Can I Get Admitted to CUSAT Without an Entrance Exam

Can I Get Admitted to CUSAT Without an Entrance Exam

No, you cannot get admission to CUSAT (Cochin University of Science and Technology) without an entrance exam. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. NRI, research-level students, and international students can apply on a specific quota and not take the test. PhD or Research program applicants who have valid NET, JRF, or GATE scores are usually exempted from the Department Admissions Test (DAT). 

Some certificate or short-term diploma courses may also offer admissions based on merit rather than an entrance test. For all other regular admissions, you must qualify for the CUSAT CAT exam to get a seat at Cochin University of Science and Technology, one of India's top public universities in Kerala.

Can I join CUSAT without an Entrance Exam?

For almost all programs offered by CUSAT, students are required to take the CUSAT CAT exam(s), except for below cases:

NRI and Foreign Students:  These students will be directly admitted to the university under the international / NRI quota.

PhD and Research Students:  Candidates who have valid NET / JRF / GATE scores may be granted admission to this research area upon proven qualification to the program.

Certificate and Diploma Programs : for the short-term and professional courses, some may use merit merit-based approach and no entrance exam.

If you do not fall into any of the above cases, you must take the CUSAT CAT for most (UG / PG)

How Can I Get Admission to CUSAT?

The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) will be offering admissions in 2026 based on both merit and entrance-based admissions methods. CUSAT conducts its own admission exam, the CUSAT CAT (Common Admission Test), which determines admission to several UG and PG academic programs. For MBA, M.Tech, and other Professional Courses, CUSAT also accepts several national-level examinations, such as CAT, GATE, and KMAT. For PhD, post-doctoral program, and PG Diploma programs, the DAT (Department Admission Test)

CUSAT has more than 50 programs offered in Engineering, Science, Commerce, Law, and Management disciplines. 

To gain admission to CUSAT, the most significant factor will be your performance in the CUSAT CAT exam, which will assess your knowledge and abilities in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Logical Reasoning. Once you qualify for the exam, you will need to go through the counseling process, followed by document verification, to receive your seat. For a few programs at the postgraduate level (MBA and M.Tech), admissions to the program occur based on the national exams such as the CAT, KMAT, CMAT, or GATE.

Steps To Join Cochin University

To join Cochin University, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CUSAT website – admissions.cusat.ac.in

2. Register and fill in the CUSAT application form.

3. Select the preferred program and pay the application fee online.

4. Download the CUSAT CAT admit card and appear for the test.

5. Participate in counseling and complete the admission process once shortlisted.

Cochin University Admission 2025 Highlights

Which Course is best in CUSAT?

B.Tech in Engineering is the best program to pursue at CUSAT, and it particularly excels in Computer Science, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering. They are well-known for not just the scope of the curriculum but also the program structure, faculty experience, and placement record with leading companies.

B.Tech is the flagship program at CUSAT and attracts students across India with the entrance exam CUSAT CAT. The engineering department regularly conducts modern labs, internship programs, and industry tie-ups that prepare students to work globally.

For other popular programs, including MBA, M.Sc. in Marine Science, and M.Tech in Computer Science, they have in common a focus on research and employability skills.