What is the overall difficulty level of TANCET?

The overall difficulty level of the TANCET exam is considered moderate by most of the test takers. TANCET is a speed-based test with 100 MCQs to be completed in 120 minutes.

What is the syllabus & exam pattern of TANCET?

TANCET exam is conducted for MBA and MCA admission. More than 25,000 candidates take the TANCET exam for MBA admission. The sections vary for MBA and MCA exams. The space below mention the TANCET MBA exam pattern: Mode of TANCET exam: Offline, OMR based Type of questions: Objective type Number of questions: 100 Number of sections: 5 Exam duration: 120 minutes Maximum marks: 100 Marks for correct response: 1 mark Mark down for incorrect response: 1/4 mark Exam medium: English The TANCET MBA syllabus is based on five sections. The sections for TANCET MBA exam include: Business Situations Reading Comprehension Quantitative Ability Data Sufficiency English Usage All sections in the TANCET exam have equal weightage.

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.

Is TANCET easy or tough?

Most of the candidates find TANCET as an easy to moderate exam. Candidates find the exam easy if compared with national-level tests like CAT or XAT. It is a speed-based test with 100 questions to be answer in 120 minutes. Time becomes the primary challenge for the test takers.

How many times is TANCET exam conducted in one exam session?

TANCET exam is conducted once every year. Candidates can appear for the TANCET exam once within one academic year. For admission to the next year, candidates have to appear for the subsequent term of the TANCET exam. However, the exam schedule and frequency might change in the future. For latest updates on TANCET exam, candidates can rely on shiksha's TANCET exam page. https://www.shiksha.com/mba/tancet-exam .

How much time is sufficient for TANCET exam preparation?

Candidates preparing for TANCET can complete the entire syllabus in less than three months. However, if one has prepared for other MBA exams, he/she may complete the syllabus in less time.

What is the marking scheme of TANCET for MBA exam?

Anna University prescribes the marking scheme of TANCET MBA and MCA exam. Candidates preparing for the exam day strategy must know the TANCET marking scheme to plan the best strategy. The TANCET exam marking scheme is as follows: Each correct response will fetch 1 mark Any incorrect response in the TANCET exam will lead to deduction of 1/3 mark No negative marking prevails for the unattempted questions Since the TANCET exam have a negative marking for incorrect response, candidates must only mark the answers in the OMR sheet if they are sure of the same. Negative marking may decrease the overall score extensive.

How many options are there in each MCQ in TANCET question paper?

TANCET exam coprises as many as 100 objective type questions. TANCET MBA exam has five sections with equal question weightage. Therefore, each section will have 20 questions each. Candidates have to answer all the questions. However, in case of incorrect responses, candidates will face a penalty of 1/3 mark. Each correct answer will fetch 1 mark.

How can I get the TANCET syllabus PDF?

Anna University releases TANCET syllabus on its official website. Candidates can find TANCET syllabus for MBA and MCA courses with the release of exam notification.

What is the duration of TANCET exam?

Candidates get 120 minutes to answer 100 MCQs. Test takers must try to finish answering all questions within the stipulated time.

Will TANCET exam have descriptive type questions?

TANCET exam does not have any descriptive type questions. All the questions in the TANCET question paper are objective type questions, also known as Multiple Choice Questions. Anna University design the TANCET test paper to ask questions with four answers options. Out of these four options, one answers is correct, while other three answers are incorrect. Candidates have to choose the right answers to fetch 1 mark. For every incorrect response, candidates will get a education of 1/3 marks. All 100 questions in the TANCET exam are objective type.

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.

Is there any sectional time limit in TANCET MBA exam?

As per the TANCET exam pattern, the total duration to answers all 100 MCQs is 120 minutes. There is no sectional time limit in TANCET exam.

Which section is difficult to prepare in TANCET exam?

The toughest or the easiest section of TANCET exam is subjective based on preparation. Candidates typically find the Quantitative Ability section to be the toughest.

TANCET Exam Pattern 2026: Check Section-wise Latest Paper Format

Q: Which subjects do I have to study for TANCET exam?

Sections in TANCET exam include Analysis of Business Situations, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Sufficiency, and English Usage/Grammar.

1.3K Students Q&A

Registration - 16 Mar '26 - 16 May '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

MBA MCA, MCA(LE)

Updated on Apr 7, 2026 23:25 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

TANCET 2026 Exam Pattern: Anna University releases TANCET exam pattern 2026 on its official website, tancet.annauniv.edu. Candidates find TANCET exam pattern for MBA and MCA courses in the information bulletin. Anna University conducts two shifts for TANCET exam on a single day with one exam shift for MBA and MCA course each. As per the test structure, Anna University is set to conduct TANCET 2026 in a pen-pencil based mode at the test centres. TANCET 2026 MBA exam pattern requires candidates to answer 100 questions within 120 minutes.

TANCET 2026 exam has five sections, namely, Analysis of Business Situations, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Sufficiency and English Usage. Read this article further to get more details on TANCET exam pattern 2026.

Access past 10 year TANCET question papers for MBA and MCA

➤ TANCET MBA Question Papers with Answers

➤ TANCET MCA Question Papers with Answers

Table of contents

TANCET Exam Pattern 2026
TANCET Exam Pattern 2026: Sectional Insights
TANCET 2026 Marking Scheme
TANCET 2026 Syllabus: Important Topics
TANCET Exam Preparation 2026
FAQs on TANCET Exam Pattern

TANCET Exam Pattern 2026

The table below mentions an overview of the TANCET exam pattern 2026:

TANCET Exam Pattern	Details
Exam mode	Offline
Total questions	100
TANCET MBA sections	5 (Business Situations, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Sufficiency and English Usage)
TANCET MCA sections	4 (Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Computer Awareness )
Section-wise question weightage (MBA)	20 per section
Section-wise question weightage (MCA)	25 per section
Duration of test	2 hours
Marks per correct response	+1 mark
Negative marks	-1/4 for each incorrect response
Medium	English

Also Read:

TANCET Exam Pattern 2026: Sectional Insights

The exam structure of TANCET MBA and MCA exam varies in terms of totasl sections. Find complete details on TANCET exam sections for MBA and MCA exam below.

TANCET MBA 2026 Exam Sections

The table below mentions the key insights of the TANCET MBA exam sections:

Sections	Details
Business Situations	This section assesses the candidates’ ability to analyse a given set of data critically and apply the data in making business decisions
Reading Comprehension	This section tests the candidates’ based on their ability to answer questions on the given passages in English
Quantitative Ability	This section evaluates the candidates’ skill in solving mathematical problems
Data Sufficiency	This section analyses the candidates’ ability to solve data-based questions and knowledge of mathematics
English Usage	This section aims to test the candidates’ knowledge of English Language and its usage, Grammar and Punctuation.

DILR Question-Answers for Practice

Quantitative Aptitude Question-Answers for Practice

VARC Question-Answers for Practice

TANCET MCA 2026 Exam Sections

The table below mentions the key insights of the TANCET MCA exam sections

Sections	Details
Quantitative Ability	This section evaluates the candidates’ skill in solving mathematical problems
Analytical reasoning	This section evaluates a candidate's ability to study information and draw inferences from the given pattern
Logical Reasoning	This section assesses candidates ability to logically work through concepts and problems
Computer Awareness	This section evaluates the candidate's knowledge of Computer

TANCET 2026 Marking Scheme

TANCET exam comprises a total of 100 MCQs. Candidates need to choose one correct answer option out of four options. The marking scheme of TANCET 2026 exam is as follows:

For each correct response, candidates will score 1 mark.
For each wrong answer, 1/4 mark will be deducted.
If any candidate selects multiple options as the answer, it will be treated as the wrong answer and 1/4 mark will be deducted for this.
No marks are deducted for the questions left unanswered.

TANCET 2026 Syllabus: Important Topics

TANCET exam syllabus include a few topics that have been appearing in the question papers over the past few years. Candidates with a good hold on these chapters tend to get a better score in TANCET exam. Candidates must prepare using TANCET syllabus. Refer to the TANCET syllabus below.

Sections	Topics
Quantitative Ability	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, Calculus, Differential Equation, Probability and Statistics
Reading Comprehension	Passages followed by a set of questions
English Usage	Synonyms, Antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Corrections, Idioms, Cloze Test, One Word Substitution
Data Sufficiency	Number systems, Data Interpretation (Pie Chart, Line Graph, Bar Graph and Tables), questions in the form of Statements

TANCET Exam Preparation 2026

Candidates need around three to four months for TANCET preparation. the first step for TANCET exam preparation must be obtaining the knowledge for TANCET exam pattern and syllabus. Good TANCET preparation plan will require candidates to complete the syllabus, and then practise the previous year question papers, and appear for mock tests.

TANCET 2026 Preparation Tips	How to prepare for TANCET 2026 in two months
Top 10 TANCET Preparation Tips	How to prepare for TANCET in 3 months
How to prepare for TANCET 2026	How to prepare TANCET 2026: Quantitative Aptitude

Candidates can check the below mentioned points to plan their TANCET preparation 2026:

Check TANCET pattern syllabus for important topics and exam structure
Clear concepts using the recommended TANCET study materials
Know strong and weak topics from TANCET syllabus.
Solve TANCET previous years' question papers.
Solve TS ICET mock test and build a strategy for exam day.
Plan the exam day strategy

Check TANCET Cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting TANCET score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all TANCET participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict TANCET Admission Calls

Read More:

FAQs on TANCET Exam Pattern

Check some important FAQs related to TANCET exam pattern below:

Q: When is TANCET syllabus released?

TANCET syllabus is issued with the release of information brochure on the official website. Candidates find a PDF for TANCET MBA and MCA syllabus.

Q: Does the TANCET syllabus change every year?

Anna University generally maintains a consistent TANCET syllabus every year. Any updates or changes to the sections or topics for the MBA or MCA exams are officially notified through the release of the information brochure.

Q: What are the sections included in TANCET MCA exam syllabus?

TANCET MCA exam syllabus consists of four sections, including

Quantitative Aptitude
Analytical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Computer Awareness.

Candidates have to answer a total of 100 questions distributed across these specified sections.

Q: Which are the important topics for TANCET Analytical Ability section?

Some of the important topics for the TANCET Analytical Reasoning section include:

Number Sequence
Input-Output
Coded-inequality
Blood Relations
Conditional Statements
Odd one out
Inequalities
Syllogism
Venn Diagram
Sitting Arrangement (Linear and Circular)
Directions and Ranking
Sets based on games

Q: Will TANCET shift to online exam mode in future exam sessions?

Anna University may consider changing the TANCET exam mode from offline to online. Since the exam has fewer audience as compared to other competitive exams, offline exam becomes easy to manage. Candidates prefer an online exam over the offline OMR based exam. The decision with the change in the exam mode shall lie with the conducting body.

Q: What is the section wise weightage in TANCET exam?

TANCET exam for MBA admission have five sections. Each section of the TANCET exam have an equal weightage. Anna University provides 20 per cent weightage to all five sections of the exam. Eacg section has 20 questions, collectively taking the question count to 100. The sections in the TANCET MBA exam include:

Business Situations
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Ability
Data Sufficiency
English Usage

Since all the sections of the TANCET exam have equal weightage, candidates provide equal importance to all five sections. Any of the section may lead to act as an advantage in pulling the overall score of the candidate.

Q: What is the mode of TANCET exam?

Anna University conducts TANCET exam in an offline mode. The offline centre based exam has objective type questions to be answered on an OMR sheet. Anna University evaluates the responses by all the candidates using the OMR device which scans the sheet after reflecting a light.

Q: What is the TANCET exam duration and slot?

The TANCET exam duration is two hours. The MBA exam is typically conducted in the afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, while the MCA exam takes place in the morning from 10 AM to 12 Noon.

Q: What is the TANCET syllabus?

TANCET MBA syllabus comprises five sections:

Analysis of Business Situations
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Sufficiency
General English

The MCA syllabus includes

Quantitative Aptitude
Analytical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Computer Awareness

Q: Is the syllabus for CAT and TANCET same?

The CAT and TANCET syllabi share similar topics in quantitative ability, reading comprehension, and data interpretation. However, TANCET has a unique section on Business Situation Analysis, requiring candidates to study specific concepts not covered in CAT.

Q: Which are the important topics for TANCET Quantitative Aptitude section?

Important topics for the TANCET Quantitative Aptitude section include

Number System
Percentages
Profit and Loss
Simple and Compound Interest
Geometry
Algebra
Trigonometry
Probability
Time and Work
Quadratic Equations, etc.

Q: Is TANCET syllabus lengthy?

The TANCET syllabus is comprehensive, covering basic class 10 and 12 level mathematics, English grammar, and reasoning skills. While extensive, candidates can easily cover the syllabus within two to three months of dedicated preparation.

Q: How much time is required to cover TANCET syllabus?

Candidates usually require less than three months to completely cover the TANCET syllabus. Those who have already studied for other MBA entrance exams can finish it even faster due to overlapping topics.

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.