MET 2026 Phase-1 Applicants Await Slot Booking Schedule for April Tests

Stay updated on the MET 2026 Phase 1 slot booking for April tests. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is set to open the Online Test Booking System (OTBS) shortly after the March registration deadline. Aspirants must proactively secure their exam dates and venues on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore critical timelines, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step process for generating your hall ticket. Don’t miss out on securing your preferred session for the flagship B.Tech programs.

As the year draws to a close, engineering aspirants across the country are shifting their focus toward the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026. While the application window for Phase 1 remains open until March 15, 2026, the anticipation regarding the Online Test Booking System (OTBS) is mounting. The Phase 1 examinations are tentatively scheduled for April 2026, making the upcoming slot booking process a critical milestone for thousands of candidates seeking admission to the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) and other prestigious campuses.

Understanding the MET 2026 Phase 1 Timeline

The MET examination is conducted in multiple phases to provide students with flexibility. For Phase 1, the timeline is meticulously designed to lead candidates from registration to the computer-based test environment.

• Registration Window: Open from September 30, 2025, to March 15, 2026.
• Slot Booking Commencement: Expected in the first week of April 2026.
• Admit Card Release: Generated immediately upon successful completion of the slot booking.
• Exam Dates: The Phase 1 test window is likely to fall in the third week of April 2026.

The OTBS Slot Booking Process Explained

The Online Test Booking System (OTBS) is a dynamic portal where registered candidates must select their preferred exam date, time, and center. It is essential to note that slots are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Candidates must log in using their application number and the OTBS password (usually the date of birth).
• The portal allows applicants to verify their test city as selected during the initial registration phase.
• Once a slot is confirmed, no changes to the date or venue are permitted under any circumstances.
• If a candidate fails to book a slot manually, the system automatically assigns one based on availability.

Exam Day Readiness and Hall Ticket Essentials

The admit card is a mandatory document that serves as an entry pass to the examination hall. It contains vital details, including the candidate's photograph, signature, and an encrypted QR code for verification.

• Download the hall ticket immediately after slot booking and print it on A4 paper.
• Ensure all personal details match the government-issued ID you intend to carry.
• Verify the reporting time; typically, Slot 1 begins at 9:00 AM while Slot 2 starts at 12:30 PM.
• Candidates appearing for Phase 1 remain eligible for Phase 2 in May to improve their scores.

The April window represents the final lap of preparation for MET 2026 Phase 1. Aspirants should prioritize finishing their syllabus while keeping a close eye on the official portal for the specific activation date of the booking link. Candidates are strongly encouraged to monitor the official Manipal admission website regularly to ensure they do not miss the narrow window for preferred slot selection.