MET Phase-1 Applications Open; Candidates Can Apply Until March 15, 2026 on MAHE Portal
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has opened Phase 1 applications for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. Discover the B.Tech eligibility criteria, fee structure, and a step-by-step guide to the online registration process at manipal.edu.
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has officially commenced the registration process for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026. This national-level entrance examination is the gateway for students aspiring to join prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the highly-ranked B.Tech courses at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) campuses in Manipal, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, as well as Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT).
The application portal for Phase 1 is currently active on the official MAHE website (manipal.edu). Candidates are encouraged to complete their registrations early to facilitate timely slot booking, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Timeline and Admission Essentials
MAHE conducts the MET in multiple phases to provide candidates with more than one opportunity to secure their desired scores. The current window is dedicated to the first attempt.
- Application Portal Open: September 30, 2025.
- Phase 1 Application Deadline: March 15, 2026.
- Online Test Booking System (OTBS): Expected to open in early April 2026.
- Phase 1 Exam Dates: Tentatively scheduled for mid to late April 2026.
- Phase 2 Application Window: Expected to open in March/April 2026 for the second attempt in May.
Crucial Steps for Candidates:
- Early Registration: While the deadline is March 15, applying early is advantageous for the Slot Booking phase, where candidates choose their preferred exam date, time, and city.
- No Correction Window: MAHE generally does not provide a correction window after the final submission. Accuracy during the initial form-filling is paramount.
- Best Score Policy: For candidates appearing in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, MAHE considers the best score out of the two attempts for the final merit list.
Eligibility Criteria for B.Tech Programs
Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum academic requirements before starting the application process to avoid disqualification.
- Academic Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2/PUC (or equivalent) examination from a recognized board.
- Compulsory Subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and English are mandatory.
- Optional Subject: One subject from Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
- Minimum Marks: At least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Mathematics, and the chosen optional subject.
- Age Limit: There is no specific age limit to apply for the MET 2026.
Application Fee and Registration Process
The application process is entirely digital. Candidates should have their academic details and scanned images of their photograph and signature ready.
| Fee Component | Amount (General Category) |
| Application Fee | ₹600 (For all courses) |
| Entrance Test Fee | ₹1,400 (For courses requiring MET) |
| Total for B.Tech Attempt | ₹2,000 |
How to Apply:
- Step 1: Primary Registration: Visit manipal.edu and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Step 2: Form Filling: Log in with generated credentials to fill in personal, academic, and contact information.
- Step 3: Document Upload: Upload a recent passport-size photograph (10KB–100KB) and signature (20KB–100KB) in JPG/JPEG format.
- Step 4: Online Payment: Pay the total fee via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Step 5: Confirmation: Save the application number and download the PDF of the completed form for future reference.
Conclusion: A Strategic Start for Aspiring Engineers
The opening of the MET 2026 Phase 1 registration marks the beginning of the admission cycle for one of India's premier engineering institutions. By completing the application well before the March 15 deadline, students can shift their focus to their Class 12 board exams and entrance preparations. MAHE’s inclusion of Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions alongside MCQs requires a deeper conceptual understanding, making early and consistent study essential. For regular updates and access to mock tests, candidates should frequently visit the official manipal.edu portal.
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