AP ICET 2026: MCA eligibility changes from ‘preferably’ to ‘compulsory’ Maths in final phase; students react

Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test (AP ICET) Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) admissions have come under scrutiny after the eligibility requirement relating to Mathematics changed between the first phase and final phase of counselling. This has left some BCA graduates without Mathematics at the qualifying level questioning their eligibility for admission.

Andhra University, Visakhapatnam declared ICET result on May 16. A total of 23,198 students appeared, out of which 21,205 qualified, recording a pass percentage of 91.41%.

The phase 1 AP ICET 2026 counselling notification dated August 20 stated the MCA eligibility as a three-year graduation degree, including B.E., B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com, B.A., B.Voc and BCA, “preferably with Mathematics at 10+2 level or at Graduation level”. However, in the final phase notification dated September 17, the corresponding condition was changed to state that Mathematics at the 10+2 or graduation level “is compulsory”.

This has become a concern for BCA graduates who believe that phase 1 notice meant that Mathematics was preferred rather than a non-negotiable eligibility requirement. They are seeking clarity on why the wording was altered during the counselling process and whether candidates who were considered under the earlier condition can be accommodated.

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Mathematics preferred or compulsory? Students left confused

One such candidate who reached out to Careers360 said he secured rank 265 in AP ICET 2026 and was seeking admission to MCA. He added that AP ICET counselling in previous years had allowed BCA graduates to pursue MCA without the separate Mathematics condition applicable to some other degree backgrounds.

He further said, "After the 2026 admission process was shifted to the Commissionerate of Higher Education, the phase 1 notification used the word 'preferably' for Mathematics. However, the final phase notification subsequently made Mathematics compulsory."

Questioning the basis for the change, the candidate has sought either restoration of the phase 1 eligibility condition for the 2026-27 admission cycle or permission for students without Mathematics to undertake a bridge course.

The student has approached the Commissionerate of Higher Education and APSCHE and submitted representations to AICTE, APHERMC and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, besides filing grievances and RTI applications. He also claimed that officials verbally told him that “preferably” meant compulsory, while directing him to other authorities for clarification.

This claim could not be independently verified. We have reached out to help desk for clarification on the issue. The story will be updated once we receive a response.