TANCET Preparation 2026: Know Complete Strategy & Guide

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

Updated on Nov 22, 2025 10:08 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

TANCET Preparation Tips 2026: Anna University conducts TANCET exam for admission to MBA courses every year. One requires at least five months to prepare for TANCET exam. Candidates planning to take TANCET 2026 must have started preparing for the exam already. Nearly 35,000 candidates fight for 15,000+ MBA seats offered by TANCET participating colleges. With a high level of competition, candidates aspiring for admissions based on the TANCET exam must have a top-notch preparation strategy. Some of the key elements of a well-structured TANCET 2026 preparation plan include knowing the test structure and syllabus. Additionally, one must get the best study resources, including the recommended books, TANCET previous year's question papers, sample papers, etc.

Candidates must start the TANCET preparation as soon as possible as the exam date is already out. Read this article further for more information on TANCET preparation tips 2026 and tricks, along with the recommended preparatory material.

Access past 10 year TANCET question papers for MBA and MCA

➤ TANCET MBA Question Papers with Answers

➤ TANCET MCA Question Papers with Answers

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

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: Can you suggest some preparation strategies for TANCET MBA? How much do I need to score to join Madras University?

Some tips one should consider: Prepare all the topics listed in the syllabus. In case a topic gets left out, candidates will risk their chances of obtaining a high score. Avoid picking a new topic. Candidates must also select appropriate study material as it will help them understand the structure of entrance test. Avoid any kind of guesswork. Negative marking is applicable in the exam and it is better to leave those questions whose answers candidates are unable to determine with conviction. Take as many mock tests as possible before the actual day of the test. Mock tests help candidates identify their strong and weak areas. Mocks give them the chance to strengthen those weak areas. Prepare a schedule which must be followed religiously. By the time the exam day arrives, candidates will become skilled at allotting equal time to each section of the test. Vocabulary is an integral part of any entrance test these days and candidates are advised to strengthen it as much as they can. It is advised that they read as many newspapers as they can daily and mark down words they have unknown so far and then check for their meaning.

Table of contents

TANCET Preparation 2026: Sectional Overview
TANCET Preparation Tips 2026
TANCET 2026: Last Minute Preparation Tips
TANCET 2026 Preparation: Recommended Books
Important FAQs on TANCET Exam Preparation

TANCET Preparation 2026: Sectional Overview

To start preparing for TANCET 2026, candidates must know the sectional distribution for each course. The space below depicts the course wise sectional distribution in the TANCET exam:

TANCET exam for MBA admission comprises questions from five sections with 20 questions each. TANCET MBA sections are as follows:
- Business Situations
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Ability
- Data Sufficiency
- English Usage
TANCET MCA exam comprises four sections with 25 questions in each. The sections included in the TANCET MCA exam are as follows:
- Analytical Ability
- Quantitative Ability
- Logical Reasoning
- Computer Awareness
TANCET exam for all other courses has three sections with separate weightage of each section. List of TANCET exam sections for ME/M.Tech/M.Arch/M.Plan is as follows:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Basic Engineering and Sciences
- Discipline-specific section

TANCET Preparation 2026: Key Tips for Success

Strengthen Vocabulary: Read newspapers daily to enhance your vocabulary. Note down and check the meanings of new words.
Develop Analytical Skills: Analyse case studies and business problems to help improve analytical abilities.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is the syllabus for CAT and TANCET same? Can I prepare for TANCET exam using CAT study material such as mock tests and question papers?

CAT is a national level exam for MBA admission, while TANCET is a state level exam for MBA admission. Syllabus for both CAT and TANCET are on a similar lies with slight changes in the sections. TANCET exam includes an additional section for Business Situation analysis. Candidates who have prepared for CAT exams section, including DILR, VARC, and QA, need a minimal study plan to prepare for TANCET. Candidates who took the CAT exam must drive deeper into the section for analysis of business situations. Study material, including books, question type remains similar for CAT and TANCET exam.

Practising mock tests for CAT and TANCET must be done individual as the difficult standards, exam duration, number of questions and other elements of test pattern will vary. Mock test will provide a better understanding of taking TANCET and CAT exam.

Q: How to improve Reading Comprehension skills for TANCET MBA exam?

To improve RC skills in TANCET, candidates need to read regularly. Candidates can use sample papers and previous exam papers to practise RC questions.

Q: Which section of the TANCET exam has the highest weightage?

TANCET MBA exam has 5 sections. All sections have an equal weightage. With a total of 100 questions, each section has 20 questions in MCQ format.

TANCET Preparation Tips 2026

With a high competition rate, the TANCET exam is difficult to crack without preparation. The right attitude towards studies accompanied by a TANCET preparation plan is all it takes to ace the exam. Aspirants are provided here detailed TANCET preparation plan and guide for effective studies:

Understanding TANCET Exam Pattern

Before beginning with TANCET preparation, candidates must gain familiarity with the TANCET exam pattern. Here we have shared the exam pattern of all the courses for which TANCET is conducted.

TANCET 2026 Exam Pattern for MBA

TANCET Exam Pattern	Details
Duration of test	2 hours
Mode	Offline
TANCET MBA sections	Five (5), namely - Business Situations - Reading Comprehension - Quantitative Ability - Data Sufficiency - English Usage
Total marks	100
Sectional weightage	20
Negative marks	-1/4
Exam medium	English, Tamil

TANCET 2026 Exam Pattern for MCA

TANCET MCA Exam Pattern	Details
Duration of test	2 hours
Mode	Offline
TANCET MCA sections	Four (4), namely - Analytical Ability - Quantitative Ability - Logical Reasoning - Computer Awareness
Total marks	100
Sectional weightage	25
Negative marks	- 1/4
Exam medium	English

Knowledge of TANCET Syllabus

This is the most important aspect of TANCET preparation. The syllabus for the TANCET exam varies based on the course as the sections also differ across courses. Candidates must check all the section-wise topics in the TANCET syllabus. Candidates might find the important topics that require more focus. Thus, candidates must start with such topics as early as possible.

Brush up the Fundamentals

Given the amount of time left for TANCET 2026, candidates must understand the basic concepts, formulas and shortcut methods to solve/answer typical questions that appear in the question paper. It is important for an aspirant to make a list of all the important formulae and shortcuts. This, additionally, helps during the revision process as well.

Focus on Quality, not Quantity

While studying for TANCET, candidates must not focus on the quantity of the topics they cover. The primary focus of the candidate should be on qualitative studies. Students preparing based on the quantity are likely to forget some of the topics they covered in the past. The best way forward is learning something from each study session. A candidate needs to devise a proper study plan having the primary focus on areas where they need to improve.

Make a Study Routine

Candidates should prepare a study routine for TANCET preparation and stick to it. Set a daily timetable and strike a balance between study and recreation. The plan should be such that it includes time for revision, solving TANCET sample papers/question papers, mock tests, etc. Although candidates do not require any coaching for TANCET preparation, solving mock tests of different MBA entrance exams will also solve the purpose of section-wise preparation analysis.

Buy Best Study Resources

While purchasing the best books for TANCET preparation, candidates should remember that it should cover all the topics prescribed in the syllabus. Besides, the language of the book should be simple.

Keep Yourself Healthy

TANCET aspirants should not underplay the importance of keeping themselves fit during preparation. They should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, consume nutritious food. To relieve stress, candidates can also practise yoga and meditation. Candidates should be mindful of the fact that the breaks they take after each study session should be invested on reenergizing themselves. Also, they should minimize the use of social media during the preparation period.

Also Read:

Commonly asked questions

Q: How can I crack TANCET in 6 months?

TANCET is conducted by Anna University Chennai on behalf of Government of Tamil Nadu and is accepted by many good colleges across India. Make your plan according to the time you can give for the preparation on a daily basis. Work on your plan and identify your weakness and strength. Try to plan and identify above stated things within a week. Set your plan agile and keep buffer time for revision and solving mock test papers. Start with your verbal and quantitative practice in parallel. Six months can make or change the game, time management is very important at every single point of time till the final day and even on the day. Keep positive! Solve questions in a specified time frame this will help you in doing questions in time. Maintain a good balance between your accuracy and solving time. Be focused and calm. For the last month keep all the formulas and tricks handy and revise on a daily basis. Remember not to be emotional while solving or appearing for exam. Manage your time wisely.

Q: When should I start preparing for TANCET (MBA)?

Best time to start TANCET preparation is 4-5 months before exam date. Candidates who have studied for any MBA exam before might only need 1-2 months of preparation.

Q: Is it necessary to join coaching classes for TANCET preparation?

One must consider joining a coaching institute for TANCET preparation after evaluating multiple factors, like strengths and weakness. Those who have prepared for any other MBA entrance exam can sklip joining a coaching institute. Candidates who feel they are unable to solve most of the questions from past exam papers can consider expert help.

TANCET 2026: Last Minute Preparation Tips

Candidates must not start any new topic at must revise topics which they have covered. Candidates must utilise time to understand exam day guidelines and plan exam strategy accordingly. Here are few last minute preparation tips to help candidates score well:

Revise important topics
Be prepared with plan if TANCET does not go well
Work on time management techniqaues
Keep important documents ready before exam day.

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the best study material available for TANCET exam preparation?

There are several study materials available for TANCET exam preparation. Candidates can choose a TANCET preparation book after checking the content in the book.

Q: Is it okay to prepare only previous year question papers for TANCET exam?

No, it is not recommended to solely rely on previous year question papers for TANCET exam preparation. While solving previous year question papers is an essential part of exam preparation, it should not be the only source of preparation. To crack the TANCET exam, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and types of questions asked in the exam. You can start by studying the basic concepts and theories of each subject, followed by solving practice questions from various sources. Here are some tips to prepare for the TANCET exam:

Know the exam pattern and syllabus: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus before starting your preparation. The TANCET exam has four sections - Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation & Analysis.
Make a study plan: Once you know the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that covers all the topics and sections. Make sure to allocate time for regular practice and revision.
Solve practice papers and mock tests: Solve previous year question papers, sample papers, and mock tests to get an idea about the types of questions asked in the exam. This will also help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Refer to good study material: Choose good study material that covers the entire syllabus and is easy to understand. You can also refer to online resources and video lectures.
Focus on time management: Time management is crucial to crack the TANCET exam. Solve questions within the time limit and try to improve your speed and accuracy.
Stay calm and positive: Finally, stay calm and positive throughout your preparation. Take breaks when needed, and don't stress yourself too much. So, it is advisable to use previous year question papers as a supplement to your overall preparation strategy, but not rely solely on them.

Q: Is there a set pattern of distribution of questions in the TANCET exam?

Yes, the TANCET MBA question paper will have 20 questions each from five sections i.e. Business Situation Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Sufficiency and English Usage. In TANCET MCA exam, there are four sections, therefore with equal weightage each section has 25 questions.

TANCET 2026 Preparation: Recommended Books

Check the TANCET books for MBA exam preparation tabulated below:

Book Title	Author
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Entrance Examinations	Dinesh Khattar
Quantitative Aptitude	RS Aggarwal
Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
Analytical Reasoning	MK Pandey
Multi-Dimensional Reasoning	Mishra & Kumar Dr. Lal
High School Grammar	Wren & Martin
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis

Read More:

Commonly asked questions

Q: How to choose books for TANCET exam preparation?

Candidates preparing for TANCET must avoid random MBA books. While purchasing book, check book content and compare it with TANCET syllabus. Candidates can also consider books after huidance from mentors or past toppers.

Q: Which book will be best to prepare for TANCET Exam?

Some of the preparation books for preparing for Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) are mentioned here: English Language Student Book by Alison Ross Quantitative Aptitude by S. N. Jha Numerical Test by Dr. M. B. Lal & Jain Reasoning Test (Verbal & Non-Verbal) by Dr. M. B. Lal & A. K. Singh Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A. K. Gupta TANCET MBA Exam Book - Author: E. S. Ramasamy TANCET MBA (Anna University) - Author: V K Subburaj A Comprehensive Study of Data Interpretation Analysis and Sufficiency - Author: Ashok Gupta Non-Verbal Reasoning - Author: B. S. Sijwali & Indus Sijwali Besides the above mentioned books, candidates can get section wise recommended books on Shiksha's article on recommended books for TANCET MBA (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/best-books-for-tancet-preparation-blogId-20375). .

Q: Are CAT books helpful in TANCET exam preparation?

Yes, CAT books can help while preparing for the TANCET MBA exam. CAT is a national level MBA exam, whereas TANCET is a state level MBA exam. Several topics in both exams are common. Therefore, CAT books can be a good resource for preparing for the TANCET exam.

View list of Books

Important FAQs on TANCET Exam Preparation

Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to TANCET exam preparation:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is there any defined pattern over the topic-wise distribution of questions in the TANCET exam?

No, there is no definite pattern of the questions from certain topics in the TANCET exam. The candidates are required to cover all TANCET sections and topics under these sections. Anna University can cover any topic to define the questions from the section stipulated in the TANCET syllabus.

Q: How should I prepare for TANCET exam?

TANCET exam consists 100 questions split into 5 sections to be answered in the duration of 2 hours. It is a multiple choice question paper with negative marking in case of the incorrect answer. So for its preparation, you need to time your speed of answering the questions. Topics of evaluation included verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative section, data sufficiency. So you should try to further enhance your logical reasoning power as well.

Q: How many questions will be there in Business Situation Analysis section of the TANCET exam?

Each section of the TANCET exam, incliding the Business Situation Analysis section have equal question weightage. A total of 100 questions appear in the TANCET MBA question paper with each section having 20 questions. Each question have four options with one correct option. Candidates need to mark the bubble for the correct option in the OMR sheet.

Explore subject-wise topics asked in TANCET

Select your preferred subject

Quant

VARC

DILR

Sets Triangle Statistics Probability Number System Permutations and Combinations Algebra Mensuration Binomial Theorem Straight Lines Relations and Functions Sequences and Series Conic Sections Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry Types of Triangles Pythagoras Theorem Isosceles Triangle Equilateral Triangle Algebraic expressions Algebraic identities Linear Algebra Algebraic Equations Basic of Algebra Algebra questions Sets Triangle Statistics Probability Number System Permutations and Combinations Algebra Mensuration Binomial Theorem Straight Lines Relations and Functions Sequences and Series Conic Sections Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry Types of Triangles Pythagoras Theorem Isosceles Triangle Equilateral Triangle Algebraic expressions Algebraic identities Linear Algebra Algebraic Equations Basic of Algebra Algebra questions Personal Interview (PI)Group Discussion (GD)Reading Comprehension Pronouns with Exercises Parajumbles with Exercises Prepositions with Exercises Subject-Verb Agreement Types of Clauses Examples of Articles Phrases Modifiers Parts of Speech Errors in Tenses Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning Venn Diagrams Percentages Number Systems Approximation & Conversion Techniques

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