📋 Key Facts — Read First:
- Full name: Delhi Common Entrance Test (Delhi CET) 2026
- Conducted by: Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) in association with DTTE (Department of Training and Technical Education), Delhi
- Official portals: dseu.ac.in | tte.delhi.gov.in
- Application: Expected June–July 2026 (2025 pattern: June 22 to July 21)
- Exam date: Expected August 2026 (2025 exam: July 26–27)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Total questions: 90 MCQs
- Total marks: 360
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Wrong answer: −1 mark (negative marking applies)
- Application fee: ~₹500 (based on 2025 — confirm in official 2026 notification)
- Counselling fee: ₹1,000
- Minimum eligibility: Class 10 pass with 35% marks
- Official 2026 notification: Not yet released — check dseu.ac.in from May 2026
Important Transparency Note
The official Delhi CET 2026 notification has not been released by DSEU as of April 27, 2026. The dates and schedule in this article are estimated based on the 2025 Delhi CET admission cycle — where application opened June 22 and exam was held July 26–27, 2025.
When DSEU releases the official 2026 notification at dseu.ac.in and tte.delhi.gov.in, the actual dates may differ slightly. This article will be updated immediately upon official notification. Students are advised to check dseu.ac.in regularly from May 2026 onwards.
What is Delhi CET and Who Conducts It
Delhi CET (Common Entrance Test) is Delhi’s state-level entrance examination for admission to diploma courses in polytechnic colleges across the capital. It covers Engineering and Technology diploma, Non-Engineering diploma, and Pharmacy diploma programmes.
A major administrative change you must know: Following DTTE Notification No. 584 dated 16/04/2021, all government polytechnic colleges in Delhi were merged into the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU). DSEU is now the primary authority for Delhi polytechnic education and conducts the CET. The official websites are dseu.ac.in and tte.delhi.gov.in. The result portal has previously operated at cetdelhi.nic.in.
Delhi CET serves students from Delhi as well as students from across India who want to study at Delhi’s polytechnics. The capital’s location and industry connections make Delhi polytechnics particularly attractive for students from neighbouring states like Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan.
Delhi CET 2026 — Expected Schedule
Based on 2025 admission cycle pattern:
| Event | 2025 Actual | 2026 Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Official notification | June 2025 | ~June 2026 |
| Application opens | June 22, 2025 | ~June 2026 |
| Application closes | July 21, 2025 | ~July 2026 |
| Admit card release | ~July 2025 | ~July–August 2026 |
| Exam date | July 26–27, 2025 | ~August 2026 |
| Result declaration | ~August 2025 | ~August 2026 |
| Counselling | ~August 2025 | ~August–September 2026 |
All 2026 dates are estimated. The only confirmed fact is that the official 2026 notification has not been released yet. Check dseu.ac.in from May 2026.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply
Test 1 — Diploma in Engineering and Technology (Post-Class 10)
Educational qualification:
- Must have passed Class 10 from CBSE or any equivalent recognised board
- Minimum 35% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination (3.7 CGPA for CGPA-based systems)
- Compulsory subjects: Science, Mathematics, and English must have been studied in Class 10
- Students currently appearing for Class 10 in 2026 can also apply
Age limit (as of July 1, 2026):
| Category | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 21 years | 24 years |
| OBC | 24 years | 27 years |
| SC / ST / PwD | 26 years | 29 years |
Domicile: Delhi CET is open to students from all states — not just Delhi residents. However, Delhi students and specific local reservation categories have seat advantages during counselling.
Test 2 — Diploma in Engineering and Technology (Post-Class 12 / Lateral Entry)
- Must have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognised board
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) pass-outs with NCVT certification are also eligible for lateral entry
Test 3 — Diploma in Pharmacy
- Must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics
- Minimum 50% marks in qualifying examination
- Age: As per pharmacy council guidelines
Application Process — How to Apply
When the official 2026 notification is released at tte.delhi.gov.in (expected June 2026), follow these steps:
Step 1 — Registration: Go to tte.delhi.gov.in or dseu.ac.in and click on the Delhi CET 2026 application link. Register using your name, mobile number, and email ID. You receive a login ID and password.
Step 2 — Fill Application Form: Log in and complete the form with:
- Personal details (name exactly as on Class 10 certificate, date of birth, gender, category)
- Communication details (address, mobile, email)
- Academic details (board name, Class 10 marks/CGPA, year of passing)
- Test selection (Test 1, 2, or 3)
Step 3 — Upload Documents:
- Passport-size photograph (colour, recent, clear background — specific size mentioned in notification)
- Scanned signature
- Thumb impression (in some years)
Step 4 — Pay Application Fee: ~₹500 — online only via debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI, or digital wallet. Fee is non-refundable.
Step 5 — Submit and Print: Review all details carefully before submitting. A correction window may or may not be provided — DTTE has not always offered one in previous years. Print the confirmation page after submission.
One critical note: Multiple sources confirm that corrections after submission are not always permitted. Double-check name, date of birth, category, and academic details before clicking Submit.
Exam Pattern — What the Paper Looks Like
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode | Conflict in sources — some sources indicate Computer Based Test (CBT/online); others indicate offline OMR-based. Verify in official 2026 notification at dseu.ac.in |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total questions | 90 MCQs |
| Total marks | 360 |
| Correct answer | +4 marks |
| Wrong answer | −1 mark |
| Unattempted/blank | 0 marks |
| Language | Bilingual — Hindi and English |
On exam mode conflict: Sources from Sarvgyan and AglaSem indicate the exam is conducted in online (AI-based proctored) mode. Sources from Shiksha and Careers360 indicate offline OMR-based mode. Until the official 2026 notification clarifies this, do not assume either mode. Check dseu.ac.in.
Negative marking exists. This is important for strategy. Unlike JEECUP (no negative marking) and AP/TS POLYCET (no negative marking), Delhi CET has −1 for every wrong answer. Attempt a question only when you are reasonably confident — not when guessing.
Exam Syllabus — What to Study
Delhi CET (Test 1 — Engineering diploma) covers Class 9 and 10 syllabus in three subjects:
Mathematics
Algebra (25–30% of Maths questions): Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Arithmetic Progressions. Quadratic Equations and AP are the most frequently tested topics across all polytechnic entrance exams nationally.
Trigonometry (15–20%): Trigonometric ratios and standard values for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°. Height and distance problems. Standard identities.
Geometry (15–20%): Triangles — similarity, Pythagoras theorem. Circles — tangent properties. Coordinate Geometry — distance formula, section formula, midpoint.
Mensuration (15%): Surface area and volume of sphere, cylinder, cone, frustum. Formulas must be memorised accurately.
Statistics and Probability (10%): Mean, median, mode of grouped data. Basic probability.
Real Numbers (10%): HCF, LCM, Euclid’s algorithm, irrational numbers.
Science — Physics
Electricity (most tested chapter — 25–30% of Physics): Ohm’s Law, resistance in series and parallel, electric power (P = VI = I²R = V²/R), Joule’s heating, domestic circuits.
Light (20%): Laws of reflection, mirror formula, refraction, lens formula, human eye defects.
Motion and Force (20%): Three equations of motion, Newton’s laws, gravitational force, pressure.
Magnetic Effects (15%): Fleming’s left-hand rule, electromagnetic induction, motor and generator.
Sound (15%): Wave properties, echo, reverberation.
Science — Chemistry
Acids, Bases and Salts (25–30%): pH scale, neutralisation, important salts (baking soda, washing soda, bleaching powder, plaster of Paris) — their names, formulas, and uses.
Chemical Reactions (25%): Types of reactions, balancing equations, corrosion, rancidity.
Carbon and Its Compounds (20%): Functional groups, IUPAC naming, ethanol, ethanoic acid, soaps vs detergents.
Metals and Non-Metals (15%): Reactivity series, extraction, alloys.
Periodic Classification (10%): Modern periodic table, trends.
English
Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension. Based on Class 9–10 level. Questions include error detection, fill in the blanks, synonyms/antonyms, and passage comprehension.
Strategy for Delhi CET — Negative Marking Changes Everything
Delhi CET has +4 for correct and −1 for wrong. This is the most important factor separating Delhi CET strategy from other polytechnic exams.
Key calculation: A random guess on a 4-option question has expected value = (1/4 × 4) + (3/4 × −1) = 1 − 0.75 = +0.25. Mathematically, even random guessing has slightly positive expected value. However, this assumes truly equal probability across all 4 options.
Safe rule: Attempt a question when you can eliminate at least one option with confidence. When you have absolutely no idea and cannot eliminate any option — leave it blank.
Subject order recommendation:
- Mathematics (most questions, highest weightage — start here when fresh)
- Chemistry (mostly recall-based, faster to complete)
- Physics (numericals need calculation time)
Time split:
- Mathematics: 40–45 minutes
- Chemistry: 15–18 minutes
- Physics: 20–25 minutes
- Review: 5–7 minutes
Top Government Polytechnic Colleges in Delhi (Now DSEU Campuses)
Following the 2021 merger under DSEU, the former government polytechnics now operate as DSEU campuses. These are the most competitive:
DSEU Pusa Campus (formerly Pusa Polytechnic, New Delhi) — The oldest and most prestigious polytechnic institution in Delhi. Established in 1952. Computer Science, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering are the most competitive branches. Students from this campus have historically strong employment outcomes in Delhi-NCR’s industrial and technology sector.
DSEU Shakarpur Campus (formerly Ambedkar Institute of Technology) — Particularly strong for Information Technology and Computer Science diplomas. Located in East Delhi near the Shakarpur industrial area. Closing ranks for CSE are very competitive.
DSEU Vivek Vihar Campus (formerly Aryabhatt Polytechnic) — Well-regarded for Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Good placement history in Delhi’s construction and infrastructure sector.
DSEU Okhla Campus — Located in Delhi’s industrial hub. Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering have strong placement connections with Okhla industrial area companies.
DSEU Rohini Campus — Serves West and North-West Delhi students. Growing reputation in Electronics and Computer Science.
Meera Bai Institute of Technology (MBIT), Maharani Bagh — Government institution exclusively for women. Strong across Engineering and Technology branches. One of the few dedicated women’s polytechnics in North India.
Beyond DSEU campuses, several private polytechnics affiliated with BTE Delhi also accept CET ranks during counselling.
Counselling — How Seat Allotment Works
Delhi CET counselling is conducted online after results are declared. Based on 2025 pattern:
Registration for counselling: Pay ₹1,000 counselling fee online at tte.delhi.gov.in. This fee is non-refundable and is separate from the application fee.
Choice filling: Log in and fill your preferred colleges and branches in order of priority. Multiple rounds of counselling are conducted. Fill maximum choices — covering government (DSEU) and private BTE-affiliated colleges.
Seat allotment: Based on your CET rank, category, and choices filled. Government DSEU seats are highly competitive at top ranks. Private college seats are more accessible.
Document verification: After allotment, report to your allotted institution with original documents — Class 10 marks memo, certificate, Aadhaar, category certificate if applicable, CET rank card, and photographs.
Documents required for counselling:
- Delhi CET 2026 rank card / scorecard
- Class 10 marks memo (original + photocopy)
- Class 10 passing certificate / school leaving certificate
- Aadhaar card (original + photocopy)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD — issued by competent authority)
- Delhi domicile certificate (for local reservation benefits)
- Passport-size photographs (4–6 copies)
What Rank Gets You What — Realistic Guide
Based on Delhi CET 2025 counselling data (marks out of 360):
| Score (out of 360) | Rank Range | College Options |
|---|---|---|
| 300–360 | Top 500 | DSEU Pusa — CSE, Electronics top branches |
| 240–299 | 500–2,000 | DSEU top campuses — most branches |
| 180–239 | 2,000–5,000 | DSEU campuses — Civil, Mechanical |
| 120–179 | 5,000–10,000 | DSEU campuses in less competitive areas + good private |
| Below 120 | 10,000+ | Private BTE-affiliated colleges |
These ranges are approximate based on previous year trends. Actual 2026 cutoffs depend on exam difficulty and total candidates — published only during counselling.
Career After Delhi Polytechnic Diploma
Delhi-NCR industrial advantage: A diploma from a Delhi polytechnic gives you direct access to one of India’s largest job markets. The Delhi-NCR region has India’s highest concentration of manufacturing, IT, construction, and service industries.
Government employment: Junior Engineer (JE) posts in Delhi PWD, DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation), DJB (Delhi Jal Board), Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, NDMC, and other central government bodies. BTE Delhi diploma is the qualifying credential for most technical JE posts in Delhi.
Central PSUs in Delhi: NTPC, PGCIL (Power Grid), HPCL, BEL, BHEL, DDA, and CPWD — all have significant hiring from Delhi polytechnics.
LEET — Lateral Entry to B.Tech: After completing your BTE diploma, appear for DTTE’s lateral entry process and join B.Tech 2nd year. Delhi University’s affiliated engineering colleges and other Delhi-NCR institutions accept diploma-based lateral entry.
Private sector: Noida, Greater Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad — all within 30–50 km of Delhi — form one of India’s largest industrial corridors. Electronics manufacturing, automobile ancillaries, IT services, and construction provide strong employment for diploma engineers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delhi CET 2026 ki official notification kab aayegi?
Ab tak DSEU ne 2026 ke liye koi official notification release nahi ki hai. 2025 mein notification June mein aayi thi. May 2026 se dseu.ac.in aur tte.delhi.gov.in regularly check karo. Yahi do official portals hain — kisi aur source par rely mat karo.
Delhi CET mein negative marking hai?
Haan — negative marking hai. Sahi jawab ke liye +4 marks milte hain aur galat jawab ke liye −1 mark katta hai. JEECUP aur AP/TS POLYCET mein koi negative marking nahi hoti — lekin Delhi CET mein hoti hai. Sirf wahi questions attempt karo jinka jawab tumhe pata ho.
What is the age limit for Delhi CET 2026?
General boys: 21 years. General girls: 24 years. OBC boys: 24 years. OBC girls: 27 years. SC/ST/PwD boys: 26 years. SC/ST/PwD girls: 29 years. Age is calculated as of July 1, 2026 (confirm in official notification).
Delhi CET ka exam online hoga ya offline?
Yeh information currently conflicting hai — alag-alag sources alag batate hain. Kuch sources Computer Based Test (online) kehte hain, kuch sources offline OMR-based kehte hain. Jab official 2026 notification aaye dseu.ac.in par, tabhi confirm hoga. Hum yahan update kar denge.
Kya bahar ke state ke students Delhi CET de sakte hain?
Haan — Delhi CET sirf Delhi ke students ke liye nahi hai. Koi bhi Indian student apply kar sakta hai. Lekin Delhi domicile holders ke liye kuch reserved seats hoti hain. Open merit seats sabke liye hain.
Application fee kitna hai?
2025 mein application fee ₹500 thi. 2026 mein bhi approximately ₹500 expected hai — lekin exact amount official 2026 notification mein confirm hoga. Counselling fee ₹1,000 alag se deni hoti hai.
Kya Class 10 appearing students apply kar sakte hain?
Haan — jo students 2026 mein Class 10 ka exam de rahe hain aur result ka intezaar kar rahe hain, woh bhi apply kar sakte hain. Result aane ke baad marks counselling ke waqt dene honge.
Delhi mein kitne polytechnic colleges hain jahan CET rank kaam aata hai?
2021 mein sabhi government polytechnics ko DSEU mein merge kar diya gaya. DSEU ke kai campuses hain — Pusa, Shakarpur, Vivek Vihar, Okhla, Rohini — plus several private BTE-affiliated polytechnics. Complete list official notification mein hogi.
Delhi CET 2026 opens the door to one of the best technical education ecosystems in India. Delhi’s location, industry connections, and the DSEU infrastructure together create strong employment pathways for diploma graduates.
The official notification will release around June 2026. Between now and then — focus on your Class 10 board exams if you are currently studying. Every mark counts. Your Class 10 aggregate is also the base from which you will study for the CET.
When the notification releases, do these three things immediately:
- Check the exact exam date, application last date, and fee at dseu.ac.in
- Confirm whether the 2026 exam is CBT or OMR-based
- Apply within the first week — do not wait for the last date
Official portals: https://dseu.ac.in https://tte.delhi.gov.in
Disclaimer:
The official Delhi CET 2026 notification has NOT been released by DSEU as of April 27, 2026. All dates, fees, and schedule information in this article are estimated based on the Delhi CET 2025 admission cycle (application: June 22–July 21, 2025; exam: July 26–27, 2025) as published at tte.delhi.gov.in. Exam mode (CBT vs offline OMR) is stated as conflicting because different credible sources report different modes — this will be confirmed in the official 2026 notification. Age limits, eligibility criteria, marking scheme (+4/−1), and exam pattern are based on previous year official notifications from DTTE Delhi and cross-verified through Shiksha, Careers360, Sarvgyan, and AglaSem as of April 27, 2026. CareerEduTech is not affiliated with DSEU, DTTE Delhi, or the Government of NCT of Delhi.