B.Tech CSE Entrance Exams 2026: List, Dates & Exam Pattern
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To get into a B.Tech Computer Science (CSE) programme in India, you clear a national, state or university-level entrance exam and then join centralised counselling. The most widely accepted exams for B.Tech CSE 2026 admission are JEE Main (the gateway to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and most private universities), followed by BITSAT, VITEEE, CUET, COMEDK, WBJEE, MHT CET and KCET. This page lists every major B.Tech CSE entrance exam, its 2026 exam dates, and a comparison of the exam pattern so you can plan your attempts.
Which entrance exams are accepted for B.Tech CSE in 2026?
B.Tech CSE admission in India runs on three layers of entrance exams: one national exam (JEE Main), a few private-university exams (BITSAT, VITEEE), and state-level Common Entrance Tests (MHT CET, KCET, WBJEE, COMEDK). Most students appear for JEE Main plus one or two backup exams to widen their options. JEE Main is by far the most accepted, opening doors to 31 NITs, 26 IIITs and GFTIs, along with many private and state institutes.
All of these are covered in depth on our B.Tech Computer Science complete guide. If you have already shortlisted campuses, browse verified B.Tech colleges in India and the broader list of top Engineering colleges in India to check which exam each one accepts.
B.Tech CSE Entrance Exams 2026: Dates at a Glance
Here is the 2026 exam calendar for the main B.Tech CSE entrance exams. Dates below reflect the 2026 admission cycle; aspirants targeting the 2027 intake can expect a similar month-wise window, as these exams follow a fairly stable annual schedule.
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Level | 2026 Exam Dates | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Main (Session 1) | NTA | National | 21–29 January 2026 | CBT (online) |
| JEE Main (Session 2) | NTA | National | 2–8 April 2026 | CBT (online) |
| BITSAT (Session 1) | BITS Pilani | University | 15–17 April 2026 | CBT (online) |
| BITSAT (Session 2) | BITS Pilani | University | 24–26 May 2026 | CBT (online) |
| VITEEE | VIT Vellore | University | 28 April – 3 May 2026 | CBT (online) |
| CUET UG | NTA | National | 11–31 May 2026 | CBT (online) |
| KCET | KEA, Karnataka | State | 23–24 April 2026 | Pen & paper |
| MHT CET (PCM group) | SCE Cell, Maharashtra | State | April–May 2026 (multi-day) | CBT (online) |
| COMEDK UGET | COMEDK | State/consortium | 9 May 2026 | CBT (online) |
| WBJEE | WBJEEB, West Bengal | State | 24 May 2026 | Pen & paper |
Always confirm exact dates on the official conducting-body website before applying, as sessions and slots can shift.
JEE Main: The Main Gateway for B.Tech CSE
JEE Main is the single most important entrance exam for B.Tech CSE in India and is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions each year, with your best score counted. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) covers Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. In 2026, Session 1 was held from 21 to 29 January and Session 2 from 2 to 8 April. A qualifying JEE Main score also makes you eligible for JEE Advanced, which is required for CSE admission at the IITs. You can track notifications, dates and cut-offs on the JEE Main exam page.
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JEE Main Paper 1 pattern
- 75 questions in total (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), all compulsory — from 2025 the optional choice in Section B (numerical questions) was removed.
- Total marks: 300, with +4 for a correct answer and −1 for an incorrect one.
- Duration: 3 hours, computer-based test.
Private-University Exams: BITSAT and VITEEE
BITSAT and VITEEE are the two most popular private-university entrance exams for B.Tech CSE, run independently of JEE Main. BITSAT is the sole route into the sought-after CSE programmes at BITS Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses, while VITEEE governs admission to VIT’s CSE and its specialisations.
BITSAT 2026
BITSAT is a 3-hour online test with about 130 questions across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning, using +3 for correct and −1 for wrong answers. It was held in two sessions in 2026: 15–17 April and 24–26 May. Check details on the BITSAT exam page.
VITEEE 2026
VITEEE is a 2 hour 30 minute computer-based test with 125 questions and no negative marking, covering Mathematics/Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude and English. It was conducted from 28 April to 3 May 2026. Rank determines campus and branch allotment at VIT. See the VITEEE exam page for the latest cycle.
State and Consortium Exams: CUET, MHT CET, KCET, COMEDK, WBJEE
Beyond national and private exams, several state-level and consortium exams admit students to B.Tech CSE seats in specific regions. These are ideal backups and are essential if you are targeting government or state-quota seats.
- CUET UG — Conducted by NTA (11–31 May 2026), CUET is used by many central and state universities, including for some B.Tech CSE seats. From 2026, students may choose subjects irrespective of their Class 12 combination. Details are on the CUET exam page.
- MHT CET (PCM) — Maharashtra’s Common Entrance Test for engineering, held over multiple days across April–May 2026, feeds CSE seats in Maharashtra government and private colleges.
- KCET — Karnataka Examinations Authority conducted KCET on 23–24 April 2026 for engineering admissions in Karnataka.
- COMEDK UGET — Held on 9 May 2026, this consortium exam admits students to private engineering colleges across Karnataka, with no negative marking.
- WBJEE — West Bengal’s state exam, a pen-and-paper test held on 24 May 2026, covering Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Exam Pattern Comparison for B.Tech CSE Aspirants
The exams differ mainly in subjects tested, negative marking and duration. Use the table below to decide which extra sections (like English, Logical Reasoning or Aptitude) you need to prepare beyond core PCM.
| Exam | Subjects | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Main Paper 1 | Physics, Chemistry, Maths | 3 hours | Yes (−1) |
| BITSAT | PCM + English + Logical Reasoning | 3 hours | Yes (−1) |
| VITEEE | PCM/PCB + Aptitude + English | 2 hr 30 min | No |
| COMEDK UGET | Physics, Chemistry, Maths | 3 hours | No |
| WBJEE | Maths, Physics, Chemistry | Two papers | Yes |
| KCET | Physics, Chemistry, Maths | Per-subject slots | No |
How to Plan Your B.Tech CSE Entrance Attempts
The smartest strategy is to treat JEE Main as your primary exam and add one private and one state exam as backups. Since the core syllabus of PCM overlaps heavily across JEE Main, BITSAT, VITEEE and the state CETs, one focused preparation covers most exams — you only add exam-specific sections like BITSAT’s English/Logical Reasoning or VITEEE’s Aptitude. Register early, keep two documents (Class 12 marksheet and a photo ID) handy, and note that most CSE branches close at higher cut-offs than other engineering branches, so aim for a strong percentile.
Once results are out, admission moves to counselling. Learn the full step-by-step process on our B.Tech CSE guide, and shortlist target institutes from the list of B.Tech colleges in India.
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