MET 2026 – Manipal Entrance Test Guide
About MET 2026
MET (Manipal Entrance Test) is the entrance examination conducted by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for admission to its prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, pharmacy, management, and other fields. It is one of the most popular private university entrance exams in India.
MET 2026 will be conducted in multiple phases, giving students flexibility to choose their preferred slot. The exam is fully online and is known for its smooth, student-friendly interface and modern testing system.
Through MET, students can get admission to top institutes like Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and other MAHE-affiliated institutions. The test is known for its high academic standards and innovative curriculum.
Unlike many national entrance exams, MET allows students to book their own slots and choose their preferred dates, ensuring convenience during the exam season.
MAHE is ranked among the top private universities in India and has strong global collaborations, making it a preferred destination for students seeking quality education with international exposure.
The exam assesses conceptual clarity, logical thinking, and analytical abilities. The question paper is designed to evaluate depth of understanding rather than rote memorization.
This guide provides you with everything you need to know about MET 2026 — from application and slot booking to result, cutoff, and counselling.
Admit Card
The MET 2026 admit card is a crucial document that candidates must carry to the examination center. It contains essential information such as the candidate’s name, application number, exam date, time, venue, and important instructions.
Once the slot booking is completed, candidates can download their admit card from the official MAHE portal using their application number and password. It is advisable to print multiple copies to avoid last-minute issues.
Candidates must verify all details mentioned on the admit card carefully. In case of any discrepancies, they should immediately contact the exam authorities for correction.
Along with the admit card, candidates need to carry a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, or driving license to the test center for verification.
Admit cards are mandatory for entry into the examination hall. No candidate will be allowed to appear for the test without a valid admit card and ID proof.
It’s recommended to keep a soft copy stored securely in email or cloud storage for emergency access.
Reading the instructions on the admit card carefully ensures a smooth and stress-free exam experience.
Slot Booking
One of the unique features of MET is its slot booking process. Candidates can choose their preferred date and time for the exam through the Online Test Booking System (OTBS). This flexibility is highly appreciated by students preparing for multiple entrance exams simultaneously.
Slot booking usually opens a few weeks before the exam. Students are advised to log in as soon as the window opens to get their preferred slot, as availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To book a slot, candidates must log in to the official website with their application number and password, select a test center, date, and time, and confirm their choice.
Once booked, slot changes are usually not allowed, so candidates must make their selection carefully. It’s best to pick a date when they feel most prepared.
After successful slot booking, the admit card is generated immediately and can be downloaded from the same portal.
Having control over the slot provides a strategic advantage and helps in better time management during the exam season.
Early slot booking ensures fewer technical issues and more options to choose from.
Result
The MET 2026 results will be announced online on the official website. Candidates can log in using their credentials to download their scorecard, which contains section-wise and overall scores.
Results are usually declared within a few days after the exam. MAHE follows a transparent evaluation system, ensuring accuracy and fairness.
The scorecard also indicates the candidate’s rank, which is used for the counselling and seat allocation process. A higher score increases the chances of securing admission to preferred programs and campuses.
Students are advised to download and print the scorecard immediately after the result declaration. It will be required during the counselling and document verification stages.
MET results are valid only for the current academic session. There is no normalization with other exams as MET has its own merit list.
In case of any discrepancy in the scorecard, candidates should contact the MET helpdesk promptly.
Keeping track of result announcements through official notifications ensures no important updates are missed.
Counselling
MET counselling is conducted by MAHE to allocate seats based on candidates’ ranks and preferences. It is a centralized process and involves several rounds, including online choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification.
Qualified candidates need to register for counselling by paying a fee and filling out their preferred courses and campuses. Choices should be made carefully after reviewing course details and cutoff trends.
Seat allotment is done based on rank, seat availability, and candidate preference. Once allotted, candidates can either accept the seat or participate in further rounds for upgradation.
Document verification is mandatory for final admission. Candidates must bring their original documents and scorecards to the designated center.
MAHE ensures a transparent and merit-based counselling process. Regular updates are published on the official portal to keep students informed.
Students should keep their documents and fee ready to complete the process smoothly.
Participating actively in all counselling rounds maximizes admission chances.
College Predictor
College predictor tools help candidates estimate which Manipal campuses and courses they might get based on their MET rank. These tools use previous years’ cutoff trends and seat matrix data to give realistic predictions.
By entering their expected score or rank, candidates can get an idea of the programs they are likely to get, helping them plan their counselling strategy more effectively.
This is particularly useful for deciding which courses to prioritize during choice filling, reducing confusion during the counselling process.
It also helps students identify backup options in case their top preferences are not allotted.
While predictor tools are not official, they provide valuable insights that can guide smart decision-making.
Students should still cross-check with official seat allotment trends for better accuracy.
Using these predictors early gives candidates time to prepare mentally and financially for possible admissions.
Syllabus
The MET syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s grasp of fundamental concepts taught in Classes 11 and 12. It includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for engineering aspirants, aligned with the NCERT curriculum.
Physics topics include mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Chemistry covers physical, organic, and inorganic sections. Mathematics focuses on algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry.
Understanding the syllabus thoroughly is crucial for strategic preparation. Students should prioritize topics based on weightage and difficulty level.
MAHE provides a detailed official syllabus on its website. Students should refer only to authentic sources to avoid misinformation.
Regular revision and concept-based study help in scoring well in MET, as the exam focuses more on application than memorization.
Practicing mock tests and previous years’ papers gives a realistic understanding of question patterns.
Covering the entire syllabus systematically improves speed and accuracy in the final exam.
Application Form
The MET 2026 application process is conducted online through the official MAHE portal. Candidates need to register by providing their basic details, academic qualifications, and contact information.
After registration, candidates must fill out the application form carefully, upload scanned documents, and pay the application fee. Incomplete or incorrect forms can lead to disqualification.
It’s recommended to keep all documents like mark sheets, ID proof, and photographs ready before starting the application.
The application window usually opens in October or November and remains active for a few months.
Once submitted, candidates receive a confirmation email with their application number, which is used for all future login activities including slot booking and admit card download.
Reviewing the application carefully before final submission minimizes errors.
Timely completion of the application ensures smooth progression to the next stages of the admission process.
Answer Key
The MET 2026 answer key is released shortly after the exam, allowing candidates to cross-check their answers and calculate their probable scores. This transparency helps students assess their performance before the official result.
The answer key can be accessed by logging into the official website with the application number and password. It includes correct answers to all questions from the test.
Students can raise objections if they find any discrepancies, within a stipulated time. MAHE reviews these challenges before finalizing the scores.
Using the answer key effectively can give students a clear idea of their chances during counselling.
Many students use the answer key to plan their next steps, such as applying for scholarships or preparing documents for counselling.
It also builds trust and credibility in the examination process.
Always rely on the official MAHE website for the authentic answer key.
Cutoff
The MET cutoff is the minimum score or rank required for admission into various programs offered by MAHE. It varies by course, campus, and category of the candidate.
Popular branches like Computer Science and Electronics at Manipal Institute of Technology usually have higher cutoffs due to high demand.
Cutoffs are released after each counselling round. Analyzing previous years’ cutoffs helps students set realistic goals during preparation and counselling.
Factors affecting cutoff include exam difficulty, number of applicants, seat availability, and overall performance trends.
Knowing the cutoff trends can help students decide their target scores during preparation.
Students with scores slightly below the cutoff for a specific campus can still explore other MAHE campuses or branches.
Timely monitoring of cutoff updates helps in making smart admission decisions.
Preparation Tips
Effective preparation for MET involves a clear understanding of the syllabus, regular practice, and strong time management skills. Unlike some entrance exams, MET focuses on conceptual clarity rather than lengthy problem-solving.
Students should create a structured study plan that balances theory, problem-solving, and mock test practice. Consistent daily study is more effective than irregular long hours.
Practicing mock tests regularly helps improve speed and accuracy. Analyzing mistakes after every test is key to improvement.
Focusing on high-weightage topics first gives an early advantage. Revising important formulas, concepts, and shortcuts boosts confidence.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep and minimal distractions improves focus and retention.
Group studies or discussions can help clarify doubts and build exam temperament.
Smart preparation strategies can significantly improve performance and increase the chances of securing a top rank.
Important Dates
Keeping track of important dates is crucial for a smooth MET admission journey. Missing a deadline can lead to loss of opportunity.
- Application Form Release: October 2025
- Last Date to Apply: March 2026
- Slot Booking: April 2026
- Admit Card Download: April 2026
- Exam Dates: May 2026
- Result Declaration: May–June 2026
- Counselling Rounds: June–August 2026
Students should mark these dates on their calendar and set reminders to stay updated.
All official notifications are released on the MAHE website. It’s best to check it regularly to avoid misinformation.
Adhering to deadlines ensures a stress-free application and admission process.
Applying early also helps in getting preferred slots during slot booking.
FAQs
Q1: How many times can I attempt MET?
A: You can attempt MET multiple times as per the attempt policy set by MAHE. Best of the scores will be considered.
Q2: Is MET easier than JEE Main?
A: MET is generally considered moderate in difficulty, focusing more on conceptual clarity rather than lengthy problems.
Q3: Can I book my own exam date?
A: Yes, MET allows students to choose their preferred slot through the OTBS system.
Q4: Is MET only for engineering?
A: No, MET is conducted for multiple programs including engineering, pharmacy, and management.
Q5: What is the mode of MET 2026?
A: The exam will be conducted online at designated test centers.
Q6: Can I edit my application form after submission?
A: MAHE usually provides an edit window for minor corrections.
Q7: How is seat allotment done?
A: Allotment is based on rank, preference, and seat availability through centralized counselling.
