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TANCET Exam 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Result, Counselling

Exam Level: StateState: Tamil NaduApplication Date: Jan 23, 2025

Last Updated on 2nd August 2025

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test

TANCET Exam 2026 Overview

TANCET, widely hailed as Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test is another test that is held in the state of Tamil Nadu, with students planning to take up their MBA and MCA courses. Conducted by Anna University, the state-level entrance exam will provide access to various professional Postgraduate courses within government, government-aided, and self-financed institutions in Tamil Nadu. Every year, thousands of applicants enrol to take part in the contest. 

On its official site, tancet.annauniv.edu, the whole admission process is monitored, and a student may apply, receive admit cards, download, and eventually learn the results, with the help of his or her registration number.

The admission test is usually conducted in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in quantitative aptitude, logical thinking, English language proficiency, data interpretation and subject-related questions. The MBA candidates have to make business-related decision-making and business-related management, whereas MCA candidates get tested on their mathematical ability and computer skills. The format of the exam consists of 100 questions that have to be solved within two hours, and there is a negative marking system (-1 point or -1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer).

Different criteria are required of TANCET (MBA) and TANCET (MCA) in terms of eligibility in 2026. The post-graduate course in MBA requires the candidates to have a minimum of 50 percent marks ( 45 percent in the reserved category ) in a recognised bachelor's degree. In the case of MCA, students should have taken up Mathematics at the +2 or graduate level. 

The whole application process is online. After the examination is over, MBA, MCA entrance results at tancet.annauniv.edu are announced, and mark sheets are offered to be downloaded. Applicants would only have to check the registration number in order to see results at the individual level.

The software updates are followed on the same website or through the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE). Applicants would be required to enrol in their counselling, pay the fee, confirm their documents and give their choice. For seat allotment and further counselling updates follow the official portal.


TANCET 2026: Quick Highlights

The table below contains important information on TANCET 2026.

Particulars

Details

Exam Mode

Offline (Paper-based)

Total Questions

100

Duration

2 hours (120 minutes)

Number of Sections

5 (Business Situation Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Sufficiency & Reasoning, English Usage)

Questions per Section

20

Marking Scheme

+1 mark for correct answer, -0.25 (1/4) marks for each incorrect answer

Medium of Exam

English

Difficulty Level

Generally easy to moderate; Quantitative Ability and Data Sufficiency are considered the toughest.

Skills Tested

Business analysis, reading comprehension, mathematical aptitude, logical reasoning, English grammar and vocabulary

Important Topics

Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation, logical puzzles, error spotting, vocabulary


What is TANCET?

TANCET is a state-level exam conducted by Anna University, Chennai, on behalf of the Tamil Nadu state government. It is for admission into postgraduate programs such as MBA and MCA in Tamil Nadu’s government, government-aided, and self-financing colleges.

TANCET serves as a gateway to top postgraduate professional programs in Tamil Nadu. Every year, thousands of candidates come together in the hope of getting seats. The test assists the students in securing admission to well-established institutions where they can study either management or computer applications. Visit the official portal tancet.annauniv.edu for all updates.


TANCET 2026 Application Process

The TANCET application process is conducted online through the official website. Applicants have to complete the form, submit the documents and pay the application fee.

Step 1 - Visit the official TANCET website (tancet.annauniv.edu).

Step 2- Register using Email id & Mobile No

Step 3- Apply online by filling the application form

Step 4 - Uploading of documents

Step 5 - Make the payment of the application fee

Step 6 - Submit and get the confirmation page to download


TANCET: Application Fee

The following is the application fee in accordance with different categories.

Category

Fee 

General

₹1,000

SC/ST/SCA

₹500


TANCET 2026 Admit Card

TANCET admit card is a mandatory document to appear for the exam and will be available on the official TANCET website in PDF format.

Details- 

  • Candidate’s Name
  • Exam Date and weeks before the Exam & time
  • Address of Exam Centre
  • Roll Number
  • The photograph and signature

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test

TANCET Syllabus 2026

TANCET syllabus differs for MBA and MCA. While the MBA test focuses on analytical and business-related sections, the MCA test includes more math and logical reasoning.


TANCET 2026: MBA Syllabus

Below provided different syllabus for MBA.

Section

Topics

Business Situations

Comprehension and Interpretation

Reading Comprehension

English passages

Quantitative Aptitude

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry

Data Sufficiency

Data-based logical analysis

General English

Grammar, Vocabulary


TANCET 2026: MCA Syllabus

Below provided different syllabus for MCA.

Section

Topics

Quantitative Aptitude

Number systems, Algebra, Geometry

Analytical Reasoning

Logical questions, puzzles

Computer Awareness

Basics of computers, programming

General English

Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test

TANCET Exam Details

TANCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for TANCET 2026 vary depending on the program (MBA or MCA). The applicants are required to make sure that they fulfil the academic and other particular requirements. TANCET eligibility is primarily based on the candidate's academic background, minimum qualifying marks, and subject requirements.

Course

Eligibility Criteria

MBA

Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)

MCA

Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduate level with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)


TANCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The knowledge of the exam pattern assists the candidates in studying well. The exam for MBA and MCA programs includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and has a negative marking system.

Section

Details

Mode of Exam

Offline (Pen and Paper-Based Test)

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Total Questions

100 Questions (for MBA & MCA) 115 Questions (for M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan)

Total Marks

100 Marks (for all programs)

Exam Duration

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

Marking Scheme

+1 mark for each correct answer. -1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.

MBA – Sectional Breakdown

  • Business Situations
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Data Sufficiency
  • English Usage

MCA – Sectional Breakdown

  • Quantitative Ability
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Computer Awareness

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

Part I: Engineering Mathematics (20 Qs)

Part II: Basic Engineering & Sciences (35 Qs)

Part III: Subject-specific (60 Qs, only 25 evaluated)

Part III Evaluation Rule (M.E., etc.)

Out of 60 subject-specific questions, only the best 25 answers are considered for evaluation. Remaining are not counted, but all 60 must be attempted.

Language of Paper

English

Negative Marking

Yes, 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer in all sections


TANCET Question Papers

Previous year question papers of TANCET can be used to gain an idea of the type of questions that can be asked, the difficulty level and how the topics are divided. These papers help to solve problems faster and accurately. The table below contains the TANCET previous year questions 2024.

Course

Download Link

MBA

Click Here

MCA

Click Here


TANCET 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for TANCET involves the clarity of the syllabus, a good grasp of time management and practicing frequently. The aspirants of MBA and MCA courses are required to concentrate on aptitude and reasoning. The engineering candidates must revisit core subjects regularly. Mock tests are also necessary to test the accuracy and speed. Focus on weak topics and try to solve harder problems. Read below to know about TANCET 2026 preparation tips.

  • Plan a topic-wise study schedule.
  • Give greater attention to the high-weighting topics.
  • Follow standard books.
  • Attempt mock tests for efficient time management 
  • Review all fundamentals of engineering for MTech students.
  • Analyse the previous year's question papers.


TANCET 2026  Examination Day Guidelines & Dress Code 

Candidates must follow the TANCET examination day guidelines. Read below to know about the TANCET 2026 Guidelines & Dress Code of Exam Day.


Guidelines for Exam Day

  • Arrive at the exam centre one hour before the exam starts
  • Always carry the  printed admit card and government Identity proof
  • Only a black ballpoint pen should be used to answer
  • Do not bring calculators, mobiles or smart watches
  • Follow the   invigilator's directions
  • Avoid malpractices


Dress Code

  • Wear light  clothes
  • Do not wear metals or jewellery
  • Caps/hoods or sunglasses are not allowed


What Not to Do During the TANCET Exam

Here is a list of things not to do during the TANCET Exam.

  • Do not carry calculators or mobile phones.
  • Do not arrive late at the exam centre.
  • Avoid communication with other candidates during the exam.
  • Write with the white ink on the OMR sheet or using highlighters.


TANCET Answer Key

Anna University releases the TANCET answer key within a week after the exam has been conducted. It aids the candidates in evaluating their performance prior to the results. Candidates can raise objections in case of discrepancies. The table below contains information on the TANCET 2024 answer key.

Course

Download Link

MBA

Click Here

MCA

Click Here


TANCET 2026 Results

TANCET 2026 result contains the total marks and percentile score.  In MBA/MCA, no rank list is published. In the engineering courses, GATE candidates are given first preference. Read below to download the TANCET 2026 results.


Steps to Download TANCET 2026 Results

  • Go through the authentic site of TANCET.
  • Go to the link of the TANCET result.
  • Type in your email ID and password.
  • See and print your scorecard.


TANCET 2026  Counselling

The eligible candidates have to take part in the counselling procedure after announcement of results after which they will be allotted seats in MBA/MCA colleges.

  • Step 1 - Apply to get counselling in TN Government portal
  • Step 2 - Pay for a session of counselling
  • Step 3 - Add the choice of the colleges and programs
  • Step 4 - Enquire about all the necessary Documents
  • Step 5 - Get the list of Allotment and accept the seat.

Colleges that Accept TANCET 2026 Score

Generally, numerous government and non-government colleges accept the TANCET scores in Tamil Nadu. Here is a list of colleges that accept TANCET scores.

  • Anna University & Affiliated Colleges
  • Anna University (CEG, MIT, ACT, SAP Campuses)  
  • Government College of Technology (GCT), Coimbatore  
  • PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore  
  • Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), Madurai 
  • Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT)  
  • Government College of Engineering, Salem  
  • Alagappa College of Technology, Chennai  
  • SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai  
  • VIT Vellore (for select programs)  
  • SSN College of Engineering, Chennai 
  • Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore  
  • Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai  
  • Velammal Engineering College, Chennai  
  • Jeppiaar Engineering College, Chennai  
  • RMK Engineering College, Chennai  
  • Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai  
  • St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test

TANCET 2026 Exam Dates

It is very important to be aware of the timeline so as to miss out on any of the crucial activities such as application submission, downloading of admit card or even the exam dates.

Upcoming Events

Tentative Timeline 2026

Release of TANCET Rank List for MBA & MCA

Mid-July 2026

Grievance Redressal for Rank List

Mid to Late July 2026

Counselling for Differently Abled Candidates

Late July 2026

MCA Choice Filling & Fee Payment

Late July 2026

MCA Tentative Allotment Publication

Late July 2026

MCA Tentative Allotment Confirmation

Late July 2026

MCA Provisional Allotment

Late July 2026

MBA Choice Filling & Fee Payment

Late July to Early August 2026

MBA Tentative Allotment Result

Early August 2026

MBA Tentative Allotment Confirmation

Early August 2026

MBA Provisional Allotment

Early August 2026

In-person Supplementary Counselling (MCA)

Early August 2026

In-person Supplementary Counselling (MBA)

Early to Mid-August 2026

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test

TANCET Cutoff

TANCET cutoff varies as per the category. In 2025, the general category cutoff was 38-50. For SC candidates, the cutoff was 20.5-35.5. The table below contains important information on the TANCET cutoff.

Category

TANCET MBA Cutoff Marks Range

OBC

33.25- 35.5

SC

20.5- 35.5

ST

19-36

General 

38-50


AcronymTamil Nadu Common Entrance Test
Conducting BodyOther
Mode and TypeOffline (Paper Based Test (PBT))
Application ModeOnline
Frequency1 in a year
LanguagesEnglish, Tamil
Test Takers38301
Duration120
Total Marks100
Marking Scheme1 for correct, 0.33 for incorrect
Application Fee1000
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