MET 2026 Phase-1 and AEEE Phase-1 Set the Tone for Engineering Entrance Season in 2026
Get the latest updates on MET 2026 Phase-1 and AEEE Phase-1 engineering entrance exams. This comprehensive guide covers essential registration deadlines, revised exam patterns, and eligibility criteria for 2026. Learn how to navigate the first phase of the admission season with our expert preparation tips and comparison table. Stay ahead of the competition and secure your seat in India's premier engineering institutes today.
with the new year, the focus shifts to the first phase of the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) and the Amrita Entrance Examination – Engineering (AEEE). These exams serve as the primary gateways to prestigious private campuses and set the competitive benchmark for the year. For students aiming to secure early admissions, understanding the specific timelines and structural shifts in these computer-based tests is critical for a strategic start to the entrance season.
Key Deadlines for Phase-1 Registration
The registration windows for both MET and AEEE are currently active, but they close much earlier than many students anticipate. Early application allows candidates to select their preferred exam slots before they are fully booked.
- AEEE Phase-1 Deadline: The last date to complete the online application for AEEE Phase-1 is 15 January 2026.
- MET Phase-1 Window: Candidates must submit their MET 2026 Phase-1 forms by 15 March 2026.
- Slot Booking Priority: For AEEE, the slot booking portal opens on 10 January, while MET candidates will book their slots in early April.
Comparison of MET and AEEE 2026 Phase-1
While both exams are national-level engineering entrances, their patterns and evaluation criteria differ significantly. Aspirants must tailor their mock test strategies to these specific formats.
Feature | MET 2026 (Phase-1) | AEEE 2026 (Phase-1) |
|---|---|---|
Exam Dates | Mid-April 2026 | 29 January – 1 February 2026 |
Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | 150 Minutes (2.5 Hours) |
Total Questions | 60 (MCQ + NAT) | 100 (All MCQs) |
Total Marks | 240 Marks | 300 Marks |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct; -1 for MCQ error | +3 for correct; -1 for error |
Revised Exam Pattern and Content Focus
For 2026, both institutes have emphasized a balance between core technical knowledge and analytical reasoning. AEEE has notably introduced a Quantitative Aptitude component that adds a new layer to the traditional PCM structure.
- AEEE Subject Split: The paper now comprises Mathematics (40), Physics (25), Chemistry (20), Quantitative Aptitude (10), and English (5).
- MET NAT Questions: The inclusion of Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions in MET means students must be precise, as these require direct value entry without options.
- Syllabus Foundation: Both exams remain heavily rooted in the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum, though MET often features questions with a higher complexity level similar to JEE Main.
Conclusion
The first phase of 2026 engineering entrances is more than just an exam; it is a tactical opportunity to secure a seat early and reduce the pressure of later sessions. With AEEE Phase-1 scheduled for late January and MET following in April, students should now transition from theoretical study to rigorous mock testing. Balancing the new aptitude sections in AEEE with the numerical precision required for MET will be the key to success. Aspirants are strongly advised to monitor the official admission portals daily for slot booking announcements and hall ticket releases to ensure a seamless examination experience.
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