CUSAT 2026: Application Form, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation tips

The application process will commence on the 3rd week of January 2026. The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) will release the admit card for the CUSAT Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Registration for the MBA program will remain open until 2nd week of May 2026. CUSAT CAT is an annual university-level examination conducted by CUSAT across various centres nationwide. 

It serves as the gateway for admission into a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Additionally, for MBA aspirants, admission is granted based on scores from exams like KMAT, CAT (IIM), or CMAT. Selection criteria will involve a holistic evaluation, including national-level scores, performance in group discussions, and interview rounds. Notably, candidates with valid GATE scores will receive preference for M.Tech programs.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of CUSAT 2026, offering insights into eligibility criteria, application fees, and step-by-step application procedures to guide applicants through the process effectively.

CUSAT 2026 Highlights

The highlights of CUSAT 2026 showcase its significance and key features.

CUSAT 2026 Exam Dates

Here are the important dates for the CUSAT 2026 examination, providing candidates with a timeline for various stages of the exam process.

CUSAT 2026 Application Form

The registration process for various UG/PG courses at CUSAT will begin on the 3rd week of January 2026. This online registration marks the beginning of a comprehensive application journey, advising students to proceed with caution through its multiple steps. It is essential for applicants to thoroughly review the instructions outlined in the prospectus before initiating the registration process. 

• The online registration for various UG/ PG courses commenced on 3rd week of January 2026.
• The application process consists of multiple steps and should be completed attentively.
• Students are advised to thoroughly review the instructions provided in the prospectus before filling out the registration form.
• The deadline for MBA applications is the Last week of April 2026.
• For M.Tech aspirants, the last date to submit the application form is the last week of  May 2026.
• During registration, ensure to provide an active mobile number and email address that will remain accessible throughout the admission process.
• Prepare your documents according to the specified specifications before uploading them.
• Carefully follow the guidelines provided for each document to ensure successful submission.
• Pay close attention to the details provided during registration to avoid errors or discrepancies.
• It is advisable to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute rush or technical issues.

Application Fee:

The application fee for the CUSAT exam must be paid online by applicants. Once the fee is submitted, it becomes non-refundable, regardless of circumstances. Candidates can conveniently make online payments using debit cards, credit cards, or net banking options offered by most banks.

How to Fill the CUSAT 2026 Application Form?

Learn the essential steps to complete the CUSAT 2026 Application Form with this comprehensive guide.

• Step 1: Online Registration – Register by providing all mandatory details. Receive a confirmation email and SMS upon successful registration.
• Step 2: Filling Details – Log in using the provided credentials. Complete the application form with personal and reservation details.
• Step 3: Uploading of Images – Upload a photograph and signature according to the specified format and size.
• Step 4: Selection of Course – Carefully select programs and test codes relevant to your preferences.
• Step 5: Short Preview – Review a preview of the submitted course details. Make any necessary changes and save them.
• Step 6: Payment – Pay the application fee according to your category through available payment modes.
• Step 7: Selection of Centre – Upon fee payment, choose a test centre from the list of available options. Select a centre where seats are available.
• Step 8: Submission and Print – Finally, submit the application form. Print the fee receipt and application for future reference.

CUSAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CUSAT 2026 determine the qualifications and requirements candidates need to fulfil to apply for various courses. These criteria vary depending on the level of the course, such as undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG). Candidates must carefully review and ensure they meet these criteria before applying for admission.

General Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates applying for UG courses must have passed 12th or its equivalent from a recognized university.
• Candidates applying for PG courses must have a UG degree or its equivalent from a recognized university.

For B.Tech Programme:

• Candidates must have passed the Plus Two exam of Kerala state or any equivalent exam with PCM subjects securing a minimum of 50% marks in Mathematics and 50% in PCM subjects combined.
• ST/SC candidates of Kerala communities are eligible if they meet the minimum passing marks criteria.
• SEBC candidates of Kerala state in the NCL category are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum required marks.

For MBA:

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any subject with 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board/university.
• Kerala SC/ST community candidates are eligible if they obtain minimum passing marks in the qualifying degree.
• Candidates must have valid scores in any of the management aptitude tests such as KMAT, CMAT, or CAT (IIM).

CUSAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CUSAT 2026 Exam Pattern delineates the structure and format of the CUSAT Common Admission Test. It outlines the mode of examination, question distribution, and marking scheme for aspiring candidates. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and performance in the CUSAT entrance exam.

• Exam Mode: CUSAT CAT will be conducted through online Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
• Number of Questions: There will be 250 questions for the B.Tech paper.
• Type of Questions: The paper will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Time Duration: The exam will be held for 3 hours.
• Marking Scheme: Candidates will receive 3 marks for every correct answer, and for every incorrect response, 1 mark will be deducted.

Marking Scheme:

CUSAT Syllabus 2026

CUSAT Syllabus 2026 covers topics from Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry for the B.Tech entrance exam. Candidates preparing for the exam should thoroughly review the prescribed syllabus to ensure comprehensive preparation. The syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of fundamental concepts and their application in the respective subjects.

CUSAT Preparation Tips 2026

Preparing for CUSAT 2026 requires a strategic approach and a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. Here are effective preparation tips to help you excel in the exam:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CUSAT exam pattern, including the number of questions, marking scheme, and duration of the exam.
2. Analyze the Syllabus: Go through the detailed syllabus provided by CUSAT and identify the topics that require more attention based on your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a well-structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject and topic while considering your daily routine and commitments.
4. Practice Regularly: Practice solving previous years’ question papers and sample papers to get acquainted with the exam format and improve time management skills.
5. Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Concentrate on building a strong foundation of concepts in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, as the questions are based on fundamental principles.
6. Refer to Standard Study Material: Utilize reputed textbooks, reference books, and study guides recommended by experts to supplement your preparation.
7. Make Notes: Prepare concise and comprehensive notes while studying each topic to aid in quick revision during the final days before the exam.
8. Solve Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to evaluate your preparation level, identify areas of improvement, and get accustomed to the exam environment.

CUSAT 2026 Admit Card

The CUSAT 2026 Admit Card will be released on 1st week of May 2026 by the authority. Candidates will be able to download the admit card through online mode. To download the admit card, candidates will have to enter their login credentials such as application number and date of birth in the online portal.

Candidates are advised to keep the hard copy of the CUSAT admit card for the day of the examination. The authority will not allow the candidates to sit in the exam without having a valid admit card along with ID proof.

CUSAT 2026 Answer Key

Following the conclusion of the CUSAT exam in 2026, the examination authority will make available the official answer key online through their website. This key will contain all the correct answers to the questions asked in the entrance exam. Furthermore, candidates will have the opportunity to download the answer key and compare their responses to evaluate their performance.

Moreover, the exam conducting authority will offer a provision for candidates to raise objections regarding any discrepancies they may find in the answer key. After thorough consideration of all objections raised by candidates, the final answer key will be released. This final key will reflect any necessary corrections or adjustments, providing candidates with the most accurate representation of their performance in the exam.

CUSAT 2026 Result

The CUSAT 2026 results will be released by the authority online via their official website. Eligible candidates who have participated in the examination can access their results through this online platform. The results are expected to be available for viewing from May to June 2026.

To check their results, candidates need to input valid details into the provided fields on the website. Once submitted, the CUSAT 2026 result will be displayed on the screen. Candidates need to retain a copy of their results for reference throughout the admission process.

CUSAT 2026 Cut-Off

The CUSAT cutoff 2026 will be published online by the authority for all eligible candidates. It represents the minimum scores required to qualify for further admission processes. In addition to the cutoff, the authority will also release a merit list containing the names of shortlisted candidates. 

Those with higher ranks in the merit list will qualify for the subsequent admission procedures. Seats will be allocated based on separate cutoffs for different categories, ensuring fair distribution and selection of candidates for admission.

Factors Affecting Cut-off:

• Difficulty level of the exam
• Total number of available seats
• The number of candidates appeared in the examination.
• Several candidates qualified for the exam.

CUSAT 2026 Counselling

The CUSAT counselling process for the year 2026 will be conducted by the authority typically in June or July. This crucial phase of admission will be facilitated through online channels. Candidates who have successfully qualified in the examination will receive invitations to participate in the counselling rounds. The counselling process will encompass multiple stages, such as interviews and group discussions, to assess candidates’ suitability for admission.

To take part in the counselling sessions, candidates must first register on the official website. During the counselling sessions, candidates will be required to present essential documents for verification purposes. These documents play a vital role in confirming the authenticity of candidates’ qualifications and eligibility for admission.

Required Documents for Verification:

• CUSAT 2026 admit card
• CUSAT 2026 Scorecard
• Transfer Certificate
• Character certificate
• Migration certificate
• Passing years mark sheets
• Admission/ counselling letter, etc.

CUSAT 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.