VITEEE 2026 registration is open at viteee.vit.ac.in — application window closes 31 Mar 2026
VITEEE 2026 applications are officially open at viteee.vit.ac.in, running until March 31, 2026. The exam is scheduled from April 28 to May 3, 2026. The biggest update is the revised exam pattern which introduces negative marking (-1 mark) for incorrect answers for the first time, aligning it with top national exams like JEE Main. The application fee remains ₹1,350. Aspirants must prioritize accuracy in their preparation and adhere strictly to the photo/signature upload guidelines to avoid application rejection.
The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), a premier institution known for its high-quality engineering programs, has commenced the application process for the VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) 2026. The registration is live on the official website, viteee.vit.ac.in, and the window is open until March 31, 2026. This exam is the mandatory gateway for admission into the B.Tech programs offered across VIT’s campuses (Vellore, Chennai, Amravati, and Bhopal).
The examination is scheduled to be held in multiple sessions as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) from April 28 to May 3, 2026. However, the most significant news for the 2026 batch of aspirants is the confirmation of a major overhaul in the exam pattern and marking scheme. For the first time, VITEEE will introduce negative marking, fundamentally changing the test-taking strategy and demanding a greater emphasis on accuracy over sheer number of attempts. The application fee for Indian candidates remains consistent at ₹1,350 (inclusive of GST), payable online.
Major Exam Pattern Overhaul: The Negative Marking Game Changer
The introduction of negative marking is the biggest change in the VITEEE history, marking a strategic move by VIT to identify and rank students based on higher conceptual clarity and precision, aligning the exam with the rigor of other highly competitive national tests.
- Revised Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +4 Marks (Increased from +1)
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (New negative marking provision)
- Unanswered/Marked for Review: 0 Marks
- Impact on Strategy: This new +4 / -1 scheme penalizes random guessing severely. An incorrect answer results in a net loss of 5 marks (1 mark deducted plus 4 potential marks lost). Aspirants must now prioritize accuracy and attempt only those questions they are confident about.
- Exam Structure Remains: The total number of questions and duration are unchanged:
- Total Questions: 125 MCQs
- Total Marks: 500 Marks
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes)
- Sectional Breakdown: The paper retains its five sections: Mathematics/Biology (40 questions), Physics (35 questions), Chemistry (35 questions), Aptitude (10 questions), and English (5 questions).
This pattern change necessitates a complete shift in preparation: mock tests must now be taken with strict adherence to the new negative marking rule to build appropriate risk-taking behavior.
Application Essentials: Fees and Strict Document Guidelines
The application process is entirely online, and applicants must pay meticulous attention to both the fee payment and the strict technical specifications for document uploads.
- Registration Timeline:
- Registration Start: October 24, 2025 (Ongoing)
- Registration Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Exam Dates: April 28 – May 3, 2026 (CBT)
- Application Fee Details:
- The registration fee for all Indian candidates is ₹1,350 (non-refundable).
- The fee can be paid online using Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. There is no category-based fee exemption.
- Mandatory Document Upload Specifications: The university is strict about photo and signature requirements, and failure to comply can lead to application rejection:
- Photograph:
- Format: JPG/JPEG.
- Size: 10 KB to 200 KB.
- Dimensions: 3.5 \text{ cm} \times 4.5 \text{ cm}.
- Requirement: Recent passport-size photo with a light-colored background (preferably white) and full face clearly visible.
- Signature:
- Format: JPG/JPEG.
- Size: 10 KB to 200 KB (Note: Some official guidelines specify 4 KB to 30 KB for similar exams; check the VIT brochure for absolute confirmation, but 10-200 KB is the reported maximum).
- Dimensions: 3.5 \text{ cm} \times 1.5 \text{ cm}.
- Requirement: Signature must be on plain white paper using black or blue ink.
- Photograph:
Preparation Strategy for the Next Four Months
With the exam roughly four months away and the critical negative marking feature introduced, preparation needs to be sharp, focused, and iterative.
- Targeted Revision and High-Weightage Topics: The syllabus is generally aligned with the CBSE/State Board 11th and 12th standards. Prioritize high-scoring chapters like Modern Physics (in Physics), Coordination Compounds and Equilibrium (in Chemistry), and Calculus and Vectors (in Mathematics).
- Mastering the Aptitude and English Sections: These two sections, though carrying a lower weightage (15 questions total), are often the rank deciders. They are usually easier and have a high risk-reward ratio. Dedicate time daily to practice Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning.
- Simulated Mock Tests (The New Rule): The final three months should be dominated by full-length mock tests taken under strict, timed conditions, meticulously applying the -1 negative marking. This practice will train the brain to avoid unwarranted guesses and improve decision-making.
- Conceptual Clarity is King: Due to the penalty for wrong answers, rote learning will not suffice. Deep conceptual understanding, especially in problem-solving subjects like Physics and Mathematics, is mandatory for sustained accuracy.
Conclusion: Act Fast, Prepare Smart
The VITEEE 2026 registration is a crucial first step, open until March 31, 2026. However, the true challenge lies in adapting to the new exam pattern with negative marking. Aspirants must complete their application now to avoid the last-minute rush, pay the ₹1,350 fee, and ensure their documents adhere to the strict upload guidelines.With the exam scheduled from April 28 to May 3, the time for superficial preparation is over. Success in VITEEE 2026 will belong to those who can balance speed with unparalleled accuracy. Visit viteee.vit.ac.in and begin your strategic preparation immediately.
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