MET 2026 Application Form Live (Day 24) Apply by Mar 15
The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 Phase 1 application is now open for all aspiring B.Tech candidates. This mandatory university-level entrance exam is your gateway to prestigious institutions like MIT Manipal and MIT Bengaluru. The deadline to submit your online application is tentatively March 15, 2026. Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility of 50% aggregate marks in PCM/PCB/P*M and complete the application meticulously. The exam is tentatively scheduled for April 2026. Start your journey today.

The path to an esteemed engineering career often begins with a crucial entrance exam. For thousands of hopeful aspirants, this road leads directly through the Manipal Entrance Test (MET). The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has officially activated the online application window for MET 2026 Phase 1, a vital step for admission into premier institutions like the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal and Bengaluru campuses. The application process, which commenced on October 1, 2025, is currently in full swing and will remain open until the tentative deadline of March 15, 2026. This early notification provides a significant advantage, allowing students ample time to prepare and meticulously submit their applications. As the competition for seats in top-tier engineering programs intensifies, securing your spot in this multi-phase examination is a non-negotiable priority. This detailed guide covers everything you, as an aspirant, need to know to navigate the application process successfully.
Key Dates and Why You Must Apply Early
Applying for MET 2026 early isn't just about meeting the deadline; it’s a strategic move that affects your overall exam experience. The examination is generally conducted in multiple phases, with Phase 1 tentatively scheduled for April 2026 and Phase 2 for May 2026.
- Application Window: An Extended Opportunity
- Application Release Date: October 1, 2025
- Phase 1 Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 (Tentative)
- Online Test Booking System (OTBS) Open: Expected in April 2026 for Phase 1.
- MET Phase 1 Exam Date: Expected in April 2026.
- The Slot Booking Advantage: Your Choice of Time and Center
- The Online Test Booking System (OTBS) is a crucial, first-come-first-served process. Early applicants secure the best chance to choose their preferred exam date, time slot, and test centre city.
- Booking a convenient slot means less stress and more focused preparation time, which can significantly boost your score.
- Avoid Last-Minute Glitches
- Technical issues, payment failures, or server slowdowns are common as deadlines approach. Applying well ahead of March 15, 2026, eliminates the risk of missing the cutoff date due to unforeseen circumstances.
MET 2026 Eligibility and Application Process
Understanding the eligibility criteria and following the application steps to the letter are critical, as MAHE often does not provide a correction window after final submission.
- B.Tech Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized board.
- Mandatory Subjects: You must have studied Physics, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects.
- Optional Subject: The fourth subject can be Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or any relevant Technical Vocational Subject.
- Minimum Aggregate Marks: An aspirant must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Mathematics, and one of the optional subjects combined.
- Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Online Registration: Visit the official MAHE website, find the 'Apply Now' link for MET 2026, and complete the initial registration with your name, email, mobile number, and desired program. This generates your login credentials.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in and meticulously fill out all sections, including personal, academic (Class 10 and 12 details), and contact information.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature strictly as per the specified dimensions and file size (typically between 10KB and 100KB, JPEG format). Non-compliant images may lead to application rejection.
- Fee Payment: Complete the process by paying the required fee online (typically via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI). The total fee usually comprises a non-refundable Application Fee (e.g., ₹600) and an Entrance Test Fee (e.g., ₹1400), which may vary. The application is only complete after successful payment.
Exam Structure and Preparation Strategy
To excel in MET 2026, aspirants should be familiar with the exam pattern and devise a targeted preparation strategy. MET is generally a computer-based test (CBT) known for its emphasis on a mix of conceptual understanding and application.
- MET 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Duration: Typically 2 hours (120 minutes).
- Syllabus: The content is primarily based on the Class 11 and Class 12 curricula of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Subject), including a section on English.
- Marking Scheme: The exam usually follows a system of +4 for every correct Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) and a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect MCQ answer. Some questions, like Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, may not have negative marking.
- Strategic Preparation Tips
- Focus on Fundamentals: Since the exam covers the 11th and 12th syllabus, dedicate time to solidifying your core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- Time Management Practice: The CBT format requires excellent time management. Practice with mock tests to get accustomed to the pressure and pacing of the two-hour window.
- Master English and Aptitude: The English section often tests vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. Regular reading and dedicated practice for this section are beneficial.
- Analyze Past Papers: Solving previous years' MET question papers is invaluable for understanding the question distribution, difficulty level, and time required for each section.
Conclusion
The opening of the MET 2026 Phase 1 application window is the signal for all serious engineering aspirants to formally begin their journey toward admission to MAHE's world-class programs. With a generous application period extending to March 15, 2026, there's no reason to delay. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to secure their registration immediately, double-check all details to avoid irreversible errors, and most importantly, begin their focused preparation. Remember, a successful application, combined with a strong score in the April 2026 examination, is your ticket to a bright future in engineering. Apply now at the official MAHE admissions portal and turn your engineering aspirations into reality.
