While JEE Main is the primary entrance exam for many engineering aspirants, there are several exams other than JEE that can also open up good admission options. There are state-level entrance exams, private engineering entrance exams, and technology-specific or field-specific entrance exams through which students can search for entrance exams apart from JEE Mains and increase the number of engineering colleges they can apply to.
This list contains many major engineering exams other than JEE, categorised into three types: private engineering exams, tech-focused engineering exams and state-level engineering exams.
Even if the student’s performance in JEE Main is not satisfactory, the student can read this guide on what to do if JEE Mains is not cleared to get a clearer idea of the alternative options available.
1. Private engineering entrance exams apart from JEE Mains
BITSAT (BITS Pilani)
Students are also searching for entrance exams of top private engineering colleges in India apart from JEE Mains exam, and one of the most searched exams is BITSAT exam. BITSAT is an admission test conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) for its campuses across India. The test helps to assess a candidate’s PCM knowledge and also their ability to solve questions within a time frame with maximum accuracy.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: Integrated first-degree programmes offered at BITS campuses
Exam Mode: Online Computer-based test (CBT), which occurs in multiple sessions
Eligibility: Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. Minimum 75% in aggregate in PCM and minimum 60% in each of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Students who have appeared for the above examination in 2026 or have passed the same in 2025 are also eligible to apply (first-time in 2025/2026).
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, English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning.
Key Colleges Accepted By: BITS Pilani, 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
The popular exam that students search for apart from JEE Mains for top private engineering colleges in India is the BITSAT entrance exam. Official Notification for the same will be released on the BITS admissions page. (no follow)
VITEEE (VIT)
VIT Engineering Entrance Examination, commonly known as VITEEE, is an alternative engineering entrance examination to JEE Main and many other similar entrance examinations. The VIT Engineering Entrance Examination is conducted by VIT for the admission of candidates to the B.Tech programmes offered across VIT campuses. Many students appear for VITEEE along with JEE Main so that they have more college options to choose from.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: B.Tech programmes offered across VIT campuses
Eligibility: Candidate should be born on or after 01-07-2004 and should appear for / have appeared for the 10+2 examination in 2026. Candidates must have secured a minimum 60% aggregate in PCM / PCB, with at least 50% in Mathematics / Biology.
Exam Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
Types of Questions: Multiple-choice (objective)
Number of Questions: 125 Questions (Maths/Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude & English).
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Colleges Accepting VITEEE Scores: VIT Vellore, VIT Chennai, VIT Bhopal, and VIT Andhra Pradesh
Exam Timeline for 2026:
Exam window: 28 Apr – 03 May 2026
SRMJEEE (SRM Institute of Science and Technology)
SRMJEEE is conducted by the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). SRMJEEE is one of the popular engineering entrance exams in India for students seeking admission to undergraduate engineering courses offered by SRMIST through SRMIST admissions. It is also considered by many JEE aspirants as the exam is conducted in multiple phases. A student can thus choose a phase according to their preparation and register for it. The exam is remotely proctored online.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: B.Tech programmes offered through SRMIST admissions
Mode of Examination: Online Remote Proctored Test - Multiple Phases
Eligibility: Candidate should have passed or appeared in 10+2 with a minimum 60% aggregate in Physics, Mathematics and at least one of Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Computer Science / Information Technology / Informatics Practices / Engineering Graphics / Botany and Zoology as major subjects
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 admissions are located at 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
One Small Note on the SRMJEEE Exam Test: As the test is a remote-proctored test, students should go through the system/device requirements and test-day guidelines for the SRMJEEE test in advance to address any possible issue well before the test date.
MET (Manipal Entrance Test) – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
MET or Manipal Entrance Test is one of the entrance exam alternatives to JEE Mains for students looking to get into private universities for engineering through B.Tech programs. It is the primary entrance test for Manipal B.Tech programs, conducted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for admissions to various Manipal institutes across India.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Courses: B.Tech programmes
Eligibility for MET exam: Applicant must have 10+2 or equivalent qualification and must have studied Physics, Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects, along with one optional subject, which can be Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / any other Technical / Vocational subject. Applicants must have secured 50% aggregate marks in the above-mentioned 4 subjects.
Exam Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration of Exam: 120 minutes
Number of Questions: 60 total
Types of Questions: 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).
Note: As MET has slot booking/OTBS in place, please do not treat it as just another fill-form-and-forget test. Keep an eye on the official Manipal admissions page for schedule and OTBS updates.
AEEE (Amrita Engineering Entrance Examination)
AEEE is Amrita Engineering Entrance Examination, an engineering entrance examination for B.Tech admission and another option apart from JEE Mains. It is conducted by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham for admission into B.Tech programs offered at its campuses across India in two test sessions.
Exam Level: Undergraduate engineering entrance exam (National-level)
Eligibility Criteria: Candidate should have passed Class 12 or equivalent with a 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).
Number of Questions: 100 questions in all: Math = 40, Physics = 25, Chemistry = 20, Quantitative Aptitude = 10, English = 5.
Syllabus: The test questions for AEEE shall be from the syllabus of the State Board of Higher Secondary Education or the CBSE syllabus for Class 12.
Key Colleges / Accepted By: Amrita engineering campuses offering B.Tech, namely 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: 24 to 30 April 2026
To know the current status of AEEE 2026 exam dates and slot booking, kindly check the official AEEE admissions page .
COMEDK UGET (Karnataka private colleges route)
COMEDK UGET is the engineering entrance exam other than JEE Main through which students can seek admission to engineering colleges in Karnataka. The merit list or rank of a candidate in the UGET exam is prepared on the basis of marks scored by the candidate in the exam, and the counselling for admission in the member institutions of COMEDK is conducted by COMEDK in a centralised manner.
Exam Level: State-level exam for entry to Karnataka private colleges 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.
10+2 / 2nd PUC or equivalent qualification with Physics, Mathematics, English and one of the subjects from Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Computer Science / Electronics.
Minimum percentage of marks in aggregate in 10+2 / 2nd PUC / equivalent examination shall be 45% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for general merit candidates, and 40% for SC / ST / OBC candidates of Karnataka. Candidates should also pass these subjects individually.
No lateral entry for diploma holders through this route.
Exam Mode / Examination Pattern: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Key Colleges / Accepted By: The key colleges accepting COMEDK UGET scores are the participating private engineering colleges in Karnataka. These colleges are part of COMEDK and students can apply through the counselling process using COMEDK UGET scores. COMEDK serves around 150+ engineering colleges, but students should refer to the official list of participating engineering colleges as the list can change.
Duration of Exam: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Number of Questions: 180 total (Physics 60, Chemistry 60, Mathematics 60)
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
To know the exam dates, application form dates and counselling schedule, kindly visit the official website of COMEDK UGET .
2. Tech-focused pathway: Scaler National Scholarship & Entrance Test (NSET)
National Scholarship & Entrance Test (NSET) for Scaler School of Technology is an undergraduate tech-focused entrance test for the CS & AI programme.
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): Candidates who are under 20 years as of 1st July 2026 and have passed Class 12 with a minimum 60% in Mathematics from any recognised board such as CBSE / ISC / IB / IGCSE or equivalent are eligible to apply.
Examination Mode: Online exam, proctored, with 2 sections - Mathematics and Logical Reasoning.
Duration of Exam: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Types of Questions: There are no MCQs in the test. Candidates have to manually input numbers, symbols or letters for certain questions. In the Mathematics section, problem-solving type questions will be asked, whereas in the Logical Reasoning / Data Interpretation section, questions related to logic and data interpretation will be asked.
Accepted By: Scaler School of Technology (SST).
Fast-track (JEE/SAT): A fast-track route is available for Scaler School of Technology’s undergraduate programme interviews for candidates who score above a specified cutoff in JEE Main or SAT. For JEE Main, this would be an overall percentile of 92%ile+ or a percentile of 95%ile+ or above in either the Mathematics or Physics section. For SAT, this would be a total score of 1430+ out of 1600.
Examination in 2026:
June Intake 2: Deadline 26 Jun 2026, NSET is on 28 Jun 2026
July Intake 1: Deadline 10 July 2026, NSET is on 12 July 2026
July Intake 2: Deadline 24 July 2026, NSET is on 26 July 2026
August Intake: Deadline 7 Aug 2026, NSET is on 9 Aug 2026
How selection happens post NSET: After the candidate clears the NSET, they move on to the interview process. Candidates can get selected for an interview either through their NSET scores or through the fast-track route for JEE/SAT scores. There are two rounds of interviews: first an AI interview and the second round conducted by working tech professionals in the industry. The result of the interview process comes within 7-10 days from the date of the interview. Attempt limits for NSET and interviews: candidates can give NSET up to 3 times in a year and interviews up to 2 times in a year.
Here is an official preparation video by Scaler School of Technology for the NSET exam. This video can help applicants preparing for the Scaler NSET exam get a better idea of the exam approach and how the test is conducted.
How to prepare for Scaler NSET 2026? (Official Video)
3. State CETs
If you are open to studying in a particular state, that state’s CET can become a straightforward option for getting into many engineering colleges through one counselling process. Here are some of the key CETs:
MHT CET (Maharashtra)
MHT CET (Maharashtra) is for B.E./B.Tech courses in the PCM group for engineering admissions through the Maharashtra state entrance exam.
This test can also be considered as an option due to the number of engineering colleges in the state of Maharashtra, offering admission options through a single state counselling process.
Colleges Accepting This Exam: Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai; COEP Technological University, Pune; VJTI Mumbai; Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai.
Eligibility (high level): The candidate should be an Indian national and must have passed / be appearing for the HSC or equivalent exam. There is no age limit for appearing in MHT CET.
The test pattern for the PCM group is as follows:
Exam Format (PCM): Computer-based test with MCQs. The PCM paper runs in two blocks: 90 minutes for Physics + Chemistry, then 90 minutes for Mathematics.
Duration: 180 minutes
Number of Questions (PCM): 150 questions total
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
To know more details regarding the MHT CET application form, test pattern, MHT CET registration, exam date, etc., please refer to the MHT CET official website .
KCET / UGCET (Karnataka)
Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) / Under Graduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET) is conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for admission through counselling for engineering and other courses.
Students may also compare JEE Main with Karnataka Common Entrance Test for admissions to engineering colleges in Karnataka. KCET / UGCET is conducted by KEA, and admissions happen through the KEA counselling process. There are a large number of government and private colleges in Karnataka, and admissions happen through a single counselling process of KEA.
Eligibility (high level): Candidate should be an Indian national and should have completed/be appearing for 2nd PUC / Class 12 from any recognised board of education with English. Candidate should have obtained a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in optional subjects, i.e. Physics and Mathematics, along with one of the following subjects: Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Electronics / Computer Science.
Number of Questions (PCM): 180 questions in total, i.e. 60 questions each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Duration (PCM): 80 minutes each, 240 minutes for all PCM papers.
Mode of exam: It’s a written objective test using OMR answer sheets (single correct response).
Colleges You Can Target: BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), Bengaluru; PES University, Bengaluru; RV College of Engineering (RVCE), Bengaluru; Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bengaluru.
2026 Examination timeline:
Applications start: 17 Jan 2026
Last date to fill application: 16 Feb 2026
Exam dates: 23 & 24 Apr 2026
KCET / UGCET official notifications are available on the Karnataka Common Entrance Test / Under Graduate Common Entrance Test official website.
KEAM (Kerala)
The entrance examination for engineering admission in Kerala through the KEAM channel is conducted by CEE, or the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala.
Exam Pattern: Computer Based Test (CBT) with objective questions (single correct response).
Eligibility (high level): A Class 12 passed / appearing candidate, or equivalent, with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and Chemistry as an optional subject, or Computer Science / Biotechnology / Biology instead of Chemistry. Minimum 45% marks are required in aggregate of the 3 subjects. For eligible reserved categories such as SC / ST / SEBC / PD, the minimum marks requirement is 40%. Candidate must be 17 years of age as on 31/12/2026. There is no upper age limit for engineering courses.
Number of Questions (Engineering): 150 questions: 75 Maths + 45 Physics + 30 Chemistry.
Duration (Engineering): 180 minutes (3 hours).
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
Refer to the official KEAM portal for the 2026 notification, KEAM 2026 application form, exam schedule etc.
AP EAPCET (Andhra Pradesh)
AP EAPCET is a state-level common entrance test for admissions into engineering as well as other courses offered in Andhra Pradesh colleges.
Key Institutes to Know: Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam; JNTUK College of Engineering, Kakinada; JNTUA College of Engineering, Anantapur; and SVUCE, Tirupati.
Eligibility (high level): The candidate must satisfy the local status requirements as specified by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for engineering courses. The candidate must be an Indian National, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), or Person of Indian Origin (PIO). Candidate must have completed 10+2 or be appearing with relevant subjects such as Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Candidate must have secured a minimum 45% marks, 40% for reserved category candidates, in aggregate in the above subjects taken together for engineering courses. Candidate must have completed 16+ years as on 31 Dec 2026. There is no upper age limit for engineering.
Exam Pattern: Computer Based Test (CBT) with objective MCQs (single correct response)
Number of Questions (Engineering): 160 questions, 80 Math Questions + 40 Physics Questions + 40 Chemistry Questions.
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Application starts: 04 Feb 2026
Engineering exam window: 12-15 & 18 May 2026
The official notification for AP EAPCET 2026 exam and application link will be updated on the official AP EAPCET portal .
TG EAPCET (Telangana)
TG EAPCET is a state level entrance test conducted for engineering admissions in Telangana.
List of key colleges for engineering aspirants in Telangana: 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).
Eligibility (High Level): Indian / OCI / PIO. Local / Non-local status rules have to be met. Candidate should have passed or be appearing in 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, or relevant vocational subjects. Minimum 45% in MPC group, 40% in case of reserved category candidates. Candidate should be 16 years and above as on 31st Dec 2026. There is no upper age limit for engineering courses.
Number of Questions (Engineering): 160 total (Math 80, Physics 40, Chemistry 40)
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Application start: 19 Feb 2026
Engineering exam dates: 9, 10 & 11 May 2026
For official notifications, application updates and instructions, check the TG EAPCET portal .
Instead of applying for all the engineering entrance exams, it is better to read this guide on multiple entrance exams for engineering . It can help students understand how many entrance exams they should apply for and how many practical options they can keep for pursuing engineering.
FAQs
1. Do these exams need totally separate prep?
No. For most engineering exams other than JEE, a strong PCM base still applies. The extra preparation is usually practising 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)?
There are three things that should be checked on the official website every time. These are the eligibility criteria, exam mode or pattern, and admission or counselling process. They differ from one exam to another and may affect whether the test result is actually useful for admission.
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?
State CET scores may help outside-state students only if the counselling rules of that CET allow them to apply. The counselling process is usually more useful for students who qualify as per that state’s admission rules. Since domicile and reservation rules can differ from state to state, students should always check the official counselling eligibility criteria of the specific CET they are considering.
