Ritik Kumar · September 14, 2025 
Introduction
For engineering aspirants in Uttar Pradesh, UPTAC (Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling) opens the path to top colleges. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) manages this centralized counselling through its official website, https://aktu.ac.in.
Students no longer take the UPSEE exam, as the system replaced it in 2021. Now, JEE (Main) scores form the basis of admission to B.Tech courses, and UPTAC counselling follows them. Since this process serves as the gateway to over 700 government and private engineering colleges in the state, lakhs of students eagerly await the UPTAC 2026 notification.
When Will the UPTAC 2026 Notification Be Released?
The official UPTAC 2026 notification has not been announced. Based on previous years, the notification is expected to be released in July 2026 on the official counselling portal: https://uptac.admissions.nic.in.
This notification will contain the official information brochure, key dates, and detailed procedures. Students must monitor this portal regularly.
UPTAC 2026: A Tentative Timeline of Events
While the official schedule for 2026 is awaited, here is a tentative timeline based on past admission cycles to help you plan:
- Notification Release: July 2026
- Registration & Fee Payment: July – August 2026
- Document Verification: August 2026
- Choice Filling & Locking: September 2026
- Counselling & Seat Allotment Rounds: September – October 2026
Disclaimer: This is an estimated schedule. The final dates will be published on the official UPTAC portal, https://uptac.admissions.nic.in.
Who Can Apply for UPTAC 2026 Engineering Admission?
To be eligible for UPTAC 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry/Computer Science/Biology/Biotechnology. A minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) is required in this combination.
- Entrance Exam Requirement: A valid score in JEE (Main) 2026 is mandatory for B.Tech admission. For details on the exam, visit the official NTA website: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Domicile Criteria: Both Uttar Pradesh domicile and outside-state candidates can apply. However, 85% of seats in government and government-aided colleges are reserved for UP domicile candidates.
Which Colleges Participate in UPTAC 2026?
UPTAC facilitates admissions for hundreds of colleges affiliated with AKTU. Some of the top participating institutions include:
- Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET), Lucknow (https://www.ietlucknow.ac.in)
- Kamla Nehru Institute of Technology (KNIT), Sultanpur
- Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering & Technology (BIET), Jhansi
- Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College (AKGEC), Ghaziabad (https://akgec.ac.in)
- KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad (https://www.kiet.edu)
- JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida
(Note: State universities like HBTU Kanpur and MMMUT Gorakhpur conduct their own separate counselling and do not participate in UPTAC).
Career Plan B – Your Backup for Success
At Career Plan B, our mission is simple: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life! With 16+ years of expertise, we provide:
- Personalized Counselling – One-on-one career guidance.
- Career Roadmaps – Clear strategies based on your goals.
- Backup Options – Alternative pathways so you never miss opportunities.
Book a free counselling session today with Career Plan B.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can students from outside Uttar Pradesh apply for UPTAC?
Yes, but their participation remains limited. UPTAC allows only UP domicile candidates in the initial rounds of counselling. Non-UP candidates can usually apply in the later “Special Rounds” for leftover seats.
2. What is the difference between Freeze, Float, and Slide options during UPTAC counselling?
Freeze: You accept the allotted seat and stop participating in further rounds.
Float: You accept the seat but still want UPTAC to consider your higher preferences in the next rounds.
Slide: You accept the seat but ask for a better branch in the same college during the next rounds.
3. Is there a separate UP engineering entrance exam now?
No. AKTU discontinued the state-level UPSEE exam for B.Tech. UPTAC now conducts counselling based on JEE (Main) ranks for admissions into AKTU-affiliated colleges.
4. How can I know which college I might get with my JEE Main rank?
Check the previous year’s opening and closing ranks for different colleges and branches. UPTAC publishes this data on its portal after every admission cycle. Use it as a reference to estimate your chances.
5. Are the formats for required certificates (domicile, category, etc.) provided?
Yes. UPTAC includes prescribed formats for all certificates in its official brochure. Candidates must use these formats to avoid rejection during verification.
Conclusion
The UPTAC 2026 counselling process decides whether you secure a seat in one of Uttar Pradesh’s many engineering colleges. If you stay informed, understand the process, and prepare your documents in advance, you can navigate the counselling maze successfully.
Contact Career Plan B for expert help.
