Overview
▼ What is MHT CET? Understanding the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test
Latest Update (April 2026): MHT CET 2026 PCM Session 1 exam is ongoing (April 11–20, 2026). PCB Session 1 is scheduled from April 21–26, 2026. Session 2 registration opens April 15–16, 2026. Results expected in June 2026.
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) is a state-level competitive entrance examination conducted annually by the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra. It serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate engineering (B.E./B.Tech), pharmacy (B.Pharm), and agriculture courses at hundreds of colleges across Maharashtra.
MHT CET is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in two separate groups: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for engineering and pharmacy aspirants, and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for pharmacy and agriculture aspirants. The exam is held across all districts of Maharashtra, making it one of the largest state-level entrance exams in India.
Starting from the 2026–27 academic session, MHT CET will be held twice a year, giving candidates two opportunities to improve their scores. Over 7.65 lakh students registered for MHT CET 2025, reflecting the exam's massive scale and importance for engineering admissions in Maharashtra.
Key Features of MHT CET:
- Conducted by State CET Cell, Maharashtra — official website: cetcell.mahacet.org
- State-level entrance exam for B.E./B.Tech, B.Pharm, and Agriculture admissions
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted across all districts of Maharashtra
- Two groups: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Duration: 3 Hours | Total: 150 MCQs (PCM) / 200 MCQs (PCB) | Total Marks: 200
- No negative marking — all questions carry equal marks
- Syllabus based on Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum
- 699+ participating colleges across Maharashtra
- From 2026–27: exam conducted twice a year (Session 1 and Session 2)
Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Name | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test |
| Short Name | MHT CET |
| Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell — Maharashtra State |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (from 2026–27 session) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 (PCM) / 200 (PCB) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org |
▼ MHT CET 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Groups | PCM (Engineering/Pharmacy) and PCB (Pharmacy/Agriculture) |
| Session 1 Exam Dates (PCM) | April 11–20, 2026 (excluding April 12) |
| Session 1 Exam Dates (PCB) | April 21–26, 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam Dates (PCM) | May 12–16, 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam Dates (PCB) | May 10–11, 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 (PCM) | 200 (PCB) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Application Fee (General) | Rs 1,200 |
| Application Fee (Reserved) | Rs 1,000 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 (Expected) |
| Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org |
MHT CET 2026 Exam Overview Video:
▼ MHT CET 2026 Important Dates
Session 1
- Registration Opens: January 2026
- Registration Closes: February 27, 2026
- Form Correction: Concluded March 7, 2026
- City Intimation Slip: Released
- Admit Card (PCM): April 7–20, 2026
- PCM Exam: April 11–20, 2026
- PCB Exam: April 21–26, 2026
Session 2
- Registration Opens: April 15, 2026
- Registration Closes: April 16, 2026
- Additional Late Fee: Rs 500 (all categories)
- PCB Exam: May 10–11, 2026
- PCM Exam: May 12–16, 2026
- Answer Key: After exam completion
- Result: June 2026 (Expected)
| Event | Session 1 | Session 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start | January 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| Registration End | February 27, 2026 | April 16, 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | Concluded March 7, 2026 | Not available |
| Admit Card (PCM) | April 7–20, 2026 | Before exam date |
| PCM Exam Date | April 11–20, 2026 | May 12–16, 2026 |
| PCB Exam Date | April 21–26, 2026 | May 10–11, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | After exam | After exam |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 (Expected — combined) | |
| CAP Counselling | July–August 2026 (Expected) | |
Note: MHT CET will now be held twice a year starting from the 2026–27 academic session. Candidates can appear in both sessions; the best score will be considered for admission.
▼ MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfil the MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria as released by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra on the official website cetcell.mahacet.org.
General Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian National (NRI/OCI/PIO candidates also eligible) |
| Age Limit | No age limit specified for MHT CET 2026 |
| Qualifying Exam | Passed or appearing in HSC (Class 12) or equivalent examination from a recognised board |
| Minimum Marks (General) | Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology |
| Minimum Marks (Reserved) | Minimum 45% aggregate marks (SC/ST/OBC/SBC/SEBC/EWS/PwD) |
| B.Sc. Graduates | B.Sc. degree holders with Mathematics in Class 12 are also eligible for PCM group |
| Attempts | No limit on the number of attempts |
Maharashtra State Candidature Types
Only Maharashtra candidates can claim state candidature (Type A to E) for reservation benefits during CAP counselling:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type A | Candidates who passed SSC and HSC/Diploma from a recognised institution in Maharashtra, or are domiciled in/born in Maharashtra |
| Type B | Candidates whose father or mother is domiciled in Maharashtra with a valid Domicile Certificate |
| Type C | Candidates whose parent is a Government of India employee posted in Maharashtra before the CAP application deadline |
| Type D | Candidates whose parent is an employee or retired employee of the Government of Maharashtra or Maharashtra Undertaking |
| Type E | Candidates who passed SSC/HSC from a recognised institution in the disputed Maharashtra–Karnataka Border Area with Marathi as mother tongue |
Important: Candidates who do not fall under any Maharashtra State Candidature Type (A–E) will be considered as "All India" candidates and will compete for seats in the All India quota only.
▼ MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Overall Exam Pattern Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) per paper |
| Medium of Exam | English (and Marathi/Urdu for some subjects) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — 4 options, 1 correct answer |
| Negative Marking | None — no marks deducted for wrong answers |
| Total Questions (PCM) | 150 |
| Total Questions (PCB) | 200 |
| Total Marks | 200 (both groups) |
| Syllabus | Maharashtra State Board Class 11 (20%) and Class 12 (80%) curriculum |
PCM Group (Engineering/Pharmacy) — Subject-wise Paper Pattern
| Subject | Class XI Questions | Class XII Questions | Marks/Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 10 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 90 min |
| Chemistry | 10 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 90 min |
| Mathematics | 10 | 40 | 2 | 100 | 90 min |
| Total | 30 | 120 | — | 200 | 180 min |
PCB Group (Pharmacy/Agriculture) — Subject-wise Paper Pattern
| Subject | Class XI Questions | Class XII Questions | Marks/Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 10 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 90 min |
| Chemistry | 10 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 90 min |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 20 | 80 | 1 | 100 | 90 min |
| Total | 40 | 160 | — | 200 | 180 min |
Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct answer in Physics and Chemistry; +2 marks for correct answer in Mathematics. No negative marking for any subject. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks.
▼ MHT CET 2026 Application Form and Registration Process
The MHT CET 2026 application form is available on the official website cetcell.mahacet.org. Session 2 registration is open from April 15–16, 2026 with an additional fee of Rs 500. DigiLocker registration is compulsory for Session 2.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
1
Registration
Visit cetcell.mahacet.org. Verify mobile number and email ID via OTP. Enter name, father's/mother's name, date of birth, and gender. Create a username and password.
2
Fill Application Form
Log in to the candidate portal. Fill in personal, educational, and communication details accurately in the application form.
3
Upload Documents
Upload scanned photograph (15–50 KB, JPG), signature (5–20 KB, JPG), and photo ID proof (15–256 KB, PDF) as per specifications.
4
Pay Application Fee
Pay online via debit/credit card or internet banking. General: Rs 1,200. Reserved categories: Rs 1,000. Session 2 late fee: Rs 500 extra.
5
Print Application Form
After successful payment, take a printout of the completed application form for future reference and use during counselling.
Documents Required for Registration
- Valid Email ID and mobile number
- Email ID of parents (optional)
- Valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, etc.)
- Domicile certificate of Maharashtra state
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates/mark sheets
- Credit/Debit card or Internet Banking details for fee payment
- Scanned photograph, signature, and photo ID (as per size specifications)
- Category/caste certificate (if applicable)
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee (in Rupees) |
|---|---|
| General / Outside Maharashtra / J&K Migrants | Rs 1,200 |
| SC / ST / OBC / SBC / SEBC / EWS / PwD / Orphans / Transgender | Rs 1,000 |
| Session 2 Additional Late Fee (all categories) | Rs 500 (in addition to base fee) |
▼ MHT CET 2026 Expected Cutoff
Note: The official MHT CET 2026 cutoff will be released after each round of CAP counselling. The figures below are expected/indicative cutoffs based on previous years' trends.
Expected Qualifying Cutoff (State Level)
| Category | Expected Qualifying Marks | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General (Open) | 80–85 marks | ~50th percentile |
| OBC / EWS | 70–80 marks | ~40th–45th percentile |
| SC / ST / PwD | 60–70 marks | ~30th–35th percentile |
Expected Cutoff for Government Engineering Colleges (PCM)
| Branch | General Category (Expected Marks) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / IT | 180–190 marks | Highest demand branch |
| Electronics & Telecommunication | 170–185 marks | High competition |
| Mechanical Engineering | 140–165 marks | Moderate competition |
| Civil Engineering | 130–155 marks | More seats available |
| Chemical Engineering | 120–145 marks | Moderate demand |
MHT CET Exam Statistics (Previous Years)
| Year | Group | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | PCM | 4,64,263 | 4,22,863 |
| PCB | 3,01,072 | 2,82,737 | |
| 2024 | PCM | 4,10,377 | 3,79,800 |
| PCB | 3,14,675 | 2,95,577 | |
| 2023 | PCM | 3,33,041 | 3,13,730 |
| PCB | 3,03,048 | 2,77,400 |
▼ MHT CET 2026 Counselling (CAP Process)
Admission through MHT CET is done via the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) conducted by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. The CAP counselling is expected to begin in July–August 2026 after the declaration of results.
1
CAP Registration
Register on the official CAP portal with MHT CET score, personal details, and required documents.
2
Document Verification
Submit original documents at the Facilitation Centre for verification of eligibility, category, and domicile.
3
Choice Filling
Fill preferred colleges and branches in order of preference on the CAP portal during the designated window.
4
Seat Allotment
Seats are allotted based on merit, category, and preferences. Multiple CAP rounds are conducted (typically 3 rounds).
5
Reporting to Institute
Report to the allotted institute within the stipulated time with original documents and pay the admission fees.
Top Participating Colleges (MHT CET)
| College Name | Location | NIRF Rank |
|---|---|---|
| VJTI Mumbai (Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute) | Mumbai | #101–150 (Engineering) |
| COEP Pune (COEP Technological University) | Pune | #90 (Engineering) |
| ICT Mumbai (Institute of Chemical Technology) | Mumbai | #41 (Engineering) |
| SPIT Mumbai (Sardar Patel Institute of Technology) | Mumbai | AAAA (Careers360) |
| PICT Pune (Pune Institute of Computer Technology) | Pune | AAAA (Careers360) |
| VIT Pune (Vishwakarma Institute of Technology) | Pune | #101–150 (Engineering) |
| DJSCE Mumbai (Dwarkadas J Sanghvi College of Engineering) | Mumbai | #201–300 (Engineering) |
Total Participating Colleges: 699+ colleges across Maharashtra accept MHT CET scores for B.E./B.Tech, B.Pharm, and Agriculture admissions.