CUSAT CAT 2026: Counselling Open, Rank List Out, Cutoff and Seat Allotment

CUSAT CAT 2026 (Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission Test) is the university-level entrance exam conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, for admission to B.Tech and other undergraduate programs. The exam was held from May 9 to 11, 2026, with the B.Tech paper conducted on May 10, and CUSAT released the course-wise rank list on June 11, 2026, placing 28,225 candidates in the B.Tech merit list. CUSAT CAT 2026 counselling is now underway, with the option entry deadline extended to June 28, 2026, and Round 1 seat allotment expected in the last week of June 2026.

• Option Entry Deadline: The B.Tech option entry deadline has been extended to June 28, 2026. Candidates in the rank list who have not yet filled their program preferences must complete option entry at admissions.cusat.ac.in immediately — missing this date means missing Round 1 allotment entirely.
• Round 1 Seat Allotment: CUSAT CAT 2026 Round 1 seat allotment is expected in the last week of June 2026. Once allotted, you must log in to the admissions portal and accept or decline the seat within the specified deadline.
• Round 1 Cutoffs: CUSAT CAT 2026 Round 1 cutoffs will be published after the allotment results are declared. For reference, the 2025 closing rank for B.Tech CSE at School of Engineering (SOE) Thrikkakara under State Merit General was 388, and around 2,866 for the All India quota.
• Round 2 Counselling: CUSAT CAT 2026 Round 2 counselling is expected in July 2026 for seats that remain vacant or are surrendered after Round 1 admissions are confirmed. Candidates who do not get their preferred choice in Round 1 can try to upgrade in Round 2.

What is CUSAT CAT 2026?

CUSAT CAT stands for Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission Test. It is conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), located in Kochi, Kerala. CUSAT is one of India’s premier technical universities, with a strong reputation in engineering, marine sciences, technology, and science programs.

The CUSAT CAT is the primary gateway for admission to B.Tech programs at CUSAT’s School of Engineering (SOE), Thrikkakara, as well as Integrated M.Sc, Four Year B.Voc (Honours), Integrated MA (Hindi), and other undergraduate programs across CUSAT’s various schools. In 2026, more than 55,000 candidates registered for CUSAT CAT, and the exam was conducted across 121 test centres in Kerala and other states.

CUSAT CAT is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the Class 11 and 12 level. The test is conducted once a year, and admission is based entirely on the rank secured in the CUSAT CAT rank list. Separate rank lists are prepared for each program and category, and seats are allotted through an online counselling process managed by CUSAT.

CUSAT B.Tech seats are distributed across three main quotas:

• Kerala State Merit (HS) Quota: 50% of seats reserved for Kerala residents
• All India (AI) Quota: 40% of seats open to candidates from all states
• NRI Quota: 10% of seats for Non-Resident Indians and their wards

For select programs such as Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding, Polymer Science and Engineering, and Instrumentation Technology, the split is 90% Kerala and 10% All India, with no NRI quota. This makes CUSAT CAT relevant for both Kerala-based students and candidates from across India who want to study at one of the state’s most respected universities.

CUSAT CAT 2026 Important Dates

The table below lists all key CUSAT CAT 2026 dates. Upcoming events appear first so you can act on what matters right now, followed by completed milestones in chronological order.

Source: admissions.cusat.ac.in

CUSAT CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

You must check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. Even if you secure a good rank, you will not be admitted if you do not meet the requirements. Here is what CUSAT specifies for B.Tech admission through CUSAT CAT 2026:

Educational Qualification

• You must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 (Plus Two) examination or an equivalent board
• Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be your main subjects in Class 12
• A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics combined is generally required for General and OBC category candidates
• SC/ST candidates are eligible with a relaxed minimum as per CUSAT norms
• Candidates from the Kerala Board, CBSE, ICSE, or any recognised state board are eligible

CUSAT CAT Qualifying Marks for Rank List

To appear in the CUSAT CAT 2026 B.Tech rank list, you must score:

• Minimum 10 marks in the Mathematics section of the CUSAT CAT
• Minimum 10 marks combined in the Physics and Chemistry sections

Candidates who score below either minimum are excluded from the rank list regardless of their total score. This is separate from the Class 12 eligibility requirement and applies only to your performance in the CUSAT CAT exam itself.

Age Limit

• You must be at least 17 years of age as of December 31, 2026
• No upper age limit is prescribed for most B.Tech programs at CUSAT

Quota-Specific Eligibility

CUSAT CAT 2026 Application Process

The CUSAT CAT 2026 application window is now closed. The last date to apply was March 5, 2026. The steps below are for reference and for candidates planning for CUSAT CAT 2027.

The CUSAT CAT 2026 application was a fully online process at admissions.cusat.ac.in. Here is how it worked:

1. New Registration: Create an account on the CUSAT admissions portal using your name, email ID, and mobile number. The portal generates a login ID and password for you.
2. Fill the Application Form: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and your preferred exam centre(s).
3. Select Test Code: Choose the test code(s) for the program(s) you want to apply for. Each test code covers a specific program or group of programs. Applying for more than one program requires paying an additional fee per test code.
4. Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the prescribed format and file size.
5. Pay Application Fee: Pay online via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
6. Submit and Download Confirmation: Submit the form and save the confirmation page as proof of your registration.

CUSAT CAT 2026 Application Fee

Payment was accepted only through online mode — there was no cash or offline fee payment option. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including cancellation or withdrawal after submission.

CUSAT CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CUSAT CAT 2026 syllabus covers Class 11 and 12 topics in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The syllabus broadly follows the CBSE and Kerala State Board curriculum. Mathematics has the largest question count (90 out of 225), making it the most important subject for your rank.

Mathematics Syllabus for CUSAT CAT (90 Questions)

• Sets, Relations and Functions
• Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
• Matrices and Determinants
• Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem
• Sequences and Series
• Straight Lines, Conic Sections and Three-Dimensional Geometry
• Differential Calculus — Limits, Continuity and Derivatives
• Applications of Derivatives
• Integral Calculus — Integration Techniques and Definite Integrals
• Differential Equations
• Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry
• Probability and Mathematical Statistics
• Trigonometry and Inverse Trigonometric Functions
• Mathematical Reasoning

Physics Syllabus for CUSAT CAT (75 Questions)

• Physical World, Measurement, Units and Dimensions
• Kinematics and Laws of Motion
• Work, Energy and Power
• Rotational Motion and Gravitation
• Properties of Solids and Liquids, Thermodynamics
• Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Oscillations and Waves
• Electrostatics and Current Electricity
• Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
• Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
• Electromagnetic Waves and Optics (Ray and Wave Optics)
• Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
• Atoms, Nuclei and Electronic Devices

Chemistry Syllabus for CUSAT CAT (60 Questions)

• Basic Concepts of Chemistry and States of Matter
• Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
• Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium
• Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry
• Chemical Kinetics and Surface Chemistry
• s-Block, p-Block, d-Block and f-Block Elements
• Coordination Compounds
• Organic Chemistry — Basic Principles and Reaction Mechanisms
• Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen, Nitrogen and Halogens
• Polymers and Chemistry in Everyday Life

Calculus and Coordinate Geometry typically carry a high share of Mathematics questions. For Physics, Mechanics and Electrostatics are well-represented. In Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and periodic table elements often have more questions. Cover NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks as your primary resource before using advanced references.

CUSAT CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CUSAT CAT 2026 admit card was released on April 27, 2026, at admissions.cusat.ac.in. Candidates downloaded the hall ticket by logging in with their registered email ID and password. The B.Tech exam was successfully held on May 10, 2026, across 121 test centres in Kerala and other states.

The CUSAT CAT 2026 admit card included:

• Candidate’s name, roll number, and photograph
• Exam date, reporting time, and shift
• Test centre name and full address
• Exam day instructions and list of items not permitted inside the hall

For CUSAT CAT 2027 reference: the admit card is typically released 10 to 15 days before the exam date. Download and print the admit card as soon as it is available — do not wait until the last day. You must carry the printed admit card together with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence) to the exam centre. Entry is denied without both documents.

Top Programs Under CUSAT CAT 2026

CUSAT CAT 2026 gives admission to a range of undergraduate programs at Cochin University of Science and Technology. The School of Engineering (SOE) at Thrikkakara, Kochi, is the main campus for B.Tech admissions. CUSAT also offers Integrated M.Sc and other UG programs through the same CAT admission process.

B.Tech Programs at CUSAT School of Engineering, Thrikkakara

B.Tech CSE at CUSAT is the most sought-after program and consistently has the lowest closing rank (meaning highest competition). The 2025 closing rank of 388 for State Merit General makes it extremely selective. Programs like Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding are unique specialisations not widely offered elsewhere in India — they provide strong career opportunities in the marine, offshore, and defence shipbuilding sectors and face significantly lower competition than CSE or ECE.

CUSAT is located in Kochi, which is home to Infopark and Smart City — two major IT/ITeS parks with hundreds of technology companies. This gives CUSAT engineering students direct access to internships and placements without leaving the city. CUSAT also has established ties with Kerala’s maritime industry, which directly benefits students in Naval Architecture, Polymer Science, and related programs.

Other Programs Accessible Through CUSAT CAT 2026

• Integrated M.Sc Programs: 5-year programs in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, and related sciences combining B.Sc and M.Sc degrees
• Four Year B.Voc (Honours): Skill-oriented vocational programs with strong industry alignment
• Integrated MA (Hindi): A 5-year combined B.A and M.A program in Hindi language and literature

CUSAT CAT Preparation Tips

If you are preparing for CUSAT CAT 2027, or want to understand the effort required to secure a good rank, these tips are based on the CUSAT CAT exam pattern, the 2026 competition data (28,225 ranked B.Tech candidates), and the typical scoring patterns for popular programs.

Make Mathematics Your Priority

Mathematics carries 40% of all CUSAT CAT marks (90 questions, 270 out of 675 marks). Spend at least 40–45% of your total preparation time on it. Focus heavily on Calculus (differential and integral), Coordinate Geometry, Algebra, Vectors, and Probability — these chapters together account for a large share of Mathematics questions in CUSAT CAT.

Treat Negative Marking as a Strategy, Not Just a Penalty

CUSAT CAT deducts 1/3 mark for every wrong answer. A wrong attempt costs you the 3 marks you could have earned plus an additional 1/3 mark penalty. Set a personal rule before each practice test: only attempt a question if you can confidently eliminate at least two of the four options. Otherwise, skip it. This discipline alone can significantly improve your final score.

Start with NCERT

For Physics and Chemistry, NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12 are your foundation. Many CUSAT CAT questions are based directly on NCERT concepts, definitions, and worked examples. Finish NCERT completely before moving to advanced reference books. For Mathematics, NCERT is a starting point — supplement with RD Sharma or ML Khanna for calculus and coordinate geometry, which go deeper than NCERT alone.

Solve Previous Year Question Papers

CUSAT CAT question papers from the last 5–7 years are your best preparation resource. They reveal the exact question types, the difficulty level in each subject, and which chapters are repeatedly tested. Solve these under timed conditions and aim to finish each paper in 2 hours 45 minutes to allow time for review before submission.

Manage Your Exam Time

With 225 questions and 3 hours, you get an average of 48 seconds per question. In practice, Chemistry questions tend to be faster to solve than Mathematics. A good strategy is to start with Chemistry, move to Physics, and save the largest portion of time for Mathematics. Do not spend more than 90 seconds on any single question — mark it for review and return if time permits.

Take Full-Length Mock Tests Regularly

Take at least one full mock test per week in the final 6 to 8 weeks of your preparation. The review session after each test is as important as the test itself — identify whether your errors are knowledge gaps, calculation mistakes, or misread questions. Fix the knowledge gaps before the next mock test. Watching your accuracy improve over 6–8 weeks is also a strong confidence builder before exam day.

Do Not Neglect the Minimum Qualifying Marks

To appear in the rank list, you must score at least 10 marks in Mathematics and at least 10 marks combined in Physics and Chemistry. Candidates who score well overall but fall below either minimum are not ranked. Cover all three subjects adequately in preparation and do not skip or rush through any section on exam day.