State Engineering Entrance Exams 2026 Registration Phases Opening Nationwide

State-level engineering entrance exams across India are entering their primary registration phases for the 2026-27 academic session. Major authorities like Maharashtra’s CET Cell, West Bengal’s WBJEEB, and Kerala’s CEE have announced critical deadlines and examination schedules for April and May. Aspirants must monitor the official portals to complete their online applications, ensuring eligibility for prestigious state-run and private technical institutes.

The landscape of technical education in India is shifting into high gear as various state-level benchmarks for engineering admissions are officially announced. With national exams like JEE Main currently underway, state authorities are preparing to open or have already initiated their respective registration windows. These exams serve as the primary entry point for millions of students into regional government and private engineering colleges. As of early January 2026, major states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Kerala have set the trajectory for their admission cycles, with most entrance tests scheduled to take place between March and May.

Major State Entrance Exam Schedules

For many students, these state-level tests are a preferred route due to regional reservation policies and lower tuition fees in government-aided institutions. The benchmarks set by these exams often differ in syllabus weightage and difficulty compared to national tests, requiring a tailored preparation strategy.

• MHT CET (Maharashtra): Registration began on January 10, 2026, and will continue until February 12. The state has moved to a two-session format similar to national exams to provide students with more opportunities.
• KEAM (Kerala): The registration phase is currently live, with a final submission deadline of January 31, 2026.
• WBJEE (West Bengal): Applications are expected to open within the third week of January, with the offline examination typically held in late April.
• GUJCET (Gujarat): Having recently concluded its initial registration, the board is preparing for its single-day exam on March 29, 2026.

New Digital Mandates for 2026

A significant change in the 2026 admission trajectory is the integration of centralized student IDs. Following the "One Nation, One Student ID" initiative, many state cells now require the generation of an APAAR ID during the registration process. This digital identity aims to streamline the academic record-keeping from admission through graduation. Furthermore, Aadhaar-based authentication has become a mandatory security feature to prevent impersonation, forcing students to ensure their mobile numbers are updated with the UIDAI before they begin their application.

Preparation Strategies for State Levels

Unlike the JEE Main, which focuses heavily on the CBSE syllabus, many state entrance exams align more closely with local Higher Secondary (HSC) or PUC boards. To reach the necessary benchmarks for top-tier colleges like COEP Pune or Jadavpur University, students must master the specific speed-accuracy trade-offs required by these tests. For instance, the MHT CET often features a higher volume of questions with a shorter time limit per question compared to national counterparts. Understanding this trajectory allows candidates to prioritize their time management during mock tests.

1. Syllabus Analysis: Check if the state exam includes 100% of the Class 12 syllabus or a mix of Classes 11 and 12.
2. State Board Textbooks: For most CETs, the state-prescribed textbooks are the ultimate authority for conceptual questions.
3. Previous Year Papers: Solving the last five years of state-specific papers is essential to understand the recurring "hot topics."
4. Language Options: Note that some states offer question papers in regional languages like Marathi, Gujarati, or Bengali alongside English.

Conclusion

The opening of registration phases for state engineering entrance exams marks the beginning of a decisive period for Class 12 students. By carefully tracking the benchmarks for application deadlines and adhering to the new digital identity mandates, aspirants can avoid last-minute technical hurdles. As the 2026 admission trajectory unfolds, staying updated through official government portals remains the only reliable way to secure a seat in India's diverse engineering landscape. With most exams clustered in the April-May window, the coming weeks are vital for both administrative compliance and focused academic revision.