Top Engineering Entrance Exams to Register for in 2026: Complete List with Details, Websites, and Eligibility

Preparing for engineering in 2026 requires clarity, planning, and early action. With increasing competition and rising cut-offs, students must know all the engineering entrance exams they should register for. This detailed guide lists the top entrance exams for engineering 2026, structured into priority tiers, along with a full table of state-level engineering entrance exams, private university exams, and special excellence exams.

Why Engineering Entrance Exams Matter in 2026

Engineering admission in India is based largely on national, state, and private university entrance tests. With more universities adopting standardised entrance routes, students need a clear roadmap to secure a top seat. Taking multiple exams also increases admission opportunities and reduces risk.

This blog covers every important engineering entrance exam 2026 students should consider.

Tier-1 Entrance Exams for Engineering 2026 (Must-Attempt)

These exams should be the top priority for every engineering aspirant. They offer admission to the most prestigious institutes in India.

1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main & JEE Advanced 2026)

JEE Main 2026

JEE Main 2026 is the most important engineering entrance exam in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in multiple sessions. The exam tests students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. JEE Main scores are used for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and several top private universities. The exam also serves as the qualifying stage for JEE Advanced, making it the gateway to India’s most prestigious institutes.
The exam is known for high competition, strict marking schemes, and conceptual questions. Students preparing for engineering must treat JEE Main 2026 as their primary target.

JEE Advanced 2026

JEE Advanced is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Only the top performers of JEE Main qualify. The exam is much tougher and focuses heavily on problem-solving, logic, and deep understanding of concepts.
It is the only pathway to the IITs, India’s top engineering institutions known for global placements, research, and academic excellence.
Students who aim for top engineering careers must attempt JEE Advanced 2026.

Why it matters: Highest acceptance, national-level credibility, top career outcomes.

2. MHT CET 2026 (Maharashtra CET for Engineering)

MHT CET is a state-level engineering entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell. It grants admission to renowned colleges such as COEP, VJTI, SPIT, ICT Mumbai, and many top government and private engineering colleges in Maharashtra.

The exam syllabus is similar to Class 11-12 Maharashtra Board topics, making it easier for state board students. With large seat availability and strong placement records, MHT CET 2026 is an essential exam for engineering aspirants.

3. BITSAT 2026 (Birla Institute of Technology & Science Admission Test)

BITSAT is the entrance exam for BITS Pilani, BITS Goa, and BITS Hyderabad—some of the best private engineering institutes in India.
The exam has a unique pattern with additional bonus questions. BITSAT is known for speed-based problem-solving and strong conceptual testing.
The BITS campuses are highly selective, with excellent packages, research facilities, and global exposure. Students planning for top-tier private engineering colleges must attempt BITSAT 2026.

4. IIITH UGEE 2026 (International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad)

IIITH UGEE is the entrance exam for the dual-degree research programmes offered by IIIT Hyderabad. It is one of the most competitive exams for students interested in computer science, data science, and research.

The exam includes an aptitude round followed by a research interview. IIITH is known for producing top tech talent and offers placements comparable to IITs.

Students interested in advanced research and high-end tech roles should attempt IIITH UGEE 2026.

5. WBJEE 2026 (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)

WBJEE is the key entrance exam for engineering colleges in West Bengal. It grants admission to top institutes like Jadavpur University, IEM, and Heritage Institute of Technology.

The exam is conducted offline and focuses on Mathematics and Science fundamentals.

Students aiming for high-quality engineering colleges in the East should attempt WBJEE 2026.

6. COMEDK UGET 2026 (Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka)

COMEDK UGET is widely taken by students from across India. It offers admission to top private engineering colleges in Karnataka, including PES University, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, BMSCE, and others.

The exam pattern is straightforward, making it easy to score well. With strong placement records in Bengaluru’s tech ecosystem, COMEDK UGET 2026 is a must-attempt for students seeking high-quality private engineering colleges.

Tier-1 Exam Details Table

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Key Courses Offered	Official Website
JEE Main	NTA	B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch	https://jeemain.nta.ac.in
JEE Advanced	IITs	B.Tech	https://jeeadv.ac.in
MHT CET	Maharashtra CET Cell	B.Tech, B.E.	https://cetcell.mahacet.org
BITSAT	BITS Pilani	B.E., B.Pharm	https://bitsadmission.com
IIITH UGEE	IIIT Hyderabad	Dual Degree (Research)	https://ugadmissions.iiit.ac.in
WBJEE	WBJEEB	B.Tech, B.E.	https://wbjeeb.nic.in
COMEDK	COMEDK	B.Tech	https://comedk.org

Tier-2 Entrance Exams for Engineering 2026 (Strong Backups)

These exams provide excellent backup options because of strong college reputation and stable placement records.

1. VITEEE 2026 (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam)

VITEEE is the engineering entrance exam for Vellore Institute of Technology, one of India’s highest-ranked private universities.

The exam focuses on NCERT-level Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. VIT is famous for modern infrastructure, strong placement rates, and global partnerships.

Students looking for a reliable private university must attempt VITEEE 2026.

2. SRMJEE 2026 (SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam)

SRMJEE gives admission to SRM Institute of Science and Technology across all campuses.

The exam is moderately difficult and includes concept-based questions from PCM. SRM is known for advanced labs, updated curriculum, and hybrid learning options.

Students wanting flexibility and strong placements in IT and core branches should attempt SRMJEE 2026.

3. MET 2026 (Manipal Entrance Test)

MET is conducted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education, known for its strong engineering programmes, global curriculum, and industry partnerships.

The exam is computer-based and includes questions from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English.

Students seeking excellent campus life and modern academic quality should include MET 2026 in their list.

4. Thapar Entrance Exam 2026

Admission to Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) is done through JEE Main score or university tests.

Thapar is known for high-quality faculty, research work, project-based learning, and industry-linked placements.

It is one of the strongest private alternatives to NIT-level colleges.

5. AMU EE 2026 (Aligarh Muslim University Engineering Entrance)

AMU EE is the engineering entrance exam for Aligarh Muslim University. It offers well-structured B.Tech programmes with strong academic standards.

The exam covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and follows a moderate difficulty level.

Students looking for an affordable and prestigious engineering programme should consider AMU EE 2026.

6. JoSAA + CSAB Counselling 2026

Though not an exam, JoSAA and CSAB are essential counselling processes for JEE Main and JEE Advanced qualified students.

They allocate seats in NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other government-funded colleges.

Students must participate carefully to secure the best possible branch and college.

Tier-2 Exam Details Table

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Key Courses Offered	Official Website
VITEEE	VIT University	B.Tech	https://viteee.vit.ac.in
SRMJEE	SRM University	B.Tech	https://www.srmist.edu.in
MET	Manipal University	B.Tech	https://manipal.edu
Thapar	TIET	B.Tech	https://admissions.thapar.edu
AMU EE	AMU	B.Tech	https://amucontrollerexams.com
JoSAA/CSAB	JoSAA	B.Tech (through JEE Main/Advanced)	https://josaa.nic.in

Tier-3 Entrance Exams for Engineering 2026 (Safety Nets)

These exams offer additional backup options, ensuring students do not lose a year.

1. KIITEE 2026 (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Exam)

KIITEE is conducted by Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT).

The exam is simple compared to JEE and focuses on NCERT-level concepts. KIIT provides strong placements, modern labs, and global collaborations.

Students who want a strong backup option must include KIITEE 2026.

2. CUET B.Tech Options (Under NTA)

CUET UG scores are accepted by several central and private universities offering B.Tech programmes.
The exam tests basic aptitude and domain knowledge.
With increasing university adoption, CUET-based engineering admission will be more significant in 2026.

3. CUCET 2026 / Chandigarh University CUCET

This is a scholarship-based test offering admission and fee waivers at Chandigarh University, known for strong placement partnerships.

The exam is easy and increases a student’s chances of admission with scholarships.

Tier-3 Exam Details Table

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Courses Offered	Official Website
KIITEE	KIIT	B.Tech	https://kiitee.kiit.ac.in
CUET UG	NTA	B.Tech (Selected Universities)	https://cuet.samarth.ac.in
CUCET	Chandigarh University	B.Tech	https://cucet.cuchd.in

Other University Engineering Entrance Exams 2026

These exams provide extra choices and are widely known for flexible admissions.

University Exam	Conducting Body	Courses Offered	Website
UPES Engineering Aptitude Test	UPES	B.Tech	https://www.upes.ac.in
IPU CET	GGSIPU	B.Tech	https://ipu.admissions.nic.in
LPUNEST	Lovely Professional University	B.Tech	https://nest.lpu.in

State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams 2026

Students should also consider state-level exams, which offer affordable education and strong placement opportunities.

State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams Table

State	Exam Name	Conducting Body	Website
Andhra Pradesh	AP EAPCET	JNTU Kakinada	https://cets.apsche.ap.gov.in
Telangana	TS EAMCET	TSCHE	https://eamcet.tsche.ac.in
Karnataka	KCET	KEA	https://kea.kar.nic.in
Tamil Nadu	TNEA (no exam, counselling)	DTE Tamil Nadu	https://www.tneaonline.org
Kerala	KEAM	CEE Kerala	https://cee.kerala.gov.in
Uttar Pradesh	UPSEE (now via JEE Main)	AKTU	https://aktu.ac.in
West Bengal	WBJEE	WBJEEB	https://wbjeeb.nic.in
Gujarat	GUJCET	GSEB	https://gseb.org
Rajasthan	REAP (through JEE Main)	CEG Jaipur	https://reap2024.com
Madhya Pradesh	MP BE Admission	DTE MP	https://dte.mponline.gov.in
Bihar	BCECE	BCECEB	https://bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
Odisha	OJEE	OJEEB	https://ojee.nic.in
Punjab	PTU B.Tech Admission	IKGPTU	https://ptu.ac.in
Haryana	HSTES Counselling	HSTES	https://hstes.org.in

Special Excellence Engineering Entrance Exams 2026

These exams are designed for students aiming for research-based science and engineering degrees.

1. ISI Admission Test 2026

ISI is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

The exam is tough and designed for students with strong analytical and mathematical ability.

Although not a conventional engineering exam, ISI’s courses lead to excellent careers in data science and AI.

2. IAT 2026 (IISER Aptitude Test)

The IISER Aptitude Test is the gateway to BS–MS science programmes across IISER campuses.

These programmes are highly research-oriented and attract students passionate about science and engineering research.

The exam includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Special Excellence Exams Table

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Courses Offered	Website
ISI Admission Test	ISI	B.Stat, B.Math	https://www.isical.ac.in
IISER IAT	IISER	BS–MS	https://iiseradmission.in

How to Choose the Right Engineering Entrance Exams for 2026

Students should select exams based on:

Academic strength
Preferred branches
College reputation
Budget
Location preferences
Backup needs

Taking exams across tiers improves admission chances and reduces stress.

Conclusion

Selecting the right engineering entrance exams for 2026 is essential for securing a strong engineering seat. This guide covers every important exam, from top national tests like JEE Main, BITSAT, MHT CET, and IIITH UGEE, to strong backups like VITEEE, SRMJEE, MET, and reliable safety exams such as KIITEE and CUET.
Students should prepare early, register on time, and aim for exams across multiple tiers to maximise opportunities. With the right strategy, securing admission to a top engineering college becomes far easier and more predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many entrance exams should I attempt for engineering 2026?

Students should attempt at least one Tier-1 exam, one Tier-2 exam, and one Tier-3 exam for safety.

Is JEE Main mandatory for engineering admission in 2026?

No, but it offers the widest range of opportunities through NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Which is the easiest engineering entrance exam?

Exams like KIITEE, CUCET, and LPUNEST are generally easier compared to JEE Main and BITSAT.

Which private university exams are worth attempting?

VITEEE, SRMJEE, MET, Thapar, and UPES are top choices.

Which state exams offer the best engineering colleges?

MHT CET, KCET, WBJEE, and TS EAMCET offer excellent government and private colleges.

Do IISER or ISI exams help in engineering?

These exams offer science and research degrees, popular among engineering aspirants interested in advanced research.