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.
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
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.
The candidate must review the eligibility requirements listed below before completing the TANCET 2026 application form.
For MBA
For MCA:
For M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch/M.Plan:
Steps to apply online TANCET Exam
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.
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:
TANCET 2026 Syllabus has been released by the Anna University on the website. Candidates can check it by online mode.
For MBA-
For MCA-
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.
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.
Key tips for TANCET Preparation-
TANCET 2026 General Instructions key Points:
These instructions help ensure a smooth, secure, and fair examination environment for all candidates appearing for TANCET 2026.
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).
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