MET slot-booking, admit cards, and Phase-1 test window expected in April

Stay updated on the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 Phase 1 schedule. Learn about the April slot booking process, admit card download steps, and the expected Phase 1 exam window. This guide provides essential timelines and a step-by-step OTBS guide for engineering aspirants targeting Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campuses.

With the engineering entrance season approaching its peak, aspirants targeting the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) are now focusing on the MET 2026 Phase 1 cycle. While the application window remains active, the university is expected to trigger the next critical phase—the Online Test Booking System (OTBS)—in early April 2026. This period is vital for candidates as it determines their specific exam date and venue for the first attempt of the year.

Essential Timelines for MET 2026 Phase 1

The Phase 1 cycle is meticulously structured to ensure a smooth transition from registration to the computer-based test. Aspirants should note that missing the slot booking window can result in the system automatically allotting a remaining slot, which may not align with the candidate's preference.

• Application Deadline: The registration portal for Phase 1 is expected to close on March 15, 2026.
• Slot Booking Window: Tentatively scheduled to open in the first week of April 2026.
• Exam Dates: The Phase 1 test window is likely to fall between the second and third week of April 2026.
• Admit Card Availability: Hall tickets are typically generated immediately after a successful slot confirmation.

Navigating the Online Test Booking System (OTBS)

The OTBS is a first-come, first-served platform where candidates must proactively secure their examination time. To access this, students require their application number and a password (usually their date of birth in DDMMYYYY format).

• City Selection: Candidates must verify their test city based on the preferences filled during registration.
• Real-time Availability: The portal displays available seats for specific dates and shifts (morning/afternoon).
• Instant Confirmation: Once a slot is selected, the system provides a summary for final confirmation; no changes are allowed thereafter.

Admit Card Requirements and Exam Day Protocol

The MET 2026 admit card is more than a simple entry pass; it contains the encrypted QR code and seat credentials necessary for the CBT environment. Candidates will not be permitted to enter the hall without a printed copy of this document and a valid Government-issued ID.

• Verification: Ensure that the name, photograph, and test center address are clearly legible.
• Discrepancy Redressal: In case of errors in the hall ticket, contact the MAHE admission office immediately via their official helpdesk.
• Second Attempt Eligibility: Candidates appearing for Phase 1 remain eligible to improve their scores in Phase 2 (scheduled for May) by paying an additional test fee during the second slot-booking window.

In conclusion, the April window is the most critical period for MET 2026 aspirants to finalize their logistics and move toward the final lap of preparation. Successfully navigating the slot booking process is the first step toward securing a seat in one of Manipal’s prestigious engineering programs. Aspirants should regularly log in to the official MAHE portal to ensure they do not miss the narrow OTBS window.

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