The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has officially released the AP ICET 2026 Preliminary Answer Key. Candidates who appeared for the Integrated Common Entrance Test (ICET) on May 2, 2026, can now download the answer key, response sheets, and question papers from the official website cets.apsche.ap.gov.in .
The release of the answer key allows candidates to estimate their probable scores before the official results are declared. Alongside the provisional key, APSCHE has also opened a window for candidates to challenge discrepancies in the answer key by submitting valid objections.
Contents
- 1 AP ICET 2026 Answer Key: Important Dates
- 2 How to Download the AP ICET Answer Key PDF
- 3 Marking Scheme & Score Calculation
- 4 Objection Window – How to Challenge the Preliminary Key
- 5 Procedure to Raise Objection:
- 6 Objection Fee:
- 7 What Happens After the Objection Window?
- 8 Direct Links (Available on cets.apsche.ap.gov.in)
- 9 Important Instructions for Candidates
AP ICET 2026 Answer Key: Important Dates
The schedule for the answer key and result declaration is as follows:
| Event | Date & Time |
| AP ICET 2026 Exam Date | May 2, 2026 |
| Release of Preliminary Answer Key | May 5, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Challenge Answer Key | May 7, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Declaration of Results & Final Key | May 16, 2026 |
How to Download the AP ICET Answer Key PDF
You can download the answer key for both Shift 1 and Shift 2 by following these steps. No login credentials are required to view the master answer key:
- Visit the official AP ICET website: cets.apsche.ap.gov.in .
- On the homepage, locate and click the tab labeled “Preliminary Key with Master Question Paper” .
- Select your specific session: Shift 1 (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM) or Shift 2 (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM) .
- The screen will display the provisional answer key along with the corresponding question paper in PDF format.
- Download the PDF file and save it for future reference, particularly for score calculation.
To view your individual Response Sheet (the specific answers you marked), you must log in using your Registration Number and ICET Hall Ticket Number .
Marking Scheme & Score Calculation
One of the primary uses of the answer key is calculating your raw score before the results are out. The marking scheme for AP ICET 2026 is simple, with no negative marking .
Use the following formula to calculate your estimated score.
| Criteria | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 Marks (No deduction) |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Marks |
Calculation: Total Raw Score = (Number of correct answers) x 1 .
Note: The final merit rank may also factor in normalization or tie-breaking rules, but this raw score gives an accurate estimate of your performance.
Objection Window – How to Challenge the Preliminary Key
If a candidate finds any answer in the provisional key to be incorrect, APSCHE permits raising objections. The objection window is open from May 5, 2026 (5:00 PM) to May 7, 2026 (5:00 PM) . No challenges will be accepted after the deadline.
Procedure to Raise Objection:
- Visit the official website cets.apsche.ap.gov.in
- Click on the “Challenge Answer Key” link
- Enter login credentials – Registration Number and Hall Ticket Number
- Select the Question ID you wish to challenge
- Provide the answer you believe is correct
- Upload valid supporting documents (standard textbook references or official source material)
- Pay the objection fee and submit
Objection Fee:
| Particulars | Fee |
| Per Question Challenged | ₹300 |
Note: The objection fee is refundable only if the challenge is found valid by the expert committee.
What Happens After the Objection Window?
Once the objection window closes, a panel of subject experts will review all submitted challenges. If a challenge is found valid, the preliminary answer key is revised accordingly. The Final Answer Key will be prepared and released alongside the AP ICET 2026 Results on May 16, 2026.
Candidates are advised to regularly monitor the official website for further updates regarding result declaration, merit list, and the subsequent counselling process for MBA and MCA admissions.
Direct Links (Available on cets.apsche.ap.gov.in)
| Purpose | Link Status |
| Download Preliminary Answer Key & Master Question Paper | Active (No login required) |
| Download Individual Response Sheet | Active (Login required) |
| Challenge Answer Key / Raise Objection | Active (Login required) |
| Check AP ICET 2026 Results (May 16) | To be activated |
Important Instructions for Candidates
- The preliminary answer key is provisional and subject to change based on valid objections.
- Candidates are strongly advised to download and save their response sheets for future reference.
- Objections submitted without valid supporting documents will be rejected.
- The objection fee of ₹300 per question is non-refundable unless the challenge is accepted.
- No requests for objections will be entertained via email or post; all challenges must be submitted online.
For the latest updates on AP ICET 2026 Answer Key, Results, and Counselling, candidates are advised to stay connected to Manabadi and the official APSCHE website.