TANCET 2026: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Dates, Eligibility, Registration, Test Centres

Conducted by Anna University on annual basis, TANCET is an important MBA admission Test in universities and colleges of Tamil Nadu state. Around 33,000 candidates registered for TANCET MBA Entrance Exam 2026. The Government of Tamil Nadu has authorized Anna University to conduct the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) 2026 for admission 2026 to M.B.A & M.C.A Degree Programmes. TANCET is a paper-based exam of moderate difficulty level. Apart from the Tamil Nadu domicile candidates, aspirants from other states can also appear in the exam. Clarifying the admission eligibility for other state candidates, Anna University has clarified, “Other State candidates can appear for the entrance test, but the eligibility conditions will be stipulated by the admitting authority/University.” 

Anna University has specified TANCET eligibility criteria 2026. Applicants should possess the following qualifications:

• Graduate from a recognised university with 50% marks in any discipline
• Candidates in final year of graduation are also eligible to apply provided their graduation result is declared by the prescribed date as decided by the University/institute
• If the provisionally admitted candidates are unable to secure minimum required score, their admission will become invalid.
• If you are eligible to apply, you can appear in the entrance exam irrespective of your State domicile

Anna University will open TANCET registration 2026 process online on the official exam website tancet.annauniv.edu. TANCET exam fees is Rs. 1000 for general category and Rs. 500 for reserved category candidates. Read how to apply for TANCET 2026 exam:

1. Visit TANCET official exam website - tancet.annauniv.edu.
2. Complete the one-time registration by providing personal and contact details.
3. Use the login credentials provided during the registration process to access the TANCET 2026 login portal.
4. Fill in the personal, and academic details required in the TANCET application form.
5. Select your test city preferences.
6. Upload required documents, including photograph and signature.
7. Review your details filled in the TANCET 2026 application form.
8. Pay the TANCET exam fee to complete the online application form.

Read complete details on TANCET 2026 Registration Process.  

TANCET Exam Pattern 2026 is paper based test and consists of five sections. The exam is conducted in a single slot of 2 hours duration. Check exam pattern in the table below. 

The TANCET Syllabus 2026 for MBA entrance exam is split into five sections of Data Analysis, Reading Comprehension Passages, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Sufficiency and General English. Key Topics in section wise TANCET Syllabus 2026 are:

• Data Analysis: Data Analysis section has 20 questions based on Table, Pie charts, graphs, comparative data etc. A paragraph with the data to take business decisions is given. Test Takers need to analyse business situation on the basis of information given in the paragraph and answer the questions
• Reading Comprehension passages: RC Passages section has 20 questions based on the passages. RC passages are short and are based on current affairs, literature, abstract topics.
• Quantitative Aptitude: QA section has 20 questions based on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number system, Modern Math. The questions are formed to evaluate the skill on solving mathematical problems at plus two and graduate level
• Data sufficiency: This section has 20 questions based on Pie Chart, Line Graph, Bar Graph, Tables. It tests the ability to determine data sufficiency for answering questions using the given data and the knowledge of mathematics.
• General English: General English section has 20 questions. It tests the knowledge on written English with questions on errors in usage, grammar, punctuation and the like

How to Prepare for TANCET 2026? TANCET is comparatively an easier entrance exam than other MBA entrance tests. TANCET 2026 Preparation requires focus across all five sections DA, RC, QA, DS, Gen English. If you have prepared for CAT exam or XAT exam or CMAT exam or MAT exam, it will be easy to prepare for TANCET exam. Read TANCET 2026 exam preparation tips below:

• Understand TANCET Exam Pattern and Syllabus: As detailed above, familiarize yourself with the TANCET syllabus and sectional structure. Knowing the number of questions in each section will help you prioritize your preparation.
• Practice Data Analysis questions regularly: Review past years' papers to identify common patterns and improve your problem-solving approach.
• Read and Practice RC Passages: Focus on tackling RC passages. Improve comprehension skills by reading diverse materials. More you practice more skilled you will become.
• Strengthen Quantitative Aptitude: Concentrate on key areas like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Regularly solve practice problems and take timed mock tests to boost speed and accuracy.
• Practice Data Sufficiency questions regularly. DS section performance can improve with more and more practice. Review previous years' papers to identify common patterns and improve your problem-solving approach.
• Enhance VA Skills: Getting the concepts clear on grammar and usage of vocabulary is an essential part of preparation. Focus on errors in grammar based questions.
• Take Regular Mock Tests: Take free TANCET mock tests, TANCET Previous Years Question Papers and TANCET Sample Papers on MBAUniverse.com. Analyse your performance after each. Focus on understanding errors and improving time management for each section.

Read TANCET Exam Preparation Tips.

Best TANCET Preparation Books
TANCET preparation books are same as books used for CAT or XAT preparation since both tests are designed to assess similar skills and understanding. CAT Preparation Books by Arun Sharma are highly recommended. Check list of books for TANCET exam preparation.

TANCET Preparation Books

TANCET Admit Card 2026 is a mandatory document to enter the exam centre on exam day. The TANCET admit card 2026 can be downloadable from official exam website, tancet.annauniv.edu. Check steps to download admit card of TANCET 2026:

1. Visit the official TANCET exam website - tancet.annauniv.edu
2. Click on the tab for TANCET hall ticket download
3. Enter email ID and password
4. Enter the captcha code
5. Click on 'Login' button

Anna University will release the TANCET answer keys 2026 online after the exam gets over. Candidates can download the TANCET MBA answer keys from the official exam website - tancet.annauniv.edu. Login credentials, including the email ID and password aids the login process to download the TANCET answer keys. Candidates can analyse their performance in TANCET 2026 using the answer keys.

Anna University will release TANCET results 2026 online on its official website, tancet.annauniv.edu. Candidates need to use their email ID and password to check the TANCET 2026 result.

The scorecard of TANCET 2026 comprises of sectional score, overall score, qualifying status and basic details of the test taker. Candidates qualifying as per the TANCET 2026 results are eligible to participate in the TANCET counselling process.

200+ MBA Colleges in Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy and other parts of Tamil Nadu Accept TANCET Score for MBA Admission. Some of the Top MBA colleges accepting TANCET 2026 score are

• MBA Department of Anna University Chennai
• Regional Campuses of Anna University
• Annamalai University
• PSG Institute of Management Coimbatore
• SSN School of Management Chennai
• SRM University
• Thiagarajar School of Management (TSM)
• KCT Business School Coimbatore
• GRG School of Management Studies Coimbatore
• Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) Chennai

In case of any emergency regarding exam registration or admit card, you can contact Anna University TANCET Helpdesk using the following details:

• Official Website: tancet.annauniv.edu/tancet
• Email: [email protected]
• Anna University TANCET Cell Phone No.: 044-2235 8289 / 044-2235 8314
• Helpdesk Phone No: 0422-2451100; 9790279020
• TANCET Conducting Centre Address: The Secretary, Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET/CEETA-PG), Centre for Entrance Examinations, Anna University, Chennai – 600 025.

Individual institute or university will decide on the eligibility criteria for MBA admission. A candidate not fulfilling the institute level admission criteria may not be offered admission.
The procedure for MBA admission through TANCET 2026, for the academic year 2026–27 consists of 2 steps:

1. Appearing for the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test – TANCET exam 2026
2. Applying for admission to the admitting authorities concerned (Universities and Institutes) after declaration of result of TANCET 2026 exam.

Along with submitting application and appearing in TANCET 2026, students are advised to apply separately for MBA Admission in B-Schools and Universities and appear in their counselling process.

TANCET to be held across these cities
1. Chennai
2. Karaikudi
3. Madurai
4. Chidambaram
5. Coimbatore
6. Tiruchirappalli
7. Tirunelveli
8. Nagercoil
9. Vellore
10. Dindigul
11. Villupuram
12. Virudhunagar
13. Salem
14. Erode
15. Thanjavur

Check important TANCET exam day tips to get ready for TANCET exam day.

• Check if you have taken Print of your Admit card on an A4 size paper.
• Check if you have pasted your photograph on admit card. If not, paste the identical photograph as uploaded at the time of completing the Registration Form.
• Please note that Admit Card is valid only if the candidate's photograph and signature images are legibly printed.
• Keep ready at least one original (not photocopied or scanned) valid (not expired) photo identification card. This ID is needed to be produced for verification at the Exam centre on the exam date.
• Valid and acceptable Photo IDs are: Driving License, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Identification Affidavit etc.
• Locate your Test Centre a day before the test so that you can reach the test centre on time on the exam date.

Follow these TANCET 2026 Exam Day Do’s and Don’ts for hassle free exam.

Do’s

• Arrive at the exam centre on the exam date at least 1 hour before the commencement of the exam.
• Carry Admit Card & Photo ID Card inside the test hall.
• Carry transparent water bottle, 2 simple pens and the test-related documents (Admit Card, ID Card etc.). No other items will be permitted inside the test centre.
• Candidates must follow the guidelines starting from point of entry in the test venue till his/her exit from the test venue.

Don’ts

• Do not carry mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationery items, papers, wallets, goggles or similar such things as they are not allowed inside the test hall on exam date.
• Do not wear any jewellery or other items containing metal, you may be asked to remove them.
• Don’t carry valuables to exam centre. There is no facility for safekeeping of your personal belongings outside the test hall and the centre is not responsible for its loss.

TANCET Marks vs Percentile Score refers to the relationship between raw marks obtained in the exam and the corresponding percentile score. Also called TANCET score vs percentile, this indicates a candidate’s relative performance compared to others. The table below mentions the TANCET MBA marks vs percentile.

TANCET cutoff 2026 refers to the minimum qualifying marks/ ranks that a candidate needs in the exam for admission to the TANCET participating institutes. Based on the exam pattern, check TANCET MBA Cut Off 2026 expected below.

The TANCET MBA Admission Counselling 2026 Process begins with online registration at tn-mbamca.com. This is followed by certificate upload and verification. After verification, a rank list is published, and then candidates under different categories undergo separate counselling. Check details below.

• Registration: Register online on https://www.tn-mbamca.com/
• Upload certificate: Upload your certificates
• Certificate Verification: Uploaded certificates are verified at GCT
• Publication of Rank list: Ranks are assigned to all applicable applicants
• Counselling for Special Reservation
• General Counselling: Online counselling consists of Initial Deposit, Choice Filling, Tentative allotment, Confirm Tentative allotment & Provisional Allotment.

TANCET Counselling official website is https://www.tn-mbamca.com/

Anna University conducted the TANCET exam for MBA and MCA courses on March 22, 2026. Out of 22,806 MBA applicants, 20,992 candidates took the exam. On the other hand, TANCET MCA 2026 recorded 10,287 applications. Check complete details of TANCET MBA Registrations 2026. 

In conclusion, TANCET MBA Exam 2026 will be held in March, 2026. TANCET is an important State Level paper-based exam for MBA Admission in Anna University and other Government and Private MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu. TANCET Exam had five sections with 20 questions in each section. Read complete information in the above article.