The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has announced important changes to the VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) 2026. These updates mainly affect how students will be scored. Students appearing for the exam next year will face a new marking scheme, which now includes negative marking. The total marks for the exam have also significantly increased. This important information is now available on the official website, **viteee.vit.ac.in**.
One of the biggest changes is the update to the scoring system. Earlier, students received **1 mark** for each correct answer, and there was no penalty for wrong answers. However, for VITEEE 2026, the rules are different. Candidates will now be awarded **4 marks** for every correct answer. Along with this, a new rule of **negative marking** has been introduced: **1 mark** will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Questions that are not attempted will still receive **0 marks**, meaning no marks are gained or lost. This means students must be very careful. Guessing answers incorrectly can now reduce their overall score, making accuracy more important than ever.
Increased Total Marks and Unchanged Structure
The total marks for the VITEEE 2026 exam have risen from **125 to 500**. This major increase reflects the new marking system where each correct answer carries more weight. Despite these changes in scoring, other important aspects of the exam remain the same. Students will still need to attempt **125 questions** in a duration of **2 hours and 30 minutes**.
The exam format continues to be a Computer-Based Test (CBT). It will be conducted in English, and all questions will be of the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) type. The exam is divided into five main sections: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude, and English. These sections cover the core knowledge required for engineering studies.
VITEEE 2026 Exam Details at a Glance
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Sections | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude, English |
| Number of Questions | 125 Questions |
| Total Marks | 500 |
| Marking Scheme | **4 marks** for each correct answer; **1 mark** deducted for incorrect answers; no marks for unattempted questions |
Application and Exam Dates
The application form for VITEEE 2026 is currently available online. Students interested in applying can find the form on the official VIT website, **viteee.vit.ac.in**. The deadline to submit the registration form for VITEEE 2026 is **March 31, 2026**. The actual entrance exam will be held over several days, from **April 28, 2026, to May 3, 2026**.
Preparing for the New Pattern
Vellore Institute of Technology conducts the VITEEE every year to offer admissions into its B.Tech programs across various campuses. Admission to these courses depends on the candidate's performance in this entrance test. For students planning to take VITEEE 2026, it is crucial to understand these changes. The introduction of negative marking means that exam preparation should now focus heavily on accuracy. Students should avoid guessing answers if they are unsure. Practicing with sample papers and mock tests that follow the new marking scheme will be very helpful. Managing time effectively during the exam will also be key, as the number of questions and exam duration have not changed, but the scoring impact of each question is now higher.
Students are strongly advised to visit the official website regularly for the latest information and to ensure they complete their application process well before the deadline. Staying informed about the updated pattern will help them prepare better and increase their chances of success in VITEEE 2026.
