CUSAT CAT 2026 Attracts 48,000 Aspirants with Significant Admission Reforms
The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has reported a robust registration of 48,000 students for its Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. This entrance examination is the gateway for securing admissions into various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses for the upcoming academic year.
Registration Trends and Official Insights
According to James Varghese, the director of admissions at CUSAT, the university is approaching last year's registration tally of 50,000 candidates. "We are nearing last year's tally of 50,000," Varghese stated. Although general registration for CAT is complete, registration for courses such as MTech are ongoing, which we hope will increase the tally similar to last year. He further highlighted that among the total registrants, approximately 10,000 students have completed their registration through the portal, and around 2,000 candidates hail from outside the state of Kerala.
Key Changes in CAT 2026 Examination Pattern
CUSAT has introduced several pivotal modifications to the CAT 2026 to streamline the admission process:
- Revised Marking Scheme: Each correct answer will now award four marks, while one mark will be deducted for every incorrect response.
- Mandatory Attempt Rule: Candidates must attempt at least one question; failure to do so will result in disqualification and exclusion from the rank list.
- BTech Admission Criteria: For Test Code 101, applicants need a minimum combined normalised score of 10 in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, replacing the previous requirement of separate qualifying marks for each subject.
- MBA Admission Adjustments: The group discussion component has been eliminated from rank list preparation. Instead, marks obtained in the Plus Two examination will now be considered.
Increased Intake and Exam Schedule
In a move to accommodate more students, CUSAT has decided to increase its intake by 10% for the 2026 academic year. This expansion involves adding seats across eight programmes, including law, engineering, and science streams. The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted from May 10 to May 11, providing candidates with a clear timeline for their preparations.
The university's proactive measures, including the revised exam pattern and increased seat availability, aim to enhance the fairness and accessibility of the admission process, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity.
