With 166 marks in HPCET, your chances for admission will depend on the specific cutoffs of various colleges. Here’s a general guide:

Colleges to Consider:

1. Government Colleges:
   
   Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) - Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET): You may have a chance in newer or lesser-known government engineering colleges affiliated with HPU.
   
   

2. Private Engineering Colleges:

   • Shivalik College of Engineering
   • Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology
   • Sri Sai Institute of Engineering and Technology
   • Abhilashi University
     
     

3. Mid-Tier Colleges:
   
   Look for mid-tier private engineering colleges in Himachal Pradesh which might have cutoffs within your score range.
   
   Steps to Follow:
   
   

4. Check Previous Cutoffs: Review the previous years' cutoffs for engineering branches in these colleges to see where your score stands.
   
   

5. Participate in Counseling: Attend all rounds of counseling to maximize your chances of securing a seat.
   
   

6. Apply to Multiple Colleges: Increase your chances by applying to several colleges.

By checking cutoffs and participating in the counseling process, you should be able to identify suitable colleges where you might secure admission with 166 marks in HPCET.