MET 2026 Application Form Live (Day 23)

The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 Phase 1 application is in full swing! Aspiring engineers, take note: the online registration process, which commenced around October 1, 2025, is now on its 23rd day. This exclusive guide for B.Tech aspirants provides essential dates, a detailed look at the exam pattern, and compelling reasons why Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) should be your top choice. Don't miss the crucial March 15, 2026 deadline. Start your journey to a premier engineering career now

The race for a coveted seat in one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions, the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), is officially on With the calendar turning to October 23, 2025, B.Tech aspirants are now 23 days into the application window for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 Phase 1.

​This early-bird access to the application process is a crucial opportunity for students to secure their candidacy well ahead of the competition. The MET is the mandatory gateway for admissions into MAHE’s various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, especially the highly sought-after B.Tech courses at campuses like MIT Manipal and MIT Bengaluru. The application portal at the official MAHE website, manipal.edu, is live, and prompt action is highly advised.

​I. Crucial Dates and Application Roadmap for MET 2026

​The application window for MET 2026 Phase 1 is a generous one, but the disciplined candidate is the one who acts early. Missing the deadline means forfeiting the opportunity to appear in the first phase of this two-part examination.

• ​Phase 1 Application Highlights:
  • ​Application Form Start Date: Around October 1, 2025 (Registration is currently Ongoing).
  • ​Current Application Day: Approximately Day 23 (as of October 23, 2025).
  • ​Final Submission Deadline (Phase 1):March 15, 2026. Early application is highly advised to avoid technical glitches.
  • ​Mode of Application: The process is Strictly Online via the official MAHE website, manipal.edu.
  • ​Mandatory Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2/equivalent with Physics, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects.
  • ​Minimum Marks: A minimum of \mathbf{50\%} aggregate marks in Physics, Mathematics, and one optional subject (Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational Subject) is required.
• ​The Two-Phase Examination Schedule (Tentative): 
  • ​The MET 2026 is conducted in two phases, allowing candidates a second chance to improve their score.
  • ​Phase 1 Exam: Scheduled for April 2026.
  • ​Phase 2 Exam: Expected to be held in May 2026.
  • ​Advantage of Two Phases: Only the better score from the two phases will be considered for the final merit list and subsequent counselling.
• ​Online Test Booking System (OTBS):
  • ​The OTBS is the crucial system that allows candidates to select their preferred exam slot (date and time) and test centre.
  • ​OTBS Opening Date: Expected to open in April 2026 for Phase 1.
  • ​Booking a slot early is vital to securing the most convenient test centre and time, highlighting the importance of timely application submission.

​II. Unlocking Success: MET 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

​Success in the MET hinges on a clear understanding of the test structure and its unique marking scheme. The MET 2026 for B.Tech programs is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) designed to assess the core scientific and analytical aptitude of aspirants.

• ​MET 2026 B.Tech Exam Snapshot:
  • ​Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • ​Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
  • ​Total Questions: \mathbf{60} Questions.
  • ​Maximum Marks: \mathbf{240}.
  • ​Sections: Four compulsory sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English.

• ​Crucial Marking Scheme Details:
  • ​Correct Answer: +4 marks are awarded for a correct response for both MCQs and NAT questions.
  • ​Negative Marking for MCQs: A penalty of \mathbf{-1} mark will be deducted for every incorrect Multiple-Choice Question. This penalizes random guessing and necessitates a careful, strategic approach.
  • ​Negative Marking for NAT: Crucially, there is NO negative marking (\mathbf{0} marks) for incorrect Numerical Answer Type questions, which is a major advantage for attempting these questions

​III. Why Manipal: The Premier Destination for B.Tech Aspirants

​Choosing MAHE's constituent colleges, such as MIT Manipal, means opting for a globally recognized engineering degree. The competition is high, but the rewards—in terms of career and academic growth—are substantial.

• ​World-Class Rankings and Recognition:
  • ​MAHE consistently features in high-tier NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) categories, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence.
  • ​The institutions boast an extensive global alumni network, including leaders in global technology firms like Microsoft (e.g., Satya Nadella is an alumnus of MIT Manipal), providing invaluable industry connections and mentorship opportunities.
  • ​The MAHE ecosystem is recognized for its strong focus on research and global academic collaborations.
• ​Outstanding Placements and Global Exposure:
  • ​MIT Manipal is renowned for its stellar placement record, with rates for core engineering branches often approaching 98\%.
  • ​The average placement package for B.Tech students, especially in CSE-related branches, is highly competitive and consistently above industry standards for private universities.
  • ​The institute attracts over 300 recruiting teams annually, including major Fortune 500 companies, making it a preferred campus recruitment destination for global corporate giants.
  • ​Students have access to crucial Student Exchange Programs and collaborations with leading international universities, facilitating a global perspective and exposure to advanced research environments.
• ​Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Innovation Culture: 
  • ​The campus provides a state-of-the-art learning environment, including advanced laboratories, digital libraries, and specialized centres for research in fields like AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security.
  • ​A vibrant technical culture is fostered through numerous student-led technical clubs and participation in international competitions (e.g., Formula Racing, Robotics), ensuring students gain essential hands-on, practical experience.

​Conclusion

​With the MET 2026 Phase 1 application open for over three weeks, the time for prospective B.Tech students to secure their spot is now. The application deadline of March 15, 2026, for Phase 1 is a critical date to remember, with exam dates tentatively scheduled for April and May 2026. By understanding the competitive, yet rewarding, exam pattern—including the strategic benefit of no negative marking for NAT questions—and recognizing the unparalleled academic and career launchpad that MAHE provides, aspirants can move forward confidently. Begin your registration today on manipal.edu, and take the definitive first step toward a globally recognized engineering degree.