CUSAT DAT Exam 2026: Date, Eligibility, Admit Card, Result, Counselling
CUSAT DAT 2026 is the upcoming Direct Admission Test conducted by the Cochin University of Science and Technology for admission to postgraduate, research, and specialised programmes, and remains one of the most competitive entrance exams for higher education aspirants in India. Building on last year’s trends where CUSAT announced its 2025 results in June with thousands of candidates appearing across multiple disciplines and counselling for admissions promptly following merit list publication, the university continues to attract a high number of applicants, especially for future-oriented courses like AI and Data Science alongside traditional programmes, reflecting shifting student preferences and strong academic demand. At the same time, CUSAT’s robust academic standing has been further reinforced by recent reaccreditation milestones for key engineering programmes, making CAT/DAT preparation and performance even more critical for aspirants targeting premier courses and successful admission outcomes in 2026.
Table of Contents
What is CUSAT DAT?
CUSAT DAT (Cochin University of Science and Technology – Direct Admission Test) is a prestigious entrance exam for students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, and other specialized courses at CUSAT. The exam is known for testing analytical, logical, and subject-specific knowledge of aspirants.
Key highlights:
Exam Name: CUSAT DAT 2026
Conducting Body: Cochin University of Science and Technology
Level: University-level entrance exam
Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech, MCA, MSc, etc.
Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
CUSAT DAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | July 2026 |
Note: Dates are tentative. Students should always check the official website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for CUSAT DAT 2026
Undergraduate Programs (B.Tech):
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent exam.
Minimum aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as per course requirement.
Age limit as specified by the university.
Postgraduate Programs (M.Tech, MCA, MSc):
Relevant Bachelor’s degree in the respective field.
Minimum marks as per university guidelines.
Important: Specific eligibility may vary for courses like MCA and MSc. Always refer to the official CUSAT DAT 2026 notification.
CUSAT DAT 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus varies according to the program applied for, but major sections include:
B.Tech (Engineering):
Physics: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics
Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry
Mathematics: Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry, Probability
MCA and MSc Programs:
Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
Computer Science Fundamentals (for MCA)
Subject-specific topics for MSc programs
Tip: Reviewing previous year question papers can help identify important topics.
Exam Pattern of CUSAT DAT 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 2-3 hours (depending on course) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Sections | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Computer Science / Aptitude |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect (as per course) |
Preparation Tips for CUSAT DAT 2026
Understand the Syllabus: Focus on core topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Previous Year Papers: Solve at least 3-5 years’ papers to analyze question trends.
Time Management: Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
Revision: Maintain a formula and important concept sheet for last-minute revisions.
Application Process for CUSAT DAT 2026
- Visit the official website of CUSAT DAT
Register with basic details and create login credentials.
Fill in the application form with personal and academic details.
Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates).
Pay the application fee online.
Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
CUSAT DAT Admit Card and Result
Admit Card – Key Details
Released online on the official CUSAT admission portal
Downloadable using registered login credentials
Contains exam date, time, venue, roll number, and candidate details
Mandatory to carry a printed copy to the exam centre
Entry to the examination hall is not allowed without the admit card
A valid photo ID must be carried along with the admit card
Result and Merit List – Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Result Declaration | Released online after the examination |
| Score Details | Shows sectional scores and overall marks |
| Access Method | Downloadable using login credentials |
| Merit List | Prepared based on DAT scores |
| Usage of Merit List | Used for counselling and seat allotment |
| Rank Importance | Higher rank improves chances of preferred course |
CUSAT DAT Counselling and Admission
Counselling Process – Step-by-Step
Only candidates listed in the CUSAT DAT merit list are eligible
Participation in counselling is mandatory for admission
Counselling is conducted as per the schedule released by the university
Counselling Stages Explained
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Document Verification | Verification of original certificates and identity proof |
| Choice Filling | Selection of preferred courses and departments |
| Seat Allotment | Based on rank, preferences, and seat availability |
| Fee Payment | Admission fee payment to confirm the allotted seat |
| Reporting | Reporting to the allotted campus or department |
Final Admission Confirmation
Admission is confirmed only after successful fee payment and document verification
Candidates must report within the given timeline
Failure to complete any step may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat
CUSAT DAT FAQs
The exam is conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) for eligible candidates seeking admission to its academic programmes.
The application process for CUSAT DAT 2026 is expected to begin in the first half of 2026. Exact dates will be announced through the official CUSAT admission notification.
Age limits, if applicable, vary by programme. Candidates are advised to check the course-specific eligibility criteria before applying.
Yes, participating in the counselling process is mandatory to secure admission through CUSAT DAT.
The merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance test and, where applicable, interviews or other evaluation stages.