NIMCET Entrance Exam 2026 – Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus & More

NIMCET 2026 (NIT MCA Common Entrance Test) is the national-level entrance test for MCA admissions to 11 NITs and 2 IIITs for the academic year 2026–27.

NIMCET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

The exact schedule will be confirmed in the official notification, but the timeline will broadly follow previous years.

NIMCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualifications (as on 30 September 2026)

• Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years (B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.), BCA, BIT, etc.) with Mathematics/Statistics as one subject; OR
• B.E./B.Tech from a recognised university or institution.

Degrees from open/distance universities are valid only if approved by UGC/AICTE/DEC, and marks are computed over all subjects across all years.

NIMCET 2026 Application Process

Applications are accepted only through the official NIMCET portal, using a fully online process with document upload and online fee payment.

Step‑by‑Step Registration

1. New Registration: Visit the official site and create a login using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Activate Account: Use the verification link sent to email to set password and security question.
3. Fill Form: Log in and enter personal, academic and contact details, then choose preferred exam cities (usually 3 choices).
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned, self‑attested photo, signature, marksheets, ID proof and category certificates as per size and format rules.
5. Pay Fee: Pay the application fee online via card, net banking or UPI.
6. Final Submit: Preview the form, correct via “Revise” if needed, then submit to generate application number and final PDF.

Application Fee

Multiple registrations are not allowed, and no hard copies are to be sent to the coordinating NIT.

NIMCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The test has 120 MCQs with section‑wise timing, heavy weightage to Mathematics and uniform negative marking across sections.

• Sections are time‑locked; once a part ends, questions cannot be revisited.
• Only one option is correct for each question; multiple selections count as wrong.

NIMCET 2026 Syllabus (Section‑wise)

A. Mathematics

• Set theory, permutations and combinations, basic probability and statistics.
• Algebra: equations, indices, logarithms, series (AP, GP, HP), matrices and determinants.
• Coordinate geometry: lines, distance, circles, conics (parabola, ellipse, hyperbola).
• Calculus: limits, continuity, differentiation, maxima–minima, integration and area.
• Vectors and applications; trigonometric identities, equations and heights & distances.

B. Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning

• Logical puzzles, number/letter series, coding–decoding and arrangements.
• Data sufficiency, statement–conclusion questions, visual and spatial reasoning.

C. Computer Awareness

• Computer system basics: CPU, memory, I/O devices and storage.
• Binary/hexadecimal numbers, data representation, binary arithmetic.
• Boolean algebra, logic gates, truth tables and simple digital logic ideas.

D. General English

• Reading comprehension, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, word meanings).
• Grammar: sentence correction, use of articles, prepositions, verbs and basic rules.

NIMCET 2026 Admit Card

Admit cards will be released on the official portal and must be downloaded and printed; no physical copies are posted.

1. Log in to the official site using registered email and password.
2. Click “Download Admit Card” and save the PDF.
3. Print at least two copies, preferably on a laser printer.

• Admit card shows candidate details, exam date & time, test centre and instructions.
• Carry a valid photo ID along with admit card; electronic gadgets are not allowed.

Results, Scores & Rank

Results are expected in the last week of June 2026 and will display both score and All India Rank.

• Scorecard must be downloaded online; no hard copy is sent.
• Candidates with zero or negative marks in Mathematics, or total zero/negative, are disqualified from ranking.

In tie cases, higher Mathematics marks are given preference, followed by Logical Reasoning, then Computer Awareness; if still tied, older age or random selection breaks the tie.

Participating Institutes & Seat Matrix

A total of 13 institutes (11 NITs + 2 IIITs) admit MCA students through NIMCET scores, some with additional self‑financed seats and new‑age specialisations like AI and Data Science.

Combined MCA intake is around 1,200–1,300 seats across all participating institutes, with All‑India quota and reservation as per Government norms.

Score vs Rank & Expected Cut‑Off Trends

Based on earlier years, a score well above the mid‑range in NIMCET typically corresponds to ranks that can fetch seats in top NITs, though exact mapping changes with difficulty and competition.

• Very high scores can secure single‑ or double‑digit ranks and admission in premier campuses like NIT Trichy and NIT Warangal.
• Mid‑range scores usually align with ranks that open options in mid‑tier NITs and IIITs.
• Closing ranks differ for each institute and category and are influenced by difficulty, number of applicants and seat matrix.

Preparation Strategy & Recommended Books

Study Plan (Long‑Term)

• First phase: build strong basics in Mathematics and Logical Reasoning with topic‑wise practice.
• Second phase: cover full syllabus, add timed mixed sets and start mock tests.
• Final phase: intensive mock practice in exam‑like slots, plus focused revision and error analysis.

Section‑Wise Focus

• Mathematics: Prioritise algebra, calculus and coordinate geometry; maintain a formula notebook and practise previous patterns.
• Reasoning: Work on puzzles, arrangements, coding‑decoding and data sufficiency under time pressure.
• Computer Awareness: Revise computer fundamentals, number systems and Boolean logic through concise notes.
• English: Strengthen vocabulary and grammar through daily reading and short exercises.

Use one or two core books per subject plus past papers, instead of collecting many resources, to allow multiple revisions.

NIMCET 2026 Counselling & Seat Allotment

After results, eligible candidates participate in a centralised online counselling process that includes separate registration, choice filling, multiple allotment rounds and final reporting at the allotted institute.

1. Counselling Registration: Register on the portal, pay a small non‑refundable counselling fee.
2. Choice Filling: Arrange NITs/IIITs in preference order; choices are locked by deadline.
3. Seat Allotment Rounds: Three regular rounds are conducted based on rank, reservation and preferences.
4. Document Verification & Fee: Upload required documents and pay seat‑acceptance fee online.
5. Freeze / Float Options: Either retain the seat or keep it while seeking higher choices in later rounds.
6. Institute Reporting: Pay partial institute fee and complete admission formalities at campus.

A special round may be held for vacant seats with a separate participation fee structure and fresh choice filling.

Coaching & Support (Tarkashastra‑Style Model)

Many institutes offer structured NIMCET coaching with live classes, mock tests and mentorship focusing heavily on Mathematics, which carries the highest weight in the exam.

• Expert faculty with MCA/engineering backgrounds and prior exam experience.
• Math‑heavy curriculum, daily practice sheets and section‑wise mock tests.
• Live doubt solving, online communities and flexible batches for working or final‑year students.

Key FAQs (Short Version)

• Who conducts NIMCET? One NIT is appointed coordinating institute each year and conducts the exam on behalf of all participating NITs/IIITs.
• How many institutes accept NIMCET? 11 NITs and 2 IIITs, all using a common merit list and counselling process.
• Is there negative marking? Yes, one‑quarter of the marks for that question are deducted for every wrong answer.
• Is separate application needed for each NIT? No, a single NIMCET application and central counselling cover all participating institutes.
• What is a good score? High scores (well above mid‑range) generally lead to strong ranks and seats in top NITs, but exact cut‑offs vary by year and category.