Manipal Academy Highlights Key Instructions for MET 2026 Applicants Ahead of Mid-Cycle Form Review

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has released vital instructions for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 applicants as the mid-cycle form review approaches. Engineering aspirants must be meticulous with eligibility criteria, document specifications, and the online application process to ensure their candidature is successfully accepted. Key dates for Phase 1 registration, document uploads, and the highly anticipated Online Test Booking System (OTBS) are detailed, with the final deadline for Phase 1 application submission set for March 15, 2026. This is a critical time for aspirants to review and finalize their applications.

The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 application window is a critical phase for engineering students aiming for admission into premier institutions under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), such as the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT). With the mid-cycle form review underway, MAHE has highlighted several key instructions that aspirants must strictly adhere to. Timely and accurate submission is paramount, as the institution generally enforces a no correction window policy post-submission, making the current review period the final opportunity for candidates to rectify any potential errors. This is your chance to secure your application before the final deadlines loom in early 2026.

Eligibility and Mandatory Document Checklist

The foundation of a successful application lies in fulfilling the core eligibility criteria and having all requisite documents ready in the prescribed format. Failure in either can lead to the rejection of the application, irrespective of the candidate's performance in the entrance exam.

• B.Tech Eligibility Criteria:
  • Qualifying Exam: Must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2/PUC examination or an equivalent international qualification (A-Level, IB, American 12th grade) from a recognized Board.
  • Compulsory Subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and English are mandatory.
  • Optional Subject: The candidate must also include one optional subject from Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical Vocational Subject.
  • Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks must be secured in Physics, Mathematics, and the selected optional subject combined.
• Essential Documents for Upload:
  • A recent passport-size photograph (e.g., File Size: 10KB to 300KB, Format: JPG/JPEG).
  • A scanned signature on white paper (e.g., Maximum File Size: 300KB, Format: JPG/JPEG).
  • Valid Email ID and Mobile Number for communication.
  • Academic details (Class 10th and 12th mark sheets/details).
  • Online payment details (Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking) for the application and test fee (Total fee is approximately $\text{₹}2000$ for Indian candidates).

The Online Application Process: Step-by-Step

The MET 2026 application process is exclusively online, emphasizing accuracy at every step. Candidates must ensure that all entered data matches their official records to avoid verification issues later in the admission and counselling stages.

• Initial Registration: Start by visiting the official MAHE admissions portal and completing the initial registration with your name, email ID, mobile number, and desired course (e.g., B. Tech). This generates your unique Login ID and password.
• Filling the Form: Log in and carefully fill in all personal, academic, and guardian details. Double-check the spelling of your name and your date of birth, as these details cannot be modified after submission.
• Selecting Preferences: Candidates must select their preferred program and choose up to three MET 2026 exam centres in order of preference. The final allocation is based on availability and preference.

Review and Final Submission: After uploading the photograph and signature as per specifications, conduct a thorough final review of all entered data. Once satisfied, proceed to pay the non-refundable fee online and submit the form. Remember to print or save the final submitted application form and the fee receipt.

Critical Dates and Slot Booking Precaution

The MET 2026 examination is structured in two phases to offer candidates a chance to improve their scores, making the key dates highly important for strategic planning. The application for Phase 1 is currently ongoing.

• Phase 1 Application Deadline: March 15, 2026. This is the last date to apply for the first attempt.
• Online Test Booking System (OTBS): Slot booking is tentatively scheduled to begin in early April 2026. This is a mandatory, first-come, first-served process where candidates select their exact exam date, time, and centre for Phase 1.
• Phase 1 Exam Dates (Tentative): Mid to late April 2026.
• Second Attempt: Candidates unsatisfied with their Phase 1 score can register for the Phase 2 attempt by paying an additional test fee during the slot booking window for the second phase, scheduled for May 2026.

Securing a preferred test slot depends entirely on the Online Test Booking System (OTBS). Since the OTBS operates on a first-come, first-served basis, completing your application early gives you a significant advantage in reserving a convenient date and location. Strategically, you must apply well before the March 15th deadline and be ready to book your slot the moment the OTBS window opens.

The attention to detail during this application phase can significantly impact your journey towards a top-tier engineering seat at MAHE. Ensure that your documents are correctly formatted, your personal and academic details are perfectly matched to your official records, and your test city preferences are carefully considered. Do not wait for the last moment; finalize your MET 2026 application process now to secure a seamless path to your preferred test slot and focus solely on your exam preparation.