Anna University is expected to begin TANCET Exam 2026 registration for MBA/MCA admissions in Tamil Nadu around January 2026, following last year’s trend. The entrance test remains a key pathway for postgraduate courses across the state. As per recent academic updates, TANCET Exam 2026 for MBA and MCA is likely to be held in March 2026, while CEETA PG for M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan may take place a day after TANCET, similar to previous sessions.
The online registration window is expected to run for about four weeks through the official website — tancet.annauniv.edu. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree to be eligible, while percentage criteria differ by category and program.
What is TANCET Exam?
ANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Anna University for admissions into PG programs including MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Tech., M.Arch., and M.Plan. Over 200+ colleges in Tamil Nadu accept TANCET scores, making it one of the most popular management and technical entrances in South India.
Every year more than 40,000+ students appear, competing for an estimated 18,000 MBA seats and 17,000 MCA seats, along with thousands of engineering postgraduate seats through CEETA PG.
| Exam name | TANCET Entrance Exam 2026 |
| TANCET exam full form | Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body | Anna University |
| Level of TANCET exam | State-level |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode | Offline |
| Exam duration | 2 hours |
| Exam sections (MBA) | Business Analysis, Quantitative Aptitude, Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability, Data Sufficiency and General English |
| Number and type of questions | 100 questions in MCQ format |
| Medium of exam | English |
| TANCET exam fees | – INR 1,000 for unreserved categories- INR 500 for reserved categories (belonging to Tamil Nadu) |
| What is the use of TANCET Exam? | Admission into SRMIST, HICAS, PSG Institute and- 200+ MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu- 250+ MCA colleges in Tamil Nadu- 340+ MTech colleges in Tamil Nadu |
| Course offered under TANCET Exam | MBA, MCA, M.Tech, ME, M.Arch, and M.Plan are to be conducted based on CEETA PG |
| TANCET exam 2026 dates | March 2026 (for MBA and MCA) |
| Number of test cities | 14 |
| Seats available | MBA: Approx. 18,000MCA: Approx. 17,000Engineering: Approx. 20,000 |
| Exam helpdesk number | 044-22358574/75/76 |
| Exam website | http://tancet.annauniv.edu/tancet/ |
TANCET is an offline examination that involves the completion of 100 objective-type questions within a two-hour timeframe. This challenging assessment serves as a benchmark for candidates aspiring to pursue advanced studies in their chosen fields. Notably, the examination is a significant fixture in the academic calendar, attracting a substantial number of aspirants seeking academic excellence.
After the TANCET examination, the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Chennai, takes on the responsibility of overseeing the counselling process for MBA admissions. This crucial phase is dedicated to evaluating and admitting qualified candidates into the esteemed institutions in Tamil Nadu.
The counselling process, under the administration of DTE, plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic journey of successful TANCET candidates, ensuring a seamless transition from examination halls to the classrooms of their chosen institutes.
TANCET Exam 2026 Schedule
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
| January 2026 | TANCET Registration Dates |
| March 2026 | TANCET Exam Date 2026 (MBA/MCA) |
| March 2026 | CEETA Exam Date 2026 |
| March 2026 | Publication of TANCET Final Answer Key |
| —– | TANCET Answer Key Objection Window |
| April 2026 | TANCET Result Declaration Date |
| Late February 2026 | TANCET Admit Card Download |
| April 2026 | Download TANCET Scorecard |
| May–June 2026 | TANCET Counselling 2026 |
TANCET Exam: Application Form
Anna University facilitates the online submission of TANCET application forms. Prospective candidates are required to complete the application process within the specified timeframe.
How to Apply for Anna University TANCET Exam?
Here are the concise steps to successfully fill out the TANCET Exam 2026 application form:
- Step 1: Begin by registering on the official portal.
- Step 2: Log in to your registered account.
- Step 3: Proceed to make the necessary payment for the application fee.
- Step 4: Provide accurate personal details as part of the application.
- Step 5: Input your educational information with precision.
- Step 6: Select your preferred examination city.
- Step 7: Upload the required documents as specified in the guidelines.
Who is Eligible for the TANCET Exam ?
The eligibility criteria to appear for the TANCET Exam 2026 differ as per your choice of course. Here is the course-wise description of the eligibility criteria based on your course of interest:
Eligibility Criteria of TANCET Exam for MBA
To be eligible for the exam, candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree with an aggregate of 50% (45% for reserved categories). The following educational patterns are accepted for eligibility:
- Completion of the 10+2+3/4/5 year pattern.
- Completion of the 10+3 year diploma + 3 year pattern.
- Completion of the 10+2+B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch./B.Pharm.
- Completion of the 10+2+AMIE.
- Completion of the 10+3 years diploma awarded by the State Board of Technical Education + AMIE.
Eligibility Criteria of TANCET Exam for MCA
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum duration of three years in BCA or B.Sc. (IT/CSE/equivalent). Alternatively, individuals holding a three-year bachelor’s degree outside the mentioned categories but have studied mathematics at either the 10+2 or graduation level are also considered eligible.
A minimum aggregate of 50% in the qualifying examination is required (45% for candidates in reserved categories). Eligibility extends to those who have completed their education in any of the following patterns:
- 10+2+3/4/5 years pattern
- 10+3 years diploma + 3 years pattern
- 10+2+AMIE
- 10+3 years diploma (awarded by the State Board of Technical Education) + AMIE
Eligibility Criteria of TANCET Exam for M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Arch./M.Plan.
Applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, with a minimum of 50% (45% for candidates in reserved categories). Eligibility is restricted to individuals who have completed their bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch. Degree Programs
- B.Pharm.
- 10 + 2 + AMIE
- 10 + 3-year diploma (issued by the State Board of Technical Education) + AMIE
Additionally, candidates with a Master’s degree in the relevant branch of science or the arts are also considered eligible.
How to Apply for TANCET Exam 2026?
The TANCET application process includes different stages:
- Firstly, applicants fill out the application form, providing the requisite information to initiate their candidacy.
- Following this crucial step, candidates proceed to download their hall tickets, which is essential for participation in the upcoming examination. The hall ticket serves as a personalised entry pass, containing pertinent details and ensuring a seamless and organised examination process.
- Subsequently, candidates actively participate in the nomination phase, when the examiner demonstrates their knowledge and skills. This segment represents a pivotal moment, as performance here significantly influences the overall evaluation of their candidacy. The examination serves as a comprehensive assessment, gauging the preparedness and aptitude of individuals aspiring to secure admission through TANCET.
- Following the examination, successful candidates can download their scorecard, which provides a comprehensive overview of their performance. The scorecard showcases the individual’s achievements in the TANCET examination and serves as a key reference during the counselling process.
The final stage of the TANCET admission process involves participating in the counselling process. This stage is pivotal for candidates as it provides them with the opportunity to select their preferred courses and institutions based on their scores and rankings. Active participation in the counselling process is essential for securing admission to the desired program.
The TANCET admission process encompasses a series of well-defined stages, starting from the application form fill-up to active participation in the counselling process, ultimately leading to the successful enrollment of candidates in their chosen courses and institutions.
Is TANCET Exam Easy?
The TANCET MBA question paper is designed with 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each carrying a maximum score of one mark for a correct answer. This exam pattern emphasises both accuracy and precision, encouraging candidates to weigh the potential risk of deduction against the reward of gaining a mark.
This structure aims to assess not only the candidates’ knowledge but also their strategic approach to answering questions, adding a nuanced dimension to the evaluation process.
TANCET Exam Pattern
| TANCET Test Structure Elements | Details |
| Duration of test | 2 hours |
| Examination mode | Offline |
| Number of sections | Five sections – Business Situations, Quantitative Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Sufficiency and English Usage |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Marks assigned to each section | 20 |
| Negative marks | -1/3 marks for each incorrect response |
| Exam medium | English and Tamil |
What is the Syllabus for TANCET Exam?
Candidates aspiring to appear for the TANCET Exam 2026 should align their preparation with the prescribed syllabus outlined by Anna University for the MBA program. The TANCET MBA syllabus for the upcoming examination is structured into five distinct sections. These sections cover a range of topics and domains essential for assessing the candidates’ aptitude and knowledge.
Aspirants are advised to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the intricacies of each section, ensuring comprehensive preparation to enhance their performance in the TANCET Exam.
| Section | Topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Time Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures & Allegations, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Logarithms, Series and Progressions |
| Data Interpretation | Questions from DI are based on Number Systems, Algebra, Arithmetic Topics, Pie Chart, Line Graph, Bar Graph, and Tables |
| Reading Comprehension | Questions based on Reading Comprehension, one-word substitution, Synonyms antonyms, Vocabulary |
| General English | Fill in the blanks, Grammar, Sentence Corrections, Idioms, Cloze Test, sentence arrangement, spotting errors |
| Business Situations Analysis | Syllogisms and Puzzles, Decision Making, Blood Relations, Binary Logic, Coding-Decoding, Linear and Circular Arrangements, Sequence & Series |
How to Prepare for TANCET Exam?
Every year, close to 40,000 candidates enrol for the TANCET exam to secure admission into colleges in Tamil Nadu. To ensure success, aspirants must adopt a robust preparation strategy.
Here are some proven tips from past toppers:
- Begin by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus to avoid unnecessary focus on extraneous topics.
- Once the syllabus and test structure are clear, craft a well-organised study plan and adhere to it diligently.
- Regularly review previously studied topics, whether it’s on a daily or weekly basis, to reinforce learning and prevent knowledge from fading away.
- Create concise notes while studying each subject to facilitate easy revision.
- Engage in solving sample papers, utilising previous years’ question papers, and taking mock tests. This strategy has consistently proven effective in achieving higher scores in the TANCET exam.
FAQs
Q1. How can you obtain the Admit Card for the TANCET Exam 2026?
Ans. Admit Cards for the TANCET Exam 2026 can be downloaded from the official website by entering your registration details once released.
Q2. Can candidates from other states apply for the TANCET Exam 2026?
Ans. Yes, candidates from all states are eligible to apply for the TANCET Exam 2026. However, certain seats may be reserved for Tamil Nadu domicile candidates, and candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria.
Q3. Is there a negative marking in the TANCET Exam 2026?
Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking scheme in the TANCET Exam. For every incorrect answer, a specified fraction of marks will be deducted. Candidates are advised to carefully read the exam instructions.
Q4. What are some alternatives to the TANCET exam?
Ans. Some of the best alternatives for pursuing an MBA are CAT, XAT and other MBA colleges without CAT. You can also go for other alternatives like Government exams (SBI PO, RRB Group D, IBPS SO, UPSC CSE) or pursue law from the Faculty of Law.
