TANCET Preparation 2026: Know Complete Strategy & Guide

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

Updated on Oct 19, 2025 02:55 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: Is it easy to get high scores in TANCET exam?

Yes, it is easy to obtain high score in TANCET exam. to meet the cutoff scores. An exam is considered tough or easy by an individual based on his/her preparation. TANCET exam pattern is easier compared to other MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc.

TANCET MBA has five sections with 20 marks for each section. These sections are mentioned below:

Business Situations
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Ability
Data Sufficiency
English Usage

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 content

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

The TANCET exam has five sections, namely,

Business Situations
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Ability
Data Sufficiency
English Usage

As per the TANCET exam pattern, a total of 100 questions are asked collectively from all sections of the TANCET exam. All five section of TANCET MBA exam have equal weightage. Therefore, candidates have to answer a total of 20 questions, irrespective of the section. Since all sections of the TANCET exam have equal weightage, candidates must take all sections seriously. Each section of TANCET exam holds identical importance.

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

Here are some tips on how to improve reading comprehension skills for MBA exam preparation:

Read regularly
Summarize what you read
Reach out mentors for help
Practice using sample papers and mock tests
Pay attention to the author's purpose
Identify the main idea of each paragraph
Look for clues to the author's tone.
Is the author being serious, humorous, or sarcastic?
Read between the lines. What is the author not saying? What are they implying?

By following the above mentioned tips, one can improve their reading comprehension skills and increase their chances of success on the MBA exam.

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)?

TANCET exam is a competitive exam for MBA and MCA admission. It is crucial to start preparing early in order to get a good score. The ideal time to start preparing for the TANCET MBA exam is at least 4-5 months before the exam date. However, the preparation time may vary across individual students. This will give you enough time to cover the entire syllabus, practice with previous year's question papers, take mock tests, and get familiar with the exam format. Here are some tips for preparing for the TANCET MBA exam: 1) Start by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus 2) Practice with previous year's question papers 3) Take a mock test 4) Create a study plan 5) Get enough sleep 6) Eat healthy meals to avoid illness 7) Plan the exam day beforehand Following the above-mentioned tips will help you to prepare for the TANCET MBA exam and increase your chances of success.

Q: Which are the most important topics to focus for TANCET preparation?

Hi, TANCET sections include Questions from Business situations, Comprehension Passage, Graduate level Mathematics, Determining Data Sufficiency, English Language. The important topics to focus while preparing for TANCET are same as CMAT. Here are few tips which you should consider while preparing for TANCET.

1) Try preparing all the topics listed in the official syllabus. Leaving any topic will risk your chances of obtaining a high score. However, at the last minute, avoid picking up a new topic.

2) Candidates should choose or select the appropriate study material so that they can easily understand it and it will help them to understand the structure of the exam. Negative marking is applicable in the test.

3) Therefore, another TANCET MBA preparation tip is to avoid guesswork. Mark the answers which you are sure of else leave them unanswered. The candidates must concentrate on enhancing their vocabulary as they will have to answer different questions in this section of the exam. Read the newspaper on a daily basis, it will help you prepare for the further rounds of admission. Hope it helps.

TANCET 2026: Last Minute Preparation Tips

Last-minute preparation tips refer to the strategies candidates must devise in the last few days before the exam and fine-tune the learnings obtained. No new topic should be started at this stage and thorough revision should be done for the sections and topics prepared so far. This time period should also be utilised to thoroughly understand the instructions of taking the TANCET 2026 examination and plan the exam taking strategy accordingly. Here are a few last-minute preparation tips that will help you overcome the exam jitters and score well in the upcoming examination:

Revise important topics
Be prepared with plan if TANCET does not go well
Work on time management techniqaues
Keep important documents, including admit card, and photo ID proof ready a day before the exam.

Commonly asked questions

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.

Q: Which is the best book for preparing for the TANCET MBA?

Hi TANCET MBA by E. S. Ramaswamy. TANCET MBA Solved Papers by S. Sambasivan DR. Antony. Business Situations. Reading Comprehension. Quantitative Ability. Data Sufficiency. English Usage. The question paper of TANCET MBA 2023 will be divided into five sections namely Reading Comprehension, Data Sufficiency, Quantitative Ability, Analysis of Business Situation and Verbal Ability. All the sections of the exam will contain 20 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 buying any random books available for MBA exam preparation. In case the candidates already have any books for MBA exam prep, they can skip buying any book. However, if TANCET is the only exam for which the aspirant is planning to appear, following factors must be kept in mind to choose a book: 1. Check the table of content and book edition 2. Check if the book has its content arranged systematically 3. Read reviews whether the book is for advanced level preparation or basic preparation 4. Author and publisher 5. Does it contain a question bank? 6. Does it have section wise distribution? 7. Buy specific books for TANCET preparation 8. Ask for recommendations from 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: Which are the best books to prepare for English Proficiency in TANCET?

TANCET exam has five sections two of which are based on English language skills of the candidate. One section check the proficiency in English language while other section will gauge reading comprehension skills of the candidate. Here are some of the best books for English language preparation for TANCET MBA exam: - Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi - English Grammar and Composition by SC Gupta - Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis - Objective English for Competitive Examination by Hari Mohan Prasad and Uma Sinha - General English for All Competitive Examinations by S. C. Gupta These are just a few of the many great books available for English language preparation for competitive exams. The best book for you will depend on your individual needs and goals as individuals may have a strong hold on different topics under the section.

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: 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.

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.