NIMCET 2026: Application Form, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Revised Syllabus, Exam Pattern

National Institute of Technology Master of Computer Applications Common Entrance Test 2026 ( NIMCET )

Rashmi Karan
Updated on Nov 3, 2025 15:47 IST

By Rashmi Karan, Manager - Content

The NIMCET is an online, computer-based exam expected to be held in June 2026. Please note that a new, updated NIMCET syllabus is now available and will be implemented starting in 2026. The NIMCET is conducted for admission to the MCA programmes across 11 NITs and 2 IIITs. The participating colleges for admission to the MCA program in the NIMCET are eleven NITs—Agartala, Allahabad, Bhopal, Delhi, Jamshedpur, Kurukshetra, Meghalaya, Patna, Raipur, and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) — and two IIITs —Bhopal and Vadodara. The admission to these colleges is based ONLY on the rank obtained in NIMCET.
Read more about NIMCET 2026, including NIMCET syllabus, eligibility criteria, rank card, admission procedure, list of participating institutes with total number of seats, seat matrix, admission schedule, and other information.
Table of content
  • What is NIMCET?
  • NIMCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • NIMCET 2026 Highlights
  • NIMCET 2026 Counselling
  • NIMCET 2026 Result
  • NIMCET 2026 Answer Key
  • NIMCET 2026 Exam Pattern
  • NIMCET 2026 Syllabus
  • NIMCET 2026 Exam Centre
  • NIMCET 2026 Admit Card
  • NIMCET 2026 Application Form
  • NIMCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
View More
NIMCET Logo

What is NIMCET?

NIMCET, or the National Institute of Technology Master of Computer Applications Common Entrance Test, is an exam conducted for admissions to MCA programmes at the participating NITs and IIITs. This entrance exam is conducted every year for admission to the MCA programmes at participating NITs and IIITs. Candidates must secure a good rank in the NIMCET exam, which will determine the seats they are allocated. 
Around 25,000 students appear for the NIMCET annually, and around 1,285 seats are offered in the participating institutes.

NIMCET is conducted online as a computer-based test (CBT). The entire application process is also online.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many times NIMCET is conducted in a year?
A: 

The NIMCET exam is conducted annually. There are a total of 11 NITs (National Institute of Technology) and 2 IIITs (Indian Institute of Information Technology). They intake students into their MCA programs through NIMCET. The exam is conducted by one of the participating NITs every year, rotationally.

NIMCET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NIMCET 2026 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
Apr ' 26 - May ' 26

NIMCET 2026 Application Form

TENTATIVE
May ' 26

NIMCET 2026 Application Form Correction Facility

TENTATIVE
Jun ' 26

NIMCET 2026 Admit Card

TENTATIVE
Jun ' 26

NIMCET 2026 Exam Date

TENTATIVE
Jun ' 26

NIMCET 2026 Answer Key Objections

TENTATIVE
Jun ' 26

NIMCET 2026 Result

TENTATIVE
Jun ' 26 - Jul ' 26

NIMCET Counselling Registration and Choice Filling

TENTATIVE
NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Highlights

Candidates can check the important highlights of NIMCET 2026 below.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

NIMCET or NIT MCA Common Entrance Test

Conducting Body

National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli

Exam Level

Postgraduate Exam at the National level

Exam Frequency

Once a year 

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Total Registrations

Around 50,000

Courses offered through the Entrance Exam

MCA

Exam Fees

  • INR 2500 for Gen/EWS/OBC category
  • INR 1250 for SC/ST/PwD category

Exam Duration

2 hours

No. of Papers and Total Marks

  • Mathematics: 600 Marks
  • Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning: 240 Marks
  • Computer Awareness: 120 Marks
  • General English: 40 Marks

Total Marks: 1000

Total Questions

120

Marking Scheme

  • Each correctly answered question will be awarded full marks
  • Each incorrectly answered question will result in a 25% negative mark.

Language/Medium of Exam

English

Colleges Accepting Exam Scores

NIT Agartala, NIT Allahabad, NIT Bhopal, NIT Jamshedpur, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Patna, NIT Raipur, NIT Tiruchirappalli, NIT Warangal, IIIT Bhopal and IIIT Vadodara

No. of Test Cities

Around 30

Official Website

nimcet.admissions.nic.in

Contact Details

Ph. No: +91-9003515952,9043514952
E-mail: helpdesk.nimcet25[at]nitt.edu

NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Counselling

The NIMCET 2026 seat allotment result is going to be released around the second or third week of July 2026. Qualified candidates must participate in the counselling process for admission to the MCA courses offered by the participating colleges. The candidates would need to pay a counselling fee of INR 1000 to be a part of the process. Seat allotment will be based on the candidate's rank, preferences, and seat availability. 

During the NIMCET counselling process, registration, fee payment, and selection of colleges will have to be completed. The selection of colleges must be done in order of preference. The authorities will conduct four rounds of NIMCET 2026 counselling (including a special round). No fresh registration and choice filling will be allowed for the first three rounds of counselling.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will NIMCET 2025 counselling start?
A: 

The NIMCET 2025 counselling process is now over.

  • Round 1 was announced on July 7, 2025
  • Round 2 was announced on July 12, 2025
  • Round 3 was announced on July 17, 2025
  • Counselling registration and choice filling for the special round ended on July 25, 2025, and the seat allotment was announced on July 26, 2025.   
Q:   Is there any provision to choose the date and time of NIMCET counselling?
A: 

No, as of September 2025, you are not allowed to choose the date and time of the NIMCET counselling. The exam-conducting body finalises the counselling schedule and they themselves announced the NIMCET 2025 counselling dates. You would need to register online and participate in the NIMCET counselling process by paying the fee and filling out your choices. Qualified candidates eligible to participate in the counselling will be declared qualified based on their NIMCET results. The allotment of seats was based on the marks secured in the NIMCET 2025 exam. NIMCET 2025 counselling was conducted in four rounds, and is now OVER.

Q:   Is it mandatory to carry a provisional certificate during NIMCET counselling?
A: 

You must verify all your documents during NIMCET counselling. You must also bring the original documents at the time of joining. The documents required for NIMCET Counselling are listed below:

  • NIMCET Admit Card
  • NIMCET Rank Card
  • Date of Birth Proof (10th marksheet)
  • 10th & 12th marksheets and passing certificates
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Category certificate
  • 4 Recent passport size photographs
NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Result

DeskCalendarResult: Jun ' 26

The NIMCET 2026 results will be announced at nimcet.admissions.nic.in. by around the last week of June 2026. The scores and ranks obtained in the entrance examination can be checked online through the NIMCET 2026 result by logging in with the required credentials. The authorities will not use any alternative method to release the NIMCET results. The scores and ranks obtained in the entrance examination will be checked through the NIMCET result. Qualified candidates can participate in the NIMCET 2026 counselling process.
Read to know more about the NIMCET 2026 Result.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will there be a negative marking for wrong answers in NIMCET?
A: 

Yes. As per the NIMCET information brochure, for each correct answer, you will get full marks, while for every incorrect answer, there is a deduction. Here is how it goes -

Mathematics:

Correct answer: +12

Incorrect answer: -3

Computer Awareness, Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning

Correct answer: +6

Incorrect answer: -1.5

General English

Correct answer: +4

Incorrect answer: -1

Note:

  • No deduction if a question is left unanswered.
  • Selecting multiple answers to a question will result in negative marking.
  • Please do not attempt the question if you are not sure of the correct answer.
Q:   When can I check my NIMCET seat allotment result?
A: 

After the completion of the Seat Allotment Result in each round, NIMCET publishes a report of the institute-wise seat allotment result. This will be a list of allotted candidates containing the NIMCET Application Number, candidate category, allotted rank, etc. For the year 2025, the seat allotment process is over.

 
NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Answer Key

The NIMCET 2026 answer key is going to be made available online by around June 2026. Correct responses to the question paper will be released through the NIMCET answer key. Using the answer key, candidates can calculate their probable secured scores by comparing their responses to the correct answers. Candidates will be able to raise objections to the provisional NIMCET answer key online by logging in with the required credentials by the third week of June 2026. All of the objections will be checked, and the final NIMCET 2026 answer key will be released.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   I am not satisfied with my NIMCET result and want to get it reviewed. Can I do it?
A: 

If you are not satisfied with your NIMCET result, you have the option to object to the provisional answer key. Please note that the ability to review the score is limited, and you can't get a direct score re-evaluated. However, you can contest discrepancies in the answer key against a fee. You would also need to furnish the proof and submit your challenge online during a specific window. If you miss the answer key challenge period, you cannot request a review of the score. After that phase is over, you can't request for the score review.

Q:   When will the NIMCET 2026 answer key be released?
A: 

The provisional NIMCET 2026 answer key is expected to release in the 2nd or 3rd week of June 2026. Candidates will be able to check the answer key online from the website nimcet.admissions.nic.in. Students are advised to regularly check the official website for the latest updates. Note that you can check the correct responses to the questions through the NIMCET answer key.

Q:   Is there a provision to challenge the NIMCET answer key?
A: 

Yes, there is a provision to challenge the NIMCET answer key. Keep in mind that you can only challenge the provisional answer key with your question and the proof that your answer was correct. There is a fee of Rs. 500 per question within the given timeframe. You CANNOT challenge the final answer key once it is released. 

NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Exam Pattern

The NIMCET 2026 exam pattern will be released soon. According to the NIMCET exam pattern 2026, candidates can check the details of how the authorities will conduct the entrance examination. All candidates are advised to carefully review the exam pattern so they are prepared for the exam. As per the NIMCET exam pattern, the examination will be held online, i.e., as a computer-based test. During the two-hour examination, the candidates will have to attempt 120 objective multiple-choice questions. Out of the given options, the candidates will have to select their choice and submit it.

NIMCET 2026 Marking Scheme

Candidates can check the section-wise marking scheme of NIMCET 2026 below.

Parts Marking Scheme
Part I - Mathematics
  • Every correct answer will be awarded 12 marks
  • For every wrong answer, 3 marks will be deducted
Part II - Analytical Ability & Reasoning
  • For every correct answer, 6 marks will be awarded
  • For every wrong answer, 1.5 marks will be deducted
Part III - Computer Awareness
  • Every correct answer will be given 6 marks
  • For every wrong answer, 1.5 marks will be deducted
Part III - General English
  • For every correct answer, 4 marks will be awarded
  • For every wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted
NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Syllabus

Download the official NIMCET 2026 syllabus at https://nimcet.admissions.nic.in/document/revised-syllabus-of-nimcet-2026-onwards/. This is a revised syllabus covering Math, Computer Awareness, Reasoning, and English. Candidates must understand the syllabus completely. We advise going through each subject, topic and subtopic carefully to prepare well for the exam.

Check the official NIMCET syllabus 2026.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the difficulty level of NIMCET?
A: 

The difficulty level of NIMCET is normal. Here is the bifurcation of the difficulty level -

  • Computer awareness: BCA/B.Sc. IT level
  • English, logical reasoning and Mathematics: Intermediate level.

Please note that the questions asked in NIMCETs are tricky, and you would need an in-depth understanding of the subjects. Develop a solid understanding of the concepts and topics covered in the NIMCET syllabus to get a good score in the exam. Students who study NCERT and have a good knowledge of topics can score well in NIMCET.

View Syllabus
NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Exam Centre

The authorities will conducted NIMCET 2026 in 30 cities across the country. Candidates can check the list of the NIMCET exam cities below.

NIMCET 2026 Test Centres

Test Centres Centre Code
Allahabad 11
Bhagalpur 12
Bhopal  13
Bhubaneswar 14
Chandigarh 15
Delhi 16
Guwahati 17
Hyderabad 18
Indore 19
Jaipur 20
Jalandhar 21
Jamshedpur 22
Kanpur 23
Kolkata  24
Kozhikode  25
Kurukshetra 26
Lucknow  27
Muzaffarpur 28
Patna  29
Raipur  30
Ranchi  31
Rourkela  32
Surat 33
Surathkal 34
Tiruchirappalli 35
Varanasi  36
Warangal  37
Pune 38
Silchar 39
Agartala 40
Srinagar 41

Note: Candidates should note that if not enough candidates opt for a particular centre, that centre may be cancelled, and the next-choice centre will be automatically allotted. However, if none of the three choices indicated by the candidate is available (which is unlikely), the nearest available centre to the first preference centre will be allotted.

Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How do we select our NIMCET exam centres?
A: 

You will be given an option to select your NIMCET exam centres while filling out the NIMCET application form. You will be allotted the exam centres as per your preference order and availability. You can check your allotted exam centre through the NIMCET admit card

Q:   Why wasnt I allotted my choice of NIMCET exam centre?
A: 

This usually happens when there are not enough participants for that particular centre. Authorities then cancel a NIMCET exam centre and allot the exam centre according to the next order of preference of the candidate, or the closest geographically available centre.

NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Admit Card

DeskCalendarAdmit Card: Jun ' 26

The NIMCET 2026 admit card is going to be released online by the first or second week of May 2026. Registered candidates can access the NIMCET 2026 hall ticket by logging in with their credentials. No other mode will be used to release the NIMCET admit card. The admit card will include details on the allotted exam centre, date, timings, guidelines, and more. 
At the exam centre, the admit card along with a valid original ID proof (Aadhaar Card/Passport/PAN Card/Voter ID/School ID/any Govt. approved ID) must be presented. Without these documents, you won't be allowed to enter the exam centre. 
If you face any difficulty in downloading your admit card, send an email to the exam authorities, mentioning the issue and important details like your application number and proof of fee payment.

Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I carry the soft copy of the NIMCET admit card to the exam centre instead of the hard copy?
A: 

No, you are only supposed to carry the hard copy of the NIMCET admit card. You must keep in mind that the invigilators will not allow you if you are not carrying the hard coPy of your admit card. You are advised to download your NIMCET admit card and take a printout from the NIMCET official website. 

Q:   What documents do I have to carry to the NIMCET test centre?
A: 

Here is the list of documents you must carry to the NIMCET test centre -

  • Printed copy of your NIMCET admit card
  • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, or Voter ID). No soft copies will be accepted. 
  • A recent passport-sized photograph.  


Please note that calculators, mobile phones or any electronic gadgets are strictly NOT allowed in the exam hall.

NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Application Form

DeskCalendarRegistration: Apr ' 26 - May ' 26

The NIMCET 2026 application form will be released online. Eligible candidates can fill out and submit the NIMCET application form 2026 before the final date, which is expected to be around the second or third week of May 2026. No other mode of application will be accepted. While filling out the NIMCET application form, the candidates must provide their valid personal, academic, and contact details. Candidates will also be required to upload their scanned documents and pay the NIMCET 2026 application fee online, i.e., through net banking/credit card/debit card. Only the registered candidates will be eligible for the examination and admission process.

Registered candidates can access the NIMCET 2026 application form correction facility online. Through the facility, the candidates can edit/correct their previously submitted details. However, not all details will be open for corrections. The authorities will not accept requests for corrections after the last date.

NIMCET 2026 Application Fee

Categories Application Fee
Gen/EWS/OBC Candidates INR 2500
SC/ST Category Candidates INR 1250

NIMCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before registration, the candidates were advised to check the NIMCET eligibility criteria.

  • Candidates should have Indian nationality.
  • Should have passed  B.Sc./B.Sc. (Hons)/BCA/BIT course of minimum three years full-time with Mathematics/Statistics or Equivalent from a recognised University.
  • General category candidates should have secured 60% marks in aggregate or 6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale in the qualifying degree. For SC/ST category candidates, the minimum aggregate marks required is 55% marks or 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale.
  • Students who will appear for the qualifying exam during the admission year will also be eligible.
  • BE/B.Tech pass candidates will also be eligible for admission.
Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it mandatory to carry a provisional certificate during NIMCET counselling?
A: 

You must verify all your documents during NIMCET counselling. You must also bring the original documents at the time of joining. The documents required for NIMCET Counselling are listed below:

  • NIMCET Admit Card
  • NIMCET Rank Card
  • Date of Birth Proof (10th marksheet)
  • 10th & 12th marksheets and passing certificates
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Category certificate
  • 4 Recent passport size photographs
Q:   What is the mode of payment for the NIMCET application form?
A: 

The NIMCET application fee is to be paid ONLINE ONLY through the NIMCET website. Please note that this online fee payment is non-refundable, meaning the applicant is not entitled to a refund under any circumstances.

NIMCET Logo

NIMCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read to know the NIMCET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is NIMCET 2025 Cutoff?
A: 

The NIMCET cutoff is released after the completion of the counselling process. Candidates will be able to check the previous-year cutoffs for various institutes. NIMCET cutoff is the maximum rank of the candidate within which various NITs admit students for the MCA course. The previous year's NIMCET cutoff of some of the institutes is mentioned below. Candidates can check detailed round-wise cutoff for all institutes on the Shiksha page or from the official website nimcet.admissions.nic.in.

InstituteOpening RankClosing Rank
MNNIT Allahabad25180
MANIT Bhopal388578
NIT Warangal133238
NIT Trichy152

 

Q:   What is the qualifying mark in NIMCET?
A: 

Candidates securing zero or negative marks either in Mathematics or in Total Marks in NIMCET test will be disqualified. Based on the marks obtained by a qualified candidate in NIMCET test, a rank will be allotted by adopting the following criteria.

  • The marks obtained in Mathematics, Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning, Computer Awareness, English, will be summed up. Thus, maximum weighted marks will be 1000.
  • Ranking will be based on total weighted marks obtained by a candidate.
Q:   Is the NIMCET 2025 exam pattern and syllabus changed?
A: 

The official NIMCET 2025 exam pattern and syllabus has not been announced yet. However, the authorities are not expected to make any major changes to the pattern and syllbaus. Candidates can check the previous year's exam pattern given below for reference.

  • NIMCET will be conducted in three parts containing 120 multiple choice questions.
  • The duration of the NIMCET exam will be two hours (2PM to 4 PM).
  • Part I (70 minutes duration) consists of Mathematics (50 questions). It will be conducted from 2 PM to 3:10 PM.
  • Part II (30 minutes duration) consists of Analytical ability and logical reasoning (40 questions). It will be conducted from 3:10 PM to 3:40 PM.
  • Part III ( 20 minutes duration) consists of Computer Awareness (20 questions) and English (10 questions). It will be conducted from 3:40 PM to 4 PM.

 

Q:   When was the NIMCET 2025 result released?
A: 

The official NIMCET 2025 result has been released. Candidates can now access the NIMCET result 2025 online. To access the result, the candidates will have to log in using the required credentials. The result can be downloaded in the form of NIMCET 2025 score card. No other mode will be used to announce the result.

qna

NIMCET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

Here are some of the good books that can help you learn logical reasoning -

  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey

  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal

  • All About Reasoning by Anjali A Gupta

  • A New Approach to REASONING Verbal & Non-Verbal by B.S. Sijwali, Indu Sijwali 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Some recommended books to prepare for the numerical ability paper of NIMCET are: 

  • NCERT Mathematics Textbook for class 12

  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

  • Numerical Ability and Mathematical Aptitude by A B Rao

  • Objective Mathematics by RD Sharma

  • Arihant Study Package

  • Arihant MCA Entrance Exam Book

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

No. Since you couldn't complete the process, your application will not be accepted. The NIMCET application process will only complete after you have paid the application fee. Make sure that you do not miss any of the required steps of the application process, be it payment of fee or uploading of doc

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The eligibility criteria for NIMCET are as follows -

Criteria

Details

Nationality

Must be an Indian citizen

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's degree in B.Sc. (Computer Science/IT), BCA, B.Tech/B.E., or any equivalent degree with Mathematics/Statistics as a subject at 10+2 or graduation level

Minimum Marks

At least 60% aggregate or 6.5 CGPA  (55% or 6.0 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD candidates)

Final Year Students

Eligible to apply, but must provide proof of passing before admission

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

You will get an email as well as an SMS notification about the release date of their admit cards. You will also receive updates to download it. All the candidates are required to print the NIMCET Admit Card on precision printers, only such as Laser Printers (and not on Inkjet printers). You are also

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are the conducting authorities of the NIMCET. Every year, an NIT conducts the exam on a rotational basis. In 2025, the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, conducted the exam.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The NIMCET is conducted by an individual NIT on a rotational basis every year. So the NIT that is conducting the NIMCET in that year will release the NIMCET answer key. In 2025, the National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli conducted the NIMCET and hence, released the answer key.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

If you find any discrepancy in the NIMCET answer keys, you can raise objections online at nimcet.admissions.nic.in. You would need to submit your objections with supporting proof. For every objection, INR 500 has to be paid online, i.e., through net banking/credit card/debit card. Authorities will n

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

NIMCET Cut-Off marks are mainly influenced by -

  • Difficulty level of the exam
  • Number of applicants
  • Institute-wise available seats
  • Category-wise reservations
  • Performance of the candidate in the exam
  • Last year's trends

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The NIMCET 2025 seat matrix has been published on the website for everyone to view. The candidate can view the seat matrix institute-wise and category-wise. For more details, you can visit this blog as well, which covers the NIMCET seat matrix in detail. Here it goes - https://www.shiksha.com/it-sof

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

65 Institutes accepting NIMCET

  • 1.26 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
  • 4.32 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
  • 1.40 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies

Rohini, Delhi Private

Tecnia Ins
  • 3.35 Lakh
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Explore more IT & Software exams with upcoming dates

KALSEE 2026 Application Form Start Date Jan '26
CT SET 2024 Application Form Feb '26
MAH MCA CET 2026 Registration Dec '25 - Feb '26

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News