Pursuing engineering at Manipal University? This comprehensive MET 2026 counselling guide equips you with everything needed—from application steps and eligibility criteria to cutoff predictions and college comparisons. Learn how thousands of students secure seats at MIT Manipal, Bangalore, and other prestigious Manipal campuses using smart strategies and data-backed tools.
| Exam Mode Online CBT | Application Fee ₹2,000 | Phases 2 Attempts | Counselling June 2026 |
The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) represents your direct pathway to engineering seats at Manipal University’s multiple campuses across India. However, your exam score alone doesn’t guarantee admission. This is where MET counselling becomes critical—it’s the centralised allocation process that transforms your rank into an actual college seat.
Here’s what makes MET counselling unique:
- Conducted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)—a reputed private university
- Completely online process—no physical counselling centres required
- Spans multiple rounds with seat upgrade opportunities after each round
- Covers B.Tech, M.Tech, B.Pharm, M.Sc, MCA, and B.Des programmes
- Available across 4 major campuses: MIT Manipal, MIT Bangalore, MU Jaipur, and Sikkim Manipal
MET 2026 Eligibility Criteria—Who Can Apply?
Before investing time in the MET application, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. The good news? Manipal maintains relatively inclusive eligibility criteria compared to national-level entrances.
Academic Eligibility
- Completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects
- Achieved a minimum 50% aggregate in Class 12 (General category)
- Specific course requirements may vary—check the official portal for your chosen programme
Key Advantages of MET Eligibility
- No upper age limit—working professionals and mature students welcome
- Accept scores from both Phase 1 and Phase 2 attempts
- The best score is considered if you take multiple attempts
MET 2026 Application Process—Step-by-Step Instructions
The MET application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps precisely to avoid rejection or delays:
Step 1: Register on the Official Portal
Action: Visit https://apply.manipal.edu and click ‘Register’ to create your account.
- Enter a valid email address—you’ll use this for all future communications
- Provide a mobile number for OTP verification
- The system generates your unique Application Number and Password instantly
Step 2: Complete Your Application Form
Log in using your credentials and fill out the comprehensive application form. The system guides you through each section:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, address)
- Educational background (Class 10 & 12 marks, subjects)
- Programme preferences (B.Tech, M.Tech, etc.)
- Category information (General, SC, ST, OBC, or PWD)
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Critical: Upload documents in the exact format specified (JPG/PDF). Incorrect formats cause rejection.
- Recent passport-size photograph (4×6 cm, white background)
- Clear signature scan
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The MET 2026 application fee is ₹2,000 (non-refundable). Pay securely through:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Net banking
Pro Tip: Save your application number immediately after payment. You’ll need it for slot booking.
Step 5: Book Your Exam Slot
After payment, you access Manipal’s Online Test Booking System (OTBS). Choose your preferred test centre, date, and time slot. Importantly, slots operate on a first-come, first-served basis—book early for better options.
Phase 1 Slot Booking: 31 March – 2 April 2026 (11 AM – 11 PM)
Phase 2 Slot Booking: 9 May – 11 May 2026 (11 AM – 11 PM)
Step 6: Download Your Admit Card
The OTBS generates your e-Hall Ticket immediately after slot booking. Furthermore, Manipal emails a copy to your registered email within 24 hours.
Essential: Verify all details on your admit card before exam day—exam centre address, time, roll number, and date must be accurate.
If you notice discrepancies, contact admissions@manipal.edu immediately. Bring a printed copy of your e-Hall Ticket on exam day along with a valid photo ID.
Important Dates for MET 2026—Don’t Miss These Deadlines
Missing even one deadline can derail your entire admission timeline. Mark these dates in your calendar and set mobile reminders:
| Event | Date | Phase |
| Application Form Opens | Available Now | Phase 1 |
| Application Deadline | 23 March 2026 (11 PM) | Phase 1 |
| Slot Booking Window | 31 Mar – 2 Apr (11 AM-11 PM) | Phase 1 |
| Admit Card Release | 10 – 13 April 2026 | Phase 1 |
| MET Exam Dates | 13 – 14 April 2026 | Phase 1 |
| Phase 2 Registration Opens | 21 April 2026 (+ ₹1,200 fee) | Phase 2 |
| Phase 2 Slot Booking | 9 – 11 May (11 AM-11 PM) | Phase 2 |
| Phase 2 Hall Ticket | 20 – 22 May 2026 | Phase 2 |
| MET Phase 2 Exam | 23 – 24 May 2026 | Phase 2 |
| Merit List Released | 2nd week June 2026 | Counselling |
| Counselling Begins | 2nd week June 2026 | 2nd week of June 2026 |
MET 2026 Fees Explained—What You’ll Pay
Understanding the complete fee structure helps you budget effectively for the MET process. Here’s the breakdown:
| Fee Component | Amount | Refundable? |
| Phase 1 Application Fee | ₹2,000 | No |
| Phase 2 Registration (2nd Attempt) | ₹1,200 | No |
| MET Counselling Fee | ~₹10,000 | Partially |
MET 2026 Cutoff Analysis—What Scores Get You Admitted?
Cutoff scores represent the minimum rank or percentile required for admission to specific colleges and programmes. Crucially, cutoffs fluctuate annually based on exam difficulty, applicant volume, and seat availability.
Expected Cutoff Ranges by College
| College | Location | Avg Cutoff Rank | Package |
| MIT Manipal | Manipal, Karnataka | Top 500 | ₹12.31 LPA |
| MIT Bangalore | Bangalore, Karnataka | Top 1000 | ₹10.3 LPA |
| Manipal University Jaipur | Jaipur, Rajasthan | Top 2000 | ₹8.5 LPA |
| Sikkim Manipal University | Sikkim | Top 3000 | ₹6.48 LPA |
MET 2026 Counselling Process—How Seat Allotment Works
After the merit list is released, counselling begins in June 2026. During counselling, you fill your college and branch preferences, and Manipal’s algorithm allots seats based on your rank and choices.
Counselling Stages
- Registration: Log in to the counselling portal using your application credentials
- Choice Filling: Select colleges and branches in order of preference—list can include 20+ options
- Seat Allotment: Manipal’s system processes all preferences and allots your best available college based on rank
- Reporting: You report to your allotted college for document verification and confirmation
- Subsequent Rounds: Participate in remaining rounds to upgrade your college or branch (typically 2-3 additional rounds)
College Predictor Apps—Essential Tools for MET Success
After your MET results arrive, the critical question becomes: Which colleges can I realistically access with my rank? This uncertainty paralyses many students during choice filling. A college predictor app eliminates this guesswork.
Why Use a College Predictor App?
- Predict colleges based on your rank using the previous year’s cutoff data
- Compare colleges side-by-side on placements, fees, and infrastructure
- Identify safe, target, and reach colleges to fill intelligently
- Reduce counselling stress with data-driven insights
Best College Predictor Apps for MET Counselling
Shiksha Samadhan stands out as the premier admission counselling platform for MET students. Beyond predictions, it provides:
- Live expert counselling during all phases
- Personalised college recommendations based on your profile
- Real-time updates on round-by-round seat allotments
- Guidance on document verification and seat confirmation
Documents Required for MET Counselling & Admission
Once you receive your seat allotment, you must report to your college with complete documentation. Missing even one document delays your admission. Prepare these in advance:
- MET scorecard/merit list (printout from official portal)
- Admit card for the exam
- Class 10 mark sheet and passing certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving License)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- 6-8 passport-size photographs
Frequently Asked Questions About MET 2026 Counselling
Q: Can I take both Phase 1 and Phase 2 attempts?
A: Yes. If you register for Phase 1, you can register for Phase 2 by paying an additional ₹1,200. However, Manipal considers only your best score for counselling.
Q: When does MET counselling start?
A: Counselling begins in the 2nd week of June 2026 (tentative), shortly after the merit list releases. Monitor the official portal for exact dates.
Q: How many colleges can I prefer in counselling?
A: You can list 20-50+ college-branch combinations in order of preference. Crucially, fill this wisely—place safe options at the beginning and reach options at the end.
Q: What’s the counselling participation fee?
A: Manipal charges approximately ₹10,000 as a refundable counselling fee. This amount gets adjusted against your course fee if you take admission.
Q: Can I get a college seat outside my preference list?
A: No. Seat allotment happens only from the colleges you’ve listed in your preference order. This is why intelligent choice filling is crucial—use college predictor tools to make informed decisions.
Your MET 2026 Success Roadmap
MET 2026 counselling determines where you study engineering for the next four years. Success requires three critical elements:
6. Complete adherence to application deadlines and procedures
7. Data-driven college selection using predictor tools
8. Strategic choice filling during counselling rounds
This comprehensive guide provides the complete roadmap. Now, combine this knowledge with reliable tools like college predictor apps and professional admission counselling to maximise your success. Your dream Manipal engineering journey awaits!
Success begins with smart preparation and informed decisions. All the best for MET 2026!
