Is it really free? No hidden charges?

100% free. No in-app purchases, no subscriptions, no forced ads. Play immediately from the shared question bank — no setup needed. Optional extras stay optional: watch a rewarded ad only if you want +5 coins, and add your own free Gemini API key only if you want unlimited AI-generated questions.

What is a Gemini API key and do I need one?

You don't need one — the shared question bank works without it. A Gemini key is a free key from Google AI Studio that unlocks unlimited freshly generated AI questions tuned to your exam and branch. Takes 2 minutes, no billing: aistudio.google.com → Get API Key → Create → copy and paste.

Should I install from Google Play or the APK?

Use the APK for now — it's the fastest route and installs in 30 seconds after enabling 'Install unknown apps'. Aspirant Arcade is still in Google Play closed testing, so the Play listing only opens for enrolled testers. If you'd rather install from Play, request early access on the download page and we'll walk you through the two taps Google needs. Don't want to install anything? The web version runs straight in your browser.

Which engineering branches are supported?

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science/IT, Electronics, Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum. Questions generated specifically for your branch — not generic.

Will questions repeat across sessions?

No. The app tracks every question you've seen and tells Gemini to avoid them. Every session has fresh questions.

Does it work offline?

Partially. Bookmarked questions and insights are available offline. AI question generation needs internet to call the Gemini API.

Yes. Stored locally on your device using encrypted secure storage. Never sent to any server — not ours, not anyone's.

Which engineering exams are covered?

GATE, IES/ESE and PSU recruitment exams — HPCL, Coal India, BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, SAIL, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL and more. Interview Simulator available for exams with GD/PI rounds like HPCL, BHEL and IES.

Is Aspirant Arcade only for engineering exam aspirants?

No — engineering (GATE, IES, PSU) is one of five categories. It also covers entrance exams (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, CUET, BITSAT), govt exams (SSC, Banking, Police), college degrees (BCA, MCA, MBBS, Nursing, B.Pharm and more) and CBSE Class 9–12 boards. Pick your category on the home screen.

Does Aspirant Arcade cover SSC, Banking and Police exams?

Yes. SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable and CPO, IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, UP Police Constable and Delhi Police Constable are all covered with free, section-wise gamified MCQ practice matching each exam's real syllabus, question count and marking scheme.

Is Aspirant Arcade a replacement for Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah or Unacademy?

No — it's a free companion, not a competitor. Platforms like Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah and Unacademy give you structured courses, live classes and full-length mocks. Aspirant Arcade adds a gamified practice layer on top: streaks, survival rounds, multiplayer challenges and AI interview drills that turn idle scroll time into extra MCQ reps between coaching sessions.

Which college degree exams are supported?

BCA, MCA, MBBS, BMLT/BMLS, BMRIT, BPT (Physiotherapy), B.Sc Nursing and B.Pharm — free subject-wise core practice authored from each degree's real university curriculum, with shared foundational subjects (like Anatomy and Physiology) reused across the medical degrees at the right difficulty band.

Do I need a Gemini API key to play?

No. You can play immediately from our shared question bank — no key or signup required. Adding a free Gemini key (Google AI Studio, 2 minutes, no billing) unlocks unlimited freshly generated questions every session.

How do coins and multiplayer challenges work?

You start with 100 coins, earn +50 per referral, and can watch an optional rewarded ad for +5. Spend 2 coins to unlock a question hint. For multiplayer, create a Synced Challenge lobby, share the invite code with up to 10 friends, and compete under a synchronized 5-minute timer for ranked trophy scorecards.

Focus Mode is an Android-only feature that catches you on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts and makes you clear a few MCQs from your branch and syllabus before you can keep scrolling. You set the scroll limit and how many questions, and you can turn it off anytime. It turns doom-scrolling into drip-fed revision without quitting the app.

Does Focus Mode read my messages or spy on me?

No. It only checks which app is open and the screen name (Reels or Shorts) — like a sign on a door, not what's inside the room. It never reads your DMs, captions, comments or the videos themselves, and nothing leaves your phone. Questions are cached locally on your device.

Where can I check my TNEA 2026 Round 1 tentative seat allotment?

You can check it on the official portal, tneaonline.org, by logging in with your TNEA application number and password.

What is the difference between tentative and provisional allotment in TNEA?

Tentative allotment displays your likely seat based on your rank and choices. Provisional allotment is issued after you confirm your acceptance and pay the seat acceptance fee, and it is the mandatory document for reporting to your allotted college.

What does "Accept and Upward" mean in TNEA counselling?

"Accept and Upward" allows you to secure your currently allotted seat while simultaneously remaining eligible for a higher-preference college or branch in subsequent counselling rounds.

What happens if I miss the seat acceptance fee deadline?

Failure to pay the prescribed Seat Acceptance Fee within the stipulated window will lead to the automatic cancellation of your allotted seat.

Is the seat acceptance fee refundable if I withdraw after confirming?

No, the seat acceptance fee is non-refundable if a candidate decides to withdraw after confirming their seat and making the payment. It is adjusted against the first-semester tuition fee upon joining.

Which documents are most crucial to prepare immediately for college reporting?

While all listed documents are essential, ensure you have your TNEA provisional allotment order, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, Transfer Certificate, and Community/Category Certificate (if applicable) ready, along with the seat acceptance fee payment receipt.

TNEA 2026 Round 1 Tentative Seat Allotment Out Today: Next Steps

What's Official: TNEA 2026 Round 1 Tentative Seat Allotment Declared

The Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE), Tamil Nadu, has officially declared the Round 1 tentative seat allotment for Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) 2026 today, July 24. This significant announcement is available on the official counselling portal, tneaonline.org, and applies to candidates whose TNEA merit rank falls between 1 and 37,976. This follows the successful completion of the online choice-filling window, which ran from July 20 to July 22, 2026.

TNEA is the gateway for admission to undergraduate B.E./B.Tech programmes across government, government-aided, university-department, constituent, and self-financing engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu. The entire admission process is merit-based, relying solely on Class 12 marks — there is no separate entrance examination. Seats are allotted strictly according to a candidate's rank, community category, and the preferences they locked during the choice-filling stage.

Tip

Review your tentative allotment immediately and thoroughly. Double-check the college and branch displayed against your locked choices.

How to Check Your TNEA 2026 Round 1 Tentative Seat Allotment

Following these steps will provide you with your tentative seat allotment details. It's imperative to proceed with the next actions without delay, as strict deadlines are in place.

▸Visit the official portal: tneaonline.org
▸Log in using your TNEA application number and password.
▸Navigate to the "Tentative Seat Allotment" section on your candidate dashboard.
▸Your allotted college and branch (if any) will be displayed based on your rank and locked choices.
▸Download and save the tentative allotment details for reference. This document is crucial for your decision-making.

Understanding Your TNEA 2026 Allotment Options and Next Steps

Upon receiving your tentative seat allotment, you must choose one of the following options within the specified deadline. Your decision here is critical and will impact your further participation in the counselling process:

**Accept and Join:** This option confirms your acceptance of the currently allotted seat. By choosing this, you effectively secure your admission to that specific college and branch, and you will not be considered for any further counselling rounds. This is a definitive choice for candidates fully satisfied with their allotment.

**Accept and Upward:** This is a strategic choice. Opting for 'Accept and Upward' secures your currently allotted seat, ensuring you have an admission offer. Simultaneously, it keeps you eligible for consideration for a better-preference college or branch in any subsequent processing rounds. This provides a safety net while still aiming for an upgrade.

**Decline:** Choosing to decline means rejecting the current allotment. Be aware that this decision is subject to TNEA rules regarding re-entry into later rounds, and it might mean forfeiting your chance in this round entirely. Ensure you fully understand the implications before declining.

Candidates who select 'Accept and Join' or 'Accept and Upward' must proceed to pay the prescribed Seat Acceptance Fee within the stipulated window to confirm their allotment. This fee is later adjusted against your first-semester tuition fee, but it is strictly non-refundable if you withdraw after confirming. Failure to pay this fee on time will result in the automatic cancellation of your allotted seat.

Deciding which option to choose requires careful consideration of your college preferences and rank. Aspirant Arcade's expert resources can help you analyze past year trends and make an informed choice, especially if you're weighing 'Accept and Upward' options.

Tip

Do not miss the seat acceptance fee deadline. Failure to pay will lead to automatic cancellation of your allotted seat, with no exceptions.

What Comes Next: Provisional Allotment and College Reporting

Once the tentative allotment confirmation window closes, the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE) will release the Provisional Allotment Order on July 26, 2026. This order will be issued exclusively to candidates who successfully accepted their tentative allotment and paid the Seat Acceptance Fee. The Provisional Allotment Order is a mandatory document for completing your admission formalities.

After downloading your Provisional Allotment Order, candidates must report to their respective allotted college with all original certificates within the specified reporting dates. Adhering to this schedule is crucial for finalising your admission. Failure to report on time with the necessary documents may lead to the forfeiture of your seat.

Tip

Start gathering all necessary documents now. Delays in document collection can jeopardise your admission.

Key Dates for TNEA 2026 Round 1

Mark these dates diligently. Staying organised with your timeline is paramount to a smooth admission process.

▸Choice filling window: July 20 – July 22, 2026
▸Tentative seat allotment: July 24, 2026 (Today)
▸Seat acceptance fee deadline: To be confirmed on candidate dashboard
▸Provisional allotment order: July 26, 2026
▸Reporting to allotted college: As per provisional allotment schedule

Documents to Keep Ready for Reporting

Ensure you have both original certificates and several attested photocopies of each. Prepare a checklist to avoid last-minute oversight.

▸TNEA rank certificate / provisional allotment order
▸Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
▸Transfer certificate and conduct certificate
▸Community/category certificate (if applicable)
▸Nativity certificate and passport-size photographs
▸Seat acceptance fee payment receipt