Vellore Institute of Technology begins the online application process for its annual entrance exam

The online application for the Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) 2026 is officially open since October 24, 2025. Aspiring B.Tech candidates must register at viteee.vit.ac.in before the tentative deadline of March 31, 2026. The biggest news is the introduction of negative marking (-1 for every wrong answer) in the revised exam pattern. The CBT exam is scheduled from April 28 to May 3, 2026. Read on for detailed eligibility, the revised pattern, and registration steps to secure your dream engineering seat at VIT.

The race for a coveted B.Tech seat at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has officially begun. VIT, a name synonymous with quality engineering education, commenced the online application process for its annual entrance examination, VITEEE 2026 (VIT Engineering Entrance Examination), on October 24, 2025. This exam is the mandatory gateway for admission to the undergraduate engineering programs offered across its four campuses: Vellore, Chennai, VIT-AP, and VIT-Bhopal.

​Interested candidates are urged to act swiftly. The application form is available exclusively on the official website, viteee.vit.ac.in. While the deadline is tentatively set for March 31, 2026, aspirants should register early to secure their preferred test city and slot during the subsequent slot booking process. Crucially, this year's examination introduces a significant change in the marking scheme—a new focus that demands a strategic shift in preparation.

​ Crucial Dates and Eligibility Requirements for VITEEE 2026

​Understanding the timeline and eligibility criteria is the first and most critical step for any aspirant. Falling short on either count can lead to the cancellation of candidature.

• ​Key Tentative Dates for Aspirants:
  • ​Online Application Commencement: October 24, 2025 (Ongoing)
  • ​Application Submission Deadline:March 31, 2026 (Tentative)
  • ​Application Fee: INR 1,350/- (Inclusive of GST, non-refundable). Payment is strictly online.
  • ​VITEEE 2026 Exam Dates: April 28 to May 3, 2026 (Computer-Based Test - CBT)
  • ​Result Declaration: 2 ^ nd  week of May 2026
  • ​Online Counselling Begins: 2 ^ nd  week of May 2026
• ​Mandatory Eligibility Norms: 
  • ​Academic Score: Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 60 % in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in the qualifying 10th  and 12th  examinations (or equivalent).
  • ​Concession: A relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to the SC/ST community and those from the North-Eastern states and Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh, who require a minimum aggregate of 50 %.
  • ​Age Limit: The candidate's date of birth must fall on or after July 1, 2004. The 10th  class certificate is the only acceptable proof of age.

​ Major Exam Pattern Revision: The Negative Marking Impact

​VITEEE 2026 has undergone a major revision to its marking structure, transforming the strategic approach required for the exam. Aspirants must acknowledge this change to maximize their scores.

• ​Revised Marking Scheme: Accuracy is Key!
  • ​Total Marks: The total marks for the exam have been increased to 500 from the previous 125 .
  • ​Marking: Each correct answer will fetch +4 marks.
  • ​Negative Marking: A penalty of -1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
• ​Structure of the Question Paper:
  • ​The test duration remains at 2 hours and 30 minutes with a total of 125 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • ​The paper is divided into five sections: Physics ( 35 Qs), Chemistry ( 35 Qs), Mathematics/Biology ( 40 Qs), Aptitude ( 10 Qs), and English ( 5 Qs).
  • ​Candidates must choose between the MPCEA (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English, Aptitude) or BPCEA (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, Aptitude) pattern based on the B.Tech program they wish to apply for.
• ​Preparation Strategy Focus: 
  • ​Selective Attempt: The presence of negative marking demands that candidates attempt only those questions they are reasonably confident about, shifting away from a strategy of attempting all 125 questions.
  • ​Equal Weightage: Dedicate time to all subjects, including the 15 questions in the English and Aptitude sections, which can be high-scoring differentiators.
  • ​Mock Tests: Practice the latest pattern through numerous mock tests to build speed, accuracy, and endurance under the strict +4 and -1 marking rule.

​ Step-by-Step Guide to the Online Application

​The application process is entirely digital, making it convenient but requiring attention to detail, especially regarding document specifications.

• ​Step 1: New User Registration: Visit viteee.vit.ac.in and click on the 'New User Registration' link. Provide a valid mobile number and email ID for communication. A system-generated password will be sent to your registered contact details.
• ​Step 2: Log-in and Form Filling: Log in using the registered credentials. Fill in all personal, academic, and communication details accurately. You will also select your preliminary choice of campus and program.
• ​Step 3: Document Upload: Upload scanned images of your latest passport-size photograph and signature as per the prescribed dimensions and size limits (typically 10 KB to 200 KB in JPG format).
• ​Step 4: Fee Payment and Submission: Proceed to pay the application fee of INR 1,350 using a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Upon successful payment, submit the final form.
• ​Step 5: Print Confirmation: Download and save a copy of the completed application form and the payment receipt for your records. This is essential for future reference, including the slot booking process.

​The final admission to specialized B.Tech programs like Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning), Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and more, across the Vellore, Chennai, VIT-AP, and VIT-Bhopal campuses, will be determined by the VITEEE 2026 rank, followed by the online counselling process.

​Conclusion

​VITEEE 2026 presents a significant opportunity for engineering aspirants, but the new negative marking rule ensures that only the most prepared and accurate candidates will succeed. The application window is open, and time is ticking toward the March 31, 2026 deadline. Aspirants are strongly advised to secure their registration immediately and begin intense, accuracy-focused preparation for the April 2026 examination window.