TANCET cutoffs define the minimum qualifying scores needed for admission to postgraduate programs in Tamil Nadu’s participating colleges. These cutoffs are influenced by several key factors such as exam difficulty, total number of candidates, seat availability, and each institution’s admission criteria.
Expected Cutoffs for TANCET 2026
Based on recent trends and historical data, the projected cutoff scores for TANCET 2026 are anticipated to reflect the following pattern:
MBA Program Cutoffs:
- Tier 1 Colleges (Anna University, Madras School of Economics): 70-85 marks
- Tier 2 Colleges (Regional campuses, Government colleges): 55-70 marks
- Tier 3 Colleges (Private and affiliated institutions): 45-55 marks
- General Category Minimum: 45 marks
- Reserved Category Minimum: 35-40 marks
MCA Program Cutoffs:
- Premium Institutions: 65-80 marks
- Government Colleges: 50-65 marks
- Private Colleges: 40-50 marks
- General Category Minimum: 40 marks
- Reserved Category Minimum: 30-35 marks
M.Tech/M.E. Program Cutoffs:
- Computer Science & IT: 60-75 marks
- Electronics & Communication: 55-70 marks
- Mechanical Engineering: 50-65 marks
- Civil Engineering: 45-60 marks
- Other Branches: 40-55 marks
Previous Year Cutoff Trends (2023-2025)
MBA Cutoff Progression:
- 2023: General - 42 marks, Reserved - 32 marks
- 2024: General - 48 marks, Reserved - 36 marks
- 2025: General - 52 marks, Reserved - 40 marks
MCA Cutoff Progression:
- 2023: General - 38 marks, Reserved - 28 marks
- 2024: General - 44 marks, Reserved - 32 marks
- 2025: General - 47 marks, Reserved - 35 marks
M.Tech Cutoff Progression:
- 2023: 35-65 marks (branch-wise variation)
- 2024: 40-68 marks (branch-wise variation)
- 2025: 45-72 marks (branch-wise variation)
The upward trend in cutoffs indicates increasing competition and improving candidate quality over the years.
Category-wise Cutoff Details
General Category:
- No relaxation in cutoff scores
- Direct competition based on merit
- Higher cutoffs for popular programs and institutions
OBC (Other Backward Classes):
- Typically 5-8 marks relaxation from general category cutoff
- Separate merit list preparation
- 27% reservation in government institutions
SC/SCA (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar):
- 10-15 marks relaxation from general category cutoff
- 18% reservation in government institutions
- Additional relaxation for SCA candidates
ST (Scheduled Tribes):
- 12-18 marks relaxation from general category cutoff
- 1% reservation in government institutions
- Special provisions for tribal area candidates
Differently Abled:
- 3% horizontal reservation
- Relaxation based on disability percentage
- Additional time allowance during examination
College-wise Cutoff Information
Premier Institutions:
- Anna University Main Campus: MBA - 75+, MCA - 70+, M.Tech - 65+
- Madras School of Economics: MBA - 80+
- Government Colleges: 10-15 marks lower than premier institutions
Regional Campuses:
- Anna University Regional Campuses: 5-10 marks lower than main campus
- Government Engineering Colleges: Varies by location and reputation
Private Institutions:
- Tier 1 Private Colleges: Close to government college cutoffs
- Tier 2 Private Colleges: 15-20 marks lower than government institutions
- Self-Financing Colleges: Generally lower cutoffs with higher fees
Factors Affecting Cutoff Scores
Exam Difficulty Level:
- Higher difficulty leads to lower cutoffs
- Normalization process for multiple sessions
- Question distribution across difficulty levels
Number of Applicants:
- Increased applications raise cutoff scores
- Program-specific demand variations
- Geographic distribution of candidates
Seat Availability:
- Government vs. private seat ratios
- New program introductions
- Capacity changes in institutions
Previous Year Performance:
- Benchmark setting based on historical data
- Institutional preferences and standards
- Industry requirements and placements
Economic Factors:
- Fee structure variations
- Scholarship availability
- Employment market conditions
Qualifying vs. Admission Cutoffs
Qualifying Cutoffs:
- Minimum scores for result declaration
- Eligibility for counselling participation
- Certificate generation criteria
Admission Cutoffs:
- College-specific minimum requirements
- Program-wise variations
- Final admission confirmation scores
Counselling Cutoffs:
- Round-wise cutoff variations
- Seat availability impacts
- Choice filling strategies
Cutoff Prediction Methodology
Statistical Analysis:
- Historical trend analysis
- Regression models for prediction
- Confidence intervals for accuracy
Market Research:
- Candidate survey data
- Institutional feedback
- Industry requirement analysis
Expert Consultation:
- Academic expert opinions
- Coaching institute insights
- Alumni network feedback
Understanding cutoff trends enables candidates to set realistic goals and make informed choices about colleges and career paths. Staying updated with cutoff announcements and analyzing them closely supports better preparation and strategic planning for success.