Contents
The PU CET UG Cutoff 2026 is the minimum merit score required for admission to B.Sc. (Hons) and B.Pharmacy programs at Panjab University. Unlike other exams, the cutoff isn’t just an entrance score; it is a combined merit rank calculated using a 75:25 weightage formula involving your CET marks and Class 12th board percentages. Candidates can expect the first merit list to be released in the third week of June 2026.
PU CET UG 2026: Quick-Glance Cutoff Table
| Category | Expected Cutoff Range (Merit Score) | Probability of Admission |
| General | 82.00 – 88.00 | High (Top Choice Courses) |
| BC / OBC | 76.00 – 81.00 | Moderate |
| SC / ST | 65.00 – 72.00 | High |
| PWD / PH | 55.00+ | Subject to Seat Availability |
How is the PU CET UG Merit List Calculated? (The Formula)
Panjab University does not rank students solely on their entrance exam performance. To ensure academic consistency, they use a specific weighted formula.
The 75:25 Weightage Rule
Your final merit position is determined as follows:
- 75% Weightage: Marks obtained in the PU CET (UG) Entrance Test.
- 25% Weightage: Marks obtained in the 10+2 (Qualifying) Examination.
The Mathematical Formula:
Expected Cutoff 2026 for Popular Courses
Based on the difficulty level of the May 10th exam and previous trends, here are the expected closing merit scores for various specializations.
| Course Name (B.Sc. Hons) | General Cutoff (Expected) | SC/ST Cutoff (Expected) |
| B.Pharmacy | 86.45 | 70.20 |
| Physics | 82.10 | 68.50 |
| Mathematics | 84.30 | 71.00 |
| Zoology | 79.80 | 65.40 |
| Biotechnology | 85.00 | 72.15 |
| Microbiology | 81.50 | 67.80 |
Previous Year Closing Ranks (Historical Data)
Understanding the Panjab University Chandigarh Admission Marks from previous years helps in setting a realistic target.
| Year | B.Pharm (General) | B.Sc Physics (General) | B.Sc Math (General) |
| 2025 | 85.90 | 81.45 | 83.20 |
| 2024 | 84.15 | 80.00 | 82.50 |
| 2023 | 83.80 | 79.10 | 81.90 |
Factors Affecting the Cutoff this Year
Several variables will influence whether the 2026 cutoff rises or dips:
- Difficulty Level: If the Physics or Mathematics paper is tougher than 2025, the entrance component of the merit score will drop, lowering the overall cutoff.
- Board Exam Performance: Since 25% comes from Class 12, high scoring in CBSE/ICSE boards generally pushes the PU merit list higher.
- Number of Applicants: With the increasing popularity of B.Pharmacy as a career, expect higher competition in the Pharmacy stream compared to pure sciences.
- Seat Matrix: Any change in the number of seats in the Hons. schools (currently approx. 30-40 per subject) directly impacts the closing rank.
Expert Teacher Tips: “Insider Insights”
- The Subject Choice Strategy: Students often perform well in Biology but struggle in Physics. Since the merit is calculated per course, if you are aiming for B.Sc Zoology, a slightly lower score in Physics won’t hurt you as much if your Biology score is in the 95th percentile.
- The Waiting List: Do not lose hope if you aren’t in the first list. Panjab University often releases 3 to 4 physical counseling rounds. Many students vacate seats for NEET or JEE admissions in July.
Interactive FAQ
A combined merit score of 80+ is considered very safe for most B.Sc. Hons. courses. For B.Pharmacy, aim for 85+.
While PU is a Central/State hybrid, specific reservations exist for students from Chandigarh schools (85% quota in some affiliated colleges, but departmental admission is mostly open-merit based).
Yes, provided the result is declared and submitted before the final merit list preparation.
Yes, Panjab University provides additional weightage (usually 1-3%) for NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ certificates and NSS participation. This is added to your final merit score.
PU CET
PU CET is a university-level common entrance exam conducted by Panjab University. The primary objective of this exam is to facilitate admissions to Panjab University for B.Sc. (Hons.) and B. Pharmacy programs.
Quick Link
PU CET An Overview
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | PU CET UG |
| Full Name of Exam | Panjab University Common Entrance Test Under Graduate |
| Details or Event Here | PU CET |
| Similar Exams and Their Registration | Common Entrance Exams |
| States or Regions of Score Accepting Colleges | Chandigarh |
| Official Body That Issues Application Form | PU |
| Full Form of Organization | Panjab University |
| Official Website for Registration Details | cetug.puchd.ac.in |
| Programs Where Admission Is Through This Exam | B.Sc. (Hons.), B. Pharmacy |
| Colleges and Universities Where Admission Is Through This Exam | Panjab University |