MET 2026 Registration Open: Apply by March 15

The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 application form for B.Tech admission at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is now available on the official website, manipal.edu. The crucial Phase I deadline is March 15, 2026. The MET exam will be conducted in two phases (April and May 2026), offering candidates two chances to improve their rank. This article guides aspirants through the online application steps, fee structure, and the significance of securing an early slot booking for top engineering branches like CSE.

The highly anticipated admission season for engineering programs at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has officially commenced. MAHE, which includes the prestigious Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Manipal, has activated the online application link for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026. The MET is the mandatory gateway for admissions to a wide range of B.Tech programs offered across the Manipal campuses, including Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, and Jamshedpur.

​Prospective engineering aspirants must immediately visit the official university website, manipal.edu, to access the MET 2026 application form. The current registration window pertains to Phase I of the MET examination. The university has set a strict deadline for the submission of applications for this first phase: March 15, 2026. This early start gives candidates ample time to prepare and plan, especially since the MET is conducted in two distinct phases (Phase I in April and Phase II in May 2026), allowing students a second attempt to better their score and rank. Securing a strong rank is essential for admission into high-demand specializations like Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which typically have high cut-offs.

​Application Roadmap: Key Dates, Fees, and Online Steps

​The MET application process is entirely digital and requires meticulous attention to detail. Aspiring students must manage both the application timeline and the subsequent slot booking, which is conducted via the Online Test Booking System (OTBS).

• ​Key Dates for MET 2026 (Phase I):
  • ​Online Registration Started: September/October 2025 (Ongoing).
  • ​Last Date to Apply (Phase I):March 15, 2026.
  • ​Slot Booking for Phase I: Tentatively April 2026. This is crucial for securing your preferred test date and center.
  • ​MET Exam Dates (Phase I): Tentatively April 2026 (Conducted as a Computer-Based Test or CBT).
  • ​Phase II Application: Opens tentatively in March 2026 with an April 2026 deadline, and the exam is in May 2026.
• ​Application Fee Structure:
  • ​The total application fee is typically ₹2000, comprising: 
    • ​Application Fee: ₹800.
    • ​Entrance Test Fee: ₹1200  (for a single attempt).
  • ​Candidates who opt for a second attempt (Phase II) must generally pay an additional test fee of ₹1400  (subject to official notification).
• ​Step-by-Step Online Application Process:

1. ​Registration: Visit manipal.edu and click 'Apply Now.' Register by providing a valid Email ID, Mobile Number, Name, and desired Program/Campus.
2. ​Form Filling: Log in with the generated credentials. Accurately fill in personal, academic (10+2  details), and contact information. Select your preferred course and up to three test centres.
3. ​Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature strictly following the prescribed specifications (usually JPG/JPEG format).
4. ​Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application-cum-exam fee online using Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
5. ​Submission: Review the form, submit, and print the confirmation page for future reference.

​MET 2026 Exam Pattern and Strategy for High Scorers

​The MET is a moderately challenging computer-based exam designed to assess a candidate's readiness for engineering studies. Understanding the structure is the first step toward a high rank.

• ​MET 2026 Exam Details (B.Tech):
  • ​Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) only.
  • ​Duration: 2  Hours (120  minutes).
  • ​Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • ​Total Questions: 70  questions.
  • ​Total Marks: 280  marks.
• ​Marking Scheme: 
  • ​Correct Answer: +4 Marks
  • ​Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Negative Marking is applicable)
  • ​Unattempted Question: 0  Marks
• ​Preparation Strategy: Due to the negative marking, strategic preparation is essential. Aspirants should focus on strengthening concepts from the Class 11 and 12 CBSE/NCERT syllabus, which forms the core of the test. Regular practice with MET Mock Tests is crucial to improve accuracy and time management, directly mitigating the risk of negative scores.

​Admission Advantage: Two Attempts and Scholarship Opportunities

​One of the key benefits of the MET is the dual-phase examination structure. This feature is a significant advantage for candidates who may perform below their potential in the first attempt.

• ​Benefits of the Two-Phase Exam: 
  • ​Best Score Considered: MAHE considers the better score obtained by the candidate from the two attempts (Phase I and Phase II) for the final merit ranking. This provides a crucial safety net and a chance for score improvement.
  • ​Improved Slot Booking: Candidates who apply early for Phase I (before March 15) get priority access to the Online Test Booking System (OTBS), allowing them to choose convenient test dates and locations.
• ​Scholarship Pathways: High rankers in the MET are eligible for prestigious MAHE scholarships, making the effort worthwhile: 
  • ​Freeship (Top Ranks): Offers up to 100\%  tuition fee waiver for the very top performers (typically MET Rank 1  to 100).
  • ​Scholar Scholarship: Provides a partial tuition fee waiver (e.g., 20\%) for candidates achieving high ranks (e.g., MET Rank 101  to 5000).
  • ​Achiever Scholarship: Offers lower but still significant fee waivers for a wider range of high scores.

​Admission to top-tier branches, especially Computer Science Engineering at the flagship Manipal campus, relies heavily on securing a rank within the top few thousands. Therefore, leveraging both attempts strategically is key to maximizing scholarship potential and securing the desired specialization.

​Conclusion

​The activation of the MET 2026 application portal marks the starting line for admission to MAHE's highly-rated B.Tech programs. With the March 15, 2026, deadline for Phase I fast approaching and the benefit of two exam attempts, aspirants must prioritize timely registration. By focusing on the 10+2  syllabus, mastering the negative marking pattern, and preparing for the April and May exams, candidates can significantly increase their chances of securing a high MET rank, their desired engineering branch, and valuable scholarship benefits.

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