

Every year, millions of students set their sights on top engineering colleges in India — and for most, JEE Main 2026 is the first name that comes to mind. But here’s the truth: JEE isn’t the only gateway to a great engineering college.
If you’re aiming for UG engineering admission 2026, several prestigious institutions conduct their own entrance exams or accept state-level test scores. Filling these application forms can multiply your chances of securing a seat at reputed universities — even if JEE doesn’t go your way.
Let us take a look at the top engineering college forms 2026 aspirants should apply for apart from JEE, along with their expected dates and official websites.
1. MHT CET 2026
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET 2026) is a state-level exam for admission into engineering and technology programs across Maharashtra.
Conducting Body: State CET Cell, Maharashtra
Expected Application Date: December 2025
Website: cetcell.mahacet.org
Who Can Apply: Students from PCM/PCB groups across India
Why Apply: MHT CET scores are accepted by leading institutes like COEP Technological University, VJTI, and MIT-WPU.
If you’re targeting top private engineering colleges in Karnataka, the COMEDK UGET 2026 is your go-to exam.
Application Window: February – April 2026
Exam Date: May 2026
Website: comedk.org
Why Apply: Opens doors to reputed colleges like RV College of Engineering, BMSCE, and MSRIT.
The BITS Admission Test (BITSAT 2026) is one of India’s most prestigious university-level entrance exams conducted by BITS Pilani.
Campuses: Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad
Application Period: Likely from January to March 2026
Website: bitsadmission.com
Why Apply: BITSAT ensures admission into globally recognized campuses without JEE.
For aspirants interested in research and computer science, the IIIT Hyderabad Undergraduate Entrance Exam (UGEE 2026) is a must.
Application Window: February – April 2026
Exam Date: May 2026
Website: iiit.ac.in
Why Apply: IIIT-H ranks among India’s best for AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science
VITEEE 2026 by Vellore Institute of Technology offers admission into its campuses at Vellore, Chennai, AP, and Bhopal.
Application Deadline: Likely till March 2026
Website: viteee.vit.ac.in
Why Apply: Ranked among top private universities with placement tie-ups with Fortune 500 companies.
The SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEE 2026) opens admissions to SRM University campuses across India.
Application Last Date: March 2026 (Tentative)
Website: srmist.edu.in
Why Apply: Flexible exam slots and excellent global placement network.
The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE 2026) is another top state-level engineering entrance exam.
Application Start: December 2025
Exam Month: April 2026
Website: wbjeeb.in
Why Apply: Admission to top West Bengal institutes including Jadavpur University and MAKAUT.
Conducted by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the AEEE 2026 is held in multiple phases.
Exam Mode: Online & Offline
Website: amrita.edu
Why Apply: Students can attempt multiple phases to improve scores.
While JEE offers entry to IITs, NITs, and IIITs, these alternate exams provide access to equally respected private and state institutions. Applying for multiple engineering entrance exams 2026 not only diversifies your options but also reduces risk and boosts your admission chances.