of birth

4. Document verification: Check name, roll number, exam centre, reporting time

5. Correction deadline: Report discrepancies immediately to the helpdesk

Exam Centre Selection

1. Available locations: 48 test centres across 25 districts of Andhra Pradesh

2. Centre preferences: Choose a maximum of four cities during the application

3. Allotment basis: Subject to availability and proximity preference

4. No changes allowed: Cannot modify centre preference after form submission

5. Authority rights: The Convener may allot alternative centres in unavoidable circumstances

Major Exam Centres

1. Visakhapatnam: Anandapuram, Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam City

2. Guntur: Guntur district centre

3. Vijayawada: NTR district (Mylavaram, Tirvuru, Vijayawada)

4. Tirupati: Gudur, Puttur, Tirupati

5. Hyderabad: LB Nagar, Nacharam, Secunderabad

6. Kurnool: Kurnool, Yemmiganur

Contact Information

1. Helpdesk phone: 0891-2579797

2. Fax number: 0891-2549595

3. Email support: helpdeskapicet@apsche.org

AP ICET Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026

Clarity on what the AP ICET MBA exam measures can recalibrate how you approach preparation. Here’s how the syllabus is organised into its main test areas.

Section

Topics Covered

Questions

Total Questions per Section

A. Analytical Ability

Data Sufficiency: Two statements to determine sufficiency. Problem Solving: Sequences & Series (analogies, odd one out, missing terms), Data Analysis (tables, graphs, diagrams, passages), Coding & Decoding (alphabet/word codes), Date/Time/Arrangement (calendar, clock, relationships, schedules, seating, symbols)

75

75

B. Communication Ability

Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutes, idioms), Functional Grammar (tenses, SVA, prepositions, articles, conjunctions, voice, sentence structure), Business & Computer Terms (letters, reports, memoranda, agenda, minutes), Reading Comprehension (4 passages)

70

70

C. Mathematical Ability

Arithmetical: indices, ratio/proportion, surds, divisibility, LCM/GCD, rationals, ordering, %, P&L, partnership, pipes/cisterns, time-distance-work, mensuration, modular arithmetic. Algebra/Geometry: statements, truth tables, sets, equations, trigonometry, polynomials, progressions, binomial theorem, matrices, limits/derivatives, plane/coordinate geometry. Statistical: frequency distributions, central tendency, SD, correlation, simple probability

55

55

If you want to know more about this topic and explore the options with a clearer perspective, you can read  Which MBA Specialisation is Best in Future?

AP ICET MBA Exam Pattern 2026

Here’s how the format is laid out so you know exactly what to expect on test day.

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT)

2. Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)

3. Total Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions

4. Total Marks: 200

5. No negative marking

6. Language: English and Telugu (for Analytical & Mathematical Ability), English only (for Communication Ability)

AP ICET MBA Exam Mock Test 2026

Mock tests for the AP ICET MBA exam aren’t just practice sheets; they mirror the exact pressure, pacing, and mix of questions you’ll face, making them a reliable measure of how ready you truly are.

Official Mock Test Availability

1. Release Date: Third week of April 2026

2. Platform: cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

3. Cost: Free of charge

4. Languages: English and Telugu

Note: No registration required

Mock Test Features

1. Exact Exam Simulation: Mirrors the actual CBT interface with a 150-minute duration

2. Full-length Tests: 200 questions across all three sections

3. Real-time Analytics: Section-wise scores, time management analysis, and accuracy rates

4. Multiple Attempts: Unlimited practice sessions available

How to Access Mock Test

1. Visit cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

2. Click on the "AP ICET" tab

3. Select "Mock Test" from the top-right corner

4. Choose preferred language (English/Telugu)

5. Click "Sign in" to start

6. Read general guidelines carefully

7. Click "I am ready to begin"

AP ICET Exam Results 2026

The AP ICET MBA 2026 results, expected in the third week of May, will be available online as a combined scorecard and rank card. These results show your performance and overall rank, which are crucial for counselling and admissions. To access your results smoothly, here’s a quick guide on the simple steps to check and download your scorecard:

Result Declaration Timeline

1. Expected Release Date: Third week of May 2026

2. Platform: cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

3. Format: Online scorecard cum rank card

How to Check Results

1. Visit cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

2. Click on "AP ICET Result 2026"

3. Enter registration number and hall ticket number

4. Submit details to view scorecard

5. Download and print for future reference

What Students Say About AP ICET MBA Exam: Difficulty, Topics & Challenges

Many prospective MBA candidates have shared their experiences and concerns regarding the AP ICET MBA exam. Common queries revolve around the exam's difficulty level, subject-wise question distribution, time management, and effective preparation strategies.

Another student on r/hyderabad posted:

"ICET rank 4.6k. Which college for an MBA? The exam was moderate to difficult overall. The Mathematical Ability section was the toughest - I couldn't complete all the questions on time. The communication section was relatively easier, but the analytical ability had tricky problem-solving questions. Without proper time management strategies, it's really difficult to attempt all 200 questions in 2.5 hours."

Insight: Many aspirants ask about how the AP ICET compares to exams like CAT exam, the difficulty level of each subject, time management challenges, especially in mathematics, major topics covered, and tips for maximising scores.

What We Infer:

1. Candidates want to understand the overall and subject-wise difficulty to plan their preparation.

2. Time management, especially in the Mathematical Ability section with 55 questions, is a common challenge.

3. The Analytical Ability section, with data sufficiency and problem-solving questions, requires significant practice.

4. Students seek clarity on high-frequency topics to focus their study efforts effectively.

5. Effective preparation strategies, including mock tests and previous year papers, are key to scoring well.

Tips to Prepare for AP ICET MBA Exam 2026

Strong AP ICET MBA exam prep isn’t about endless hours; it’s about working in a way that sharpens the exact skills the test rewards. Here’s where to focus your effort for the best returns.

1. Study the official exam pattern and complete syllabus before making your plan; this helps in setting priorities for each topic.

2. Choose high-quality, recommended books for each section, avoid an overload of materials, and prioritise clarity and reputation over quantity.

3. Solve previous years’ question papers (at least 6–7 years) to get familiar with recurring formats and common questions.

4. Take full-length, timed mock tests weekly once you’re comfortable with the material, analyse your performance and work on weak areas after every test.

5. Spend dedicated time each day on Communication Ability: practise vocabulary, solve reading comprehension, and familiarise yourself with business and computer terminology.

6. Review your mistakes thoroughly, maintain short notes of difficult concepts, formulae, or tricky questions for quick revision.

7. For Analytical and Mathematical Ability, start with easier topics to build confidence; gradually move to more challenging sections.

8. Focus on strong time management, practise answering 200 questions in 150 minutes, simulating the real exam experience.

9. Use daily, realistic study plans and adjust based on topic difficulty and your strengths; add breaks with techniques like Pomodoro.

Top AP ICET MBA Universities 2026

Here's your comprehensive guide to the leading MBA universities accepting AP ICET scores for 2026.

AP ICET MBA Colleges: Top Private Universities

College Name

Location

Total Fees (Approx)

IFMR Graduate School of Business, KREA University

Sri City

₹16 L

GITAM School of Business, Hyderabad

Hyderabad

₹11 L

GITAM School of Business, Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

₹5 L to ₹5 L (total 2-year fees approximately ₹10 L)

KL University

Guntur

₹6 - ₹20 L

Vignan University

Guntur

₹5 L

Centurion University of Technology and Management

Visakhapatnam

₹3 L

Gayatri Vidya Parishad College for Degree and PG Courses

Visakhapatnam

₹1- ₹2 L

Vishnu Institute of Technology

Bhimavaram

₹88k

Aditya Institute of Technology and Management

Anantapur

₹84k

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AP ICET MBA Colleges: Government Universities 2026

1. Andhra University, College of Arts and Commerce, Visakhapatnam, ₹39k - 69k

2. Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, ₹54k - 90k

3. Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, ₹15k - 1 L

4. Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, ₹24k - 70k

5. JNTU Kakinada, Kakinada, ₹54k - 5 L

To wrap up, the AP ICET MBA exam serves as a key opportunity for candidates aspiring to join leading MBA programmes in Andhra Pradesh. Being aware of the AP ICET 2026 exam date, understanding both the AP ICET MBA exam pattern and the AP ICET 2026 exam pattern, and knowing the AP ICET 2026 exam fee will help you prepare with clarity and focus. Stay dedicated to your study plan, keep track of official updates, and give yourself a strong advantage on exam day.

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FAQs About AP ICET MBA Exam 2026

What is the minimum qualifying mark for the AP ICET MBA exam?

Candidates must secure a minimum of 50 marks out of 200 to qualify for admission through the AP ICET 2026 exam.

Are candidates in the final year of their graduation eligible for the AP ICET 2026 exam?

Yes, students appearing for their final year degree exams can apply for the AP ICET MBA exam.

Does the AP ICET 2026 exam pattern include negative marking?

No, the AP ICET MBA exam pattern for 2026 does not have any negative marking for wrong answers.

How is the AP ICET MBA exam structured in terms of sections and questions?

The AP ICET 2026 exam pattern consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections: Analytical Ability (75 questions), Communication Ability (70 questions), and Mathematical Ability (55 questions).

What is the allocated time for the AP ICET MBA exam?

Candidates are given 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to complete the AP ICET 2026 exam.

In what mode will the AP ICET 2026 exam be conducted?

The AP ICET MBA exam 2026 will be conducted in online computer-based test (CBT) mode.

When is the AP ICET 2026 exam date expected to be announced and held?

The official AP ICET 2026 exam date notification is expected in the first week of March, with the exam tentatively scheduled for the second week of May 2026.

What is the official AP ICET 2026 exam fee, and are there any late fees?

The base AP ICET 2026 exam fee is INR 650 for OC candidates, INR 600 for BC candidates, and INR 550 for SC/ST candidates. Late fee charges range from INR 1000 to INR 10,000 depending on the delay.

Is it possible to pay the AP ICET exam fee offline?

Yes, candidates can pay the AP ICET 2026 exam fee offline at designated AP Online centres, or online via debit/credit cards or net banking.

Can candidates choose the language of the AP ICET MBA exam?

Yes, candidates may select the medium of the exam (English or Telugu) during registration.

What documents must be uploaded at the time of the AP ICET 2026 application?

Scanned copies of a recent photograph, signature, and educational certificates must be uploaded with the application.

How many attempts are allowed for the AP ICET exam?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for the AP ICET MBA exam, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria each year.

Vaishali Pandey
Content Marketer
Check out full profile

A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors.  She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.

Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.

She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.

Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.

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Shailesh Jain
Chartered Accountant, Finance Strategist, Associate Director
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A seasoned Chartered Accountant, Shailesh Jain is a finance and compliance leader specializing in corporate finance, financial operations, and fintech-driven lending models. At Propelld, he scales education loan offerings by shaping financial strategies, optimizing operations, and ensuring regulatory excellence, driving sustainable growth in the edtech and fintech space.

An expert in Fintech & Edtech innovation, Shailesh leverages financial insights to transform education lending, combining analytical rigor with strategic foresight. Previously, he led the finance team at Khatabook, building a new lending venture, and has worked with PwC, ICICI Bank, and Mulberry Silks, gaining strong expertise in audit, risk mitigation, and strategic decision-making.

Passionate about financial innovation, he continues to advance education financing in India, creating efficient, scalable, and compliant lending ecosystems.

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