Anna University Entrance Exams 2025: TANCET and CEETA-PG Explained
Anna University, headquartered in Chennai, is the nodal institution authorized by the Government of Tamil Nadu to conduct entrance examinations for postgraduate studies in management, computer applications, engineering, architecture, and planning. For the academic year 2025–26, the university is responsible for organizing the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET 2025) and the Common Engineering Entrance Test and Admissions (CEETA-PG 2025).
Both tests act as gateways for admission not only into Anna University departments, regional campuses, and constituent colleges but also into Annamalai University, government and government-aided colleges, and self-financing institutions.
Programmes of Study
The admission process through TANCET 2025 and CEETA-PG 2025 covers a wide range of postgraduate programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
- Master of Engineering (M.E.) / Master of Technology (M.Tech.)
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
- Master of Planning (M.Plan.)
This broad scope allows candidates from diverse academic backgrounds to pursue advanced education, ensuring that Anna University maintains its reputation as one of the most comprehensive technical universities in India.
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Eligibility Criteria
Admission requires candidates to meet specific academic thresholds. Below is a structured overview:
MBA Eligibility
- A pass in a recognized Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years).
- At least 50% aggregate marks (45% for BC, BCM, MBC, SC, SCA, ST categories of Tamil Nadu).
- Accepted academic patterns:
- 10 + 2 + 3/4/5 years
- 10 + 3 years Diploma + 2/3 years
- AMIE with 2 years of relevant experience
- 10 + 2 + 3/4/5 years
MCA Eligibility
- A pass in a recognized Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years) in BCA or B.Sc. (IT/CS) or any discipline with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level.
- Minimum marks: 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories).
- Accepted patterns:
- 10 + 2 + 3/4/5 years
- 10 + 3 years Diploma + 2/3 years
- AMIE with 2 years of experience
- 10 + 2 + 3/4/5 years
M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Eligibility
- A pass in a recognized Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Pharmacy, or relevant Master’s Degree.
- Minimum marks: 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories).
- AMIE or equivalent professional certificates recognized by MHRD are accepted with 2 years’ full-time experience.
- Candidates with AIIA (Associateship Examination of the Indian Institute of Architects) and valid registration are also eligible.
Important restrictions:
Degrees without 10th, 12th, or 3-year Diploma are ineligible.
Degrees obtained through distance/weekend modes are not valid (unless validated through AICTE-UGC per Supreme Court ruling).
Examination Details
Registration
- Applications must be submitted online only through the official Anna University website.
- Candidates must upload a recent high-quality photograph and ensure data accuracy, as false information leads to disqualification.
Fees
| Programme | SC/SCA/ST of Tamil Nadu | Others |
| TANCET – MCA | ₹500 | ₹1000 |
| TANCET – MBA | ₹500 | ₹1000 |
| CEETA-PG (M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan.)* | ₹900 + GST | ₹1800 + GST |
*Fee is inclusive of counselling charges.
Dates and Timings
- MCA (TANCET): 22 March 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
- MBA (TANCET): 22 March 2025, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- CEETA-PG: 23 March 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Centres
The exams will be held across 15 cities in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, and Vellore. While preferences are considered, final allotment is at the discretion of Anna University.
Hall Ticket and Scorecard
- Candidates must download their Hall Ticket from the Anna University official page. It is required for the entrance test, counselling, and admission.
- In case of loss, a duplicate Hall Ticket can be obtained by paying ₹354 (₹300 + 18% GST) via Demand Draft.
- Scorecards must be downloaded within 10 days of result publication. Duplicate scorecards can also be issued on payment of the same fee.
Examination Structure and Syllabi
The structure of TANCET 2025 and CEETA-PG 2025 ensures fairness while assessing multiple skill sets. Each program has its own evaluation framework:
MBA Test Pattern
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sections include:
- Data analysis and business decision-making
- Reading comprehension
- Graduate-level mathematics (including +2 level)
- Data sufficiency questions
- Written English (grammar, usage, punctuation)
- Data analysis and business decision-making
MCA Test Pattern
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sections include:
- Quantitative ability
- Analytical ability
- Logical reasoning
- Computer awareness
- Quantitative ability
- A few questions may test verbal activity and basic science knowledge.
M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Test Pattern
- Duration: 2 hours
- Three parts:
- Part I: Engineering Mathematics (20 questions)
- Part II: Basic Engineering & Sciences (20 questions)
- Part III: Discipline-specific questions (60 questions, based on registration choice)
- Part I: Engineering Mathematics (20 questions)
Marking scheme:
- Each correct answer: +1 mark
- Each wrong answer: –0.25 mark
- Multiple shading on the OMR sheet counts as incorrect.
- No penalty for unattempted questions.
Normalisation of Marks
For PG programs, normalization ensures fairness across disciplines. Scores in Part III are adjusted using a scaling formula so that averages across different branches remain comparable. Final results are published as percentile scores, ensuring transparency.
Answer Sheet Handling
Candidates must shade answers using a black ballpoint pen only. Even stray marks may lead to errors, as sheets are scanned electronically. Incorrect shading (light or incomplete) risks being missed by the scanner.
This detail highlights the precision expected in standardized tests, underscoring the importance of clear instructions in India’s higher education entrance ecosystem.
Dates and Deadlines
- Last date for applications: 21 February 2025
- Exam dates: 22–23 March 2025
- Result publication: April 2025 (tentative)
- Scorecard download window: Within 10 days of results
Applicants must monitor the portal and the Anna University official page for real-time updates. Unlike earlier years, printouts of the application are not required. All data must be uploaded digitally, emphasizing the government’s move towards e-governance in admissions.
Scholarships and Equity
In line with inclusive education policy, Tamil Nadu extends the Post Matric Scholarship to SC, SCA, ST candidates and SC-converted Christians. Eligibility is determined by parental income thresholds:
- ₹2,50,000 annual income cap for SC/SCA/ST
- ₹2,00,000 for SC-converted Christians
This ensures that financial limitations do not prevent eligible students from pursuing advanced education through Anna University.
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Admission Procedure
For MBA and MCA, the process has two clear steps:
- Appear for TANCET 2025 (written test in designated centres).
- Apply separately to admitting authorities once results and counselling notifications are released.
For M.E., M.Tech., M.Arch., and M.Plan., candidates must also review the additional admission guidelines provided by Anna University and affiliated colleges. GATE-qualified candidates must appear for CEETA-PG 2025 as well, since it is mandatory for counselling.h India की बढ़ती hybrid और online education की demand के साथ perfectly align करता है.ents और professionals proven models को अपने देश में replicate कर सकें.
At a Glance — TANCET & CEETA-PG 2025
| Exam | Programmes Covered | Date & Time | Duration | Max Marks | Negative Marking |
| TANCET – MBA | MBA | 22 March 2025, 2:30–4:30 p.m. | 2 hours | 100 | –0.25 |
| TANCET – MCA | MCA | 22 March 2025, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon | 2 hours | 100 | –0.25 |
| CEETA-PG | M.E., M.Tech., M.Arch., M.Plan. | 23 March 2025, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon | 2 hours | 100 (Parts I–III) | –0.25 |