MET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Subjects, Marks, Age Limit

The MET 2026 Eligibility Criteria outline the essential conditions that candidates must satisfy to appear for the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026) and secure admission to undergraduate programs offered by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). These criteria cover aspects such as educational qualifications, subject requirements, minimum marks, nationality, and age limit.

Understanding the eligibility rules is crucial because candidates who do not meet the prescribed conditions may be disqualified at any stage, even after qualifying the entrance exam.

Nationality and Category Eligibility for MET 2026

MET 2026 is open to candidates from multiple categories, making it accessible to both Indian and international students.

Eligible Categories Include:

• Indian Nationals

• Non-Resident Indians (NRI)

• Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)

• Foreign Nationals (as per MAHE guidelines)

There is no state-wise or domicile-based restriction, as MET is conducted at the national level. Admission for international and NRI candidates may be offered under separate seat categories as defined by MAHE.

Age Limit Criteria for MET 2026

• There is no minimum age requirement to apply for MET 2026.

• There is no upper age limit specified by MAHE.

Candidates of any age group can apply, provided they fulfill the academic and subject-related eligibility conditions. This makes MET 2026 suitable for fresh school pass-outs as well as candidates who have taken gap years.

Educational Qualification Required for MET 2026

To be eligible for MET 2026, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution.

Candidates awaiting their Class 12 results are eligible to apply provisionally, but they must submit proof of qualification during counselling.

Mandatory Subjects in Class 12

Candidates applying for MET 2026 must have studied specific subjects in their qualifying examination to ensure subject readiness for technical programs.

Compulsory Subjects:

• Physics

• Mathematics

• English

These subjects are mandatory and must be present in the Class 12 mark sheet.

Optional Subject (Any One Required):

Candidates must also have studied at least one of the following:

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Biotechnology

• Technical Vocational subject

Failure to meet the subject combination requirements can lead to ineligibility, even if the candidate has good overall marks.

Minimum Marks Requirement for MET 2026

Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the following subjects combined:

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Any one optional subject (Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational)

Important Notes:

• The aggregate is calculated only using the above subjects.

• Individual boards’ passing criteria must also be met.

• There is no relaxation specified unless officially announced by MAHE.

Overview of Eligibility Criteria for MET 2026 

Board-Specific Eligibility Conditions

Indian Education Boards

Candidates who have completed Class 12 from recognized Indian boards such as:

• CBSE

• ISC

• State Boards

are eligible, provided they fulfill the subject combination and minimum marks criteria.

International Boards

Candidates from international education systems such as:

• GCE A Levels

• IB Diploma

• Cambridge or equivalent

are eligible if their qualifications are considered equivalent to Indian Class 12 and include the required subjects and marks.

Eligibility for Diploma and Lateral Entry Candidates

Candidates holding:

• A three-year Diploma in Engineering, or

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree

may be eligible for lateral entry admission into selected programs.

Additional Conditions May Include:

• Mathematics studied at 10+2 or diploma level

• Minimum marks as specified by MAHE

• Course-specific eligibility requirements

Lateral entry admission is subject to availability of seats and institutional rules.

Eligibility Verification During Counselling

• Eligibility is verified during MET 2026 counselling through original documents.

• Candidates must produce:

  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

  • Passing certificates

  • Category certificates (if applicable)

Any discrepancy or failure to meet eligibility conditions may result in cancellation of admission, even after seat allotment.

Important Instructions for MET 2026 Aspirants

• Appearing candidates must pass Class 12 before final admission

• Incorrect information in the application form may lead to rejection

• Eligibility rules may vary slightly for non-engineering programs

• MAHE reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria if required