Introduction
Every year, Lakhs of aspiring engineers gear up to secure admission in India’s top engineering colleges. With multiple entrance exams conducted nationally, state-wise, and by private universities, staying updated on exam dates and application windows is crucial. Missing an important deadline can delay your dream by an entire year. This comprehensive guide covers all major engineering entrance exams in 2026, their important dates, and essential tips to stay ahead.
Why It’s Vital to Track Exam Dates
What happens if an applicant misses the application deadline by just a day? Unfortunately, many promising students lose their chance due to last-minute delays or lack of information. According to recent data, over 20% of applicants face registration issues due to tight deadlines or last-minute rush. Staying informed about every exam’s timeline ensures you have ample time to prepare and complete your application confidently.
Complete List of Major Engineering Entrance Exams 2026
National-Level Exams
| Exam | Conducting Body | Application Window | Exam Dates | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 | National Testing Agency | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | Feb, March, April 2026 | nta.ac.in |
| JEE Advanced 2026 | IITs | May 2026 | June 2026 | jeeadv.ac.in |
| GATE 2026 | IIT Bombay | Sept – Oct 2025 | Feb 2026 | gate.iitb.ac.in |
Top Private University Exams
| Exam | University | Application Window | Exam Dates | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VITEEE | VIT University | Jan – Mar 2026 | April 2026 | viteee.vit.ac.in |
| BITSAT | BITS Pilani | Feb – May 2026 | May 2026 | bitsadmission.com |
| SRMJEEE | SRM Institute | Feb – Apr 2026 | May 2026 | srmuniv.ac.in |
| MET | Manipal Academy | Feb – Apr 2026 | May 2026 | manipal.edu |
| AEEE | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Jan – Mar 2026 | April 2026 | amrita.edu |
State-Level & Regional Exams
| Exam | State/Region | Application Window | Exam Dates | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHT CET | Maharashtra | Feb – Mar 2026 | May 2026 | mhtcet2026.in |
| WBJEE | West Bengal | Jan – Feb 2026 | April 2026 | wbjeeb.nic.in |
| KCET | Karnataka | Feb – Mar 2026 | April 2026 | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| GUJCET | Gujarat | Feb – Mar 2026 | April 2026 | gujcet.gseb.org |
| AP EAMCET | Andhra Pradesh | Mar – Apr 2026 | May 2026 | apeamcet.nic.in |
| TS EAMCET | Telangana | Mar – Apr 2026 | May 2026 | tseamcet.nic.in |
| KEAM | Kerala | Feb – Mar 2026 | April 2026 | cee.kerala.gov.in |
| COMEDK UGET | Karnataka | Feb – Mar 2026 | May 2026 | comedk.org |
Upcoming Deadlines & Schedule at a Glance
Stay ahead by marking these crucial dates on your calendar:
| Month | Key Deadlines/Events |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | JEE Main Application Opens |
| January 2026 | JEE Main Exams Begin; VITEEE Application Open |
| February 2026 | MHT CET, KCET, and other state applications open |
| March 2026 | JEE Main and State Exams Start |
| April 2026 | VITEEE, SRMJEEE, GUJCET Exam Month |
| May 2026 | JEE Advanced, BITSAT, AP & TS EAMCET Exams |
Tip: Regularly follow official websites or subscribe to alerts to avoid missing updates.
Application Tips for BTech Aspirants
- Register as soon as the application window opens to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Keep all required documents — such as passport-sized photos, scanned signature, and Class 12th mark sheets — ready in digital format.
- Bookmark official exam websites and refer to official notifications only. Beware of fraudulent third-party sites.
- If applying to multiple exams, create a schedule to manage deadlines carefully without overlap.
- Practice mock tests early to familiarize with exam patterns and digital interfaces.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
- Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
- Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
Have any doubts?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most important engineering entrance exam for 2026?
JEE Main 2026 is the most widely accepted national-level exam for BTech admissions across India. - When does the JEE Main 2026 application process start?
It usually starts in December 2025 and continues till January 2026. - Can I appear for both national and state-level exams?
Yes, students often appear for multiple exams to expand admission opportunities. - Are private university entrance exams easier than JEE Main?
Private university exams like VITEEE or BITSAT have their patterns and can be relatively easier or tougher depending on the syllabus. - What documents are needed for engineering exam applications?
Typically, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, photo ID, passport-sized photos, and signature scans are required. - Can state exams be used for admission in other states?
Mostly, state exams are valid only within that state, but some universities accept them statewide or nationally.
Conclusion
Being well-informed about all engineering entrance exams and their deadlines is vital for a smooth admission journey in 2026. Armed with this comprehensive list and schedule, aspirants can plan their preparation and applications with confidence. Set calendar reminders, keep your documents ready, and take the first step towards your engineering dream today!
For tailored guidance and updates on engineering entrance exams, connect with Career Plan B for personalized counseling and study roadmaps.