TANCET Eligibility 2026: Complete Requirements and Guidelines

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The TANCET eligibility guidelines ensure candidates meet the academic standards necessary to pursue postgraduate programs. Anna University specifies requirements based on the program and discipline.


Educational Qualifications For TANCET 2026

MBA Programs:

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The minimum aggregate is 50% for general candidates and 45% for reserved categories (SC/SCA/ST/OBC). Degrees must be earned through regular mode from UGC-recognized institutions.


MCA Programs:

A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required, with Mathematics studied at the 10+2 level or undergraduate level. The minimum marks are 50% for general and 45% for reserved categories. Candidates without the necessary Mathematics background are ineligible.


M.Tech/M.E. Programs:

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant field from an AICTE-approved institution. The minimum aggregate is 50% for general and 45% for reserved categories. Degrees must be recognized by state or central government.


M.Arch Programs:

A bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch) with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) is mandatory. The degree must be recognized by the Council of Architecture (COA).


M.Plan Programs:

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related disciplines with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) from a recognized university.


Age Limits and Relaxations

  1. There is no upper age limit for TANCET, allowing candidates of all ages to apply.
  2. Candidates must be at least 17 years old at admission time.
  3. No additional age relaxations are granted for SC/ST, OBC, or differently-abled candidates.


Work Experience Requirements

  1. MBA and MCA programs: No work experience is required. Fresh graduates are eligible.
  2. M.Tech/M.E.: Generally, work experience is not mandatory, though some special or part-time courses may prefer it.
  3. Executive MBA: Some institutions require prior work experience for executive programs, separate from regular TANCET admissions.


Category-Specific Eligibility

  1. General: Standard criteria apply, no relaxations.
  2. OBC: 5% relaxation in minimum marks. Valid Tamil Nadu OBC certificate required.
  3. SC/SCA: 5% relaxation, valid caste certificate, separate merit list and counselling.
  4. ST: 5% relaxation, valid tribal certificate, special provisions for tribal areas.
  5. Differently Abled: 5% relaxation with minimum 40% disability certificate; extra time allowed during exam.


Required Documents

Academic:

  1. 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
  2. Graduation mark sheet and degree/provisional certificate
  3. Consolidated semester-wise mark sheets


Identity and Category:

  1. Valid government photo ID
  2. Category certificate (if applicable)
  3. Domicile certificate (if applicable)
  4. Disability certificate (if applicable)


Others:

  1. Recent passport-size photographs
  2. Signature specimen
  3. Migration certificate (for candidates from outside Tamil Nadu)
  4. Equivalence certificate for foreign degrees


Domicile and Nativity

  1. While TANCET mainly serves Tamil Nadu candidates, domicile is not mandatory to appear for the exam.
  2. Tamil Nadu domicile candidates benefit from lower fees, reserved seats, and counselling priority.
  3. Candidates from other states can apply but face higher fees, limited seats, and separate counselling rules.


Special Provisions

  1. Defense Personnel: Age relaxation and special consideration for serving or retired military candidates.
  2. NRI Candidates: Separate quota, fee structure, and counselling process.
  3. Sports Quota: Relaxed academic requirements for national/international sports persons with relevant certificates.


Verification and Consequences

  1. All certificates are verified during counselling. Originals must be produced.
  2. Providing false information or forged documents leads to disqualification and legal action.
  3. Candidates may appeal eligibility decisions within the prescribed timeframe.


Degree Equivalence and Recognition

  1. Foreign degrees require equivalence certificates from AIU or relevant bodies.
  2. Distance or correspondence degrees are generally not accepted unless explicitly mentioned.
  3. Professional qualifications like CA, CS, ICWA are accepted as equivalent to graduation for MBA eligibility.


Understanding and fulfilling eligibility criteria is essential for a smooth TANCET application and admission process. Candidates should verify all requirements carefully and keep documents ready to avoid delays.