Overview of Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination (UPSEE)
The Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination (UPSEE) was a prominent entrance test that was formerly conducted by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow. The examination played a crucial role in granting admission to various undergraduate courses, particularly in the fields of engineering, architecture, pharmacy, and other professional disciplines, offered by government, government-aided, and private unaided institutions in Uttar Pradesh. The UPSEE was an essential exam for students aspiring to secure a seat in some of the best technical institutions and universities in the state.
However, as of the academic session 2022-23, the UPSEE was officially discontinued. This change has had a significant impact on students seeking admission to universities in Uttar Pradesh, as the entrance exam has been replaced with national-level exams. For engineering (B.Tech.) courses, the JEE Main exam now serves as the standard selection process. For other undergraduate courses, exams like NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and CUET (Common University Entrance Test) are the go-to options.
This shift from a state-level entrance exam to national-level exams has been implemented in response to the growing need for standardization in the admission process across India. The change has also allowed for a more extensive pool of candidates, potentially increasing competition and broadening opportunities for students across the country.
SITEEE 2025: Registration, Application Form
Exam Details for UPSEE (UPCET)
The UPSEE, also known as UPCET, was categorized under the undergraduate exam section, specifically designed for candidates aspiring to pursue undergraduate programs in different fields. The exam was a state-level exam, meaning that it was specifically for candidates from Uttar Pradesh. However, as stated earlier, it has now been replaced by national-level exams such as JEE Main, NATA, and CUET for the respective courses. Below are some of the key details that were previously associated with UPSEE.
- Exam Name: Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination (UPSEE)
- Also Known As: UPCET
- Exam Category: Undergraduate
- Exam Level: State-level (now discontinued)
- Conducted By: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow
Update and Replacement by National Level Exams
As per recent updates, starting from 2022-23, the UPSEE has been replaced by national-level exams such as:
- JEE Main: For admission to B.Tech. (Engineering) programs.
- NATA: For admission to B.Arch. (Architecture) programs.
- CUET: For various other undergraduate programs, depending on the course chosen by the candidate.
This transition is part of an effort to streamline the admission process and maintain consistency across all states in India, ensuring a level playing field for students. For instance, the JEE Main exam is a highly recognized entrance test for engineering aspirants, and now all students in Uttar Pradesh will have to clear this exam to gain admission into B.Tech. programs at institutions previously covered by UPSEE.
UPSEE 2025: Admissions and Counseling Process
Although the UPSEE exam itself is no longer conducted, the counseling and seat allotment for admissions into various courses offered by institutions affiliated with AKTU will continue under the guidance of UPTAC (Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counseling). The admission process is primarily based on the performance of candidates in respective national-level exams like JEE Main and NATA.
For the academic year 2025, the UPSEE will no longer be required, but candidates will need to register for UPTAC counseling to secure a seat in their desired course at institutions affiliated with AKTU. The UPTAC counseling process will rely on the merit secured by students in these national exams, making the role of exams like JEE Main, NATA, and CUET even more significant.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission
Since the UPSEE is no longer being held, students will be admitted to their respective courses based on their performance in national-level exams. Below is a breakdown of the eligibility criteria for various courses:
For B.Tech (Engineering) Programs:
- Candidates must have passed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized board.
- They must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one optional subject such as Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
- Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST candidates) in these three subjects.
- Admission to the B.Tech. courses will be based on the JEE Main Paper-1 rank, which will be followed by UPTAC counseling.
For B.Tech (Bio-Technology) and B.Tech (Agriculture Engineering):
These programs will also follow the JEE Main scores, and students must meet the eligibility requirements set by the respective institutions.
For B.Arch (Architecture):
- Admission to the B.Arch program will now be based on the candidate’s performance in the NATA exam.
- Eligibility includes passing the 10+2 examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
For B.Pharm:
Admissions will be based on the CUET-UG exam.
Application Procedure for UPTAC Counseling
Even though there is no entrance exam conducted by AKTU anymore, candidates still need to go through the counseling procedure for admission. The registration for UPTAC counseling is expected to begin in July 2025. Here is the step-by-step procedure:
- Registration:
- Candidates must visit the official UPTAC counseling website and create an account by choosing a password.
- Upon successful submission of their personal details, an application number will be generated, which will be used for future logins.
- Uploading Documents:
- After registration, candidates will need to upload scanned images of their photograph and signature.
- Payment of Fees:
- The counseling application fee is ₹1,000, which can be paid via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- Confirmation:
- Once the payment is successfully made, candidates will receive a confirmation page that they should save for future reference.
- Application Correction:
- If any candidate finds an error in their application form, a correction facility will be available. This is a one-time facility offered to candidates to avoid discrepancies in their forms.
Seat Allotment and Admission Process
The UPTAC counseling process involves multiple rounds of seat allotment. The seats will be filled based on the merit of candidates in the respective national-level exams. The detailed counseling schedule and choice filling process for various rounds will be communicated to the candidates closer to the registration period. Some important points regarding seat allotment are:
- 85% of seats in private colleges will be filled based on the national-level exam performance.
- 15% of seats in private institutions will be filled through the management quota or for NRI candidates.
- 20% of seats in all courses in institutions affiliated with AKTU will be open to all candidates, including those from outside Uttar Pradesh. These will be filled based on merit in the national-level exams.
Important Dates
As per the usual timeline for admissions, here are the tentative important dates:
- Start of UPTAC Counseling Registration: Expected to be in July 2025.
- Last Date for Application Submission: TBA.
- Document Verification: TBA.
- Round-wise Choice Filling and Seat Allotment: Dates will be announced closer to the counseling process.
Contact Information
For any queries regarding the admission process, candidates can contact AKTU through the following channels:
- Address: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Sector 11, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow – 226031, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Phone: 0522–2771079
- Admission Helpline: 1800-180-0161
- Email: uptac.helpdesk@aktu.ac.in, registrar@aktu.ac.in
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the UPSEE and the shift to national-level exams for admissions to undergraduate programs in Uttar Pradesh marks a significant change in the state’s education system. While this change ensures a more uniform and competitive process, it also requires candidates to stay updated with the national-level exams like JEE Main, NATA, and CUET. Students aspiring for admissions to engineering, architecture, and other undergraduate programs will now have to focus on these exams, while UPTAC counseling will handle the seat allocation based on their performance.
The move towards national-level exams not only enhances the credibility of the selection process but also provides students from other parts of India the opportunity to apply for seats in Uttar Pradesh’s renowned institutions. Therefore, the next steps for students will involve carefully preparing for these national exams and ensuring that they complete the UPTAC counseling registration process to secure a seat in their desired course.