Students aspiring to join MAHE can now fill out and submit the online MET 2026

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has commenced online applications for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 for B.Tech programs. Aspirants can now register on the official website, manipal.edu. The critical deadline for Phase 1 registration is March 15, 2026. MET 2026 will be conducted in multiple phases, with Phase 1 tentatively scheduled for April 2026. Get full details on the multi-phase exam structure, eligibility criteria, and the unique marking scheme, including the no negative marking rule for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Secure your chance at a top-tier engineering seat at MAHE.

The gateway to one of India’s most sought-after private engineering universities is officially open. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has activated the online application portal for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026, marking the beginning of the admission process for its highly competitive B.Tech programs across its campuses (Manipal, Jaipur, and Sikkim). For every aspirant targeting a seat at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), this announcement is the first and most critical step.

​Candidates are strongly advised to complete the online-only application on the official website, manipal.edu, well before the strict deadline. The last date to apply for Phase 1 of the examination is set for March 15, 2026. Missing this date means losing the opportunity to appear for the initial and often preferred exam phase. The MET is a comprehensive Computer-Based Test (CBT) that not only assesses a candidate's academic aptitude but also serves as the sole criteria for admission into the majority of MAHE’s undergraduate engineering courses.

 MET 2026: Key Dates, Application Deadline, and Examination Phases

​The MET 2026 will be conducted in multiple phases, a format that benefits aspirants by offering them more than one attempt to improve their score. The critical application timeline for the primary phase is essential for all candidates to note.

• ​Crucial Phase 1 Dates (Tentative):
  • ​Last Date to Apply (Phase 1):March 15, 2026. This is the hard cut-off for the first and most important phase of admissions.
  • ​Online Test Booking System (OTBS) Start: Expected to begin in April 2026. This is a mandatory, first-come, first-served slot booking process where candidates choose their exact exam date, time, and centre.
  • ​MET Phase 1 Exam Dates: Tentatively scheduled for April 18 & 19, 2026. The exam is a two-day event to accommodate the high volume of candidates.
• ​Tentative Phase 2 Schedule:
  • ​Phase 2 Exam Date: Expected to be held on May 12, 2026. Candidates who apply within the Phase 1 window can opt for a second attempt in Phase 2 by paying an additional re-attempt fee during the slot booking window.
• ​Application Fee Structure: 
  • ​Application Fee: ₹600 (Non-refundable, mandatory for all candidates).
  • ​Entrance Test Fee: ₹1400 (Mandatory for one attempt).
  • ​Total for First Attempt:₹2000 (₹600 Application + ₹1400 Test Fee).
  • ​Second Attempt Fee: An additional ₹1400 must be paid during the Phase 2 slot booking process for candidates wishing to improve their Phase 1 score.

​ Eligibility Criteria and Unique Exam Pattern for B.Tech Aspirants

​The Manipal Entrance Test is a highly structured exam that demands focused preparation. Understanding the eligibility norms and the specific question format is the key to success.

• ​B.Tech Eligibility Criteria:
  • ​Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2/PUC examination or equivalent (A-Level, IB, American 12th grade) from a recognized Board.
  • ​Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and English are compulsory subjects.
  • ​Optional Subject: The candidate must also have Chemistry, or Biotechnology, or Biology, or any Technical Vocational Subject as one of the optional subjects.
  • ​Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required in Physics, Mathematics, and the Optional Subject taken together.
• ​MET 2026 Exam Pattern (B.Tech):
  • ​Mode & Duration: Computer-Based Test (CBT) with a duration of 120 minutes (2 Hours).
  • ​Total Questions: 60 Questions for a total of 240 Marks.
  • ​Sections and Questions Split:
    • ​Mathematics: 15 MCQs + 5 NAT Questions (Total 20)
    • ​Physics: 10 MCQs + 5 NAT Questions (Total 15)
    • ​Chemistry: 10 MCQs + 5 NAT Questions (Total 15)
    • ​English: 10 MCQs (Total 10)
  • ​Unique Marking Scheme: 
    • ​MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions):+4 marks for a correct answer and -1 mark for an incorrect answer.
    • ​NAT (Numerical Answer Type) Questions:+4 marks for a correct answer and NO NEGATIVE MARKING for an incorrect attempt. This encourages students to attempt the numerical questions without fear of penalty.

​ Strategic Importance: Slot Booking and The Two-Attempt Advantage

​The MET process involves two key strategic elements: the Online Test Booking System (OTBS) and the provision for a second attempt. Aspiring engineers must utilize these factors to optimize their preparation and final score.

• ​The Slot Booking Strategy (OTBS):
  • ​The OTBS window is where candidates select their preferred exam date, time, and test city. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • ​Since slots fill up quickly, especially for popular centres and dates, candidates must complete the application and be ready to book their slot as soon as the OTBS opens (tentatively in April 2026).
  • ​An early slot allows for an earlier result, potentially streamlining the counselling process.
• ​The Two-Attempt Benefit: 
  • ​MET 2026 is conducted in multiple phases, with two primary attempts available to all applicants who pay the requisite fee.
  • ​Candidates who appear for Phase 1 but are unsatisfied with their score can re-register for the Phase 2 attempt by paying the additional test fee (₹1400).
  • ​Only the best score achieved across all attempts will be considered for the final merit list and subsequent counselling process. This significantly reduces pressure and offers a crucial safety net for students.
• ​Post-Exam Counselling: 
  • ​The centralized MET counselling process, typically starting in June-July 2026, allocates seats based purely on the best MET rank and the candidate’s course/campus preferences. This transparent, rank-based allotment ensures a fair chance for all qualified aspirants.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the MET 2026 application process is a pivotal moment for thousands of B.Tech aspirants. With the Phase 1 deadline of March 15, 2026, serving as the immediate focus, candidates must act quickly to register on manipal.edu. The multi-phase exam structure, combined with the unique no negative marking for NAT questions and the two-attempt option, provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to maximize their potential score and secure a coveted seat at MAHE. A timely application and a strategic preparation plan focused on the 60-question, 240-mark paper are the essential ingredients for success.

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