The test is an objective examination set on the class 11 and class 12 syllabus. It covers mathematics, physics and chemistry for the standard engineering entry, with a biology option provided for candidates from the biology stream applying to branches that accept them, and it may also include a component testing English language use and general aptitude. Questions are multiple choice and no advanced or college-level material is assumed. Ranks from the test are used to allot seats in the undergraduate engineering branches offered by the university and to decide the scholarships and fee concessions the university announces for high scorers. The university also admits candidates on the basis of recognised national and state engineering entrance scores in the categories it notifies, so the entrance test is one of several routes into the same programmes.

Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognised board with physics and mathematics as core subjects together with chemistry, computer science, biology or another subject accepted by the university for the branch applied for. Candidates from the biology stream may apply to the branches the university opens to them. The minimum marks required in the qualifying examination, the relaxation available to reserved category candidates, any age condition, and the national or state entrance scores accepted in place of the university test are stated in the admission notification and prospectus issued for the year, and candidates should confirm them there.