Exam Pattern
AP ECET Exam Pattern
Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test
Half this paper is your diploma subject. Computer Science and Engineering carries 100 of the 200 questions, against 50 for Mathematics and 25 each for Physics and Chemistry, so a freshman science revision reaches a quarter of what is asked and the branch paper settles the rest. Nothing is deducted for a wrong answer, which makes an unmarked question a mark declined for free. Three hours across 200 questions leaves 54 seconds each, tight enough that reaching the end matters more than perfecting the opening.
Computer Science and Engineering
Official 2026 pattern| Questions | 200 |
| Total marks | 200 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Negative marking | 0 per wrong answer |
| Sections | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Engineering |
| Test | Qs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 |
| Physics | 25 | 25 |
| Chemistry | 25 | 25 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 100 | 100 |
Timing: Single 180-minute timer for the Full Mock, covering all four sections; no sectional lock.
AP ECET is the lateral-entry route for Diploma Holders directly into the second year of a B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering programme, distinct from a Class XI-XII freshman engineering entrance. The current official Instruction Booklet confirms 200 four-option MCQs (Mathematics 50, Physics 25, Chemistry 25, Computer Science and Engineering 100) for 200 marks in 180 minutes, +1 per correct answer with no negative marking. The Computer Science and Engineering section spans 13 diploma-level units (Digital Electronics, Software Engineering, Computer Organisation and Microprocessors, Data Structures through C, Computer Networks and Cyber Security, Operating Systems, DBMS, Java Programming, Web Technologies, Big-data and Cloud Computing, Android Programming, Internet of Things, and Python Programming).
Official source · checked 28 August 2026The AP ECET Computer Science and Engineering exam pattern is 200 questions carrying 200 marks, to be answered in 180 minutes. That works out to about 54 seconds per question on average, before any time spent reading instructions or revisiting marked answers. The 4 sections are Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science and Engineering. Computer Science and Engineering carries the most, 100 marks of the 200 or about 50%, against 25 marks for Chemistry. All sections share one composite timer, so you are free to move between them and spend your time where it earns most.
AP ECET Computer Science and Engineering marking scheme
- Each correct answer is worth 1 mark.
- There is no negative marking, so leaving a question blank can only cost you: an unattempted question and a wrong one score the same zero. Attempt everything.
- Worked example: attempt 160 of the 200 questions and get 120 right and 40 wrong, and you score 120 out of 200.
Practising against the same clock is the point of a mock test: at 54 seconds a question, the difference between a good score and an average one is usually pacing rather than knowledge. Attempt a free AP ECET mock test to see where your time actually goes.
AP ECET exam pattern: frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in AP ECET?
AP ECET has no negative marking. An unattempted question always scores zero, so the choice is only ever between guessing and leaving it blank.
How many questions are there in AP ECET?
AP ECET has 200 questions. That leaves about 54 seconds per question in AP ECET.
What are the total marks in AP ECET?
AP ECET is out of 200 marks, which works out at 1 mark a question.
How long is the AP ECET exam?
AP ECET runs for 180 minutes.
Does AP ECET have a sectional time limit?
No. AP ECET runs every section on one composite timer of 180 minutes, so you can move between sections freely and give the slower ones more of your time.