Top private universities in India have opened their undergraduate engineering admission portals for the 2026 academic session. Prestigious institutions like VIT, SRM, and Manipal are currently accepting applications for their respective entrance exams, including VITEEE, SRMJEEE, and MET. Students must monitor specific university deadlines and eligibility criteria to secure a seat in their desired technical stream. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ongoing registration windows and mandatory document requirements for early applicants.

As the 2026 academic cycle gains momentum, several elite private institutions have activated their portal for national-level entrance examinations. These tests serve as the primary gateway for students aiming to secure a seat in high-demand disciplines like Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. For instance, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology has opened its Phase 1 registration until April 16, while Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has set a March 15 deadline for its first phase. Candidates are encouraged to register on each university's official portal early to choose their preferred examination slots and cities.

• SRMJEEE 2026: Phase 1 applications are open until April 16 via the SRM Admission Portal.
• MET 2026: Manipal Entrance Test Phase 1 registration concludes on March 15, 2026.
• AEEE 2026: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is conducting its first phase of exams in late January and early February.
• VITEEE 2026: Applications for the Vellore Institute of Technology entrance exam remain active until March 31.

Application Fee and Document Requirements

Completing a successful enrollment requires careful attention to both financial and digital documentation. Most private universities charge a non-refundable application fee ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500, which must be paid via online modes such as UPI or Credit Cards. Additionally, a smooth enrollment is only possible if candidates have scanned copies of their Class 10 marksheets, Aadhaar cards, and recent photographs ready for upload. It is essential to verify that the file sizes comply with each university's specific requirements to avoid technical rejections during the final submission.

• Photo Specifications: Most forms require a 3.5cm x 4.5cm color photograph with a white background.
• Identity Proof: A valid Aadhaar Number is mandatory for enrollment at almost all top-tier private institutions.
• Academic Record: Candidates appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 can apply under the 'Appearing' status.

Counseling and Admission Based on JEE Main Scores

While many universities conduct their own tests, a significant number of private institutions also offer an enrollment route through JEE Main 2026 scores. Universities like Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology and SASTRA University reserve a percentage of their seats for candidates who perform well in the national-level test. This provides a safety net for students who may not wish to appear for multiple individual entrance exams. However, the registration portal for these universities often has separate deadlines that align with the declaration of the JEE Main results in February and April.

• Dual Application: Many students apply through both the university-specific exam and the JEE Main quota to increase their chances.
• Merit Scholarships: High scorers in either exam are often eligible for significant tuition fee waivers.
• Direct Admission: Some branches in newer campuses may offer direct admission based on Class 12 aggregate marks.
• Update Scores: Always check the portal to see if you need to manually update your percentile after the JEE results are announced.

Conclusion

The 2026 undergraduate engineering enrollment season is currently in its most active phase across India’s private education sector. With multiple deadlines falling between February and April, students must remain organized and track each university's official portal for updates on slot booking and admit cards. Securing an early application not only ensures a preferred test date but also provides ample time to prepare for the specific patterns of exams like VITEEE and SRMJEEE. By staying proactive, aspirants can navigate the competitive landscape of private university admissions with confidence and clarity.