TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test)

Content Writer Priya Singh
Updated On Date: Nov 29, 2025

TANCET 2026 (TAMIL NADU COMMON ENTRANCE TEST)

TANCET is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Anna University, Chennai, for admission into postgraduate programs such as MBA, MCA, M.E./M.Tech., M.Arch, and M.Plan offered by colleges and universities across Tamil Nadu. The exam serves as a mandatory gateway providing a merit-based platform to select deserving candidates for various management, computer applications, engineering, and architecture courses.

The TANCET 2026 exam is conducted offline using OMR sheets, where candidates have 2 hours to answer 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The question paper is in English and divided into sections specific to the course applied for.

For MBA aspirants, the paper contains five sections with equal weightage of 20 questions each, including Analysis of Business Situations, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Sufficiency, and General English Usage. These sections assess a candidate’s analytical skills, language proficiency, numerical aptitude, data interpretation, and reasoning abilities relevant to management studies.

MCA candidates face four sections focusing on Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Science, Logical Reasoning, and English language skills. The syllabus covers technical topics such as programming, data structures, database management, and networking to evaluate computer application aptitude alongside general skills.

For M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch/M.Plan courses, the exam emphasizes technical knowledge in the specific discipline along with sections on engineering mathematics and general aptitude.

The exam follows a negative marking scheme where each correct answer carries +1 mark while wrong answers attract a penalty of -0.25 marks, promoting accuracy alongside speed.

Eligibility criteria require candidates to hold relevant academic qualifications like a bachelor’s degree with minimum prescribed marks. Reservations and relaxations are as per government norms and the university’s guidelines.

Registration for TANCET 2026 takes place online, with candidates required to fill the application form, upload scanned documents, and pay the application fee within specified dates. Admit cards are issued online before the exam, and results are declared as scorecards with ranks and percentile scores to be used in the subsequent counseling process.

Counseling is mandatory, involving online registration, choice filling, document verification, seat allotment, and admission confirmation at allotted colleges. Cut-offs based on category and course guide the selection process.

TANCET 2026 ensures a comprehensive, fair, and transparent selection mechanism for Tamil Nadu’s postgraduate technical education by analyzing candidates’ diverse skills essential for academic and professional success. Aspirants must prepare strategically covering all sections to excel in this competitive exam.

This exam is a vital step for many aspiring professionals seeking quality education and career progression in Tamil Nadu’s leading institutions.

TANCET 2026 Exams Highlights

Name of Exam

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET)

Exam Level

State-level

Conducted by

Anna University, Chennai

Courses offered

MBA, MCA, M.E./M.Tech., M.Arch, M.Plan

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen and paper-based using OMR sheets)

Registration Mode

Online via official TANCET website

Exam Frequency

 Once a year

Exam Duration

2 hours

Exam Medium

English

Application fee

Approx. INR 1000 for General/OBC; lower for reserved categories

TANCET 2026 Exam Dates

The list of important dates (tentative dates are provided here)  for applicants participating in the TANCET 2026 can be seen below.

Events

Event Dates (Tentative)

Application form begins

January 1 2026

Last date to apply

February 15 2026

Application Final Status

February 25 2026

Admit Card Release

March 1 2026

Exam Date

March 15 2026

Answer key

March 20 2026

Result

April 10 2026

Counselling

April 20 2026

Candidates should regularly check the official TANCET website for final confirmation and updates to avoid missing important deadlines.

TANCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must review the eligibility requirements listed below before completing the TANCET 2026 application form.

For MBA

  • Qualifying Degree: Candidates should have Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any relevant field- 10+2+3/4/5 years pattern (OR) 10+3 years Diploma +3 years pattern (OR) B.E/ B.Tech/ B.Pharm/ B.Arch (OR) 10+2+AMIE (OR) 10+3 year diploma (awarded by the State Board of Technical Education) + AMIE
  • Qualifying Marks: For enrolment consideration, candidates must have obtained at least 50% marks for general category and 45% for reserved category in qualifying degree.
  • Appearing: Those candidates who will be appearing in their final semester of Bachelor’s degree in 2025 will be also eligible to apply.

For MCA:

  • Qualifying Degree: Candidates should have bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any relevant field- 10+2+3/4/5 years pattern (OR) 10+3 years Diploma +3 years pattern (OR) B.E/ B.Tech/ B.Pharm/ B.Arch (OR) 10+2+AMIE (OR) 10+3 year diploma (awarded by the State Board of Technical Education) + AMIE.
  • Qualifying Marks: To appear in the exam, candidates should have obtained at least 50% marks for general and 45% for reserved category.
  • Qualifying Subjects: Candidates should have Mathematics as a compulsory subject in their 10+2 level

For M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch/M.Plan

  • Candidates should possess the relevant bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Arch) in the required branch with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories). Degrees must be from AICTE-approved or UGC-recognized institutions.
Click Here For TANCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

TANCET 2026 Application Process

Steps to apply online TANCET Exam

  • It is required of candidates to go to the website - tancet.annauniv.edu.
  • Applicants must click the "Online Registration" link to register on the portal.
  • Select the "New User" menu item.
  • After entering information such as name, phone number, email address, etc., press the "Submit" button.
  • For verification, a one-time password will be given to the registered ID and SMS.
  • Click the "login" button after entering the user ID and password that were sent  via SMS and registered email address.
  • Visit the "Apply now" link.
  • Complete the form with the requested information, such as your name, address, and educational background.
  • Upload documents like scanned photograph, signature, 10th and 12th marksheet, etc. in the specified size and format.
  • Candidates with disabilities must upload their medical certificates, if any.
  • Click the "Pay Fee" button now.
  • Choose the payment gateways for the transaction (credit card, debit card, or UPI).
  • Pay the registration fee in the appropriate amount.
  • There will be a confirmation page created.
  • Finally, candidates need to make sure they print the confirmation page for future use.
Click Here For TANCET 2026 Application Form

TANCET 2026 Expected Cut-Off

The TANCET 2026 cut-off refers to the minimum marks or percentile a candidate must secure in the exam to qualify for admission to postgraduate programs such as MBA, MCA, M.E./M.Tech., M.Arch, and M.Plan in Tamil Nadu colleges affiliated with Anna University. The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Chennai releases the official category-wise and course-wise cut-off list shortly after the declaration of the TANCET results, typically in April 2026.

Click Here For TANCET 2026 Cut Off

TANCET 2026 Admit card

Only online access will be accessible for TANCET Hall Ticket 2026. It should be mentioned that candidates do not receive TANCET Hall Tickets via post. The following are the steps for downloading TANCET Hall Ticket 2026:

  • Visit tancet.annauniv.edu, the TANCET official website.
  • Click on the "TANCET 2026 Admit Card" link.
  • Login by using TANCET 2026 User ID and Password.
  • The screen will show the TANCET 2026 Hall Ticket.
  • Download and print the admission ticket for further use.

TANCET 2026 Syllabus

TANCET 2026 Syllabus has been released by the Anna University on the website. Candidates can check it by online mode.

For MBA-

  • Business Analysis- There is no predefined syllabus. You will be given business situations in paragraph form, with a few questions
  • Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability- Reading Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Corrections, Idioms, Cloze Test, One Word Substitution.
  • Quantitative Aptitude- Number System, HCF LCM, Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Time Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures & Allegations, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Logarithms, Series and Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds & Indices, Functions, Inequalities, Modulus, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory
  • Data Sufficiency- Number Systems, Arithmetic Topics, and Algebra. Questions on topics of Data Interpretation like Pie Chart, Line Graph, Bar Graph, and Tables.

For MCA-

  • Quantitative Aptitude- Number System, HCF LCM, Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Time Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures & Allegations, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Logarithms, Series and Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds & Indices, Functions, Inequalities, Modulus, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory
  • Analytical and Logical Reasoning- Linear and Circular Arrangements, Selections, Coding & Decoding, Direction Sense, Blood Relations, Series, Analogies, Decision Making, Binary Logic, Syllogisms, and Puzzles.
  • Computer Awareness- Computer Hardware, Controls, Basic Terminology, Internet & Protocols, Network Basics, Computer Abbreviations, Security Tools, Shortcuts, History of Computer, Memory, Computer Organization, Input-Output tools, Computer Architecture, Languages, and Algorithms.
Click Here For TANCET 2026 Syllabus

TANCET  2026 Exam Pattern

  • Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper-based OMR)
  • Exam Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
  • Total Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions
  • Maximum Marks: 100
  • Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer, -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
  • Language Medium: English
Click Here For TANCET 2026 Exam Pattern

TANCET  2026 Result

The TANCET 2026 results will be announced by Anna University approximately 20 to 30 days after the exam date, which is tentatively scheduled for March 2026. Candidates can check their results online by logging into the official TANCET website using their registered email ID and password. The results will be released in the form of a scorecard displaying the marks obtained and percentile scores.

Click Here For TANCET 2026 Result

TANCET 2026 Counseling

TANCET counseling is the crucial process post result declaration, conducted by Anna University or designated authorities, for seat allotment in various postgraduate programs based on merit and reservation norms. Counseling allows candidates to select their preferred colleges and courses, complete document verification, and confirm admission seats.

Click Here For TANCET 2026 Counselling

TANCET 2026 Cut Off

The TANCET 2026 cut-off refers to the minimum marks or percentile a candidate must secure in the exam to qualify for admission to postgraduate programs such as MBA, MCA, M.E./M.Tech., M.Arch, and M.Plan in Tamil Nadu colleges affiliated with Anna University. The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Chennai releases the official category-wise and course-wise cut-off list shortly after the declaration of the TANCET results, typically in April 2026.

Click Here For TANCET 2026 Cut Off

TANCET 2026 Preparation Tips

Key tips for TANCET Preparation-

  • Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern.
  • Create a daily study plan allocating time to all sections.
  • Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
  • Strengthen basics in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and English.
  • Use shortcut methods and formulas for faster calculations.
  • Focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary improvement.
  • Revise key topics and formulas regularly, especially close to the exam.
  • Manage exam time efficiently; avoid spending too long on tough questions.
  • Stay calm, confident, and avoid last-minute new topics.
Click Here For TANCET 2026 Preparation Tips

TANCET 2026 General Instructions

TANCET 2026 General Instructions key Points:

  • Arrive at the exam center at least one hour before the exam start time.
  • Carry a printed copy of the TANCET 2026 admit card and a valid photo ID proof (e.g., Aadhar card, voter ID, PAN card).
  • Only a black or blue ballpoint pen is allowed for filling the OMR sheet.
  • Electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, wristwatches, or Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
  • Follow all instructions given by the invigilators carefully.
  • Wear light, comfortable clothing without metallic accessories; caps, hoodies, and jackets with large pockets are not allowed.
  • Do not bring any additional papers, books, or notes; rough sheets will be provided by the exam center if needed.
  • Do not communicate or indulge in any unfair practices with other candidates.
  • Manage your time wisely; avoid spending too long on any single question.
  • Do not leave the exam hall before the completion of the exam duration.
  • Fill the OMR sheet carefully as improper marking may lead to evaluation errors.
  • Stay calm and focused; read the question paper instructions carefully before starting.

These instructions help ensure a smooth, secure, and fair examination environment for all candidates appearing for TANCET 2026.

TANCET 2026 Exam FAQs

Q1. What is TANCET?

Ans. Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by Anna University for admission to postgraduate programs like MBA, MCA, M.E./M.Tech., M.Arch, and M.Plan.

Q2. When will TANCET 2026 be conducted?

Ans. The exam is tentatively scheduled for March 15, 2026.

Q3. How can I apply for TANCET 2026?

Ans. Applications are submitted online through the official TANCET website during the designated registration period.

Q4. What is the exam mode?

Ans. TANCET is conducted offline as a pen-and-paper based test.

Q5. What is the exam duration?

Ans. The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes).