IT & Software Exams Exam 2026

The IT & Software Exams for Undergraduate (UG) programs in 2026 serve as the primary gateway for students aspiring to enter the fields of Computer Applications, Information Technology, and Software Engineering. Below are the key highlights:

• Exam Name: IT & Software Entrance Exams (UG) 2026
• Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA) / Respective Universities
• Exam Level: National/State/University Level
• Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Frequency: Annual
• Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
• Official Website: nta.ac.in

Candidates should keep track of the following tentative schedule for the 2026 academic cycle:

• Release of Notification: Second week of February 2026
• Online Application Process: February 2026 to March 2026
• Admit Card Release: First week of May 2026
• Exam Dates: May 15, 2026 – May 31, 2026
• Provisional Answer Key: Second week of June 2026
• Result Declaration: Last week of June 2026

IT & Software Exams are specialized entrance assessments designed to evaluate a student's aptitude for technical education. These exams are used for admission into courses such as BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications), B.Sc IT, and B.Tech in Computer Science. They test logic, mathematical ability, and basic computing knowledge.

The term IT & Software Exams is a collective category for various entrance tests like CUET (Common University Entrance Test) for IT courses, IPU CET, and MAH MCA CET. For the purpose of NTA-led admissions, it is often referred to as the Information Technology & Software Undergraduate Entrance Test.

Historically, IT admissions were decentralized, with each college holding its own test. Since 2022, the trend has shifted towards centralized testing like CUET. In 2026, it is expected that over 1.5 million students will compete for IT-related seats, reflecting the growing demand for digital skills in the Indian economy.

To be eligible for the 2026 IT & Software UG exams, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Mandatory Subjects: Mathematics or Computer Science/Informatics Practices is often required at the 10+2 level.
• Minimum Marks: Generally 50% for General category and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
• Age Limit: Usually no specific age limit, though individual universities may have their own policies.

The application process for 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps:

1. Registration: Create an account on the official portal using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Form Filling: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and preferred exam centers.
3. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of photographs, signatures, and category certificates (if applicable).
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
5. Confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates typically choose from the following subjects based on their desired course:

• Section I: Language (English/Hindi)
• Section II: Domain Specific (Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Informatics Practices)
• Section III: General Test (General Knowledge, Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning)

The syllabus for 2026 is based on the NCERT Class 12 curriculum:

• Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, and Probability.
• Computer Science: Python Programming, Data Structures, Database Management (SQL), and Networking.
• Logical Reasoning: Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, and Blood Relations.

The 2026 exam pattern is designed to be objective:

• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: +5 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect answer.
• Duration: 45 to 60 minutes per subject section.
• Medium: Available in 13 languages including English, Hindi, and regional languages.

The admission process follows a structured sequence: Entrance Exam -> Result Declaration -> Centralized/University Counselling -> Document Verification -> Seat Allotment. Admission is strictly based on the merit rank and the choices filled by the candidate.

Several prestigious institutions accept these scores, including:

• University of Delhi (DU) - BCA and B.Sc CS programs.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU).
• Various Central and State Government Universities.

The results for the 2026 session will be published in the form of a Scorecard. This scorecard will display the NTA score (percentile) and the raw marks obtained in each subject. Candidates can download it from the official portal using their application number and date of birth.

Once results are declared, candidates must:

• Research the cut-offs of various participating universities.
• Register for the counselling portals of specific universities (e.g., CSAS for Delhi University).
• Participate in choice-filling rounds to secure a seat in their preferred IT branch.

Counselling is usually conducted online. It involves:

• Registration: Applying to the university's specific admission portal.
• Preference Filling: Selecting the order of colleges and courses.
• Seat Allocation: Seats are allocated based on rank and availability.
• Acceptance: Freezing the seat and paying the admission fee to confirm.

Cut-offs vary significantly by institution. For top-tier colleges, a percentile of 98+ is usually required. Factors affecting the cut-off include the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the 2026 paper, and the seat matrix of the universities.

For any queries regarding the 2026 examination, candidates can contact the NTA Help Desk:

• Address: First Floor, NSIC-MDBP Building, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi.
• Helpline Number: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700
• Email: it-support@nta.ac.in