Several premier private institutions across India have kept their undergraduate engineering application windows open to accommodate the 2026 intake. As of February 1, 2026, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) is accepting applications for the SRMJEEE Phase 1, with a final deadline set for April 16, 2026. Similarly, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) continues its enrollment process for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET), allowing students to register for the first phase until March 15, 2026.

• SRMIST: Applications for Phase 1 are open until mid-April; exams are scheduled for late April.
• Manipal (MET): The Phase 1 registration deadline is March 15, with the examination expected in April.
• LPU NEST: Lovely Professional University is currently in the midst of its primary admission schedule for 2026.
• Hindustan Institute (HITSEEE): The portal for the 2026-27 session is active for various B.Tech specializations.

Entrance Examination Cycles and Phase Details

The 2026 admission season is characterized by a multi-phase examination structure designed to give students multiple opportunities to qualify. For instance, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is concluding its AEEE Phase 1 today, February 1, but will soon reopen registration for Phase 2. This staggered approach helps students balance their preparation with various national-level entrance tests and board exams.

In addition to university-specific tests, most of these private entities are also offering a percentage of seats based on JEE Main 2026 scores. Students are encouraged to check the specific eligibility criteria on each university portal, as minimum aggregate requirements typically range from 50% to 60% in PCM subjects.

Conclusion

The current month marks a critical period for engineering aspirants as they navigate the overlapping deadlines of various private universities. With Phase 1 tests for some institutes already concluding, the focus for many students will shift toward the upcoming March and April registration cutoffs. The flexibility of multiple examination windows ensures that applicants can refine their scores throughout the spring. Prospective candidates should remain diligent in monitoring the official admission dashboards of their preferred institutions to ensure all documentation and fee payments are finalized before the respective deadlines.