Engineering remains one of the most popular higher-education choices in India. Whether you dream of entering IITs, NITs, top private universities, or state engineering colleges, your first step is knowing which forms to fill out, when exams happen, and how to prepare in time.

This article brings a complete list of upcoming engineering entrance exams, registration timelines, eligibility, syllabus patterns, and preparation roadmap for aspirants targeting admissions in 2025–26.

National-Level Engineering Entrance Exams

These exams are most important as they open doors to IITs, NITs, IIITs and top-tier engineering institutes.

1. JEE Main 2026

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) is the largest engineering test in India, conducted in two sessions annually.

Expected Timeline:

• Session 1: January 2026
• Session 2: April 2026

Eligibility:
Students who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 with Physics + Mathematics as mandatory subjects.

Exam Pattern Highlights:

• Computer-Based Test
• Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• MCQs + numerical integer questions
• Negative marking applicable

Why You Must Apply:
Qualifying JEE Main not only gives admission to NITs/IIITs but is also the gateway to JEE Advanced.

2. JEE Advanced 2026

JEE Advanced is conducted once a year for admission into IITs. Only top qualifiers of JEE Main can appear.

Expected Exam Month: May 2026
Paper Pattern: Two papers of ~3 hours each, CBT mode.

Ideal For:
Students aiming for IITs, premier research and technology institutes.

Private University Engineering Entrance Exams

These exams are best for students looking for quality institutes outside IIT/NIT system, especially strong in CSE, AI, ECE, IT and core branches.

3. BITSAT (BITS Pilani Admission Test)

Entrance exam for BITS Pilani campuses, including Goa, Hyderabad & Dubai.

Expected Form Release: Jan–Apr 2026
Expected Exam Window: May–June 2026

Exam Format:
PCM, Logical Reasoning & English proficiency — speed-driven test.

4. VITEEE

Entrance test for VIT Vellore, Chennai, AP & Bhopal campuses.

Expected Application Deadline: March 2026
Possible Exam Dates: April–May 2026

Why VITEEE is Popular:
Known for excellent placement in CSE, AI-ML, Data Science, IT & Core Engineering.

5. SRMJEEE

Conducted in multiple phases, ideal for students looking for flexible attempt options.

Expected Exam Window: April–July 2026
Phases are usually held three times a year.

Best for candidates seeking tech-driven campus infrastructure & strong placement packages.

State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams

These exams are essential for admission into state government & private institutions.

6. WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam)

Expected Exam Date: April 2026
Perfect for students from West Bengal & Eastern India.

7. MHT CET (Maharashtra CET)

Exam Expected Around: April 2026 (PCM stream)
Highly valuable for engineering seats in top Mumbai–Pune colleges.

8. COMEDK UGET (Karnataka Private Colleges Exam)

Expected Exam Month: May 2026
Useful for students aiming for Bengaluru engineering colleges such as RVCE, BMS, PESU.

9. KCET (Karnataka CET)

Expected Exam Month: April 2026
Mandatory for engineering admission within the Karnataka government quota.

Quick Timeline Summary (Tentative)

Dates are expected based on previous cycles and official patterns — aspirants should keep checking notifications.

How to Prepare for Multiple Engineering Exams

• Use NCERT + JEE preparation as the main base.
• Solve chapter-wise mock tests & PYQs.
• Practice speed-based tests for BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE.
• Create a revision calendar targeting weekly PCM chapters.
• Don’t wait for the last date — fill forms early to avoid rush.

Pro Tips for Aspirants

✔ Keep all documents ready: photos, signature scans, ID proofs.
✔ Use a separate notebook for formula lists & JEE short notes.
✔ Attempt 1 mock every week → increase to 3–4 near exam season.
✔ NEVER skip mathematics problem-solving practice.
✔ Join at least one test series for pattern familiarity.

Final Words

Engineering entrance exams require strategy + consistency + awareness of timelines. With proper planning, you can easily apply for multiple exams and increase your chances of admission into top institutions.

Whether your dream is IIT, NIT, BITS, VIT, SRM or top state colleges, start preparing early, track form deadlines, and build strong problem-solving skills.

Your journey begins now — and every step counts.