The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has officially released the AP ICET 2026 Preliminary Answer Key. Candidates who appeared for the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test (AP ICET) 2026 can now download the preliminary key, response sheets, and master question papers through the official website as well as trusted education portal manabadi.co.in
AP ICET 2026 Response Sheet (Out)
AP ICET 2026 Key Objections (Out)
AP ICET 2026 My Objections (Out)
AP ICET 2026 Know Your Objection Payment Status (Out)
Master Question Paper with Preliminary Key
Earlier, APSCHE had scheduled the release of the AP ICET 2026 Answer Key on May 05, 2026. However, the release was temporarily delayed after the authority removed the answer key date and time from the official portal, creating confusion among candidates. Now, the preliminary answer key has been officially published for all shifts of the examination.
Candidates can use the AP ICET Preliminary Answer Key 2026 to verify their responses and estimate their probable scores before the declaration of results. Along with the answer key, APSCHE has also enabled the objection submission facility for students who wish to challenge any answer. Candidates must submit their objections within the specified deadline mentioned by the authority.
The AP ICET 2026 Answer Key PDF download link has also been activated at manabadi.co.in
, allowing students to access the key quickly and easily. The portal provides direct links for downloading the preliminary key, response sheet, and objection details.
Candidates are advised to carefully review all answers and submit objections, if any, before the closing date. After considering the objections received, APSCHE will release the AP ICET 2026 Final Answer Key, followed by the announcement of results and rank cards.
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 6, 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.