The online application process window for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026

The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 application process for B.Tech. admissions across Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campuses is officially underway! Aspirants can register and fill out the online form on the official website, manipal.edu. This key university-level entrance exam is conducted in two phases (April and May 2026), offering candidates a crucial second attempt to improve their score. The deadline to apply for Phase 1 is March 15, 2026. Ensure you meet the 10+2 eligibility criteria and start your application today to secure your seat in one of the country's top engineering programs.

The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026 is the mandatory online gateway for B.Tech. admissions into prestigious institutions under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), including the renowned Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT). The application process has been simplified for a seamless candidate experience, but strict adherence to the steps on the official portal, manipal.edu, is necessary to ensure successful registration before the cut-off dates.

• ​Phase 1: Registration and Profile Creation:
  • ​Visit the official MAHE website, manipal.edu, and click on the 'Apply Now' link.
  • ​Complete the initial registration by providing basic details: Full Name, Email Address, Mobile Number, State, City, and your desired Program & Campus.
  • ​A verification link will be sent to your registered email address; click it to verify your account and set a secure password.
• ​Phase 2: Filling the Application and Document Upload: 
  • ​Log back into the portal using your credentials to access the detailed MET 2026 Application Form.
  • ​Accurately enter your personal information (Date of Birth, Gender, Nationality, Parent/Guardian details) and Academic Qualification details (Class 10 and 12 scores).
  • ​Upload Scanned Documents—specifically your latest passport-size photograph and signature—adhering strictly to the prescribed size and format specifications.
• ​Phase 3: Course Selection and Fee Payment: 
  • ​Carefully select the B.Tech. program and campus of your choice (e.g., MIT Manipal, MIT Bengaluru).
  • ​Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the required application and entrance test fees online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking. Note that the fee structure includes a separate application fee and a mandatory exam fee.
• ​Phase 4: Slot Booking (Crucial):
  • ​Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, candidates must participate in the MET Slot Booking process. This usually opens a few weeks before the exam window (tentatively April 2026 for Phase 1).
  • ​Slot booking is a first-come, first-served process where you select your preferred Exam Date, Time Slot, and Test Centre from the available options. Early application and slot booking secure your optimal test schedule.

​Key Deadlines and The Advantage of a Two-Phase Exam 

​One of the most significant benefits of the MET is the dual-phase examination structure, allowing engineering aspirants to maximize their performance by attempting the test twice. Candidates can appear for both Phase 1 and Phase 2, and the better of the two scores will be considered for the final merit ranking and counselling process.

• ​Critical Dates for MET 2026 Phase 1:
  • ​Online Registration Started: September 30, 2025 (Ongoing).
  • ​Phase 1 Application Deadline:March 15, 2026 (Mark your calendars!).
  • ​Phase 1 Slot Booking: Tentatively Early April 2026.
  • ​Phase 1 Examination Dates: Tentatively Mid to Late April 2026.
• ​Tentative Schedule for MET 2026 Phase 2 (Second Attempt): 
  • ​Phase 2 Application Window: Tentatively March to Mid-April 2026 (Check official portal for precise dates).
  • ​Phase 2 Slot Booking: Tentatively Early May 2026.
  • ​Phase 2 Examination Dates: Tentatively Mid-May 2026.
• ​Counselling and Results: 
  • ​Result Declaration: Shortly after each phase (within a few days).
  • ​Merit List and Counselling: Tentatively June/July 2026.
  • ​The provision for a second attempt significantly reduces the pressure on students, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to learn from their first attempt and aim for a higher rank. It is strongly recommended that all aspirants register for both phases to keep their options open.

​ Eligibility, Exam Structure, and Preparation Focus 

​Understanding the eligibility criteria and the specific structure of the MET 2026 is vital for a targeted preparation strategy. The exam tests core knowledge from the Class 12 syllabus, specifically focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• ​B.Tech. Eligibility Criteria:
  • ​Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
  • ​Mandatory Subjects: Should have studied Physics, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects.
  • ​Optional Subject: Must include Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / 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: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • ​Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours).
  • ​Total Questions: 60 Questions.
  • ​Question Types: The paper includes a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
  • ​Marking Scheme: 
    • ​+4 Marks for every correct answer.
    • ​-1 Mark for every incorrect MCQ.
    • ​No Negative Marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, encouraging attempts on numerical problems.
  • ​Syllabus Focus: The syllabus is based on the general curriculum of Class 11 and Class 12, with sections on Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Aspirants must concentrate on high-weightage topics within these subjects as outlined in the official MET prospectus.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the MET 2026 application marks the start of a critical phase for aspiring engineers aiming for a B.Tech. degree from MAHE. With the application window currently open on manipal.edu and the crucial Phase 1 deadline of March 15, 2026, quickly approaching, candidates must act promptly. The unique provision of the two-phase examination in April and May 2026 provides a fantastic safety net and an opportunity to maximize your score, ultimately securing your preferred specialization and campus. Complete your registration now, book your slot early, and intensify your preparation to successfully navigate the MET and achieve your engineering aspirations.

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