Manipal Academy of Higher Education Invites Applications for MET 2026 Entrance Exam

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has commenced MET 2026 Phase 1 registration for B.Tech admission. The application opened on September 30, 2025, with a strict deadline of March 15, 2026. This is a crucial step for aspirants targeting premier engineering seats at MIT and other MAHE campuses. Candidates must secure 50% in Class 12 with PCM/PCB. Learn the detailed exam pattern, including MCQs and NAT questions, and leverage the advantage of two attempts to maximize your rank for the Phase 1 exam in April 2026.

The race for admission into one of India’s most sought-after engineering institutions is officially on. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), home to the highly-ranked Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), has announced the opening of the Phase 1 application window for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026. This is the mandatory computer-based test (CBT) for admission into its diverse array of undergraduate B.Tech programs.

​For all serious engineering aspirants, this announcement marks a critical juncture. The registration commenced on September 30, 2025, granting applicants ample time to prepare their documents and submit their forms. However, with the application deadline for Phase 1 rapidly approaching on March 15, 2026, procrastination is not an option. Early applicants secure the strategic advantage of timely planning and priority in the later slot booking process. Prospective candidates are urged to immediately visit the official MAHE admissions portal, manipal.edu, to initiate their registration and begin their journey toward a top-tier engineering education. The MET is not just an exam; it's a strategic pathway, offering candidates the opportunity to appear in two phases to ensure they put their best score forward.

​ MET 2026 Phase 1: Key Dates and Eligibility Criteria

​Securing a seat at MAHE hinges entirely on adhering to a precise schedule and meeting the academic prerequisites. Phase 1 provides the earliest opportunity to appear for the test and lock in a high rank.

• ​Application Process & Deadlines:
  • ​Registration Start Date (Phase 1): September 30, 2025 (Ongoing)
  • ​Application Deadline (Phase 1): March 15, 2026
  • ​Online Test Booking System (OTBS) Opens: April 2026 (Tentative). 
    • ​Note: The OTBS is vital for candidates to select their preferred date, time slot, and test centre on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application ensures a wider choice during this window.
  • ​MET 2026 Exam Date (Phase 1): April 2026 (Tentative)
  • ​Application Fee: The fee for general category candidates typically comprises an application fee and an entrance test fee, totaling approximately ₹2000 for the first attempt (Application Fee: ₹800 + Entrance Test Fee: ₹1200).
• ​Mandatory Eligibility Criteria (B.Tech):
  • ​Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (Class 12) examination or its equivalent from a recognized Central or State Board.
  • ​The subjects for the qualifying examination must mandatorily include Physics, Mathematics, and English.
  • ​Minimum Marks: Applicants must secure an aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Mathematics, and any one of the optional subjects (Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a relevant Technical Vocational Subject). This aggregate is the key to qualifying for the exam. Students appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they submit their passing documents by the stipulated date.

​ Decoding the MET 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

​The MET is a rigorous two-hour, computer-based test that uniquely combines two question formats, demanding both speed and conceptual clarity. A deep understanding of the exam structure is non-negotiable for effective preparation.

• ​Exam Structure at a Glance:
  • ​Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • ​Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • ​Total Questions: 60
  • ​Total Marks: 240
  • ​Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English.
• ​Question Distribution and Marking Scheme:
  • ​Mathematics: This section has the highest weightage with 20 questions in total, consisting of 15 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 5 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
  • ​Physics: This section has 15 questions, divided into 10 MCQs and 5 NAT questions.
  • ​Chemistry: This section also contains 15 questions, comprising 10 MCQs and 5 NAT questions.
  • ​English: This section contains 10 MCQs only.
  • ​Marking Scheme: Every correct answer is awarded +4 marks. There is a penalty of -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ response. Crucially, there is no negative marking for the Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, encouraging aspirants to attempt them without fear of deduction.
• ​Strategic Syllabus Focus: 
  • ​High-Weightage Topics: Based on previous trends, aspirants should dedicate significant time to Calculus and Coordinate Geometry in Mathematics, Mechanics and Electromagnetism in Physics, and Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics) in Chemistry.
  • ​NAT Questions: Candidates must dedicate practice time specifically to solving computational problems accurately, as the 15 NAT questions (5 each in PCM) are high-reward, high-accuracy components of the test.

​ The Dual-Attempt Advantage: Maximizing Your Rank

​One of the most valuable features of the MET is the option to appear for both Phase 1 (April 2026) and Phase 2 (May 2026, tentative). This unique provision is a strategic boon for every aspirant, significantly increasing their probability of securing a better rank.

• ​Optimal Strategy: Candidates should view Phase 1 as a benchmarking test under real exam conditions. This allows them to precisely identify weak areas and formulate a hyper-focused study plan for the one-month preparation window before Phase 2.
• ​Best Score Consideration: MAHE strictly adheres to the policy of considering the better of the two scores (Phase 1 or Phase 2) for the final merit list and counselling process. If a candidate scores higher in Phase 1, that score is considered final; if they improve in Phase 2, the Phase 2 score is used. This system ensures students submit their peak performance.
• ​Seamless Second Attempt Registration: Candidates who appear in Phase 1 and wish to attempt Phase 2 do not need to re-submit the entire application form. They simply need to pay an additional exam fee (approx. ₹1400) through the Online Test Booking System (OTBS) portal during the Phase 2 slot booking window, making the second attempt easily accessible. Early application submission for Phase 1 is, therefore, the gateway to securing this strategic advantage.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the MET 2026 Phase 1 application is the call to action for every aspiring engineer. The window for applying is generous, but the benefits of early application—especially the priority in securing a convenient test slot via OTBS—are significant. By paying close attention to the March 15, 2026, deadline, understanding the unique MCQ and NAT exam pattern, and strategically planning to utilize the dual-attempt advantage, candidates can effectively pave their way to a successful B.Tech admission at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Register now, plan your study, and secure your place at a premier institution.

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