Anna University Admission 2026: Courses, Eligibility & Application Process

Anna University Admission 2026 offers a gateway to some of India’s most respected engineering, technology, and management programs. Located in Chennai, the university attracts lakhs of aspirants every year for its B.E., B.Tech, architecture, postgraduate, and research courses through well-defined state-level admission processes such as TNEA, TANCET, and CEETA-PG.

This updated guide explains the Anna University admission process, eligibility criteria, courses, tentative dates, fees, and counselling procedure based on official patterns and previous admission cycles. Wherever exact details for 2026 are yet to be announced, the information is clearly marked as tentative.

About Anna University

Established in 1978 and named after former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai, Anna University is one of the most prestigious technical universities in India. It integrates historic institutions such as:

• College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) – founded in 1794

• Alagappa College of Technology (ACT)

• Madras Institute of Technology (MIT)

• School of Architecture and Planning (SAP)

Anna University consistently ranks among the top state public universities and performs strongly in the NIRF rankings, particularly in engineering and interdisciplinary research. Known for its industry collaborations, research output, and strong placement record, the university focuses on producing job-ready graduates through practical learning and innovation.

Anna University Admission 2026: Key Highlights

Note: The above details are based on previous admission trends. Official confirmation for 2026 will be released by Anna University.

Courses Offered at Anna University

Undergraduate Programs

• B.E. / B.Tech (Mechanical, Civil, CSE, ECE, EEE, AI, Data Science, etc.)

• B.Arch

• B.Plan

• B.Sc. (Applied Sciences & Computing)

Postgraduate Programs

• M.E. / M.Tech

• M.Arch / M.Plan

• M.Sc.

• MBA

• MCA

Doctoral Programs

• PhD in Engineering, Science, Management, and allied disciplines (via Centre for Research)

Other Options

• Lateral Entry for diploma holders into B.E./B.Tech

• Distance / Online Programs (MBA, MCA, M.Sc.) through the Centre for Distance Education

• Part-time PG courses for working professionals

Eligibility Criteria for Anna University Admission 2026

UG Engineering (B.E./B.Tech)

• Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

• Minimum aggregate: 45% (General), 40% (Reserved categories)

• Admission through TNEA merit ranking

• B.Arch candidates must also qualify for NATA

PG Programs

• M.E./M.Tech: Relevant B.E./B.Tech with a minimum 50% marks

• MBA: Any bachelor’s degree with 50% + TANCET score

• MCA: Bachelor’s degree with a Mathematics/Computer background

PhD Programs

• Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST)

• Entrance test and interview conducted by the Centre for Research

• GATE/UGC-NET qualified candidates may get exemptions

NRI Candidates

• Equivalent academic qualifications

• Minimum 45% in PCM

• Valid passport, visa, and sponsorship documents required

Anna University Admission Process 2026

Undergraduate Admission (TNEA)

1. Online registration

2. Upload Class 12 marks

3. Merit list preparation (normalised PCM scores)

4. Online counselling and seat allotment

5. Reporting to the allotted college

Postgraduate Admission

• M.E./M.Tech: CEETA-PG / GATE → CFA counselling

• MBA/MCA: TANCET → DOTE counselling

PhD Admission

• Online application to the Centre for Research

• Written test and personal interview

• Final selection based on merit

The process structure remains consistent every year. Official dates for 2026 will be announced by the university.

Application Form & Registration Procedure

• UG Portal: tneaonline.org

• PG Portal: tancet.annauniv.edu / cfa.annauniv.edu

Steps:

1. Register using your email ID and mobile number

2. Fill in personal and academic details

3. Upload required documents

4. Pay application fee online (₹500–₹1,000 depending on category)

5. Submit and download the confirmation page

Editing windows are usually provided for a short duration after submission.

Selection Process & Counselling

• UG Selection: Based on TNEA merit rank (12th PCM marks)

• PG Selection:

  • M.E./M.Tech: GATE or CEETA-PG rank

  • MBA/MCA: TANCET score

• Counselling is conducted online in multiple rounds

• Candidates must confirm seats by paying fees and reporting to the institution

Unfilled seats are carried forward to subsequent rounds or special counselling.

Anna University Admission 2026: Tentative Important Dates

Always verify dates from annauniv.edu and cfa.annauniv.edu.

Documents Required for Admission

• Class 10 & 12 mark sheets and certificates

• Degree/semester mark sheets (PG/Lateral entry)

• Transfer and Conduct Certificate

• Community and Nativity Certificate (Tamil Nadu quota)

• Aadhaar card / valid ID proof

• Passport-size photographs

• Entrance exam scorecards (TANCET / GATE / NATA)

• NRI documents: Passport, visa, sponsorship letter

Any discrepancy in documents can lead to the cancellation of admission.

Anna University Fee Structure (Approximate)

Additional costs include admission fees, exam fees, and hostel charges (approx. ₹42,000–₹45,000 per year). NRI fees are higher and notified separately.

Reservation Policy & Scholarships

Anna University follows the Tamil Nadu Government reservation policy:

• OC – 31%

• BC – 26.5%

• MBC – 20%

• SC – 15%

• ST – 1%

• BCM / SCA – As applicable

Horizontal reservations include:

• 30% for women

• 3% for differently-abled candidates

• 7.5% for government school students

Scholarships are available for SC/ST students, first-generation graduates, and meritorious candidates through state and university schemes.

Why Choose Anna University?

• Renowned engineering legacy and top-ranked campuses

• Strong placement support and industry exposure

• Affordable government-subsidised fees

• Excellent research infrastructure

• Vast alumni network across India and abroad

• Strategic location in Chennai, a major education and IT hub

FAQs on Anna University Admission 2026

Is there an entrance exam for B.Tech at Anna University?
No. B.E./B.Tech admissions are based purely on TNEA merit using Class 12 marks.

When will TNEA 2026 registration start?
Tentatively in May 2026.

Can GATE-qualified candidates skip CEETA-PG?
Yes, GATE scores are accepted for M.E./M.Tech admissions.

What is the MBA fee at Anna University?
Approximately ₹41,000 per year.

Are NRI seats available?
Yes, around 5% supernumerary seats are reserved for NRI candidates.

How can I apply for a PhD admission?
Through the Centre for Research portal, followed by a test and an interview.