State Engineering Entrance Exams Prepare to Open Registration Phases This Month

MHT CET, KEAM, and WBJEE 2026 registration phases open this January. Check the mandatory APAAR ID requirements and state-wise application schedules today.

Several state-level educational authorities across India have initiated or are preparing to launch their online registration portals for the 2026 engineering entrance exam cycle. This month marks a crucial period for students seeking admission into state-funded and private technical universities. While national exams like JEE Main dominate the early calendar, state-specific assessments offer a vital secondary pathway for aspirants to secure seats in prestigious regional institutions.

Active and Upcoming State Registration Portals

As of the second week of January, major states including Maharashtra, Kerala, and Gujarat have updated their schedules. The State Common Entrance Test Cell of Maharashtra has officially opened its common portal for MHT CET 2026, introducing mandatory digital identification protocols for all new applicants. Similarly, the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations in Kerala has commenced the KEAM 2026 process, providing a clear window for students to submit their academic credentials.

• MHT CET (Maharashtra): The registration link was activated on January 5, with the exam anticipated to occur in two sessions during April and May.
• KEAM (Kerala): The online portal is currently accepting submissions, with a final deadline set for January 31, 2026.
• WBJEE (West Bengal): Authorities are expected to activate the registration link by the fourth week of January, targeting an offline exam in late April.
• GUJCET (Gujarat): Following a brief extension, the final registration window for science stream students is concluding this week to facilitate seat allocation in regional degree colleges.

New Mandatory Identification Protocols

A significant shift in the 2026 registration cycle is the integration of centralized digital identities. This year, multiple state boards have made the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) a compulsory requirement during the form-filling process. This 12-digit identifier is designed to streamline the verification of educational records and ensure that candidate data remains consistent from the entrance stage through to final admission.

Documentation Requirements for State Portals

The registration phase requires careful attention to the digital upload of various certificates. Most state authorities have moved to a completely paperless system where document verification occurs through integrated government databases. Candidates must ensure that their scanned files meet specific resolution and size constraints to avoid technical rejections on the portal.

• Academic Records: High-quality scans of Class 10 and provisional Class 12 certificates are generally required.
• Category Certificates: Students applying under reserved quotas must have updated income and caste validity documents ready for upload.
• Photograph Standards: Recent passport-sized photos with white backgrounds are the standard requirement across all state platforms.
• Signature Files: Digital signatures must be clear and usually performed with a black ink pen on white paper for better visibility.

Conclusion

The opening of state registration phases represents a transition from high-intensity study to the administrative preparation necessary for a successful academic year. With the introduction of the APAAR ID and other centralized verification tools, the process is becoming more secure, albeit requiring more careful data entry from the applicant. Students are encouraged to monitor the specific portal of their target state to ensure they adhere to the localized deadlines and documentation standards. As these registration windows begin to close later this month, the focus will shift back to the final revision and mock testing phases for these critical regional assessments.