

SNU Chennai has a clear admission process based on merit, which is applied to undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and PhD programmes. Undergraduate candidates should have successfully finished 10+2 with the necessary percentage and be eligible through Shiv Nadar University Entrance Examination or through national exams like JEE Main, CLAT or LSAT depending on the course. The university also interviews for a few humanities and economics courses. Applicants to postgraduate programmes, including MBA should have a recognised bachelor's degree with minimum marks and have to pass national entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT or the university based test. The MBA curriculum focuses on industry based skills and leadership development.
Doctoral admissions are based on academic qualifications, research proposals, performance in written tests and interviews. Research is affordable to full time PhD scholars who receive fellowships, contingency grants and free accommodation in the hostels.
Scholarships are central with Merit Scholarships being given to students on the basis of their entrance exams, Merit-cum-Means Scholarships being given to students on the basis of their academic performance and special provisions to continuing students. The admission procedure at SNU Chennai is fair and academic and financially supportive which allows students with different backgrounds to access higher education and research.
Programme Level | Eligibility Criteria | Entrance Exam / Process |
UG | Completion of 10+2 (Class 12) with minimum ~60% marks. For B.Tech, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) are required. For Law, 10+2 with ~60% in any stream. | SNUCEE (University Entrance Exam) for most UG courses. JEE Main for B.Tech. CLAT / LSAT for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.). University Test / Interview for B.Sc. Economics. |
PG (MBA) | Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50-60% marks from a recognised university. | CAT / MAT / XAT scores accepted. University Test for candidates without national test scores. |
PhD | Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a strong academic record. Submission of a research proposal is mandatory. | University Written Test + Personal Interview to assess research aptitude and subject knowledge. |
Shiv Nadar University Chennai admission has a strict and open procedure for its undergraduate programmes in Engineering, Commerce, Humanities and Law. The criteria used to give admission are primarily academic merit and entrance performance. The applicants should have done Class 12 with a minimum of 60 per cent marks; in B. Tech, PCM is mandatory. In most of the UG courses, the candidates are required to take the Shiv Nadar University Chennai Entrance Examination which is conducted in several stages in the major cities. There are also limited B.Tech seats under the JEE Main score track where at least the 90 percentile is required to have a direct interview.
It begins with the online application, submission of all the necessary documents and the reservation of a slot with SNUCEE. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a personal interview with faculty panels after the exam, which guarantees a comprehensive assessment of candidates beyond test scores. The successful candidates receive a provisional offer of admission via email pending verification of original documents and meeting of eligibility requirements.
Shiv Nadar University Chennai provides various types of scholarships such as Merit, Merit-cum-Means, Walk-in- Walk-out and Sports Scholarships to assist the deserving students and ensure a healthy, competitive and inclusive admission atmosphere.
Aspect | Details |
Eligibility | Class 12th with minimum 60% marks (PCM required for B.Tech). |
Entrance Exams | SNUCEE (mandatory for most UG courses). JEE Main (Minimum 90 percentile required for limited B.Tech seats, direct interview). CLAT/LSAT for Law. |
Application Process | Initially, applicants need to submit an online application form along with uploading the necessary documents. They must book a slot for SNUCEE and pay the application fee. |
Exam Phases | SNUCEE was conducted in multiple phases across major cities. |
Interview | Shortlisted candidates invited for a personal interview with the faculty panels. |
Admission Offer | A Provisional Admission Offer is communicated through email and confirmed after eligibility verification and checking of documents. |
Scholarships Available | Merit Scholarship (exam/academic performance) Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarship (academic + financial need) Walk‑in‑Walk‑out Scholarship (Top 10 Board Rankers, 100% waiver) Sports Scholarship (national/international achievers, partial/full waiver). |
Shiv Nadar University Chennai has a broad range of M.Tech programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Computer Science, Energy Systems, VLSI Design, Wireless Communication and others. The admission criteria focus on good academic backgrounds and industry-prepared skills.
The applicants should have a B.E./B. Tech in a recognised institution with a minimum of 60 per cent aggregate marks. Final year students can also apply provided they attain the required marks on completion. The process of selection includes two steps: an entrance test and a personal interview with faculty panels.
Professional workers are highly welcome to apply, particularly those who have experience in CSE, IT, AI or other areas. The university is flexible and the students have the opportunity to do industry collaborated projects and receive credits through MOOCs, NPTEL or SWAYAM courses in the second year.
Depending on the university norms candidates who have a valid GATE score can be offered scholarships. The initial two semesters of the M.Tech programme are campus based. This standardised mode offers strict academic training prior to students moving to applied research and industry projects.
Aspect | Details |
Programs Offered | M.Tech in AI & Data Science, Computer Science, Energy Systems, VLSI Design, Wireless Communication, and more. |
Eligibility | B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent 4‑year program) with a minimum 60% aggregate marks. Final‑year students may also apply. |
Selection Process | Two stages: Entrance Examination (offline/online) + Personal Interview with faculty panels. |
Working Professionals | Strongly encouraged to apply, especially those with experience in CSE, IT, AI, or related fields. |
Flexibility in Study | Project work can be pursued in collaboration with industry; credits may be earned via MOOCs/NPTEL/SWAYAM in the second year. |
Scholarships | Candidates with a valid GATE score may be eligible for scholarships, subject to university norms. |
Shiv Nadar University Chennai has a 2 year residential MBA programme in its School of Management, which is a rigorous course combining both academic and industry practice. The process of admission starts with the applicants satisfying the academic eligibility requirements: a minimum of 60 per cent marks in Class 10, Class 12 and undergraduate studies in a recognised 10 + 2 + 3 or 10 + 2 + 4 format. Applicants are required to pass national examinations including CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA or NMAT or state level examinations including TANCET, ICET, KMAT, PGCET and MAH MBACET. For international applicants GMAT scores may be accepted in place of national admission tests. Applicants who have 12+ months of relevant work experience are allowed up to a 10 percentile relaxation in test score requirements.
The shortlisted candidates go through a process of selection that includes Group Discussion, Essay Appreciation and Personal Interview. These are done online first and then campus review meetings. The final admission is done on a rank list which takes into account academic record, test scores, GD, essay and interview performance.
The MBA programme is residential, which is compulsory and promotes peer learning, interpersonal skills and holistic development. Merit, Merit-cum-Means, Walk-in- Walk-out and Sports Scholarships are some of the scholarships that help deserving students.
Aspect | Details |
Program Offered | Two‑year full‑time residential MBA program at the School of Management |
Eligibility | 1. Consistent academic record with a minimum of 60 per cent marks in Class 10, 12, and undergraduate studies 2. Undergraduate degree in 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 format |
Entrance Exams Accepted | 1. National tests: CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, NMAT 2. State tests: TANCET (Tamil Nadu), ICET (AP & Telangana), KMAT (Kerala), PGCET (Karnataka), MAH MBACET (Maharashtra) 3. International applicants: GMAT |
Work Experience Benefit | Applicants with 12+ months of relevant work experience receive up to 10 percentile relaxation in test score requirements |
Application Process | 1. Meet eligibility criteria 2. Apply online with academic details and test scores 3. Upload required documents 4. Pay the application fee 5. Await shortlisting communication via email |
Selection Process | 1. Shortlisting based on academic record and test scores 2. Group Discussion 3. Essay Appreciation 4. Personal Interview (initially online, later campus review) 5. Final admission based on the rank list combining all components |
Admission Offer | Communicated via email after completion of GD, essay, and interview, subject to verification of documents |
Scholarships Available | Merit, Merit‑cum‑Means, Walk‑in‑Walk‑out (for top board rankers), Sports Scholarships |
Shiv Nadar University Chennai has PhD programmes in Engineering, Science and Humanities, Commerce and Management, which are aimed at encouraging advanced research and innovation. The applicants should have a Master's degree in the concerned field with a minimum of 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.5/10 and all the previous degrees must be through full-time and formal education. In the case of a Direct PhD in Engineering, the candidate should have completed his/her UG degree within 5 years, should have a CGPA of 8.5 and have no arrears.
The university offers three enrollment modes. Full Time PhD program accepts qualified candidates directly, sponsored employees of their employers, teachers sponsored by AICTE, teachers sponsored by national fellowships, and foreign students on exchange programs. Part-Time PhD program is accessible to teaching faculty of established colleges and professionals in industries, R and D units or national laboratories as long as they are employer sponsored. The Direct PhD which is provided by the School of Engineering is open to outstanding UG degree holders whose research aptitude is high and therefore they save almost a year of the conventional Master's plus PhD path.
The admissions process starts with the online submission of the application, and then a two-hour computer-based entrance examination. The shortlisted candidates undergo a personal interview, and the final offers are dispatched through email after the eligibility checks. PhD students are provided with monthly fellowships (INR 20,000-30,000), an annual contingency allowance of INR 25,000 and free/shared hostel accommodation, which provides them with an accessible and meaningful research experience.
Aspect | Details |
Programs Offered | PhD in Engineering, Science, Humanities, Commerce and Management |
Eligibility (General) | Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale; full-time, formal education required |
Direct PhD (Engineering) | Undergraduate degree completed within five years, minimum CGPA 8.5, and no arrears |
Application Process | 1. Check eligibility criteria 2. Register online and fill application form 3. Upload required documents 4. Pay the application fee 5. Receive all communication through email |
Entrance Exam | University Computer-Based Test of two hours, assessing subject knowledge and aptitude |
Selection Process | 1. Shortlisting based on entrance exam performance 2. Attend a personal interview 3. Evaluation of research proposal, postgraduate marks, and exam performance 4. Final admission confirmed after eligibility verification and document check |
Admission Offer | Communicated through email to selected candidates within the stipulated date |
Scholarship and Support | Monthly fellowship between INR 20,000 and INR 30,000, annual contingency grant of INR 25,000, free or shared hostel accommodation |
The main admission test of undergraduate programs is the Shiv Nadar University Chennai Entrance Examination which guarantees a merit-based and fair procedure. It is a compulsory requirement in most UG courses, and is done in several phases in major cities. The minimum qualification of the applicants is a Class 12 with a minimum of 60 per cent marks, and PCM is essential for B.Tech. Limited B.Tech seats can also be obtained via the JEE Main track, where direct interviews are only considered upon 90 percentile.
The test lasts two hours and is split into two sections:
Part A - Aptitude Test (45 minutes, 100 marks)
Part B - Subject Matter Test (75 minutes, 100 marks)
Negative marking is used in case of wrong answers.
Part B in the case of Engineering streams includes:
Maths (60%)
Physics (20%, compulsory)
Chemistry (20%)
In Non-Engineering streams like Commerce and Economics, the candidates choose subjects among:
Group A (select one): Accountancy, Economics, Physics (40%)
Group B (select two): Maths, Commerce, Computer Science, General Studies (30% each).
General Studies consists of Maths (10th standard), English, Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology. The admission is done on the basis of Class 12 marks, SNUCEE performance, and a personal interview.
Aspect | Details |
Exam Name | Shiv Nadar University Chennai Entrance Examination (SNUCEE) |
Purpose | Mandatory entrance test for most UG programs at SNU Chennai |
Eligibility | Class XII with minimum 60 per cent marks; PCM required for B.Tech |
Alternative Track | Limited B.Tech seats via JEE Main (minimum 90 percentile for direct interview) |
Exam Dates | Conducted in six rounds across multiple phases (2026 season) |
Exam Shifts | Two shifts per day: 9 AM - 11 AM and 1 PM - 3 PM |
Duration | Total duration: 2 hours |
Exam Structure | 1. Part A - Aptitude Test (45 minutes, 100 marks) 2. Part B - Subject Matter Test (75 minutes, 100 marks) |
Marking Scheme | Negative marking is applicable for wrong answers |
Engineering Stream Subjects | Maths (60%), Physics (20%, compulsory), Chemistry (20%) |
Non‑Engineering Stream Subjects | Group A (choose one: Accountancy, Economics, Physics - 40%) Group B (choose two: Maths, Commerce, Computer Science, General Studies - 30% each) |
General Studies Coverage | Maths (10th standard), English, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology |
Admission Decision | Based on Class 12 marks, SNUCEE performance, and Personal Interview |
Shiv Nadar University Chennai has a very limited number of seats to be admitted by the JEE Main track. Candidates who have attained at least 90 percentile in JEE Main are only allowed under this route. Students who reach this threshold can be invited to an interview directly, without passing through the entrance exam of the university itself. The institute has made it clear that the only acceptable scores are those of 90 percentile and above in JEE Main, and the applicant is required to fill in their percentile score in the section of Academic Details in the online application form.
The number of seats offered under this route is very low, and therefore the university highly advises that even the students with a score in the JEE Main above 90 percentile should also take the SNUCEE exam to increase their chances of admission. The final selection will be done on the basis of the interview performance and verification of eligibility, and the offer will be made through email.
Aspect | Details |
Admission Route | Very limited seats reserved for JEE Main score holders |
Eligibility | Minimum 90 percentile in JEE Main |
Direct Interview Option | Candidates with 90 percentile or above may be called directly for an interview |
Application Requirement | Applicants must enter their JEE Main percentile score in the “Academic Details” section of the online form |
Seat Availability | Extremely small number of seats; highly competitive |
Recommendation | Even with 90 percentile or above, applicants are advised to also appear for SNUCEE to maximise chances |
Selection Process | Based on interview performance and eligibility verification |
Admission Offer | Communicated via email after a successful interview and document check |
School of Management at Shiv Nadar University offers a 2 year residential MBA program that combines intensive academics and industry practice. It is admitted through performance in accepted management entrance exams.
TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test)
ICET (Integrated Common Entrance Test of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)
KMAT (Kerala Management Aptitude Test)
PGCET (Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test)
MAH MBACET (Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Work Experience Benefit: Applicants who have 12+ months of relevant work experience can have up to 10 percentile relaxation in test score requirements.
Selection Process: The shortlisted candidates are subjected to Group Discussion, Essay Appreciation, and Personal Interview (online and campus review).
Final Admission: According to a rank list of academic record, test scores, GD, essay and interview performance.
Exam | Application Dates | Exam Date(s) | Result Date | Key Notes |
CAT 2026 | Aug 1 - Sept 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 19-28, 2026 | Conducted by IIMs; national‑level exam; score used widely across India |
XAT 2026 | Aug - Nov 2025 (expected) | Jan 4, 2026 | Jan 12-17, 2026 | Conducted by XLRI; single shift (2–5 PM); results mid‑Jan |
CMAT 2026 | Oct 17 - Nov 24, 2025 | Jan 25, 2026 (two shifts) | Feb 2026 (expected) | Conducted by NTA; used by 250+ institutes |
MAT 2026 (Feb session) | Dec 25, 2025 - Feb 23, 2026 (PBT) / Mar 2, 2026 (CBT) | Mar 1, 2026 (PBT) / Mar 8, 2026 (CBT) | Mid‑Mar 2026 | Conducted by AIMA; held 4 times a year; best score considered |
ATMA 2026 (Feb session) | Dec 1, 2025 - Feb 10, 2026 | Feb 22, 2026 | Feb 28, 2026 | Conducted by AIMS; computer‑based; MBA/PGDM admissions |
NMAT 2026 | Aug 1 - Oct 18, 2025 | Nov 5 - Dec 16, 2025 | Within 48 hours of the test | Conducted by GMAC; flexible scheduling; retakes allowed |
TANCET 2026 | Jan 26 - Feb 26, 2026 | Mar 2026 (tentative) | Apr 2026 (expected) | Conducted by Anna University, MBA/MCA admissions in Tamil Nadu |
ICET 2026 (Telangana) | Jan - Apr 2026 (expected) | May 13-14, 2026 | Jun 2026 (expected) | Conducted by MGU; online exam; two sessions per day |
KMAT 2026 (Kerala) | Dec 22, 2025 - Jan 15, 2026 | May 2026 (expected) | Jun 2026 (expected) | Conducted by CEE Kerala; MBA/PGDM admissions |
PGCET 2026 (Karnataka) | May - Jun 2026 | Jul 2026 (tentative) | Aug-Sept 2026 | Conducted by KEA; MBA/MCA/M.Tech admissions |
MAH MBA CET 2026 | Jan 1 - Mar 2026 | Apr 6-8, 2026 & May 9, 2026 | May 2026 (expected) | Conducted by Maharashtra CET Cell, the state‑level MBA entrance |
GMAT 2026 | Year‑round; register 6 months in advance | Flexible dates (online & test-centre) | Scores available in 48 hours | Conducted by GMAC; accepted globally; used for international applicants |

