CREST of IIT Madras was launched recently to provide academic and thought leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship and risk capital.
CREST (Centre for Research on Start-Ups and Risk Financing) of IIT Madras will also create a unique world-class data repository on Indian start-ups and ventures to address a major hurdle for engaging in high-quality research.
This information resource would be made accessible for researchers and policymakers that can result in top-tier publications.
CREST of IIT Madras is for great startups and risk financing
What is the vision of CREST of IIT Madras? To be a gloglobally recognized as a leading centre of research engaged in scholarly research in the areas of creation, development and financing of innovation, start-ups and entrepreneurship.
CREST of IIT Madras also wishes to takeup cross country collaborative research resulting in the use of unique data sets on start-ups and venture capital that increases the chances of breakthrough findings.
The other vision of CREST of IIT Madras is to take up evidence synthesis on the start-up and innovation ecosystem to inform policymakers and practitioners.
Professor Tarun Khanna, Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at Harvard Business School delivered the keynote address during the inauguration of CREST of IIT Madras.
Entrepreneurs with great ideas in developing countries cannot rely on the usual trust-building foundations – law, regulatory oversight, and government projects, as they might in the developed world, said Professor Tarun.
Assuming the existence of these phantom factors predisposes ventures not to succeed at scale. Instead, smart entrepreneurs in these countries need a mindset shift, focusing not only on creating but also the conditions to create these, he said during the inaugural of CREST of IIT Madras.
Professor Tarun further said there is a need to build trust between Scientists and business leaders.
Amazing technology is coming out of the labs but the condition to get the maximum out of such innovations is not there.
IIT Madras director Professor Bhaskar Ramamurthi delivered the presidential address during the inauguration of CREST of IIT Madras.
These research initiatives we (IIT Madras) are creating, almost all of them, have very strong international collaborative connections, said Professor Bhaskar Ramamurthi.
‘We are knitting together partnerships with leading groups across the world.’
We want to have strong flow of people and ideas. We will have the interactions in online mode till the pandemic gets over, said Professor Bhaskar Ramamurthi delivering the presidential address at the inauguration of CREST of IIT Madras.
The key mission of CREST of IIT Madras would be to engage in scholarly research encompassing the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk capital.
The data repository being developed on innovation, venturing and risk capital will create the infrastructure to carry out high-quality research.
The creation of entrepreneurship specific language models will facilitate a better understanding of the entities in the ecosystem while facilitating the use of latest research in AI, ML to generate new insights.
Professor A. Thillai Rajan, principal investigator at CREST of IIT Madras said the role of higher education institutions in the area of start-ups and entrepreneurship is four-fold.
The first is the creation of intellectual property that can be commercialized through start-ups.
The second is to train for entrepreneurship through various formal and unstructured programs.
The third is to provide a nurturing environment for start-ups by setting up incubators and providing access to various facilities to young start-ups.
The fourth is to generate insights through rigorous research that can inform and guide policy making and practice, he said during the inauguration of CREST of IIT Madras.
Giving an overview of CREST of IIT Madras he further said while substantial progress has been achieved in the first three, much needs to be done on the fourth.
CREST of IIT Madras is a big step in that direction. The timing cannot be more apt. Start-ups have been playing a very critical role in different walks of life during the pandemic period.
Therefore, a research centre that helps to enhance the success of start-ups through appropriate policy formulation or managerial decision making is even more relevant now than even before, said Professor Thillai Rajan.
CREST of IIT Madras would also push for use of evidence to guide policymaking.
CREST of IIT Madras will synthesize existing evidence as well as generate new evidence-based on unique data sets from organizations in the start-up ecosystem such as incubators, investor networks, government missions, and so on.
Such grounded research can help to generate novel findings, that are likely to interest high impact journals.
CREST of IIT Madras has current projects, and they are:
Book Project – Shifting Orbits: Decoding the trajectory of the Indian Start-up Ecosystem (Thillai Rajan A, IIT Madras, Srivardhini K. Jha, IIM Bangalore, Joffi Thomas, IIM Kozhikode, Rohan Chinchwadkar, IIT Bombay)
Research Studies
o Role and Effect of Corporate Venture Capital Investments: Evidence from Indian Corporations (Arushi Gupta, IIT Madras)
o Angel investors in India: Does the start-up stage matter? (A. Niroopa Rani, IIT Madras)
o Performance of Start-up Incubators: Do host organizations matter? (Abhishek Gupta, IIT Madras)
o Entrepreneurship at the Grass Roots: Challenges faced by Rural Women Entrepreneurs of Tamil Nadu (Aarthi Ramachandran, IIT Madras)
Choosing the right university is one of the biggest decisions a student makes, and if CGC University Mohali is on your shortlist for 2026, you probably have a dozen questions running through your head. How much does it actually cost? Am I even eligible? What’s this CGCUET exam everyone keeps mentioning? And most importantly — how much time do you have left?
This guide answers all of that in one place. We’ll walk through the CGC University Admission 2026 process step by step — fees, eligibility criteria, important dates, the entrance exam pattern, selection process, and practical preparation tips — so you can apply with confidence instead of guessing your way through it.
Table of Contents
What is CGC University, Mohali?
CGC University Admission 2026: Key Dates
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
CGCUET 2026: Exam Pattern Explained
Fee Structure 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
Selection Process
How to Prepare for CGCUET
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Latest Trends & Updates
Key Takeaways
Conclusion
FAQs
What is CGC University, Mohali?
<cite index=”9-1″>CGC University was formerly known as Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, and has now evolved into a full-fledged university located in Mohali, recognised by AICTE and UGC.</cite> It offers programs across engineering, management, law, science, pharmacy, and allied health sciences.
The university has built a reputation around industry connections and global exposure. <cite index=”10-1″>It has academic partnerships with over 150 institutions worldwide, including Fontys University in the Netherlands, the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada, Birmingham City University in the UK, Thomas More University in Belgium, and Arkansas State University in the USA.</cite>
On the rankings front, <cite index=”9-1″>CGC University has been listed among India’s Best Colleges by The Week-Hansa Research Survey 2026, and it ranked between 101–125 in the Management category in the NIRF 2025 rankings.</cite>
If you’re comparing universities purely on “will this help my career,” placements are worth a look too. <cite index=”10-1″>The highest package offered at CGC Mohali reached INR 1 crore per annum, with an average package around INR 10 LPA during the 2026 placement season.</cite> Keep in mind averages and highest packages vary by stream — engineering and management typically pull these numbers up, so always check department-wise placement data before assuming it applies to your course.
CGC University Admission 2026: Key Dates
Admission timelines at CGC University move in phases, and deadlines have been extended more than once this cycle — so treat any date below as time-sensitive and always cross-check on the official portal before you plan around it.
Event
Status / Date (2026)
Application form release
Ongoing
CGCUET Phase I
Tentatively June 2026
CGCUET Stage 2 registration
Extended to 22nd July 2026
BTech application closing (extended)
Around 30th March 2026 (varies by source)
B.Sc. application closing
14th April 2026
Scholarship redemption window
Within 30 days of result declaration
A few things worth noting:
<cite index=”13-1″>The CGCUET Stage 2 last date has been pushed to 22nd July 2026, with limited seats remaining for scholarships worth up to 50 crore in total.</cite>
<cite index=”9-1″>The last date to register for CGCUET has been extended multiple times this admission cycle, most recently to Jul 22, 2026.</cite>
<cite index=”11-1″>Students who qualify for scholarships through CGCUET must claim them within 30 days from the date the result is declared</cite> — miss that window and you could lose the benefit entirely, so don’t sit on your results.
Practical tip: Because CGC runs a rolling, phase-wise admission cycle rather than one fixed deadline, applying early almost always works in your favor — earlier applicants get first pick of exam slots, hostel seats, and specialization choices before they fill up.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
Eligibility depends on the level of study you’re applying for.
Undergraduate (UG) Programs
<cite index=”2-1″>UG programs generally require 45–50% marks in 10+2</cite>, though the exact percentage and subject combination depend on your chosen course. For example, engineering aspirants need specific science subjects at the 12th-grade level.
For B.Tech specifically: <cite index=”3-1″>candidates need Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects, along with one of the following — Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, IT, Biology, Informatics Practices, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, or Business Studies.</cite>
Postgraduate (PG) Programs
<cite index=”2-1″>PG programs demand a relevant bachelor’s degree with 50–60% marks</cite>, depending on the specialization — MBA, MCA, and M.Tech each have their own subject-relevance requirements.
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs
<cite index=”2-1″>Ph.D. admissions require a master’s degree with at least 55% marks, supported by NET/JRF qualification or a valid CGCUET score.</cite>
Entrance Exams Accepted
CGC University doesn’t force everyone through a single exam. <cite index=”9-1″>The college accepts national-level entrance exams like JEE Main for BTech courses, and for MBA, it accepts CMAT, PTU MBA scores, along with CGCUET.</cite> Similarly, <cite index=”1-1″>BTech admissions require valid JEE Main scores, while GATE is a prerequisite specifically for M.Tech admissions — though CGCUET scores are accepted as an alternative route.</cite>
Quick way to think about it: if you already have a JEE Main, CAT, MAT, CMAT, or GATE score, you can likely use it directly. If not, CGCUET becomes your entry point — and it doubles as a scholarship test.
CGCUET 2026: Exam Pattern Explained
CGCUET (CGC University Entrance Test) is the university’s own scholarship-linked entrance exam, and understanding its format matters if you’re aiming for a fee waiver.
<cite index=”1-1″>It is an online, computer-based exam with 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 50 minutes.</cite>
<cite index=”1-1″>Every correct answer earns +2 marks, and there is no negative marking.</cite>
<cite index=”1-1″>No minimum qualifying percentage is required just to appear for the test.</cite>
<cite index=”1-1″>Results are typically declared within 24 hours of taking the test.</cite>
<cite index=”1-1″>Scoring well can earn candidates up to a 100% waiver on tuition fees.</cite>
That last point is the real draw — CGCUET isn’t just an admission gate, it’s a scholarship mechanism. A strong score can meaningfully reduce your total fee outlay over the course duration.
Registration process: <cite index=”14-1″>After registering on the CGCUET portal, you receive a username and password via SMS and email, after which you book your preferred test slot and pay a registration fee of ₹1,000, which covers both the prospectus and the test fee.</cite> <cite index=”14-1″>Applications open in two phases, and you can apply anytime within either phase.</cite>
Fee Structure 2026
Fees vary widely by program, specialization, and whether you qualify for a CGCUET scholarship. Here’s a general picture:
Program
Approximate Total Tuition Fee
B.Tech (4 years)
<cite index=”8-1″>Between INR 4.9 lakh and INR 9.2 lakh</cite>
The MBA figure covers tuition only — <cite index=”8-1″>the full MBA fee structure also includes examination fees and training fees as separate components</cite>, so budget for more than just the headline tuition number.
B.Tech fees range so widely (₹4.9L–₹9.2L) because it depends heavily on the specialization — newer, high-demand branches like AI & ML, Cyber Security, or Quantum Computing often sit at the higher end.
Fee figures published by aggregator sites are indicative, not final. Always confirm the exact figure for your specific course and year directly on the official CGC University fee structure page before making any financial commitment.
If you qualify for a CGCUET scholarship, your effective fee could drop significantly — some promotional offers this cycle mention an additional 10% scholarship on top of CGCUET-based waivers for early applicants.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application itself is designed to be quick. <cite index=”2-1″>CGC University offers a fully online, quick, and transparent admission system that takes just 10–15 minutes to complete.</cite>
Here’s how it works in practice:
Register online on the official CGC University or CGCUET portal with your basic details.
Receive login credentials via SMS and email.
Choose your program and fill in academic details.
Upload documents — mark sheets, ID proof, photographs, and category certificates if applicable.
Pay the application fee (₹1,000 for CGCUET registration).
Book your CGCUET slot (date and time) if the exam applies to your program, or submit your existing entrance score (JEE Main, CAT, MAT, CMAT, GATE).
Appear for CGCUET or wait for merit list depending on your program’s process.
Check results — usually within 24 hours for CGCUET.
Complete document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.
<cite index=”2-1″>Applicants who apply online upload scanned copies of their documents, while those applying offline must present original documents during physical verification. Missing documents can delay or hold up the admission process</cite> — so double-check your document checklist before you start.
Selection Process
<cite index=”3-1″>Admission at CGC University is based on both merit and entrance exam performance, depending on the programme, and applications are accepted in both online and offline modes.</cite>
Broadly, the process splits into two tracks:
Merit-based track: <cite index=”3-1″>For programs like M.P.Ed and BPT, the university selects students purely based on Class 12 qualifying exam marks.</cite>
Entrance-based track: <cite index=”3-1″>For most other programs, admission is based on the CGCUET score or another accepted national-level entrance exam.</cite>
<cite index=”1-1″>For certain professional courses, the process also includes a group discussion and personal interview round after the initial merit or entrance stage</cite> — so if you’re applying to management or law programs, prepare for that additional round beyond just the written test.
Once selected, <cite index=”3-1″>candidates must pay the course fee to confirm their admission after completing all selection rounds.</cite>
How to Prepare for CGCUET
Since CGCUET has no negative marking and a relatively short 50-minute window for 50 questions, your prep strategy should focus on speed and accuracy rather than depth alone. A few practical tips:
Attempt every question. With no negative marking, leaving a question blank only costs you potential marks — there’s no downside to an educated guess.
Time yourself. 50 minutes for 50 questions gives you roughly one minute per question. Practice with a timer so pacing becomes automatic.
Focus on Class 11–12 fundamentals. The test typically draws on core subject knowledge relevant to your chosen stream (science, commerce, or humanities), so revisit your board syllabus rather than chasing unrelated competitive-exam material.
Take it early in the application window. Since results come out within 24 hours and scholarships are tied to your score, an early attempt gives you room to retake or improve if a second phase is available.
Don’t skip the interview prep for professional courses. If your program includes a group discussion or personal interview, practice articulating your “why this course, why this university” answer clearly — interviewers often weigh clarity of intent as much as academic scores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until the last date. Deadlines have already been extended multiple times this cycle, but relying on another extension is risky — apply as soon as you’re ready.
Ignoring the scholarship redemption window. A great CGCUET score is wasted if you don’t claim your scholarship within the 30-day window after results.
Submitting incomplete documents. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or held.
Assuming one fee figure applies to all specializations. B.Tech fees alone range across several lakhs depending on the branch — always check the exact figure for your specific specialization.
Not comparing entrance exam options. If you already have a JEE Main, CAT, or GATE score, you may not need to take CGCUET at all — check which route is faster for your situation.
Latest Trends & Updates
CGC University has been actively expanding its course catalog to match industry demand. <cite index=”12-1″>Newer offerings include B.Tech CSE with a Generative AI specialization, B.Tech Electronics & Communication with minors in Data Science and AI, B.Tech CSE in Quantum Computing, and an MBA in Fintech developed with KPMG.</cite>
<cite index=”9-1″>The university has also introduced new programs in medical and science fields, including a Bachelor of Radiation Therapy Technology (B.RTT).</cite>
This pattern — new specializations tied to AI, data science, and fintech — reflects a broader shift across Indian private universities toward industry-aligned, future-ready curricula. If you’re choosing a specialization purely on employability, these newer, tech-forward branches are worth evaluating alongside traditional ones.
Key Takeaways
CGC University Admission 2026 is open now, with rolling deadlines that have already been extended multiple times.
CGCUET is a 50-question, 50-minute test with no negative marking, and a good score can unlock up to a 100% tuition waiver.
Eligibility ranges from 45–50% in 10+2 for UG, 50–60% for PG, and a master’s degree with 55%+ (plus NET/JRF) for Ph.D.
B.Tech tuition ranges roughly from ₹4.9 lakh to ₹9.2 lakh depending on specialization; MBA tuition is around ₹1.20 lakh.
The full application takes about 10–15 minutes online but requires accurate documents to avoid delays.
Scholarships must be claimed within 30 days of result declaration — don’t let that window pass.
Conclusion
CGC University’s 2026 admission process is fairly straightforward once you break it into stages: check your eligibility, decide whether you’ll use CGCUET or an existing entrance score, apply within the current phase, and follow through on document verification and fee payment. The biggest risk isn’t the difficulty of the process — it’s procrastination. With deadlines already extended and scholarship windows time-bound, your best move is to start your application now, keep your documents ready, and treat CGCUET as both an entry test and a real opportunity to cut your tuition costs. Always confirm the latest fees, dates, and eligibility on the official CGC University website before making any final decisions, since these details can shift during an active admission cycle.
FAQs
1. What is the last date for CGC University Admission 2026? Application deadlines vary by program and have been extended several times this cycle — CGCUET Stage 2 registration was recently extended to 22nd July 2026. Always confirm the current deadline on the official portal.
2. Is CGCUET compulsory for CGC University admission? Not always. Students with valid JEE Main, CAT, MAT, CMAT, or GATE scores can use those instead, depending on the program. CGCUET is required mainly for students seeking a scholarship or without another accepted entrance score.
3. What is the eligibility for B.Tech at CGC University? Candidates need Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, plus one additional subject such as Chemistry, Computer Science, or Biology, along with the minimum required percentage.
4. How much does B.Tech cost at CGC University? Total tuition fees for B.Tech range approximately between ₹4.9 lakh and ₹9.2 lakh across the full course duration, depending on the specialization chosen.
5. Can CGCUET scores get me a full scholarship? Yes, a strong CGCUET score can earn up to a 100% tuition fee waiver, though the exact scholarship slab depends on your score and the specific program.
6. How long does the CGC University application take to complete? The fully online process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, provided you have your documents and academic details ready in advance.
7. What happens after I qualify for a CGCUET scholars
You must redeem the scholarship within 30 days of the result declaration date, or you risk losing the benefit.
