Entrance Exams Apart from JEE Mains: Complete List of Engineering Options + Timelines
If you’re looking up entrance exams apart from JEE Mains, it’s great that you’re expanding your options. Most of the aspirants still go through JEE as the primary examination option but there are a number of good engineering entrance exams (including a few private, a few state-level, and some tech-centric) that can be taken concurrently with your prep.
Below is a complete list of engineering exams other than JEE Mains, covering major private, tech-focused, and state-level options.
1. Private engineering entrance exams apart from JEE Mains
BITSAT (BITS Pilani)
If you’re aiming for top private engineering institutes alongside JEE Mains, BITSAT is one of the most popular entrance exams to consider. It is the admission test for Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) campuses and is known for rewarding strong PCM fundamentals along with fast, accurate problem-solving.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: Integrated first-degree programmes offered at BITS campuses
Exam Mode: Computer-based online test (CBT), which occurs in sessions
Eligibility: Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. Minimum 75% aggregate in PCM and minimum 60% in each of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students appearing in 2026 or who passed in 2025 are eligible (with the “first-time in 2025/2026” condition as per BITS).
Types of Questions: Objective-type (multiple-choice)
Number of Questions: 130 total (Physics - 30, Chemistry - 30, English Proficiency - 10, Logical Reasoning - 20, Mathematics - 40)
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Syllabus: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, as well as English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning sections.
Key Colleges Accepted By: BITS Pilani (Pilani Campus), BITS Goa, BITS Hyderabad.
Exam Timeline for 2026:
Applications: Opens 15 Dec 2025, last date 16 Mar 2026 (Session-1 / both)
Extra window (Session-2 only): 20 Apr – 02 May 2026 - for students who want a second attempt in Session-2, or those who missed applying for Session-1.
Exam window:
Session-1: 15–17 Apr 2026
Session-2: 24–26 May 2026
It’s one of the most searched entrance exams apart from JEE Mains for students targeting top private institutes. For official updates, check the official BITS admissions page.
VITEEE (VIT)
VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Examination) is among the most popular non-JEE engineering entrance tests. It is used for admission to B.Tech programmes across VIT campuses, so many students take it alongside JEE Main to expand their college choices.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: B.Tech programmes offered across VIT campuses
Eligibility: Candidates born on or after 1 July 2004 and appearing in / having passed Class 12 (10+2) in 2025 or 2026. Minimum 60% aggregate in PCM (or PCB), with at least 50% in Mathematics (or Biology).
Exam Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
Types of Questions: Multiple-choice (objective)
Number of Questions: 125 total (includes Maths/Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude, and English).
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Colleges Accepted By: VIT Vellore, VIT Chennai, VIT Bhopal, and VIT Andhra Pradesh
Exam Timeline for 2026:
Exam window: 28 Apr – 03 May 2026 (tentative)
SRMJEEE (SRM Institute of Science and Technology)
SRMJEEE is the entrance exam conducted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) for admission to its engineering programmes. A key reason many JEE aspirants consider SRMJEEE is that it is held in multiple phases, so students can choose a slot that fits their preparation plan. The exam is also conducted in an online remote-proctored mode.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: B.Tech programmes offered through SRMIST admissions
Mode of Examination: Online remote-proctored test, conducted in phases
Eligibility: Passed/appearing in Class 12 (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics, plus one of Chemistry/other listed subjects; minimum 60% aggregate in the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Types of Questions: Multiple choice Questions
Number of Questions: 130 total (Physics 35, Chemistry 35, Maths/Biology 40, English & Aptitude 20).
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (2.30 hrs).
Key Colleges / Accepted By: SRM Institute of Science and Technology campuses offering B.Tech through SRMJEEE include Chennai (Kattankulathur – Main Campus, Ramapuram, Vadapalani), Delhi–NCR Campus (Ghaziabad, UP), and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).
2026 Exam Timeline:
Phase 1: Exam 23–28 Apr 2026, application deadline 16 Apr 2026
Phase 2: Exam 10–15 Jun 2026, application deadline 04 Jun 2026
Phase 3: Exam 04–05 Jul 2026, application deadline 30 Jun 2026
Quick note: Since it is remote-proctored, check the official SRMJEEE admissions page for system/device requirements and test-day guidelines early to avoid last-minute issues.
MET (Manipal Entrance Test) – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
If you want a private-university route apart from JEE Mains, MET (Manipal Entrance Test) is another popular option. It’s the main entrance pathway for B.Tech admissions across Manipal-linked institutes, and many JEE aspirants take it in parallel to keep another college option open.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: Primarily B.Tech programmes
Eligibility: 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects + one optional (Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / a relevant technical vocational subject); minimum 50% aggregate
Exam Mode: Computer-based test (CBT), conducted in phases/attempt windows
Duration of Exam: 120 minutes
Number of Questions: 60 total
Types of Questions: Mix of MCQs + Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Key Colleges / Accepted By:
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal (MAHE)
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Bengaluru (MAHE)
Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMU, Sikkim)
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ)
2026 Examination Timeline:
Phase 1: Final application date 15 March 2026; Examination dates 13–14 April 2026 (tentative schedule).
Phase 2 (2nd attempt window): Test dates 23–24 May 2026 (tentative schedule).
Quick note: MET has got slot booking (OTBS), and therefore, it should not be taken as a fill-form and forget test. Keep an eye on the official schedule/OTBS updates to avoid missing booking windows.
AEEE (Amrita Engineering Entrance Examination)
AEEE (Amrita Engineering Entrance Examination) can also be a decent option, if you’re exploring private engineering entrances apart from JEE Mains. It’s a national-level computer-based test (CBT) for B.Tech admissions at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and it’s conducted in two phases.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Eligibility Criteria: Candidates should have a pass in Class 12 (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, and at least 50% in each of these subjects individually. Age criteria is also specified (DOB on or after July 1, 2005 for AEEE 2026)
Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted at test centres across the country.
Duration of Exam: 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
Types of Questions: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Syllabus: Questions are based on the State Board of Higher Secondary Education and CBSE syllabus.
Key Colleges / Accepted By: Amrita engineering campuses offering B.Tech include Amaravati, Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Faridabad, Haridwar, and Nagercoil.
2026 Exam Timeline
Phase 1
Last date to register: 15 January 2026
Exam dates: 29 January to 1 February 2026
Phase 2
Last date to apply: 15 April 2026
Slot booking starts: April (Second Week)
Exam dates: 25 to 30 April 2026
COMEDK UGET (Karnataka private colleges route)
COMEDK UGET is one of the most popular engineering exams other than JEE for students targeting private colleges in Karnataka. You take one entrance test, get a rank based on that score, and admissions happen through COMEDK’s centraliszed counselling for participating institutes.
Exam Level: State-level route (Karnataka), but open to eligible candidates across India.
Courses: UG Engineering — B.E./B.Tech (first-year admissions)
Eligibility Criteria (high level):
Indian citizens / OCI / PIO can apply.
Must have passed 10+2 / 2nd PUC / equivalent with Physics, Mathematics, English + one of Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Computer Science / Electronics.
Minimum marks: 45% aggregate in PCM (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates of Karnataka) and you must pass each subject individually.\
Diploma candidates aren’t eligible (no lateral entry via this route).
Exam Mode / Examination Pattern: Computer Based Test (CBT).
Key Colleges / Accepted By: COMEDK UGET scores are accepted for admissions to participating private engineering colleges in Karnataka through the COMEDK counselling process. COMEDK states that it serves around 150 engineering colleges.
Exam date for 2026:
Application start: 03 Feb 2026 (2 PM)
Last date to apply: 16 Mar 2026 (12 noon)
Exam date: 09 May 2026
2. Tech-focused pathway: Scaler National Scholarship & Entrance Test (NSET)
A tech-first undergraduate route alongside the usual engineering entrances, NSET is Scaler School of Technology’s admission test for its program built around AI and Computer Science.
Exam Level: Undergraduate programme entrance test (India-wide, online).
Courses: 4-year UG programme in CS and AI at Scaler School of Technology.
Eligibility Criteria (2026): Under 20 years as of 1 July 2026, with at least 60% in Class XII Mathematics from recognised boards such as CBSE, ISC, IB, IGCSE, or equivalent..
Examination Mode: Online, proctored, 2 sections: Mathematics + Logical Reasoning.
Duration of Exam: 120 minutes (2 hours).
Types of Questions: Manual input (no MCQs). Questions test problem-solving in Maths and logic/data interpretation in Reasoning.
Key Colleges / Accepted By: Scaler School of Technology (SST).
Fast-track (JEE/SAT): A fast-track route where eligible candidates may skip NSET and go directly to interviews if they meet the stated cutoffs, JEE Main Overall 92%ile+ or JEE Maths/Physics 95%ile+, or SAT 1430+.
Examination in 2026:
Jan Intake: Deadline 9 Jan 2026, NSET 11 Jan 2026
March Intake: Deadline 20 Mar 2026, NSET 22 Mar 2026
April Intake: Deadline 10 Apr 2026, NSET 12 Apr 2026
How selection happensmoves postafter NSET: If you pass the NSETYou apply online (details + video essay), then you’re shortlisted for interviews either via NSET score /tech achievements or via the JEE/SAT fast-track route. The interview process includes two interview rounds (1 AI interview + 1 interview with working tech professionals), and the final result decision is shared within 7–10 days after the interview. Attempt limits: You can give NSET up to 3 times and interviews up to 2 times in an academic year.
Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded by the Scaler Impact Foundation (merit-based and merit-cum-need). Its support based scholarship canscholarship and can go up to 100% in some cases, and recommends completing the dashboard profile with academic + financial details during registration, since it’s used for scholarship evaluation.
3. State CETs
Now, iIf you’re open to studying in a specific state, that state’s CET can be one of the most direct routes into a big pool of engineering colleges through a single counselling process. Below are the major state exams:
MHT CET (Maharashtra)
Maharashtra’s state-level entrance exam for engineering admissions (PCM group for B.E./B.Tech routes)
Why it’s useful: It opens up a wide set of Maharashtra colleges through the state’s counselling process, —so it’s useful if you’re open to studying in Maharashtra
Top Colleges Accepting This Exam: Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai; COEP Technological University, Pune; VJTI Mumbai; Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai.
Exam Dates for MHT CET 2026:
Applications: 10 Jan – 12 Feb 2026
PCM exam window (Attempt 1): 11–19 Apr 2026
PCM exam window (Attempt 2): 14–17 May 2026
KCET / UGCET (Karnataka)
Karnataka’s Common Entrance Test used for admissions (including engineering) via KEA counselling
Why students consider it with JEE: If Karnataka colleges are on your list, KCET is the core state pathway and covers a large set of government + private colleges through one counselling system.
Mode of exam: It’s a written objective test using OMR answer sheets (single correct response).
Colleges You Can Target: RV College of Engineering (RVCE), Bengaluru; Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bengaluru; BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), Bengaluru; PES University, Bengaluru.
2026 Examination timeline:
Applications start: 17 Jan 2026
Last date to fill application: 16 Feb 2026
Exam dates: 23 & 24 Apr 2026
KEAM (Kerala)
Kerala’s entrance exam route for engineering admissions is handled by CEE Kerala.
Exam Pattern: Computer Based Test (CBT) with objective questions (single correct response).
Top Colleges via This Route: College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram (CET); Government Engineering College, Thrissur (GEC Thrissur); Model Engineering College, Ernakulam; TKM College of Engineering, Kollam.
Application window: 05 Jan – 31 Jan 2026 (documents upload allowed later as per notice)
Engineering CBT exam schedule: 17–23 Apr 2026
AP EAPCET (Andhra Pradesh)
State-level common entrance test for engineering (and other streams) for admissions in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Institutes to Know: Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam; JNTUK College of Engineering, Kakinada; JNTUA College of Engineering, Anantapur; SVUCE (Sri Venkateswara University College of Engineering), Tirupati.
Application starts: Mar 2026
Engineering exam window: 12–15 & 18 May 2026
TG EAPCET (Telangana)
Telangana’s state entrance test route for engineering admissions
Colleges You Can Target: JNTUH College of Engineering, Hyderabad; University College of Engineering, Osmania University; Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT); VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology (VNR VJIET).
Engineering exam dates: 9, 10 & 11 May 2026 (from TGCHE schedule press note)
FAQs
1. Do these exams need totally separate prep?
No, mostly, your PCM base transfers. The extra work is usually practicing the exam format and completing some exam-style mock practises of the exam to be faster and more accurate.
2. What should I check before applying to any entrance exam (apart from dates)?
Always verify three things on the official site: eligibility criteria, exam mode or /pattern, and the admission/counselling process. These details differ depending on exams and can influence whether your score is actually usefulusable for admissions or not.
3. What if two exams fall in the same week (or even same day)?
This happens a lot in the month of April–May, where a lot of exams collide. You should always have your first priorities fixed early and you should be prepared to forgo an exam in case it conflicts with an exam that has a higher priority.
4. Do state CET scores help outside that state?
Usually, state CET counselling primarily benefits candidates who are eligible for that state’s admission rules (domicile/reservation rules vary). Always check the official counselling eligibility for the specific CET you’re considering.
