Abhishek
Abhishek Dhawan
Assistant Manager – Editorial Content
Updated on May 18, 2026 23:51 IST
The Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test is a state-level assessment conducted by Anna University. The objective of the TANCET exam is to facilitate admissions into postgraduate business and computer application programs, specifically MBA and MCA, across various institutions in Tamil Nadu. Good score in TANCET depends on the desired MBA colleges.

Admissions base3d on TANCET scores depends on your target MBA colleges. Generally, applicants who achieve a percentile above 90 are well-positioned to secure admission into most institutions accepting TANCET results.

Good score in TANCET

What is a good score in TANCET?

Good Score in TANCET: Anna University administers TANCET for individuals seeking admission to MBA and MCA programs. A competitive score varies depending on the specific target college. The overall performance of the applicant pool serves as the primary benchmark each year. Generally, securing a place within the top 10 to 25 percent of all test-takers constitutes a strong performance. Achieving a score that meets or exceeds a college's specific cutoff is considered a good result. Read below for a detailed breakdown of TANCET scores.

Table of contents
  • Understanding TANCET Results
  • Good Score in TANCET 2026
  • List of TANCET Colleges Based on Percentile Scores

Understanding TANCET Results

Before evaluating what qualifies as a good score, it is essential to understand how Anna University calculates the final results. The evaluation follows a structured marking system: candidates earn +1 mark for every correct response, while 1/4 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. The final scorecards feature both actual marks and a percentile rank. The percentile score is designed to show a candidate's comparative standing among all participants.

For instance, an applicant who outperforms 97 percent of the total test-takers will receive a 97 percentile score.

TANCET Actual Marks vs Percentile vs Ranks

The table below outlines the historical relationship between actual marks, percentiles, and ranks based on past examination cycles:

TANCET Actual Marks Expected TANCET Percentile Score* Expected TANCET Rank Range
60 to 100 99+ 0-70
50 to 59 98 to 99 70 to 210
40 to 49 96 to 97
30 to 39 81 to 95 390 to 2285
20 to 29 61 to 80 2286+
10 to 19 40 to 60
0 to 9 Below 40

*Data representation based on past trends.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I perform well in English section of TANCET exam?
A: 

TANCET exam's English Proficiency section is further divided into two sub-sections. These sub-sections include Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability followed by General English which evaluates the grammatical skills of the candidate. Candidates should develop a habit of reading newspapers, magazines and books to have a better understanding of English Knowledge. They can also refer to High School Grammar by Wren and Martin for developing a strong foundation. Basic Grammar forms the base of this examination and a candidate should be good in basic grammar such as Articles, Parts of Speech, Tense, etc. A candidate needs to read the basic grammar books and can also learn the rules of grammar online by practicing more. Following areas require candidate's attention to score well in the TANCET English section:

  • Vocabulary
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • One word Substitutions
  • Idioms and Phrases
  • Spotting Errors
Q:   How many months are sufficient for TANCET preparation?
A: 

A focused study plan divided across 1-2 months should be sufficient if candidates have prepared for the exam before. Investing 3 months is enough for anyone.

Q:   How can I prepare for TANCET MBA by self-study? What are the materials I have to use?
A: 

Candidates must clear the concepts followed by appearing for mock test. One must focus on increasing speed as well as accuracy. Candidates can use TANCET books recommended by toppers and tutors to prepare for exam.

Q:   What is the best way to prepare TANCET at home?
A: 

The best way to prepare at home is by using authoritative books like Wren & Martin for English and Arun Sharma for Data Interpretation. Supplement your reading by solving past question papers to understand the format.

TANCET Tie-Breaking Criteria

If multiple candidates finish with an identical percentile score, the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) implements specific tie-breaking rules. First preference goes to the candidate with a higher average percentage in their qualifying undergraduate degree. If a tie still remains, the older candidate is awarded the higher rank.

Good Score in TANCET 2026

Applicants securing above the 90 percentile stand a strong chance of gaining admission to almost any participating institute. For reserved category candidates, a percentile score of 70+ is generally considered safe. It is advisable for candidates to shortlist prospective colleges based on their expected performance before counseling begins. In previous sessions, some reserved category candidates with percentiles as low as 0.05 have successfully received seat allotments.

Factors Determining Good Score in TANCET 2026

The admission cutoffs shift annually due to several variables. Participating colleges modify these scores to manage their MBA/MCA admissions. The primary factors influencing the cutoffs include:

  • The overall difficulty level of the TANCET exam paper
  • The total number of applicants who clear the minimum passing criteria
  • The total volume of test-takers in the current session
  • The specific number of seats available per college via TANCET
  • The official reservation policies implemented by the state
  • The highest and lowest marks recorded across the current exam cycle
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List of TANCET Colleges Based on Percentile Scores

Understanding past cutoff percentiles helps candidates establish realistic targets. Below is a list of prominent colleges accepting TANCET scores, categorized by their typical percentile requirements:

Colleges Accepting 99+ TANCET Percentile

  • College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG Campus, Anna University) - General MBA.
  • PSG College of Technology - General MBA.

Colleges Accepting 90 to 98 TANCET Percentile

  • University of Madras (Expected cutoff: 98+).
  • Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar (SSN) College of Engineering (Expected cutoff: 97+).
  • Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai (Expected cutoff: 96+).
  • Kumaraguru College of Technology (Expected cutoff: 95+).
  • D.G. Vaishnav College (Expected cutoff: 94+).
  • Easwari Engineering College (Expected cutoff: 93+).
  • MOP Vaishnav College for Women (Expected cutoff: 93+).

Colleges Accepting 80 to 90 Percentile

  • Annamalai University.
  • Bharathiar University.
  • Loyola Institute of Technology.
  • Saveetha Engineering College.
  • St. Joseph's College.
  • Vel Tech High Tech Dr Rangarajan Dr Sakunthala Engineering College.
  • Sri Krishna College of Technology.
  • Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science
  • Easwari Engineering College
  • Francis Xavier Engineering College

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Colleges Accepting 70 to 80 Percentile

  • PSNA College of Engineering and Technology
  • Karpagam College of Engineering
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  • Bharathidasan University (Bharathidasan School of Management)
  • SRM Valliammai Engineering College
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Colleges Accepting 60 to 70 Percentile

  • S R M Arts and Science College
  • Gobi Arts and Science College
  • SRM Valliammai Engineering College
  • Bishop Heber College
  • Measi Institute of Management
  • Valliammal College for Women

Candidates should establish clear target scores during their preparation based on these institutional cutoffs. Aligning study goals with the scoring system and previous cutoff trends significantly improves the likelihood of securing admission to a preferred college.

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About the Author
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Abhishek Dhawan
Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

Abhishek is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He completed his graduation from University of Delhi with a BA Degree. At Shiksha.com, he handles content for MBA, BBA, an

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Answered 3 weeks ago

The time notified for TANCET 2026 hall ticket download was 12:30 PM. However, the hall ticket was released around 12:50 PM.

V

Vikram Tyagi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, TANCET admit card is released on the official website. Candidates can download the hall ticket of TANCET exam until the exam date.

R

Rohini Bisht

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Anna University releases the TANCET answer key in an online mode. Candidates can download both the provisional and final answer keys from the official website.

78471112
Abhishek Dhawan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, candidates cannot raise objections after the TANCET result is declared. Anna University allows candidates to challenge provisional answer key until the results and final answer key is released.

A

Akansha Goyal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

After the provisional TANCET answer key is released, candidates can calculate their probable scores and raise objections through the login portal.

V

Vikram Tyagi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

There are no official passing or failing marks in TANCET, candidates do not technically fail. However, candidates have to meet the minimum cutoff to secure admissions.

L

Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

TANCET admission process generally relies on the entrance exam scores and the subsequent centralised counselling conducted by DTE Chennai. TANCET colleges does not conduct GD/PI rounds for admissions.

R

Rohini Bisht

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Top MBA colleges accepting TANCET include 

  • Anna University, CEG Campus
  • PSG College of Technology
  • University of Madras
  • SSN School of Management
  • SRM University
  • ITM Business School

N

Nikita Saxena

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The TANCET cutoff is the minimum qualifying score required for admission. It is calculated considering the total number of applicants, available seats, and exam difficulty.

D

Dhanya Shekhar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

A good score in TANCET depends on the cutoff set by top colleges. Securing between 90 to 95 percentile marks as a good score.

R

Rupali Shukla

Contributor-Level 7