Delhi CET (Polytechnic): Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Preparation

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Delhi CET (Common Entrance Test) is the entrance exam for diploma courses in Delhi’s government and government-aided polytechnics. It is conducted by the Department of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), Government of NCT of Delhi, and its engineering test leads to three-year diploma programs in branches such as civil, mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer engineering.

The exam is taken after Class 10 for the engineering diploma, and it is a computer-based test with negative marking. That makes accuracy as important as coverage. This guide explains the Delhi CET exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, counseling and how to prepare. Live dates for the current cycle appear in the block on this page.

Delhi CET at a glance

Full name	Delhi Common Entrance Test for diploma courses
Conducted by	Department of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), Govt of NCT of Delhi
Exam level	State (Delhi)
Tests	Separate tests for engineering diploma, non-engineering diplomas, pharmacy and lateral entry
Held	Once a year, usually in May or June
Mode	Computer-based test
Questions	90 multiple-choice questions
Subjects (engineering test)	Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Total marks	360
Negative marking	Yes, 1 mark deducted per wrong answer
Languages	English and Hindi
Leads to	Diploma programs at Delhi polytechnics
Official website	tte.delhi.gov.in

Delhi CET important dates

These dates update automatically from Kosuki’s exam calendar. “Announced” dates come from the official notice; “Expected” months are based on past years.

!Dates can change. Always confirm on the official website. Report a wrong date · How we check dates

What is Delhi CET?

Delhi CET is a single admission test that DTTE uses to fill diploma seats across the city’s polytechnics and institutes. It is not one paper but a set of tests, each linked to a group of courses. The engineering diploma test, usually called Test 1 or CET-1, is taken by students who have finished Class 10. Other tests cover non-engineering diplomas such as modern office practice and hotel management, the pharmacy diploma, and lateral entry into the second year of an engineering diploma.

Most students searching for the Delhi polytechnic entrance exam mean the engineering test, so that is the focus here. If you want another course, check the information bulletin for its test and eligibility.

Delhi CET eligibility

DTTE publishes eligibility in the information bulletin every year. For the engineering diploma test, recent bulletins have set out these conditions.

• You must have passed Class 10 or an equivalent exam from a recognized board, with Science, Mathematics and English as subjects.
• A minimum aggregate, usually 35 percent, in the qualifying exam has been required.
• Upper age limits apply and differ by gender and category, with relaxation for OBC, SC, ST and PwD candidates. Check the bulletin for your limit.
• Most seats are reserved for candidates from the Delhi region, with a smaller share open to candidates from outside Delhi. How the Delhi region is defined, usually by where you passed Class 10, is explained in the bulletin.

Delhi CET exam pattern

Recent cycles have used an AI-proctored computer-based test of 90 multiple-choice questions for 360 marks, with the paper available in English and Hindi. Education sites disagree on the duration, with figures from 90 minutes to 3 hours reported, so confirm the test length in the current bulletin and on your admit card. Either way, the test rewards accuracy under time pressure. The split between subjects has not been fixed in the bulletin in the way some exams do, but Mathematics has typically carried the largest share, with Physics and Chemistry sharing the rest.

The table below gives the overall structure. Treat any subject-wise split you see online as indicative.

Item	Details
Questions	90 multiple-choice
Marks per correct answer	4
Wrong answer	Minus 1
Total marks	360
Subjects (engineering test)	Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry at Class 10 level
Mode	Computer-based, proctored

Delhi CET marking scheme

The Delhi CET marking scheme punishes blind guessing. A wrong answer cancels a quarter of a correct one, so four careless guesses wipe out one good answer.

• Each correct answer earns 4 marks.
• Each wrong answer loses 1 mark.
• Unattempted questions score zero.
• Merit is based on the total score, and the result gives your rank for counseling.

Delhi CET syllabus

The engineering test is based on the Class 10 NCERT curriculum in Mathematics and Science. Nothing beyond Class 10 is needed, but questions are designed to be solved quickly.

Key topic areas are below. The official bulletin is the final word on the syllabus.

• Mathematics: real numbers, polynomials, pairs of linear equations, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, triangles, coordinate geometry, trigonometry and its applications, circles, areas and volumes, statistics, probability.
• Physics: motion, force and laws of motion, gravitation, work and energy, sound, light (reflection and refraction), human eye, electricity, magnetic effects of current.
• Chemistry: chemical reactions and equations, acids, bases and salts, metals and non-metals, carbon and its compounds, periodic classification of elements, atoms and molecules.

Delhi CET result and counseling

DTTE publishes the result soon after the exam, usually as a score and rank on the admission portal. Students then take part in online counseling. You fill your choices of institute and branch, and seats are allotted in rounds by rank, category, region and availability. After an allotment you must confirm your seat, pay the fee and complete document verification within the stated time, or the seat is released.

Later rounds and spot rounds fill seats left vacant. Keep checking the portal, because missing a step in one round can remove you from the next.

How to prepare for Delhi CET

With 90 questions to get through and negative marking, your aim is fast, accurate answers on questions you actually know. This plan is built for that.

• Finish the Class 10 NCERT books for Mathematics and Science first. Solve every in-text question and exercise; many CET questions are at that level.
• Give Mathematics the most time. Drill quick methods for quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, trigonometric values and mensuration formulas.
• Keep a short sheet of Physics formulas and Chemistry reactions, and revise it every day in the last month.
• Practice on a computer. Take mock tests in a CBT format with a strict timer so that navigating, marking for review and submitting feel natural on exam day.
• Use a two-pass approach: answer everything you are sure of first, then return to the rest. Only guess when you can rule out at least two options.
• Track your accuracy, not just your score, in each mock. You can record chapter progress and mock results in Kosuki to spot weak areas early.

How to apply for Delhi CET

1. Read the information bulletin on the DTTE website and pick the test that matches your course.
2. Register on the online admission portal with a working mobile number and email.
3. Fill in personal, academic and category details and select your test.
4. Upload your photo, signature and required certificates.
5. Pay the application fee online and save the confirmation.
6. Download your admit card when it is released and check the test center and timing.

Delhi CET FAQs

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Sources

• tte.delhi.gov.in
• admission.aglasem.com/cet-delhi-polytechnic
• www.sarvgyan.com/articles/delhi-cet-2026
• collegedunia.com/exams/cet-delhi-polytechnic
• admission.aglasem.com/cet-delhi-polytechnic-syllabus

Last reviewed September 2026 against the official Department of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), Govt of NCT of Delhi notice and information brochure. Exam rules can change from year to year, so always confirm details on the official website before you apply. Kosuki is independent and is not connected with any exam body. Spotted something out of date? Write to contact@kosuki.com.