CAET 2026: IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus & Admission Process
The CAET 2026 (Combined Admission Entrance Test) is the official entrance exam for admission into the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus. This exam offers a unique opportunity for UAE Nationals, UAE Residents, Indian expatriates, and International students to pursue a four-year B.Tech degree at one of the most prestigious global institutions.
If you are planning to appear for the IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam 2026, here is a complete guide on exam date, eligibility, syllabus, admission process, seat matrix, and more.
What is CAET 2026?
The CAET 2026 (Combined Admission Entrance Test) is an admission test conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi for its Abu Dhabi campus. This exam provides entry into the first year of B.Tech programmes.
Unlike JEE Advanced, which is primarily for Indian students, CAET 2026 is specifically designed for:
- UAE Nationals
- UAE Residents of Indian origin (who have completed the last 5 years of schooling in UAE)
- International Students (foreign nationals other than UAE and Indian citizens)
Through CAET 2026, students can secure admission in specialised Engineering and Technology programmes at IIT Abu Dhabi.
CAET 2026 Highlights
Here are the key details of the IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi |
| Campus | IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-and-paper, OMR based |
| Exam Pattern | Multiple-choice questions |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes per subject (3 hours total) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Programmes Offered | B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering |
| Total Seats | 60 (through CAET) + 20 (through JEE Advanced) |
| Official Website | admissions.abudhabi.iitd.ac.in |
CAET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam 2026, candidates must meet specific requirements.
Academic Requirements
- A minimum of 75% aggregate marks in Class XII (or equivalent board exam) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, a language, and one additional subject.
- Candidates must also be in the top 20 percentile of their board exam.
- Students awaiting Class XII results may apply, but the final marksheet must be produced during admission.
Standardised Test Scores
- EmSAT Mathematics: Minimum 1150/2000 OR
- SAT Mathematics: Minimum 700/800
English Language Proficiency
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
| EmSAT | 1100 |
| TOEFL | 500 (or equivalent: 173 CBT, 61 iBT) |
| IELTS | 5.5 overall |
Note: Candidates who have studied in English-medium institutions may be considered without a test score, subject to conditions.
Age Limit
- Candidates must be less than 25 years old at the time of admission.
Number of Attempts
- Candidates can appear for CAET and/or JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in total.
CAET 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAET 2026 exam will be conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper). The paper is divided into three sections – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
| Parameter | Details |
| Exam Mode | Pen-and-paper, OMR sheet |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (90 minutes per subject) |
| Question Types | MCQ, Single Digit Integer, Paragraph-based MCQs |
| Total Sections | 3 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer (MCQs & PBQs), no negative marking for integer-based questions |
| Language of Exam | English |
CAET 2026 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme of CAET 2026 is designed to test accuracy as well as conceptual clarity. Candidates must understand how marks are awarded and deducted for different types of questions before attempting the exam.
| Type of Question | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for No Attempt | Marks for Incorrect Answer |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | +4 marks | 0 marks | -1 mark |
| Single Digit Non-Negative Integer (SDI) | +4 marks | 0 marks | 0 marks |
| Paragraph Based MCQ (PBQ) | +4 marks | 0 marks | -1 mark |
In simple terms:
- MCQs and PBQs have negative marking for wrong attempts.
- SDI questions do not carry any negative marking.
- Every correct response across all formats fetches 4 marks.
CAET 2026 Syllabus
The IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam 2026 syllabus is based on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics taught at the higher secondary (Class XI & XII) level.
Physics: Mechanics, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics, Thermal Physics
Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry
Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics
A detailed CAET 2026 syllabus PDF will be released on the official website.
CAET 2026 Admission Process
Admission to IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi can be done in two ways:
- Through CAET 2026 – For UAE Nationals, International students, and Indian expatriates studying in UAE.
- Through JEE Advanced 2026 – For Indian students (residing in India or abroad).
Admission Steps for CAET 2026
- Register Online – Create an account on the CAET portal.
- Fill Application Form – Submit academic and personal details, upload required documents.
- Download Admit Card – Available before the exam.
- Appear for CAET 2026 – Attend the entrance exam at designated centres.
- Check Results – Provisional and final merit lists will be released online.
- Seat Allocation – Based on CAET rank and programme preference.
IIT Abu Dhabi B.Tech Programmes
Through CAET 2026 and JEE Advanced 2026, IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi offers the following B.Tech programmes:
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Seat Matrix for IIT Abu Dhabi
The distribution of seats at IIT Abu Dhabi is as follows:
| Admission Route | Seats Available |
| CAET 2026 | 60 seats (two-thirds reserved for UAE Nationals, International students, and Indian expatriates in UAE) |
| JEE Advanced 2026 | 20 seats (for Indian and foreign nationals applying through JoSAA) |
IIT Abu Dhabi Fees and Financial Assistance
- JEE Advanced qualified students will pay the same tuition fees as applicable at IIT Delhi (India).
- These students will also receive a monthly stipend of AED 2,000, free accommodation, and a travel allowance of AED 4,000 per year.
- For students admitted via CAET 2026, tuition and hostel fee details will be available in the official admission brochure.
Passport and Visa Requirements
- All candidates must hold a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi will provide assistance in securing study visas for admitted students.
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CAET 2026 Exam Day Instructions
Candidates appearing for the CAET 2026, IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam must carefully follow the exam day rules to avoid any last-minute issues. The authorities have set clear guidelines on what is allowed and what is strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
What to Carry to the CAET 2026 Exam Centre
Candidates should only bring the following permitted items:
| Allowed Items | Details |
| Writing materials | Pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners |
| Admit card | Printed copy of downloaded CAET 2026 admit card |
| ID proof | Valid original photo identity card |
| Drinking water | Transparent water bottle |
Items Not Allowed at the CAET 2026 Exam Centre
The following items are strictly banned inside the examination hall:
| Prohibited Items | Examples |
| Electronic devices | Mobile phones, programmable calculators, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, earphones, microphones, pagers, pen drives, electronic pens, scanners, cameras |
| Printed/handwritten materials | Books, notes, log tables, blank papers, writing pads |
Identity Verification at the Exam Centre
- Candidate identity will be verified by both invigilators and IIT Delhi officials.
- Any discrepancy in identity may result in the candidate being barred from taking the test.
Entry and Exit Rules
- No entry is allowed once the exam has started.
- Candidates must remain seated until the exam concludes.
- Early exit is permitted only in medical emergencies, after submitting the required form.
Conclusion
The CAET 2026, IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam is a golden opportunity for students in the UAE and abroad to pursue world-class engineering education under the guidance of IIT Delhi faculty. With limited seats and high competition, aspirants must start their preparation early by focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at an advanced level.
For students and parents aiming at a global IIT experience, IIT Abu Dhabi via CAET 2026 offers a path to academic excellence and international exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAET 2026
Q1. What is CAET 2026?
CAET 2026 is the Combined Admission Entrance Test for admission into IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus.
Q2. Who can apply for IIT Abu Dhabi Entrance Exam 2026?
UAE Nationals, Indian expatriates studying in UAE (last 5 years), and International students are eligible for CAET 2026. Indian students must apply via JEE Advanced 2026.
Q3. What subjects are included in CAET 2026 syllabus?
The syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Class XI and XII levels.
Q4. How many seats are available through CAET 2026?
There are 60 seats through CAET and 20 seats through JEE Advanced.
Q5. What is the exam format of CAET 2026?
The exam will be pen-and-paper based, with MCQs, integer-based, and paragraph-based questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q6. Is English proficiency required for CAET 2026?
Yes, candidates must provide valid English language test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, or EmSAT, unless exempted.
