The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026, also known as महाराष्ट्र सामायिक प्रवेश परीक्षा (एमएचटी-सीईटी), is one of the most important state-level entrance examinations conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. This examination is organized for students seeking admission into undergraduate programs such as Engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Pharmacy (B.Pharm/D.Pharm), and Agriculture courses offered by various government and private institutions across Maharashtra.
MHT CET has gained significant importance over the years due to its transparent admission process and wide acceptance across colleges in the state. Candidates who qualify for the exam become eligible to participate in the centralized admission process known as CAP (Centralized Admission Process), through which seats are allotted based on merit, preferences, and availability.
MHT CET 2026 Latest Updates
For the academic session 2026, the State CET Cell has introduced several important changes aimed at improving flexibility and accessibility for candidates. One of the most notable updates is that the exam will now be conducted twice a year, giving students an additional opportunity to improve their scores. The first session will be conducted in April 2026, while the second session is scheduled for May 2026.
In addition to this, the authority also reopened the application form window on March 19 and 20, 2026, allowing candidates who missed the initial deadline to apply by paying a late fee of ₹500. Initially, the application process started on January 10, 2026, and concluded on February 24, 2026 (without late fee), followed by a late registration window from February 25 to 27, 2026.
The government has also made certain documents mandatory for registration, including a valid Aadhaar card, APAAR ID, and relevant disability certificates for PwD candidates. These updates aim to streamline the verification process and ensure transparency.
Read More Also – MHT CET 2026: Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus & Complete Guide
MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates
The official exam schedule for MHT CET 2026 has been revised. The examination will be conducted separately for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups across two sessions.
The Session 1 exams for PCM will be held from April 11 to April 20, 2026, while PCB exams will take place from April 21 to April 26, 2026. The Session 2 exams are scheduled from May 10 to May 11, 2026, for PCB and from May 12 to May 16, 2026, for PCM.
The admit cards are expected to be released in April 2026, and the results will likely be declared in June 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates regarding answer keys and objection windows.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Highlights
MHT CET is conducted in online (computer-based mode) and consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into two groups: PCM and PCB. The PCM group carries a total of 200 marks, while the PCB group also carries 200 marks.
The exam includes three papers: Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry, and Biology (for PCB candidates). Each paper is designed to assess the candidate’s conceptual understanding and application skills. Notably, there is no negative marking, which allows candidates to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks.
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for MHT CET 2026, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements. Applicants must have either passed or be appearing in their Class 12 examination or its equivalent from a recognized board. Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one optional subject such as Chemistry, Biology, or a technical subject.
General category candidates must secure a minimum of 45% marks in Class 12, while candidates belonging to reserved categories, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD, are required to obtain at least 40%.
Candidates from outside Maharashtra are also eligible to apply. However, reservation benefits are applicable only to Maharashtra state candidates. Non-Maharashtra candidates may also consider admission through national-level exams like JEE Main.
MHT CET 2026 Application Form
The application form for MHT CET 2026 was released in January 2026 on the official website. The process involves registration, filling out personal and academic details, uploading necessary documents, and paying the application fee.
The application fee is ₹1000 for general category candidates and ₹800–₹1000 for reserved categories and PwD candidates. Candidates were also given an option to apply with a late fee of ₹500 after the regular deadline.
After submission, candidates should download and keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference. The application correction window is expected to open in March 2026, allowing candidates to make limited changes to their submitted forms.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. MHT CET consists of objective-type questions based on the syllabus of Classes 11 and 12, with a higher weightage given to Class 12 topics.
The PCM group includes 150 questions, while the PCB group includes 200 questions. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours. The Mathematics section carries higher weightage in the PCM group, while Biology carries more importance in the PCB group.
The absence of negative marking makes it important for candidates to attempt all questions strategically.
MHT CET 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for MHT CET 2026 is based on the Maharashtra State Board curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. Approximately 80% of the questions are derived from Class 12 topics, while the remaining 20% are from Class 11.
The Physics syllabus includes topics such as Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Optics, Electrostatics, and Semiconductors. Chemistry covers important areas like Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Organic Chemistry, and Chemistry in Everyday Life.
Mathematics includes chapters such as Probability, Trigonometry, Functions, Limits, and Coordinate Geometry. Biology is divided into Botany and Zoology, covering topics like Biomolecules, Human Nutrition, Respiration, and Ecology.
MHT CET 2026 Admit Card
The admit card for MHT CET 2026 will be released online in April 2026. Candidates will be able to download it by logging into their registered accounts using their application number and password.
The admit card will contain important details such as the candidate’s name, exam date, time, and exam centre. It is mandatory to carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination centre.
MHT CET 2026 Answer Key & Result
The provisional answer key for MHT CET 2026 is expected to be released in May 2026. Candidates will be given an opportunity to raise objections within a specified time frame.
After reviewing all objections, the final answer key will be published. The results will be declared in June 2026 on the official website. The scorecard will include subject-wise marks, percentile scores, and overall rank.
MHT CET 2026 Cutoff
The cutoff marks for MHT CET 2026 will be released along with the counselling and seat allotment results. The cutoff represents the minimum marks required for admission into participating colleges.
Cutoffs vary depending on factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, number of applicants, and seat availability. Candidates who meet the cutoff criteria will be eligible for the counselling process.
MHT CET 2026 Counselling Process
The counselling process for MHT CET 2026 is conducted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP). Candidates who qualify the exam must register for counselling, fill in their preferred colleges and courses, and participate in seat allotment rounds.
Seats are allotted based on merit rank, preferences, and availability. Candidates who are satisfied with their allotted seat must confirm their admission by completing the required formalities. Those who are not satisfied can participate in subsequent rounds for better options.
Conclusion
MHT CET 2026 is a crucial opportunity for students aiming to secure admission into top engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture colleges in Maharashtra. With the introduction of multiple sessions and flexible registration options, the exam has become more student-friendly.
Candidates are advised to stay updated with official announcements, understand the exam pattern thoroughly, and prepare strategically according to the syllabus. Proper planning and consistent preparation can significantly improve the chances of securing a high score and gaining admission into a preferred institution.